The past two weeks has brought the Sports Club mixed fortunes in both league and cup competitions. Last weekend saw a return to winning ways in the league, with a hard fought 3-1 win over Gainforth Cross Keys. The result saw them leapfrog their opponents in the Wear Valley Sunday League 3rd Division with two or three games in hand. Gareth Boyes, who has shown excellent form, opened the scoring at Moore Lane Park on the quarter hour mark.
Poor defending led to an own goal on 25 minutes but Chris Jones scored before the break to make it 2-1 to the home side. It took a goal from in-form Connor Hughes, who came off the bench, to seal the victory.
This weekend, a depleted side was away to league leaders Willington Queens in the 3rd Division Cup. Cup form has been poor this season, with only one win in the early rounds. Playing on a 3G pitch, the game was played with high intensity. David Hall resumed his position in a back 3, with Sam McKerr pushing up into midfield and Anthony Campbell supporting Connor Hughes up front.
The first half ended goalless but the home side took the lead early in the 2nd half against the run of play. The Sports Club rallied and a wonder strike from Campbell got the Aycliffe side back into the game. It wasn’t long before hard working David Teder grabbed a second to make it 2-1, however a late strike through a crowded defence for the home side took the game to extra time.
The Sports Club remained on top, as both sides showed tiredness. Darren Bossomworth, with a calf injury, managed to latch onto a through ball and slot home what looked to be a winner. Willington were awarded a dubious penalty, but for the second week running, Andy Hartley stood tall and saved the effort, but another late strike saw the game go to penalties.
Paul Cook easily slotted home the first and Andy Hartley managed to keep out Willington’s first shot. Captain Craig Barrigan then missed the second and the home side equalised. Ryan Stonehouse powered his home, but Connor Hughes missed and Willington Queens took the advantage. Tom Postle’s effort just managed to cross the line after hitting the underside of the bar and when the Home side missed their last penalty, the competition went to sudden death .
Anth Campbell gave the opposition keeper no chance but Mark Craggs tame effort was easily saved. Luckily Andy Hartley saved the day to keep the Aycliffe side in the match, but Sam McKerr’s poor shot, followed by the home side’s final conversion saw the Sports Club crash out of the competition.
Next up is two away league games and hopefully a chance to climb up the league table.
