After a disappointing midweek loss at Whitley Bay Newton Aycliffe were hopeful of returning to winning ways against Sunderland RCA on Saturday. Aycliffe welcomed back new signing Ben Wood, returning to his hometown club after a spell at Shildon. However Aycliffe suffered a 2-3 reversal at home, despite leading 2-0 with 30 minutes to go. There were few chances in the opening half hour, with RCA slightly on top. RCA centre forward Stephen Callen gave the Aycliffe defence some problems, but Aycliffe went ahead on 35 minutes. Following a well worked team move Ben Wood set up John Campbell who curled a great shot into the top corner, giving goalkeeper Jordan Harkess no chance. James Winter made a point-blank save from Liam McBryde 5 minutes before half-time to ensure that the home side went in 1-0 at the break. On 57 minutes Paul Garthwaite was brought down in the penalty box. John Campbell stepped up to convert for 2-0, despite a valiant attempt to save by Harkess. After 63 minutes RCA got back into the game when Callen was put through to beat Winter in the Aycliffe goal. 5 minutes later RCA had the chance of an equaliser when they were awarded a penalty. Winter saved Larkin’s spotkick to his left, but Washington took advantage of the resulting corner when McGuinness rose highest to plant his header in the roof of the net for 2-2. Washington gained the momentum and with 15 minutes left, McBryde was played through the Aycliffe defence to beat Winter for 2-3. Aycliffe pressed for the equaliser but couldn’t break down the RCA defence. Final score 2-3. Aycliffe now get a rare midweek break before returning to action on Saturday 22 October when they welcome Ashington to Moore Lane Park. That game will be followed on Tuesday 25 October by a home game against Bishop Auckland as Aycliffe begin their defence of the Durham Challenge Cup