Newton Aycliffe made an impressive start to the new season in the Ebac Northern League Division One. Aycliffe beat the league champions 2-1 with Dennis Knight being involved in both goals.
Aycliffe fielded several new players who have joined over the summer. These included Matty Moffat, Brian Close, Alex Kitchen & Grant Hickman. The first half of the match was goalless although Moffat did have the ball in the net after just 6 minutes. He was denied a goal, however, having been ruled offside.
The second half proved more productive with Aycliffe taking the lead on 53 mins. The Marske keeper punched the ball into his own goal from a Dennis Knight corner. A defender tried to clear but the linesman indicated that the ball had crossed the line.
Nine minutes later it was 2-0 with Knight scoring from 20 yards with a fantastic strike. Marske pulled a goal back with 20 minutes to go & pressed for an equaliser. However, good work from Aycliffe’s defence & keeper James Winter ensured that the three points deservedly went to the home team.
Aycliffe will be hoping to carry this form into the midweek game at West Allotment Celtic & then on Saturday for the trip to Nelson in Lancashire where we’ll be playing in the Extra Preliminary Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The Marske game was attended by our Mayor, Councillor Mary Dalton, who made a presentation to League Chairman, Mike Amos, before the game. Mike is embarking on a “Last Legs Challenge” by walking to each of the Northern League’s 44 grounds during the season. His aim is to raise £10,000 to be split between the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation & other worthy causes. The Mayor presented Mike with a pennant to mark the occasion following his arrival at Moore Lane on the walk from Darlington.
Fixtures
Saturday 15th August v Nelson
(away 3pm Emirates FA Cup)
Tuesday 18th August v Ashington
(home 7:30pm)
Saturday 22nd August v Seaham Red Star
(away 3:00pm)

aycliffe fc