U8’s – Short trip to Wynyard looking for revenge in the home fixture. Aycliffe started strong going close on a couple occasions before Jason opened the scoring with a brilliant chip over the keeper! Wynyard pulled level just before the break. Second half saw Sam in great form in goal again and good passing from Aycliffe with the ever improving Kiera strong in defence alongside Parker. We eventually got our reward with a 2nd from Jason and one from Joe – 3-1 to Aycliffe. Well done. MOTM Parker McWilliam
U9’s – TJFA, Semi-final day at Sunnydale. Only 8 players this week and all offered great commitment. Thomas was unbeaten in goal, Harry and Aaron strong in defensive with Jake, Zack, Charlie, Lucas and Jacob providing a sound midfield and attacking threat. It was 0-0 at half time with our visitors happy to get numbers behind the ball and look to score on the break. In the second half Jacob delivered two fantastic crosses which were finished by Zack and then Charlie before the 3-0 win was sealed when Lucas tapped home a ball from Charlie. The cup final will be played on 17th May at Middlesbrough’s Rockcliffe training ground.
U9’s – RUSSELL FOSTER – Vs Gretton Crest Hartlepool. Despite pressure and 14 corners, the first half finished 0-0. Second half and NAJFC intent on winning following two recent defeats. The breakthrough came shortly after the restart, with Thomas firing in from the edge of the box. Gretton equalised quickly and this woke NAJFC up and Thomas restored the lead. Bo maintained his goal a game record knocking home for 3-1. Isaac added a 4th shortly afterwards, a reward for his excellent all round play. Ted and Sam held firm at the back under late pressure, maintaining the lead. Great determination to win, excellent football, and everyone played very, very well – a deserved 4-1 win for NAJFC – MOTM Sam Porteous.
U11’s – Away against Tibs who only had 8 players available, so Aycliffe took advantage by fielding a strong midfield. Curtis dropped back into the centre half position and James moved up into centre mid. Aycliffe were able to keep the play in the Tibs half the majority of the half with James opening the scoring. Further goals from Zack, Dylan and another 2 for James ended the half 5-0.
The 2nd half was similar with Aycliffe having the majority of possession, however Tibs didn’t give up and they battled on to be rewarded with a goal, but further goals for Aycliffe by Adam, Nicolas, Kyle, Zack & James put the game out of their reach & the game ended 13-1. A good team performance with every Aycliffe player taking part in the game, which saw Kyle and Nicolas getting their 1st goals for the club. Well done everyone MOTM awarded to Jake.
U13’s – Hosted promoted Spraire Lads. Weather was awful, but the pitch was in superb condition. One good goal from Spraire and one missed blatant offside and 0-2 down at half time. HT team talk was easy, keep doing the same and we are still in with a chance. Corner to Aycliffe, swung in well by Martin and it fell to Sanderson Howes who poked the ball over to make it 1-2….Game on!
We had them frustrated, but they got a 3rd following another offside miss. It wasn’t going to be our day, but we carried on pushing but got caught for a fourth goal to Spraire. FT 1-4. Really proud of the lads – take away the two offsides and we gave them a decent match. MOTM goes to Ethan Stoker, top draw!
U16’s – Last game home to Ferryhill Town, who were 1 up within 15 seconds! We settled and had some excellent chances but with no real finishing. With HT looming Ryan Wise sent an excellent ball towards goal and missed everyone that was trying to get a touch which must have put the keeper off because he didn’t react and it went in the goal. 1-1.
A lapse of concentration allowed them back in front just before HT. 2nd half was much the same with us having the chances but just couldn’t score! FT 1-2. A slight downer for our last game, but overall a good performance. Well done lads, again it’s been a pleasure to manage you again. Hopefully we’ll be together again for another fun filled season. MOTM Jay Lee Nelson.
U23’s – Away at Whitburn Village and instructions were simple, keep shape, be patient and pass and move at every opportunity. They started the first half very well racing into a 3 nil lead. Smith scored a brace and Robertson got the 3rd. Aycliffe were now in total control to HT. Change with Aycliffe to 2 outright strikers and we started the second half well, causing problems. To Whitburn’s credit they began to frustrate us. Allenby then turned his man before stroking the ball home to give Aycliffe 0-4 lead. Whitburn scored following a free kick, but Slatcher hit a low drive to finish 1-5 to Aycliffe. MOTM Adam Smith