On Saturday 10th August Newton Aycliffe FC open their second NPL East campaign with a trip to the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC. There’ll be a positive mood in the Aycliffe camp, after Saturday’s friendly 2-0 win over Step 3 side Basford United. Goals from Cole Kiernan and a long range strike from Jake Petitjean gave Brian Atkinson’s side the win. Sheffield finished 12th last season, in a season marred with inconsistency. They lost just five times at home, but thirteen times on the road. It is Aycliffe’s second consecutive season which begins on the road after last season’s opening fixture at North Ferriby United, which finished in a 4-1 defeat.
Head-To-Head
Newton Aycliffe are unbeaten thus far against Sheffield, with Liam Adamson scoring in both games against them. He’s also the only Aycliffe player to score against Sheffield too. The most recent contest in March was a 1-1 draw played at Gainsborough Trinity, due to emergency pitch remedial work needed at The Home Of Football.
Recent Results
Sheffield FC have already played one competitive game this season, winning 2-1 at home against NPL-West side Nantwich Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. Luke Mangham kicked off the scoring for the home side in the 28th minute until they were pegged back in the second half by Nantwich’s Byron Harrison. Sheffield FC would be the next to score, however, and Luke Aldrich’s 76th minute goal confirmed Sheffield’s progress into the next round.
Emley
Aycliffe’s first home game of the season sees newly promoted Emley visit Moore Lane on Tuesday 13th August (KO 7.45pm). Emley finished 2023-24 as the champions of the Northern Counties East League, earning them promotion to Step 4.
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 10th August – Sheffield FC (away)
Tuesday 13th August – Emley (home)
Saturday 17th August – Whitley Bay (home) – Emirates FA Cup
Wednesday 21st August – Heaton Stannington (away)
Saturday 24th August – Ossett United
Monday 26th August – Bishop Auckland (away)
Saturday 31st August – Sherwood Colliery (home).
Report by Ryan Livingston. Photo by Yvonne Wood: Jake Petitjean, scorer of a 25 yard screamer against Basford United on Saturday.