Aycliffe were denied all three points on Saturday by a world class free kick late in the game as they returned to Moore Lane Park for the first time in 2014. The pitch passed a morning inspection due to the recent wet weather, but with areas of the ground being described as ‘heavy at best’ it was probably never going to be a day for defenders!
With just 5 minutes on the clock, Aycliffe took the lead, with Tom Atkinson showing great composure to finish right footed. And things got better for the home side after 12’, as a Martin Young strike from 20 yards nestled in the top corner!
From then on though, Crook took control of the half. On the 20 minute mark Spence in the Aycliffe goal somehow kept out a back post header from Hughes. However, with 34’ on the clock, Crook’s pressure finally told. Kyle Davies outstripped Oliver, and finished past Spence and into the bottom corner.
On 55 the visitors were level. Davies, who had been a constant menace for the Aycliffe defence once again got himself clear, before reversing the ball across Spence and into the bottom corner. However just a minute later Aycliffe regained the lead. A great run from Atkinson took him clear of the defence and he once again finished right footed into the bottom corner.
On 83’ Mellanby was fouled. The home side appealed for a penalty, but the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Midfielder Young stepped up and rattled his free kick against the bar.
And in the cruellest of finishes, Aycliffe were made to pay for the missed chances. With just 3 minutes remaining, Davies was fouled on the edge of the Aycliffe area. He picked himself up to slot his free kick over the wall and into the top corner to complete his hat trick.
Aycliffe were also able to open their supporters bar for the first time. The facility was well received, with the opportunity to purchase alcoholic drinks ‘on the ground’ being a real boost to the supporters. The Club are looking forward to the facility developing and improving over the coming weeks.
With no game scheduled for next weekend, Aycliffe’s next game will be at home to West Auckland on Wednesday 29th January, with the game kicking off at 7.30pm.