Aycliffe came out on top in an entertaining game which saw Aycliffe skipper Jamie Owens score three. Both teams played good football on a very wet pitch, and with a heavy sand covering the middle, Aycliffe made a blistering start within 30 seconds of the kick off. Josh Gray put in a good cross from the left for Owens to head over the Penrith keeper.
On 13 minutes Scott Howes attempted to lob the keeper from 40 yards with a great effort, but it was cleared off the line. He was called into action again on 19 minutes, making a great save from a Ben Trotter piledriver. But he was beaten just a minute later when Stuart Banks played in Owens for his second to go 2-nil up. Penrith had a chance themselves on 34 minutes when a strong freekick from Gilfillan was well saved by Phil Pentony. Aycliffe continued to dominate and Josh Gray shot straight at the keeper and then Stuart Banks hit a shot over the bar. Half-time 0-2.
Aycliffe came out strongly again and on 47 minutes Stuart Banks volleyed in a Josh Gray cross to make it three. Penrith couldn’t handle Aycliffe and went further behind four minutes later when Owens out-muscled the last defender and slotted it past the keeper for his hat-trick and 0-4. Aycliffe took their foot off the accelerator and allowed Penrith into the game. Grant Davison finished off a move at the far post to score. Both sides then had chances. Connelly put one past the post for Penrith. Then substitute Jack Oliver had a chance when clean through, but the goalkeeper saved with his legs. Penrith then made it 2-4 at the death when Connelly converted a penalty in injury time. Final score 2-4. Aycliffe now play the rearranged league game at Consett on Tuesday before welcoming Whitley Bay to Moore Lane on Saturday 25 February (KO 3pm). On Tuesday 28 February Billingham Synthonia will be the visitors for the semi final of the Durham Challenge Cup. Kick off is 7.30pm with admission £6 adults, £4 concessions, under 16’s – £2.
