Newton Aycliffe FC pulled off a tough Derby win against second placed Shildon on Saturday. The game was played on a heavy pitch with Shildon doing well to get the game on after our recent spell of wet weather.
The first half was hard work for Aycliffe, not helped by losing Dennis Knight to a hamstring injury after just 12 mins. Shildon had the best of the chances during the first 45 including hitting the crossbar after 37mins.
They took the lead a few minutes before half time. Shildon cleared an Aycliffe corner with Connor running onto a flicked header and finishing well giving James Winter no chance. Within a minute the home side might have a second but missed a free header in front of goal.
The second half saw a transformation in Aycliffe’s fortunes & the improved performance put Shildon under pressure. With the hour approaching Stuart Banks made an excellent run into the box & crossed to Zak Boagey whose low shot found the net.
Aycliffe pressed onand with twenty minutes remaining a John Campbell shot was tipped round the post for a corner. Campbell took the corner himself and his curling cross found its way into the net with a hint of wind assistance.
From there Aycliffe dug in to take the valuable three points.
Aycliffe now have a run of six consecutive home games starting with West Allotment Celtic on Saturday 5th December. That will be followed by a big game in the FA Vase against Atherton Collieries of the North West Counties League. Aycliffe are now in the last 64 of the Vase and looking to continue the good run.
FIXTURES
Saturday 5 December – West Allotment Celtic (h)
Saturday 12 December – Atherton Collieries (h) Vase
Saturday 19 December – North Shields (h)
Saturday 26 December – Bishop Auckland (h)
