Forthcoming fixtures
Saturday 17th January – Bedlington Terriers (away) 3:00pm
Tuesday 20th January – Marske United (home) 7:30pm
Saturday 24th January – Marske United (away) 3:00pm
Saturday 31st January – Sunderland RCA (home) 3:00pm
Newton Aycliffe FC played two away games against top Northern League opposition over the last week but with very different results. On Tuesday 6 January Aycliffe stunned the league leaders taking all three points on manager Peter Dixon’s happy return to his old club, West Auckland. In the end Aycliffe were rewarded for the hard work they put in to the game with the team including several ex West players in their ranks. Jordan Laidler was one of those playing against his old team and put in an outstanding performance.
West had the early chances although Aycliffe responded well but were thwarted by a spate of offsides until 36 mins when Laidler made it through and slotted the ball past the keeper. The second goal came just before half-time when Stuart Banks had a great shot saved but Aaron Brown was quick to get to the rebound tapping the ball home from close range.
The second half saw Aycliffe kicking uphill but any fears that West might be able to pull it back were dispelled on 56 mins by a stunning goal from Laidler volleying home from over 25 yards.
For an hour the following Saturday Aycliffe fans dreamt of another 3 points. Dennis Knight’s goal in the 6th minute against Shildon gave the possibility that the Northern League might see its’ second shock Aycliffe result in a week.
However, it wasn’t to be. Andrew Green’s dismissal for a foul after 60 mins changed the game. Shildon began to apply pressure and despite Aycliffe keeper James Winter’s heroic efforts the goals were bound to come. With 20 mins to go Dan Mitton was forced to head off the line but the equaliser came 2 mins later when the ball was played across the box and after a scramble found its way into the back of the net.
Aycliffe battled back and after 81 mins Banks had a strong shot from the edge of the box beaten away by the keeper. That, however, proved to be Aycliffe’s last hope as two Shildon goals in the last 7 mins sealed the win for the home side.
Looking forward to those two games Aycliffe fans would probably have happily taken the prospect of 3 points but for a short time it looked as though all 6 might be possible. That they beat the league leaders is an indication of how much progress Peter Dixon has made so far.
