Newton Aycliffe FC go into this Saturday’s (October 24th) Ebac Northern League game at Penrith on the back of a marked improvement in form in recent weeks. Having struggled in the early weeks of the season Aycliffe have taken 8 points from the last 5 games with wins against Bishop Auckland and Ryhope CW being supplemented by draws at Shildon and Consett.
In addition Aycliffe have progressed to the second round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial Northern League Cup thanks to a 5-0 win over Ryton & Crawcrook Albion at Moore Lane Park last week.
That game followed Aycliffe’s league win over Ryhope Colliery Welfare on “Non League Day”, Saturday 7 October. As part of the celebrations for that day the Club was delighted to welcome Newton Aycliffe Junior FC to Moore Lane to take part in an open pre match coaching session. The event was well attended & enjoyed by all.
Aycliffe came back from an early setback to beat Ryhope 2-1. They were unlucky to go a goal down after only 2 minutes when a wayward shot hit centre-half Andrew Grant-Soulsby and went past keeper James Winter. They didn’t let their heads drop though, and immediately started playing their football against a very tall Ryhope side. They got their reward after 15 minutes when Marc Costello headed down a cross down for Craig Hutchinson to slide in and put it past Ryhope keeper Ball. Aycliffe then suffered two injuries in the first half, with Ben Trotter and Jack Oliver replacing Jamie Davis and Matty Pennal. Aycliffe had the better of the exchanges, but were thwarted by Ryhope’s resolute defending. Half-time 1-1.
Aycliffe started the second half strongly, and had an early chance, but Ball made a good save from Hutchinson, who the Ryhope defenders struggled to cope with all through the match. The pressure told on 51 minutes when left-back Paul Weldon hit a free-kick over the defensive wall for 2-1. Then Marc Costello almost scored when his header narrowly missed. That was his last contribution as a bad tackle left a deep gash on his knee. Grant Hickman came on in midfield. Both teams went for a goal in the last 15 minutes, but neither side could make a breakthrough.
Full-time 2-1.
Following the 5-0 League Cup win over Ryton & Crawcrook Aycliffe travelled to 7th placed Consett for a tough league fixture. David Dowson took the lead for the Steelmen but Kurt Matthews scored the equaliser for Aycliffe on 44 minutes.
The second half saw chances for both sides but neither was able to get a winner and the game finished 1-1.
The two sides meet again next week when Consett visit Moore Lane for a Durham Challenge Cup fixture. The game takes place on Tuesday 24th October KO 7:30pm.
In the meantime Aycliffe make their longest trip of the season on Saturday 21 October when they travel to Penrith who sit third bottom of the Ebac Northern League Division One.
Photo: Marc Costello challenges against Ryhope CW
