Newton Aycliffe F.C. finished their season on a high, with a deserved win against a strong Morpeth Town side (who finished runners-up in the League). Both sides entertained the crowd with good football, despite the awful weather conditions. Aycliffe gave starts to Mattie Pennal, Charlie Raby and Jack Oliver and the youngsters responded with sound performances. They got off to a great start when Pennal crossed from the right for captain Jamie Owens to finish for 1-0. Morpeth came straight back and won a penalty, but James Winter pulled off a good save from Morpeth captain Graydon. Winter was in action again, pulling off great saves on 23 and 30 minutes.

Then it was Aycliffe’s turn and Morpeth keeper Dryden made a good effort from an Owens effort. Half-time 1-0. Aycliffe came out strongly and went further ahead 2 minutes in, when Pennal got around the back of the defence and picked out Ben Trotter who smashed it  high into the net for 2-0. Keeper Winter injured his leg, but battled on as there was no replacement on the bench. Aycliffe didn’t sit on their lead and went for more goals. They were rewarded when Owens scored his second with a clever near-post flick on 64 minutes with the outside of his boot, from a Charlie Raby corner. Two minutes later, Morpeth got one back when a looping cross was turned in by Henderson. Aycliffe went down to 10 men on 80 minutes when Trotter received his marching orders. They held their own though, and Morpeth didn’t come close to getting a second goal. Owens had a good chance to increase the lead but hit the side netting.

Final score 3-1 The win saw Aycliffe finish a very creditable ninth position in the Ebac Northern League Division One with 64 points. At the Club’s Presentation Night last Friday chairman, Allan Oliver, paid tribute to the management team of Deano Browne & Danny Mellanby who took over in December & immediately lifted the spirits of supporters and committee. Defender Dan Mitton was handed the Player of the Year award by our Club President, Phil Wilson. Dan also took the Supporters Player award, narrowly beating keeper James Winter. Other winners on the night included Ben Trotter, Aaron Brown & Jamie Owens. In a fantastic gesture the players lined up to shake hands with the Club’s Kit Man, Geoff Hay, who retired at the end of the season. The players have bought Geoff a Season Ticket for next year to make sure he can keep an eye on them!