Aycliffe got the new season off to a winning start, defeating Chester-le-Street 1-0 in the Emirates FA Cup. Both teams started cautiously, with the midfields dominating. This meant that there were few clear-cut chances in the first half. Craig Hutchinson put the ball in the net in first half injury time, but the goal was ruled out for offside. HT 0-0.
The second half was much livelier, with both sides  on the attack. Aycliffe looked the better side, and took the lead in the 54th minute. Paul Weldon crossed from the left and found Stuart Banks in the penalty area. He controlled the ball well before calmly slotting it into the corner of the goal. Aycliffe dominated after that, with Sean Tarling bossing the midfield, and there were some good team moves. They were unable to increase their lead though, with Chester-le-Street keeper Jack Wilson pulling off several good saves. Hutchinson had the ball in the net but again there was an offside. Marc Costello then hit the bar near the end.
MOTM: Sean Tarling. Attendance: 131. Cautions: Matty Pennal. Subs: Kurt Matthews for Josh Gray (48m), Grant Hickman for Danny Mitton (64m), Matty Pennal for Craig Hutchinson (82m)
Aycliffe will travel to Bradford side Albion Sports in the next round on Saturday 19 August. Meanwhile the Ebac Northern League gets underway with two home games for Aycliffe. Steve Harmison’s Ashington visit Moore Lane on Tuesday 8 August while Guisborough Town will visit on Saturday 12th August.