Newton Aycliffe Women hosted local rivals Bishop Auckland Ladies at Moore Lane under the floodlights, home of Newton Aycliffe F.C. The pitch was perfect, the weather was perfect, and the women’s team were looking for a second victory against Bishop after beating them in a pre-season friendly.
Newton Aycliffe got the game started after Bishop chose to switch ends, a well worked move from the training ground saw Katie go close but drifted wide of the post. Bishop from the goal kick found themselves one on one with the goalkeeper, the striker calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper it was a certain goal if not for Sami cutting in from left back position and clearing off the line, this was a massive wake up call for Aycliffe Women. 7 minutes into the first half a through ball threaded perfectly for Katie who took her chance 1-0. The 2 strikers Katie and Naomi were linking up well, then 2 minutes after her first Katie added her and Aycliffe second. Aycliffe had the bit between their teeth but Bishop were resilient, the game was end to end the back 4 of Nicole, Karyn, Hallie and Sami were holding strong and Courtney in goal was equal to Bishops shots. The midfield 4 Matilda, Molly, Martha and Lottie were working well as a unit stringing together some excellent passes. 24 minutes in and Lottie receives the ball in a good position on the left hand side, shaped as though she was going to cross but instead played the ball back to Molly about 40 yards out who struck the ball cleanly catching the keeper off her line 3-0. 3 changes made, Natalie, Lucy and Brogan came on with the instruction to keep it tight at the back and protect the lead until half time. Bishop finished the first half well keeping Aycliffe’s defence and keeper busy, HT 3-0. Team talk for manager Helen, was easy, more of the same was required but the focus was a first clean sheet of the season, changes for the second half saw Amber come on as well as player manager Helen. The game started with Bishop on the attack and looking a lot more threatening but the defence led by Hallie were determined to keep that clean sheet. 51 minutes gone Katie broke clear again after another pin point pass and slotted home for her hat-trick 4-0. The game was still not won Bishop were still pushing for their first goal, Aycliffe then handed a debut to Danielle who was playing in her first ever match, she had clear instructions to protect the defence and that’s exactly what she did. It took until the 83rd minute for Newton Aycliffe Women to break down the stubborn Bishop defence, Lottie cut in from the left hand side shot but was saved by the Bishop goalkeeper, Lottie was quickest to react to the rebound slotting calmly into the bottom corner 5-0. Straight from the kick off Aycliffe were on the attack again a great ball played over the top of Bishops defence was met by a perfectly timed run by Amber, she still had it all to do, held off the defender and slotted into the bottom corner 6-0. The ref called 5 minutes injury time, the whole team stood strong Bishop were on the attack, an interception set Naomi away she ran into the box turned the defender, had a chance to shoot but unselfishly squared to Katie for an easy tap in 7-0. Shortly after the restart the ref blew the final whistle, a great game, great performances a good showcase for North East Women’s football.
Newton Aycliffe Women’s team have come through as part of Newton Aycliffe Youth’s drive to establish women’s football on the town. Starting with the Wildcats which is training for young girls wishing to learn how to play and resulting in a number of teams at different age groups playing competitive football in local leagues. If you are interested or know anyone that is interested in joining in with the fun that is being had then you can do so via the clubs email address www.nayfc.com
Newton Aycliffe Women 7
Bishop Auckland Ladies 0
Attendance 75
