Newton Aycliffe Falcons U11 team we’re the winners of the Haggerston 2018 Tournament. We travelled north for the tournament for the 4th year running hoping for a great weekend of football and we certainly got it.
Saturday was a mixed day winning 3 and losing 2 games this gave us a massive uphill task as the top two teams remained unbeaten and therefore stood a good chance of qualifying for the final. Sunday saw some of our best football and we managed to beat one of the unbeaten teams leaving us a good chance to catch them in the league.
Another 2 victories and we found ourselves level on points with 2nd place but behind on goal difference by 6 goals. One game left and we needed a big result. We certainly got it by winning our final league game 11-0 and qualifying for the final.
Our final opponent was Hebburn Town Juniors. Hebburn were going to be a challenge as they had beaten us on Saturday 4-2. However the team had been performing outstandingly since and went into the game with huge confidence. The game was largely dominated by Aycliffe and we were 1-0 up just after half time. With minutes to go a controversial penalty was awarded to Hebburn and converted. Final score 1-1.
This took the game to a penalty shoot-out and the Aycliffe goal keeper saved the first penalty and then later went on to score the winning penalty for Aycliffe. Falcons won the Haggerston Tournament 4-3 on penalties.
Great performance from the team who never gave up even when it looked unlikely. All the coaches and parents are proud of how the players performed and conducted themselves throughout. Every player played a massive part and played some great football especially on the final day.
A massive well done also to Dylan Stewart who was awarded Player of the Tournament. Well done everyone.
If you are interested in playing football and being part of our club, please visit our website where there are lots of information and also links to league tables for competitive football age groups www.nayfc.com
