The curtain officially came down on Newton Aycliffe FC’s season with the Ebac Northern League’s Annual Presentation Dinner at Ramside Hall last week. Local rivalries were set aside as Aycliffe shared a table with Shildon who beat them 2-0 in the League Cup Final on 5 May. Aycliffe had reached the final for the first time in their history & although the silverware evaded them on this occasion the £250 presented to them as runners up was very welcome. The cheque was presented by John Elliott of league sponsor, Ebac.
Not surprisingly the stars of the Annual Dinner were FA Vase winners North Shields, fresh from their Wembley triumph. In amongst the celebrations there were wise words from former Labour MP & president of the Football Foundation, Lord Pendry, who noted that the millions involved in the latest FIFA scandal could be better spent on grassroots football.
While the end of one season is celebrated the next is already in preparation. Volunteers from Newton Aycliffe FC have been working hard to get the pitch & ground ready for next season while Newton Aycliffe Sports Club have engaged a contractor to carry out much needed pitch renovations.
his work was completed last week, giving the pitch several weeks recovery time before the pre season friendlies come round. Meanwhile work will continue to spruce up the Moore Lane ground. It may be close season for the players but not the hardworking volunteers.
Next season’s league fixtures will be released at the League AGM on Saturday 6 June & will be added to the club website www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk as soon as possible.
In photo:Norman Smith of Shildon FC winners of the Northern League Cup with Yvonne Wood of runners up Newton Aycliffe FC
