U16 Angels 7 v Hartlepool Pools Youth 4 (County Cup)
For the second round in a row, Aycliffe were drawn as the home team, but recognised the likely waterlogged Oakleaf pitches and managed to switch to the opposition 3G. This one had a calm first half and a chaotic second. With just twelve players available, they knew they would have to put in a big shift.
The opening exchanges were fairly even with Aycliffe having slightly more possession and looking more threatening. After 8 minutes, a corner from Emily, met at the far post by Evie’s head, 1-0. Followed four minutes later from a free kick by Evie. The third goal was welcome on 28 minutes, a throw-in from Erin to Isobel, just inside the box, saw Iz take a touch past the defender and calmly finish above the keeper’s head. Then, on the stroke of half time, Emily made it 4-0 to Aycliffe and the girls were in control of the game. However, 17 minutes into the second half, Pools pulled a goal back from a corner. Then a deflected shot wrong-footed Maddi and found the net. 4-2. On 74 minutes Hartlepool scored a third. 4-3. Game on!
But two minutes later Aycliffe restored a cushion. Faith drove at the Pools defence and unleashed a strike which the keeper saved well and parried out. Georgia was first to respond and finished with ease. 5-3. On 78 minutes Aycliffe seemingly put the game safe, despite the prospect of some added minutes. Another pinpoint corner from Emily headed in at the near post by Poppy. 6-3. A minute later Pools pulled back another. 6-4.and were not giving up.
But Evie scored in stoppage time for her hat trick, 7-4, to take the girls into their fourth County Cup Final in as many years.
Star Players: Players – Faith; Coaches – Poppy; Parents – Evie P.
West Auckland 1 v U17’s Eagles 2
Playing against a strong side sitting alongside us near the top of the table it was always going to be a tight game. The Aycliffe lads really wanted the win and you could see that in their performance. An all round outstanding team performance with Aycliffe deserving the 3 points. Goals from Olly and Adam. MOM Joel.
U14 Eagles 4 v Darlington TSC 4
A visit from the league leaders, Darlington TSC, saw the first half end 1-2 with a goal from Sam Maddison, the equaliser came early in the second half as the Eagles began to play. Darlington struck back immediately with two more, 4-2, but credit to the lads who continued to push hard and never gave up, Tarek scoring a super free kick and then tucking home his hat trick securing the draw, last kick of the match.
U12 Falcons 0 v Normanby Utd 4
Falcons started the game the much stronger team, but were unable to capitalise on their possession and shots on goal. Normanby then scored a great goal against the run of play and their confidence shot up. They scored a second and Falcons morale dropped. HT 0-2. We kept trying second half, but just couldn’t get our game going. We go again next week!
POM: Opposition – Jaxon; Coaches – Harry L / Harry M.
Cleveland Juniors 2 v U11 Eagles 5
A windy morning meant the boys were playing up hill into the wind for the 1st half, but despite this, the lads pressed Cleveland throughout and were unlucky not to have scored 4 or 5 in truth. Cleveland were the brighter at the start of the 2nd half grabbing two quick goals, but the Eagles settled down and once again took control of the match, going on to win 5-2.
U9 Eagles v Consett
Last week Consett had beaten us in a close game with a late goal. So the lads knew this week’s reverse fixture was going to be close. It was an end-to-end game with some great passing moves from the Eagles. A free kick each for Luke and Elijah and a good passing move, leading to another goal for Eljah, rounded off a good win.
Redcar v U7 Eagles
The boys went to a cold and windy Redcar and returned with two great wins. In the first game, the boys played tremendously well and won a close game against a previously unbeaten opponent with Arthur, Chester (3) and Hunter scoring.
The development game was won in a much more comfortable manner with the team’s best display yet – it’s brilliant to see how much they are coming on! Well done boys!