Newton Aycliffe FC have won promotion to Step 4 of the National League System for the first time in their history. It’s a fantastic achievement for a club which was playing in the Durham Alliance League just fifteen years ago. Promotion was achieved thanks to Aycliffe winning the Ebac Northern League Division One title.
Brian Atkinson’s side won the League by five points from Ashington, who are also now promoted following a play-off match. Aycliffe have been top of the League since January. Their home form was particularly impressive with a just two points dropped at the SecuriCorp Stadium all season.
Leading goalscorer was, once again, Liam Jarvie who contributed a total of 28 goals in both League & Cup competitions. Jarvie was the League’s leading scorer. The team finished the season with 102 goals, conceding just 48.
The promotion was achieved thanks to consistent performances throughout the squad. Brian Atkinson also showed confidence in his younger players with four of the Under 18 team being regulars in the senior squad and making valuable contributions to the title win.
The title was secured with one game to spare, thanks to a 2-1 away win at Northallerton Town. The trip to Penrith the following Saturday was all about the trophy presentation & it came as no surprise that the game itself was an anti-climax with the Cumbrians winning 3-1. However, the two busloads of Aycliffe folk who made the trip got what they went for when skipper Aaron Brown, making his 360th appearance for the Club, lifted the trophy.
Aycliffe winning the Northern League title was something that even chairman Allan Oliver could not have dreamed of when he began the journey back in the Durham Alliance. The Club has moved through the Wearside League and became Northern League Division Two champions in 2010-2011. Twelve seasons in Division One followed with last year’s fourth place now surpassed in amazing fashion.
The next step will come in the next few weeks when the FA issues the League allocations for 2023 / 2024. This should see Aycliffe placed in the Northern Premier League Division One East. That league currently hosts several former Northern League teams such as Stockton Town, Dunston, Hebburn & Consett. However, there will be more distant trips as that division is also currently home to teams based in Sheffield, Grimsby, Cleethorpes & Bridlington.
As well as an increase in travelling, Newton Aycliffe will have to make improvements to its Moore Lane ground to meet the FA’s requirements for Step 4. This will include extra seating, turnstile & infilling the pitch barrier. The Club will be looking to organise a fundraising campaign to pay for the extra work. Please keep an eye on social media & the club’s website www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk for further details. Season ticket details are also expected to be announced soon.
These are exciting times for our Town and its football club. Hopefully the higher status will see even more fans wanting to support our team.
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Photos by Yvonne Wood.
