Just one point for Newton Aycliffe FC last week as the team faced two tough away trips. Seaham Red Star had won seven games in a row but Aycliffe managed to hold them to a draw in an entertaining game on Tuesday night. Red Star took the lead & put in a strong first half performance. However Dennis Knight equalised early in the second half & Aycliffe piled on the pressure with the home side being saved by the woodwork on more than one occasion. Saturday saw a visit to current League champions Shildon. Injuries to Scott Howes & Michael Riley led to Andy Ferrell playing at left back while central defender Alex Kitchen had to be substituted after just 15 minutes due to a head injury. Shildon looked impressive in the first half with Michael Rae scoring on 7 minutes capitalising on a scramble in the Aycliffe box. They had a further chance on 25 minutes when the centre forward headed wide. Shildon were to score twice more before halftime with two goals in two minutes. The first a lob over keeper Lewis Brass, followed quickly by a header from a corner. Shildon were dominating the play & looking for a fourth before halftime but in added time conceded a free kick just outside the box. Knight took the kick & found the net to make the score 3-1 at the break. Shildon came close to restoring their three goal lead early in the second half but saw a double clearance off the line as Aycliffe hung on. Throughout the game Aycliffe were indebted to midfielder Brian Close who dropped back into central defence in place of Kitchen & did well to keep the home side at bay. Just after the hour Ayclffe pulled another goal back. Once again Knight was the scorer, this time getting a head on a fine cross from Paul Garthwaite. Shildon again moved forward & forced a fine save from Brass. Aycliffe worked hard for an equaliser & came close with 20 minutes remaining when a skilful run through midfield by Zak Boagey led to a shot by John Campbell flying wide of the goal. Shildon had the last significant chance on 80 minutes, hitting the post. The game ended in unfortunate circumstances when Knight was sent off for a second yellow card following what seemed an innocuous challenge. Another trip to the seaside this week for Aycliffe to Whitley Bay on Tuesday night followed by a home game against Sunderland RCA on Saturday 15 October (KO 3pm).