Poor weather again affected local football with little opportunity for games over the festive period. However Newton Aycliffe went into Christmas in good cheer after taking a point at sixth placed West Auckland in their Ebac Northern League Division One game.
It was a well earned draw for Aycliffe who almost scored in the first minute when a Kurt Matthews header was cleared off the line. After that, the first half play was even. Marc Costello had Aycliffe’s best chance when he looked to finish off a good team move, but shot wide.
Aycliffe had a good penalty shout for handball on the half hour, but this was turned down. West went ahead three minutes before the break, when Liam Browne mis-kicked his clearance straight to Ben Wood, who hit a well-struck shot past James Winter. Half time 1-0.
West had another let-off straight from the kick-off when keeper McHugh misjudged the flight of the ball, and appeared to handle outside the area. Aycliffe didn’t let their heads drop and equalised on 70 minutes. Paul Weldon swung in a free-kick, and Matty Pennal headed it past McHugh. Aycliffe were then guilty of another defensive lapse, as Alan Harrison gave the ball away and Francis struck his shot into the top corner for 2-1. Aycliffe came back strongly and dominated the last quarter hour. They equalised when Paul Weldon hit a free-kick into the top corner of the net on 86 minutes. They went agonisingly close to winning in the fourth minute of injury time when Pennal chipped the keeper, only to see the strong wind keep the ball out of the net. Full time 2-2
Aycliffe’s next opponents are Jarrow Roofing BCA who visit Moore Lane on Saturday 6 January. Roofing are third bottom of the League & Aycliffe managers Danny Mellanby & Deano Browne will be looking to their players to make a positive start to 2018.
A welcome feature of the West Auckland game was the return from injury of Dan Mitton. The popular central defender picked up an injury in the first week of the season and his absence has been keenly felt. Mitton came on as a second half substitute against West.
Admission for the Jarrow Roofing game is as usual: Adults £6, Concessions £4, Under 16s £2, accompanied Under 12s Free.
Kick off is 3pm, Why not make it your New Year Resolution to follow Non League Football and support your local team!
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