Newton Aycliffe FC ended the year with a resounding win at Sunderland RCA on Saturday. A year which hasn’t seen too many away victories was ended on the front foot for Allan Oliver’s men, and they will be looking to build on this momentum into 2014.
The difference for Aycliffe this season has certainly been the strikers, who have been in hot form all season. And this was very much in evidence at RCA.
The game couldn’t have started better for Aycliffe, who despite kicking up hill and into the wind had an early shout for a penalty turned down, as a Jamie Owens shot appeared to be blocked by the arm of the defender.
But he wasn’t to be denied for long, as he soon turned home from close range to give Aycliffe the lead.
Midway through the half, the referee did award the visitors a penalty as a free kick from Harrison Davies struck the arm of the RCA wall. Owens coolly slotted home to double Aycliffe’s advantage.
And shortly before half time the game was effectively over as a contest. Excellent link up play between Owens and Davies, whose cross was finished by Atkinson.
In the second half, Aycliffe grabbed a fourth, as new signing Stephen Butterworth opened his Aycliffe account with an unchallenged header from another Davies corner.
The hosts threatened to try to make a game of it with a header against the crossbar, but in truth Aycliffe saw the game out comfortably, to record not only a welcome away win, but also a rare clean sheet.
This win came on the back of a very gutsy home defeat against high flying Ashington. Ashington had looked in complete control of the game at 4-1 with 10 minutes to go. However late goals from Dan Mellanby and Jamie Owens gave Aycliffe hope, and indeed James Oliver spurned a gilt edge opportunity to grab a point with the last kick of the match, which finished 3-4.
Off the field, Aycliffe hosted a very successful entertainment evening last Sunday. Local Hip hop artist Bygate, and hilarious comedy vocalist Simon Cain were the warm up acts, before Aycliffe midfielder Dion Raitt took centre stage with his band Live Lounge. They proceeded to sing a range of popular music which had the packed audience singing and dancing as a great way to finish the year.
Aycliffe are without a game now until January 11th, when they visit Marske. Boss Allan Oliver will be hoping the break will allow a few of his injured players to return as they seek to consolidate their top 10 position into 2014..