The U7s played Bishop Auckland Aces, with a few players missing due to holidays. The first half was pretty even but in the second half we ended up conceding goals and losing the first friendly.  In the second friendly Aycliffe played much better with both teams having good chances. Aycliffe won by scoring two goals. Men of the Match were: Connor Maitchell and Robbie Caygill.
The Under 9’s hosted Stockton Town Yellows at Sunnydale. Our visitors are a team we have enjoyed closely run games against over the last couple of seasons. The team lined up with Thomas in goal, Chloe, Harry at the back, Jake, Charlie, Jacob across midfield and Lucas up front. The first half was dominated by the home team but Stockton kept coming back and goals by Lucas and Jacob were matched by the visitors before Jake finished a good move for a 3-2 half time lead. The much strived for 2 goal lead came from Lucas’ second goal early in the second half after a good ball from Zack, who was brought on at half time. Unfortunately the lead could not be held and Stockton levelled the game at 4-4. In the final moments Aycliffe pressed for a winner but it didn’t quite come and ended in a draw.
U11’s were away to Spraire with a few players unavailable and only one sub.  The lads started well and attacked from the start, resulting in an early goal when Curtis played a great through ball to Jake, who with only the keeper to beat calmly placed the ball in the net. Spraire went on the attack after this keeping the Aycliffe defence under pressure for the remainder of the half and we were lucky to end 1-0 up.
The 2nd half started at a fast pace with Spaire again testing our defence, who remained solid for the first 10 minutes, then Spraire scored two in quick succession.  After this we lost our shape and allowed Spraire to control the game. We had chances when we moved the ball about the pitch and used our wings to get forward; Dylan, Curtis and Jake all came close, but it wasn’t our day.  Spraire went on to score a further two to end the game 4-1.  Man of the Match was awarded to Conlan who didn’t put a foot wrong in defence the entire game.  We are improving week after week, we just need to stay focused and remember our positioning.  Well done everyone.
U13’s travelled to Guisborough looking for their 3rd win in a row. Short on numbers with only 12 lads available. We started brilliantly, playing great football and probably enjoying 80% of possession, so surely a matter of time before we scored, right? No, at half time, and not sure how, we were 3-0 down! The lads dug in and got a deserved goal with Pattinson drilling home from 25 yrds. Cayless came on with Lewis injured then Scott came off seeing Lewis ‘re-enter the game and the lads were awesome, getting a well deserved 2nd when Lawson bundled home from close range. We were now looking for an equaliser with 30 seconds left. Hynes broke free of the Guisborough defence to finish brilliantly 3-3 and the final whistle went! This was another fantastic team performance and more rewarding than a victory, showing so much spirit to battle back from 3-0 down. MOM went to Cameron Martin for his all out non stop effort.
The U14’s played their 11th game of the season away to Guisboro. The home team took the lead within 5 minutes after poor defending from Aycliffe. We battled well to draw level on 24 minutes and then scored again with only seconds to go in the first half. The second half was end to end with both defences playing well to prevent further goals, until Aycliffe was awarded a penalty with 15 to go. The penalty was converted putting the game beyond Guisboro and ensuring a well deserved 3 points to Aycliffe.
After several weeks without a game the Under 18s were back in action against Gateshead, a team who we met earlier in the season, losing 3-2. This time we were hoping for the result to be different and Gateshead showed up with only 9 men against our 11!
There was an adjustment in the back four due to an Aycliffe player falling ill. Aycliffe won the toss and elected to kick first, getting off to a rather slow start allowing passages of play from Gateshead. As the half went on Aycliffe began to get into the game exploiting the wide areas of the pitch with good play down the left side involving Card and Petroczy.
Eventually the deadlock was broken by Gateshead when we failed to clear our lines. This was the wake up call Aycliffe needed with a set piece down the left delivered by Card with plenty of pace. Fitzgerald got his head to the ball to draw Aycliiffe level. Soon after we broke through, starting wide and cutting inside and Adam managed to slot past the keeper into the bottom left.
Second half Gateshead played long balls up to their lone striker who was being marked out of the game and did not get many chances. Gateshead kept pushing hoping not to be caught on the counter, but this changed when the ball was played through to Taylor for him to slot home over the keeper to make it 3-1.
Taylor then broke though with 15 minutes to go slotting past the goalkeeper, but this time being called offside. Full time result a 3-1 win for Aycliffe who have a free week next week. MOTM went to Howe for his outstanding work rate up the right hand side.