The heavy rainfall over the previous week resulted in many of our teams having another weekend without football. However the central venues provide us with artificial surfaces suitable to play our mini soccer games and a few away games went ahead.
Under 8 Eagles v Washington Utd.
They boys played some really good football, finding a good balance of staying on the ball and finding a pass. Alex was fantastic in goal, the defence were strong throughout the game, Jacob and Noah were playing the ball under pressure and moved us forward. Alfie set the tempo and Oliver was superb on the ball, sometimes holding off two defenders while waiting until he could beat them, or find his pass. Teni, as always, was a handful with his pace when he had the ball, and was always a goal threat, and again got himself on the score sheet. Will’s strength in challenges continues to grow, becoming a big part of his game, and supplied a goal and an assist for the team with Regan showing a good understanding of both defending and attacking. The boys played some of their best football yet and did enough in the game to take the win in a close game between to very good teams
U7 Girls Wildcats v Bishop Auckland Pinks
After an even start Bishop dominated for large parts and put us under pressure. We battled really hard but weren’t really at the races. There were some good moments, with Esme scoring a really good goal and Brooke battling hard winning tackles and looking to find forward passes. Erin worked hard all game and earned the Player of the Match award. Well done Erin. The girls first defeat, but they never once gave up and all the girls still enjoyed the game. Lots to work on but great to see them all back playing football. Roll on next week when we play the same team again.
Under 10 Girls Angels v Boldon CA Girls
Another premier league game for the girls with the team of Annabelle, Jessica, Kate, Lyra, Maddy C, Maddi V, Marley, Neve, Skye and Yasmin. The team knew that, going into this fixture, Boldon were an experienced team and hard to beat, however this did not phase our Angels one little bit and they took to the field with their trademark team spirit and gave everything they had from start to finish. The first half produced a strong defensive performance from the girls and once again showed how strong and determined this team has become.
The second half saw the Angels moving the ball around well through midfield and advancing further up the pitch. Then after 48 minutes of great football the girls got a well deserved goal when Yasmin sent a perfectly weighted pass from the left to Marley who took a controlling touch before firing into the goal from 15-20 yards. Special mention to our two goal keepers, Maddy and Neve, who both made a countless amount of courageous and amazing saves.
Coaches Star Player: Marley, Opposition Coaches Star Player: Neve
U9 Girls Wildcats v Boldon Girls
The first five minutes were tight and Boldon were strong in defence and had a couple of long range shots that didn’t worry Sofia. Kaitlyn was attacking the ball positively and defending well. At the other end Lucy, Phoebe, Ava and Anais were pushing and pressing superbly and this caused a mistake by their defender which Ava got onto and rounded two defenders before putting Aycliffe one up and she quickly added a second. Mia was solid in defence and won almost every tackle she made including three at once, Nyah was on now and working hard up front with Lucy. The goals kept coming which allowed Boldon to add an extra two players. However the girls continued to an emphatic win.
Hetton Juniors v U11 Girls Angels Yellow
The Yellows returned for their first match in six weeks, with nine excited girls in high spirits, sporting very dapper Christmas jumpers.
It was a slow start from our girls who were still rusty from our lack of game time. We changed formation during the first half, which woke the girls up and steadied the flow of the game.
The girls responded magnificently in the second half, unfortunately we had no subs to call on so the girls had to dig deep, which made their response even more remarkable. Even though we never managed to score, we also didn’t concede in the second half against a team that had the advantage of rolling subs. We limited the opposition to barely have a sniff at our goal and we were unlucky to get at least 2/3 consolation goals. This was the girls best half of the season so far and the effort that was shown was inspirational.
Players: Gwynneth, Coaches: Lily
Jarrow 4 v 10 U12 Girls Wildcats
First game back after lockdown 2 and what a cracker it was. Awful weather and awful conditions but the girls definitely did not let this affect their game. First half was pretty even with some great goals at either end. Second half we seemed to explode with positive energy and the goals started flowing. We lost a player early in the first half, due to injury, which meant a switch around and some players out of their normal positions, but it just goes to show what an excellent, strong and talented squad we have. The energy and love for the game and their team mates truly shone today. Goals came from Freya x 5, Faith, Emily x 2, Demi Lee and Evie with her first goal.
POTM was really tough this week because all the girls played their part in the victory, but it went to Freya for playing in a couple of different positions, bagging herself five goals and giving her all to everything she does. Well done.
Little Eagles and Wildcats football development programmes.
As our teams continue to compete at the highest level of boys and girls leagues, our two development programmes are preparing more teams at the younger age groups. The boys now have three sessions available with Under 5, Under 6, Under 7 Eagles, all preparing for future league participation, starting with the U7’s in March 2021. The boys are learning the basics and growing their skills every week in an excellent indoor facility. The girls have their Wildcats session, which is an FA supported initiative aimed at increasing girls participation in football and it has certainly done that for girls football in Newton Aycliffe. Every season we are producing new teams to compete in the local girls league, the most recent being at Under 7 age group, so we are now ready to build more teams. The girls are aged from 4 to 8 years old, many had never played any football before joining our sessions, but enjoy learning in a fun a friendly environment. If you need any more information visit our website www.nayfc.com or ring Berni 07939 045242.
