Gateshead Leam Rangers Reserves 3 v Newton Aycliffe Youth Seniors 4
First game of 2025 for the Seniors, which was played on the 4G at the Washington hub.
The lads knew how important the January fixtures would be to define the season.
Aycliffe started the game on fire, with Kieran Maughan and Niall Douglas both having one v one’s with the keeper, but unable to find the back of the net.
Next up was Jordan Wintersgill with a chip from a tight angle which beat the keeper, but rolled wide. A great ball in from Ryan Groves looked like it was about to be headed in by Kieran, but Leams centre back somehow headed clear. The breakthrough finally came when Kieran again beat his man and was brought down in the box before he could get his shot away. Niall stepped up and smashed home the penalty. Aycliffe won a free kick 35 yards out, Jordan went for goal which rattled the bar, but the rebound fell to Richard Murray to find the back of the net. With 40 minutes on the clock Aycliffe looked good for a half time lead, but from a Leam short corner a free header was put away. This was quickly followed by a equaliser. HT 2-2.
Straight from the kick off Niall was through on goal, but was saved by the keeper.
Then a great move, starting with Jon Hardy nicking the ball at right back, then beating a man to set Ryan away, his square ball fell to Kieran who back heeled to Niall, who smashed home for his second and put us back in front. Another good move saw Niall pick the ball up 20 yards out on the left, he went past two players and found the back of the net for his hat trick. The referee added seven minutes of stoppage time, and Leam grabbed a third goal. A nervy finish, but the lads stuck together and battled through.
Sponsors: David Hardy, Retirement Planning Specialist / Mortgage Advice Centre / Unite the Union.