Newton Aycliffe face a hectic end to the season after another game fell foul of the weather.

The planned home match against Bedlington Terriers last Saturday at Moore Lane Park was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

It leaves the Royal Blues with nine home matches before the end of the campaign.

And fellow strugglers Billingham Town took full advantage of Aycliffe not playing by beating Penrith to move within two points of the Newtonians.

Relegation is a real possibility for Allan Oliver’s side, in their second season in the Northern League first division.

But with the league table incredibly tight, a run of good form could see the club catapulted towards mid-table.

Just five points separate 21st-placed Aycliffe and 17th-placed Marske in the division, and the Newtonians have Newcastle Benfield, Norton and South Shields still to play – all at home.

This weekend sees the club face a tricky trip to Billingham Synthonia, who are 11 places – and points – ahead in the table.

October’s meeting between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, with Tom Hinchley heading in a dramatic stoppage-time leveller to earn a point.

The Newtonians will hope former Synners striker Danny Earl enjoys a fruitful return to Central Avenue, as he looks to add to his 14 league goals already this campaign, but vice-captain Darren Craddock will miss the game through suspension.

Following the game, Aycliffe will only face one away game in their 10 fixtures – a trip to local rivals West Auckland.

The rest of the games will be at Moore Lane Park, and will include visits by FA Vase semi-finalists Shildon and Spennymoor.

The next planned home match is on Tuesday 2nd April, when South Shields make a visit to the town.

Admission for the game will be £5 adults and £3 concessions, with free entry for under-16s if accompanied by a full-paying adult.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Billingham Synthonia (A) Saturday 23rd March 3pm

South Shields (H) Tuesday 2nd April 7.30pm

West Auckland Town (A) Saturday 6th April 3pm

Spennymoor Town (H) Tuesday 9th April 7.30pm

Shildon (H) Saturday 13th April 3pm