Newton Aycliffe Youth Seniors 1 v Consett Reserves 1
(4-2 Penalties) – Semi Final of the Aged Persons Cup, one of the major Wearside League, Cups.
A very tight first half with both teams showing very little in front of goal. Both midfields were battling for every ball, but Aycliffe were looking better towards the end of the half, 0-0.
Second half, Aycliffe made one change and they looked better going forward, but a little light at the back, for a good twenty minutes the lads were defending and the pressure from Consett final paid off as they won a penalty, which was converted past. However, Aycliffe were now starting to put pressure on at the other end. Jack Mortimer forced a great save from their keeper and Kieran Maughan had the ball in the net, but ruled out for a foul. Aycliffe needed to make changes, so they brought on Mason Steed, along with Sam Thompson and Cameron Nicholson, to go three at the back and four up top.
This worked as the game went into the final five minutes, the ball dropped to Mason, twenty yards out, his shot found the top corner to take the game into the dreaded penalty shoot-out. However, the lads were confident as they had won the other two they had been in this season. Consett with their first penalty and score. Niall Douglas scores Aycliffe first. Consett put their second over the bar.
Mason Steed then sends the keeper the wrong way, 1-2. Consett score their penalty, 2-2. Jordan Wintersgill scores with Aycliffe, third penalty, 2-3.
Consett’s fourth and is saved brilliantly with a low dive to the left from Adam. It was then over to Jack Mortimer for a chance to send Aycliffe to the final, and he calmly sends the keeper the wrong way, 4-2.
MOM Jude Bowes. Aycliffe need to tie up the league and then look forward to two cup finals in May.
