Aycliffe U15’s Eagles 2 v Leven Jnrs 2 (4-2 penalties)
Leven Juniors were the visitors in this Quarter Final, a team still favourites to win the league. The lads gave a solid performance in the first half, with a penalty scored by Matthew Kerr. HT 1-0. Despite the lads battling well in all areas of the pitch they ended up falling behind 2-1. With only a few minutes left on the clock, Matthew Hodgson popped up with a fantastic header to take us into penalties. The first penalty was slotted away by Matthew Kerr but Leven matched us, Noah Scott sent us ahead again. A fantastic save by Harry Robinson gave us the advantage, Tom Dearden confidently put his penalty away, putting pressure on Leven. They went on to miss, leaving Joey Bowker to slot home the winning penalty. MOM: Jack Greenwell.
Darlington FC 3 v Aycliffe U13’s Girls 3
First half saw Aycliffe fighting against the wind but the girls found the desire to be first to every ball and not let Darlo play their game. Aycliffe managed to break the deadlock and get to HT 0-1. Second half was really nail biting and Darlo definitely grew into the game, but, as the Aycliffe girls tired, they still managed another two outstanding goals before Darlo pulled the game level in the last ten minutes. Goals: Freya, Emily & Demi Lee. POTM: Anna.
Aycliffe U13’s Eagles 4 v Shildon FC 1
Playing against the wind Aycliffe took the lead as Will tapped in from a great cross, but Shildon managed to get a goal back. HT 1-1. The Eagles dominated the second half. Will was taken down in the box, Hamza converted the penalty. Then another penalty awarded. Liam stepped up and scores. Final goal from Hamza, who controlled the ball and chipped the keeper. MOTM: Hamza.
Aycliffe U12’s Angels Blue 0 v Norton & Stockton 1
With the Blues already confirmed as league champions, the team weren’t at their best in the first half, but picked up their game in the second half, applying pressure right to the final whistle. It’s been a fantastic league season for the Blues, retaining the premier division title, showing great sportsmanship, spirit, skill and effort throughout the fourteen games.
Leven Whites v Aycliffe U11’s Eagles
Despite Charlie making some fantastic saves, Leven dominated the game and managed to score two goals early on. Aycliffe were awarded a corner which Krystian took beautifully and it was turned into the goal by one of the Leven defenders. The second half started well with Jamie finding himself in the box and managed to find the back of the net for his first goal for the team, but Leven were playing well and went on to win the game comfortably with some very well taken goals. MOTM: Oliver.
ADULTS
Aycliffe U23’s 3 v South Moor 0
League Cup Quarter Final. Aycliffe had the best of the early play as Jude opened the scoring, volleying in from a corner. After a couple of good appeals for penalties, Aycliffe were finally awarded one and Jack stepped up and doubled our advantage, a second penalty was awarded when Kieran was brought down, Jack stepped up again but their keeper saved. HT, 2-0. Within five minutes of the second half, we found ourselves down to 10 men when Jack was sent off for his second booking of the game. Kieran kept carrying the ball forward we started to use Jon to get in behind to stretch their back line, with 20 minutes to go Steven Dawson came on for Kieran and, following a mazey run, was brought down for our 3rd penalty of the game, he dusted himself down to find the back of the net to seal the win.
Bishop Auckland Ladies 1 v Newton Aycliffe Women 3
It was Bishop who started off the stronger team but the Aycliffe defence kept them at bay. After 10 minutes, through pure persistence, Aycliffe got the break they were looking for as Katie took the ball in her stride and finished calmly to take the lead. The second didn’t take long, Katie, under pressure from the defender, picked her spot and put Aycliffe into a convincing lead. Just before half time Aycliffe conceded. HT 1-2. Second half kicked off and Bishop dominated, at least 5 chances went their way but last-ditch tackles and saves kept Aycliffe in the lead, but there was one last goal in the game, as Beth O’Neil hits a thunder bolt of a shot that could only be parried into the net. POTM: Beth O’Neil.