Newton Aycliffe Youth Under 12 Girls travelled to a sunny and hot Blackpool to take part in their prestigious Youth Tournament, to compete against girls from all over the North Of England. A tough set of group matches gave us wins against Sheffield United, Redcar and Wallsend. A draw against Blackpool and a defeat against local rivals Bishop Auckland meant the girls continued in the plate competition on goal difference.
The semi final against Redcar was dominated by the girls with 2 goals in each half giving them a 4-0 win. On to the final to meet Sheffield United who they had beaten earlier in the day, but Sheffield were determined to get to the final. A great team goal put Aycliffe up 1-0 but 2 rare lapses in defence and they found themselves 1-2 down going into the final minute. As the ball was put into the Sheffield box a hand ball gave us a penalty which was put away to level the match and take the game into the dreaded penalties. The girls came out on top in the shoot out winning 3-1 and lifted the plate to the delight of the large following of parents who had come down to support.
