Newton Aycliffe goalkeeper Dan Molyneux has regretfully retired from the game as a result of the head injury sustained in last month’s Cup game at Tow Law. Despite being given a clean bill of health by specialists, the 26-year-old has made the decision with his ongoing health and wellbeing in mind.
Molyneux suffered a facial injury and a bleed to the brain in the collision at Ironworks Road, and any further blows to his head could prove dangerous. Molyneux signed for the Newtonians in June, following the exit of Scott Pocklington, and counts Washington, Whickham, Shildon, Esh Winning and Billingham Town amongst former employers.
The popular stopper made his debut in the club’s victory at Penrith in August, and went on to play 12 times for the club, keeping two clean sheets. Molyneux also made history for the club, becoming the first Aycliffe goalkeeper to score a competitive goal, when he netted from his own half in the 5-1 FA Cup rout of Darlington RA.
Molyneux said, “It’s been strange and I never expected it to come to this, so early in my career. To retire at 26 is obviously a shock, but it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make. To be told that if I played again and suffered another knock, that the circumstances could be worse, made the decision simple for me.  My health and wellbeing are paramount, and because there’s a risk factor with my brain, I can’t afford to take that risk.
Dan added: “I’d love to stay involved and I’ll still come and watch the lads when I can and cheer them on to have a good season and hopefully finish the season in the top half of the Northern League.”
Newton Aycliffe suffered more woe on the road as they fell to their fifth defeat in seven league games away from Moore Lane Park. It was the opposite from Tuesday’s win at Billingham Town, as Ashington crashed four goals without reply against the Newtonians, who finished the game with 10 men.
It took the hosts 40 minutes to break Allan Oliver’s side down, but Marc Walton – so often a thorn in the Newtonians’ side – tapped home from close range to give the Colliers a half time lead. Prior to the goal, Martin Young and Jamie Owens had both fashioned half chances for the visitors, to no avail.
The second half was more one-way traffic, as Gary Middleton’s side took charge and looked every bit the title challengers they are, as the victory took them to within five points of leaders Spennymoor Town.
Andy Johnson scored a superb treble – two of which were fine headers – to put Aycliffe out of sight, while Young was unluckily dismissed late on for a second booking, to compound Oliver’s misery.
It looks no easier for Aycliffe as they remain on their travels this week, with local derbies against Oliver’s former employers Crook Town, before Friday’s visit to the Brewery Field – were they have already been brushed to one side in an FA Cup replay last month.