Aycliffe Football Club were again frustrated by the weather and Last Saturday’s clash with Ashington and Monday’s planned visit of Newcastle Benfield were both postponed due to bad weather.

It leaves the town’s only member of the Football Association’s pyramid with a fixture backlog as they aim to secure their Northern League first division status.

The club have 11 games left with nine of them needing to be played at Moore Lane Park. Five of the fixtures – all due to be played at the  home are yet to be scheduled.

But while the club face frustration at the lack of action on the pitch, work has been done off it to try and boost the club’s attendances.

After averaging over 200 last season the gate is now down to 130 a game. With those figures it will be difficult to keep them in the first division.

For the remainder of the season kids under the age of 16 are able to attend games for free, providing they are accompanied by a full-paying adult. It is hoped that a new generation of fans can be persuaded to follow Allan Oliver’s ambitious club.

The more fans the club has, the more likely they are to challenge for the league title or go on a long FA Cup or FA Vase run, while also offering a place to be on a Saturday afternoon for youngsters.

Club general manager Dan Lewis said: “We’re always looking at ways to encourage all Newtonians to come and have a look at us, even if it’s just for the odd game now and again.

“We have one of the best set-ups in the Northern League, with a friendly family atmosphere and a club run by volunteers, with a team made up mostly of local lads. It’s a great chance for youngsters to come and support their local club for the first time, and hopefully enjoy it!”

Newton Aycliffe’s next home match is this Saturday (March 16th) against Bedlington Terriers, before they face South Shields on Tuesday April 2nd. Any news on rearranged fixtures is available via the club’s website and social media outlets (Facebook and Twitter).

Fixtures

Sat March 16th: Bedlington (H) 3pm

Sat March 23rd: Billingham Synthonia (A) 3pm

Tues April 2nd: South Shields (H) 7.30pm

Satyrday April 4th: West Auckland (A) 3pm