The weather proved to be the winner on Remembrance Sunday as many of our matches fell victim in atrocious conditions leaving the Oak Leaf waterlogged. It was down to the away teams to provide the action.
Richmond Town B hosted the Under 13 Falcons on a horrible day, horrible pitch and against a 3rd place team in form and this match was always going to be tough. After going a goal down, goals from Freddie Cockburn and Cameron Cook supported by hardworking performances all round saw them pick up another 3 points. The Falcons showed guts and a very respectful 1 minute silence for Remembrance Sunday was observed.
The Under 12 Falcons travelled to Mount Pleasant and were met with a heavy pitch. The boys started well and created a few chances, but the bounce of the ball wasn’t going their way. Late in the half they finally got the break through, with a shot from Dylan being parried but Liam was on hand to tap home. A loss of concentration and the hosts equalised against the run of play. Ht 1-1.
Second half was really scrappy but a moment of quality won the game. A cross from the left was met with a side foot volley from captain and MOTM Will Mawston. The boys dug deep to earn a hard fought 3 points. 6 wins on the bounce, but this was definitely the hardest fought of the lot.
The Under 11 Eagles played away at Skelton Utd. Again weather conditions were play a big factor in this one. 0-0 at the break. The second half showed Skelton wanted the ball more and the Eagles were bullied out of the game. Skelton won the game 4-0 and deserved to take the spoils. Leon Patel went in goal for the second half and made some good saves keeping the goal tally down.
The Under 10s were at Darlington Spraire Lads on a heavy pitch with long grass. Aycliffe started well and it was fast and exciting, it could have gone either way but Spraire broke through and scored. Heads dropped a little bit but still played with heart and desire and the most pleasing thing was the lads wanted to play good football. They ended up losing 5-0 but that didn’t reflect the game. MOTM went to Finley.
Second game was more of the same – solid work all round and great effort in midfield, the lads did begin to tire and it showed when tracking back – losing sloppy goals. But to their credit they kept going and a couple of great goals from Samuel and Isacc got Aycliffe back in the game. But the tiredness started to show and we ended up in a 6-2 loss. Nothing but praise as it was a difficult morning. MOTM went to Harry. Well done.
The Under 10 Girls travelled to Peterlee in torrential rain fully expecting it to be a wasted journey, but it was on! First up, Hebburn Town, both sides ignored the rain and played excellent football on a heavy pitch, Brooke worked her socks off creating several opportunities but the Hebburn defence stood firm, meanwhile at the other end Alysha makes 3 quality saves to get to HT 0-0.
Keira was moved up front alongside Heidi, helped by Ebony. Chances were created but they just couldn’t get the breakthrough. Hebburn started to throw players forward but Niamh marshalled a strong defensive line of Phoebe and Eden. As gaps opened at both ends Georgie and Ebony were winning the midfield, another couple of half chances but a fair result FT 0-0.
Next up, Norton & Stockton, the rain seemed to get heavier as did the pitch, but the girls continued on, substitutions were regular as the girls needed a breather from the pace of the game. The better chances went to N&S but we got to HT 0-0. The opposition lifted a gear which we held, but midway through the second half they grabbed 2 quick goals, but pleased to say no heads dropped, but N&S had the final day with 0-3 win.
