Newton Aycliffe FC returned to action this week with a well earned point at Ashington on Tuesday night. With yet another game falling victim to the weather on Saturday 6 January Aycliffe travelled to Northumberland for their first game in 2018.
The Colliers lie 8th in the Ebac Northern League Division One. Despite a change of personnel earlier in the season with the departure of manager Steve Harmison Ashington have maintained some impressive results. However, Tuesday night saw Aycliffe hold them to the first goal-less draw at Woodhorn Lane in over three years.
The visitors had some good opportunities to take all three points with both Glen Lane and Craig Hutchinson going close. Ashington might have scored after an hour when they saw a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the crossbar.
Aycliffe made a change early in the second half bringing on new signing Jordan Roberts. The 24yr old winger was soon causing problems for the Colliers defence and came close to a goal on his debut but was denied by an offside flag. Late efforts by Mattie Pennal and Kurt Matthews also failed to find the net.
The result extended Aycliffe’s unbeaten league run to five games. However, with Penrith’s revival gathering pace they dropped a place to 19th in the table.
Aycliffe now have two away games. Saturday 13 January sees us visit Guisborough Town who sit just one place above Aycliffe having scored one point more.There are no games scheduled for the following two Saturdays with only a game at North Shields to play on Wednesday 24 January before we return to Moore Lane on Saturday 3 February for the visit of 2015/2016 Northern League champions Shildon.
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