Aycliffe progressed to the last 64 of the FA Vase with a tremendous extra time win at North West Counties League leaders Colne. The win earned Aycliffe a home tie against Atherton Collieries at Moore Lane Park on Saturday 12 December.
Aycliffe’s victory in Lancashire came courtesy of a hat trick from Dennis Knight, goals from Stuart Banks & 17yr old substitute Alan Harrison as well as a penalty save from James Winter.
The visitors made a good start kicking down a hill which would have worried Franz Klammer. The first goal came after just 12 minutes when Banks was fouled in the penalty area. Knight made no mistake with the spot kick. Aycliffe continued to attack with Paul Garthwaite shooting wide from a rebound after Zak Boagey’s effort was blocked. Just after the half hour Banks saw his shot deflected over the crossbar.
Colne pulled themselves back into the game with a penalty on 37 mins for handball. Danny Boyle stepped up to take the kick but saw his effort spectacularly saved by Winter. The Aycliffe stopper was back in action a few minutes later saving a long range shot.
As half time approached Aycliffe returned to the attack & Knight found himself through & rounding the keeper was able to steer the ball home from a tight angle.
With the score 2-0 at the break Aycliffe’s travelling fans weren’t expecting the dramas to come in the second half. After 62 mins Boyle atoned for his earlier penalty miss with a strong shot giving Winter no chance. However, Aycliffe responded within a minute thanks to a fine curling shot from Banks finding the net.
The action didn’t stop there & Colne won their second penalty in the 77th minute, again due to a handball. This time Jason Hart was entrusted with the kick with Winter unable to reach it. With just 6 mins left Colne grabbed the equaliser, Christopher Anderson scoring after the Aycliffe defence failed to clear a cross.
After conceding a 3-1 lead many sides would have crumbled in Extra Time but Peter Dixon’s side came out strongly? After just 2 minutes a foul deep in the box was spotted by the assistant referee. Knight, once again, was called on to take the kick & completed his hattrick with ease.
Colne came close to equalising again with another shot stopped by man of the match Winter. However, the game was put beyond doubt with 5 mins remaining thanks to a lob from outside the box beating the keeper. It was the teenager’s second goal in the Vase this year having also found the net in the last round.
The win was a fantastic achievement away to a side who top their league. Aycliffe will go into the next round full of confidence & will hope for a strong turnout from the town to cheer them on.
In the meantime Aycliffe have two league games, away to second place Shildon on Saturday 28 November & then home to West Allotment Celtic on Saturday 5 December. Aycliffe currently lie seventh in the Ebac Northern League but, with games in hand on the teams above them.
