Saturday 24 September
Isuzu FA Vase
Birtley Town 1 v Newton Aycliffe 1
(Newton Aycliffe win 4-2 on penalties)
Newton Aycliffe progressed to the First Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Vase thanks to a win at Birtley Town on Saturday. However, it took a penalty shoot-out to decide the tie with the sides level at 90 minutes.
Aycliffe went into the match without strikers Jamie Owens (injured) and Liam Adamson (cup-tied). The game got off to a disastrous start for the visitors, conceding a goal after just 3 minutes.
Brian Atkinson’s side fought their way back into the game creating several chances with Ben Reay and Liam Jarvie going close. It was Jarvie who got the leveller on 37 minutes with a fine volley from a cross, giving the Birtley keeper no chance. It was a landmark goal for the former Darlington Town forward, his 50th for the Newtonians in 96 games.
The second half saw some fine moves from Aycliffe but they were unable to capitalise on their chances.
So, finishing 1-1 and with no extra time or replays in the FA Vase, it was straight to penalties. Aycliffe found the net 4 times but Birtley put one over the bar and Adam McHugh ended the game with a save, diving to his left.
In the draw, made on Monday, Aycliffe discovered that they will face a former manager in the next round. They travel to Colin Stromsoy’s Newcastle Benfield for a game due to be played on Saturday 22nd October.
In the meantime Aycliffe return to League action this Saturday, 1st October, when Northallerton Town will be the visitors to the SecuriCorp Stadium, Moore Lane (kick off 3pm).
Photo by Yvonne Wood: Adam McHugh’s penalty save puts Aycliffe through to the next round of the FA Vase.