With games from Under 7’s through to Under 23’s it was a busy footballing weekend for Aycliffe Juniors.
The Under 7’s played on Saturday so braved some wet conditions, the players though were outstanding and showed off skills they practiced in training to win their game against Shildon Youth. The 5-0 win was provided with goals from Harrison (2), Ashton, Lewis and Harry. Special mention goes to Lewis whose goal was fantastic from long range and Megan who made her debut for the team in this game.
The Under 8’s had been busy raising funds recently with their Park Run in Darlington (pictured). This weekend on the pitch they faced Darlington All Stars on the 3G surface at Sunnydale. Jayden showed great technique to volley in the first goal. Rhys added the second before half time and Aycliffe were well on top.
All Stars halved the lead before Lucas made a great save to keep the game at 2-1. Rhys though scored from two free kicks to complete a hat trick and give a 4-1 lead. The last five minutes though were not the best for the home team and they conceded four goals to lose 5-4. All Stars remained dominant in the second goal and Niall’s goal was a consolation in a 6-1 defeat. The games men of the match were Jayden Bowes and Jayden Leaver for their strong performances.
The Under 9’s were also at home to face Billingham Hornets, they started brightly and Lewis finished off a good passing move with a nice turn and finish to open up a lead. Aycliffe dominated the first half and were still 1-0 up at half time. The visitors came back at Aycliffe but strong defence players of the match Cody and Kier thwarted their efforts and Aycliffe won 1-0.
The Under 10’s Russell Foster league side played against Bowburn Youth Bees at Monkton in wet conditions. Aycliffe dominated the first half and Herbie, in goal, had little to do. In the second half Taylor and Evan were dominating the game and it was Taylor’s opportunistic strike that gave Aycliffe a 1-0 lead. Herbie was awarded man of the match after making a superb one handed save in the dying minutes to keep the score at 1-0 and earn Aycliffe the win.
The Under 12’s travelled to play Hartlepool based Saxon Juniors. Despite a good opening five minutes they could not get the first goal and then against the run of play Saxon scored. The home team added two further goals and Aycliffe were in trouble at 3-0 down.
The visitors stuck to the task in hand and Adam reduced the Saxons lead to 3-1 when he scored before the break. The determined response from Aycliffe continued and Adam got his second before Dylan levelled the game at 3-3. Dylan then followed Adam’s lead and scored his second to cap off a great comeback and seal a 4-3 win. Man of the match was Jamie who worked hard and chased every ball, but everyone played their part in a memorable win.
The Under 14’s were beaten away at South Park Rangers. They conceded the first goal but got in front 2-1 before the performance level dropped and the home team came up with the goods to win 6-3. Nick and Jayden were the best players for Aycliffe on this occasion.
Both Under 18 teams were in the goals as the Reds won 8-2 against Northallerton Juniors and the Blacks scored an amazing thirteen goals to win 13-1 away at Thirsk Falcons, both sides doing their goal differences a power of good!
The Under 23’s faced a tough home game against West Auckland. They went behind before Oliver equalised and the game was poised at 1-1. The rest of the first half belonged to West who opened up a 4-1 lead.
The half time talk went well though and goals from Martin, via the penalty spot, and Oughton put Aycliffe in a good position with only the one goal deficit at 4-3. The game was then sadly abandoned as one of the West players badly injured his ankle and could not be moved whilst an ambulance was called. It was a sad way to end the game and all at Aycliffe Juniors wish the player a speedy recovery. Lewis Martin was named man of the match for the home team.
