Aycliffe’s first home friendly of the summer will see close neighbours and reigning Northern League champions Darlington visit Moore Lane.
The Newtonians welcome Martin Gray’s outfit on Wednesday July 17th (kick off 7.30pm) as both sides prepare for the 2013-14 campaign.
Admission for the game will be £6 for adults and £3 for concessions, with the gate receipts equally split. Aycliffe are looking for funding to help them climb back up the Northern League first division table, after flirting with relegation last season, while the Quakers are planning an assault on the Evo-Stik, hoping to return their home matches to Darlington.
The 2011 FA Trophy winners who currently groundshare with Bishop Auckland, played two huge money-spinning friendlies against Allan Oliver’s side in 2010 and 2011 and the tradition has returned after their brief stop in the Northern League last season, with Darlo taking the title by a clear 13-points.
The Newtonians’ chairman Gary Farley said: “This is another chance for the people of the town to witness the professionalism of Darlington and enjoy what should be a great occasion for our club.
“We are thankful to Darlington for bringing a team to Moore Lane, as they have done in the past, when we have had crowds of 1300 and 800, which is remarkable for a friendly.
.”Hopefully we will have another large turnout and both clubs can receive a financial boost going into their respective league campaigns.”
With a large crowd anticipated spectators are advised to arrive earlier than usual and consider the local community when parking their cars in the proximity of the ground.
Newton Aycliffe FC have arranged a meeting for all the participants of the Frank Swinburne Memorial Walk, taking place at the Sports Club, Moore Lane, on Tuesday July 16th at 7pm.
It is a chance for those taking part to make any queries about the club fundraiser, while the club will give out tips to the walkers, cyclists and runners who are partaking in the event.
