Newton Aycliffe continue their playoff chasing charge with two consecutive victories, firstly against Garforth Town at The Ashcourt Stadium and then Bradford (Park Avenue), away. They now find themselves 4th in the table. On Saturday 22nd March they host 7th placed Stocksbridge Park Steels, themselves with playoff hopes. Kick off at Moore Lane is 3pm.
8th March
Newton Aycliffe 2 v Garforth Town 0
Newton Aycliffe have now gone over a month unbeaten at home when they comfortably beaten Garforth Town 2-0. Newton Aycliffe were simply the better side in every department, although the first half was low on chances for both sides. The second half saw Aycliffe wear down the Yorkshire visitors and an own goal was the first goal of the afternoon. Liam Jarvie seemed to be looking for Liam Adamson when he passed the ball to the opposite side of the keeper, but before Adamson could claim it, Garforth’s Harry Viggars slipped it into his own net in the 57th minute. The second goal for Aycliffe came just minutes later when Ethan Wood found Adamson, and Adamson feinted past both Jamie Barkway and Harry Viggars with class to expertly finish and round off a great home performance which also gave Aycliffe their first clean sheet since 1st February against Bridlington.
15th March
Bradford (Park Avenue) 0 v Newton Aycliffe 1
This was a defensive contest with few concrete chances where Aycliffe’s defensive discipline truly shined. The first half had the games only goal when Jake Petitjean successfully converted a penalty in the 12th minute after Liam Jarvie was brought down in the Bradford box. The second half was very defensive as Bradford were consistently stifled by the well martialed Aycliffe defense and hard working midfield. Results elsewhere saw Aycliffe finish the day in fourth and do the double over fellow playoff chasers Bradford (Park Avenue) whilst also recording cleansheets in two successive games.
Match reports by Ryan Livingston. Photos by Yvonne Wood: Jake Petitjean scoring from the penalty spot at Bradford (Park Avenue).