CHAMPIONS Wednesday 19 April 2023
Northallerton Town 1 Newton Aycliffe 2
Newton Aycliffe FC are the champions of the Ebac Northern League following their win at Northallerton on Wednesday night. Aycliffe went into the game needing a point from their last two games but settled it with a game to go.
Aycliffe will now be promoted to the Northern Premier League Division One East. That League is one of eight at Step 4 of the National League System.
The result at Northallerton was no easy matter & the home side opened the scoring after only 28 seconds following a defensive error. Aycliffe battled on but were unable to get back on terms during the first half.
The hour had passed when Aycliffe finally got on equal terms. A cross from Kyle Davis on the right wing was punched away by the keeper but only as far as Liam Adamson who volleyed home. That goal was Aycliffe’s 100th of this Northern League season. The 101st followed a few minutes later thanks to a Liam Jarvie penalty. Adamson was fouled & the league’s leading scorer stepped up to add to his tally.
That quick double settled the match & the strong Aycliffe contingent who travelled to support the team were able to relax & enjoy the rest of the game.
The final whistle brought celebrations on & off the pitch. Aycliffe will be presented with the League trophy at Penrith on Saturday. It is a just reward for Brian Atkinson & his squad in winning what is often regarded as the best Step 5 league in the country.
Although the league trophy presentation is to come Aycliffe skipper Aaron Brown did get his hands on a cup. Each season the two sides compete for the Frank Swinburne Cup. The trophy, in memory of the popular committee man who once held a fundraising walk from Aycliffe to Northallerton, has returned to Moore Lane.
Photo by Yvonne Wood
Goalscorers Liam Adamson (left) & Ethan Wood celebrate the first goal.
