The start of the new TJFA league season saw most Aycliffe Juniors play their first games of the year. There was  mixed bag of results and loads of football Under 7’s will have to wait to get going as their fixture was postponed with the opposition not able to play due to other commitments. The Under 8’s were at home and played out a thrilling 4-4 draw. Under 9’s are fielding two teams this year. The Black team in the Russell Foster league had their game postponed in similar situation to the Under 7’s. The white team in the TJFA league were away at Seaton Carew in what proved to be a tight game. Aycliffe took the lead through a Rhys free kick, the lads defended really well with Seaton being limited to only hitting the post late on and this ensured a 1-0 win. James, Conor and Aidan were resolute in defence. Harvey, Niall and Jayden covered everything and Rhys battled hard in a good win. The second game ended with a 1-0 reverse with Rhys and James awarded the weeks Man of the Match awards. Under 10’s played at home against Trimdon they introduced several new players to the squad for their first game. One of those new players, Zak, played a great through ball for Charlie to open the scoring and take a 1-0 lead. Trimdon though then took control and gained a 3-1 lead, a few late chances were not converted and this game ended at that score. Reece was named man of the match. Under 11’s continue with two strong squads. The Russell Foster league team won their opening fixture 5-2 away at Jarrow. New players Tom, Reuben, Jake and Alex have joined the squad and they all played superbly. After going behind Noah and Bo got the goals to gain a 2-1 lead before Tom scored his first competitive goal to go into half time 3-1 up. In the second half the woodwork was struck by Taylor, Jake and Matty before Taylor found the target and the boys were cruising at 4-1. Jarrow got one back before Tom added the fifth and final goal. Taylor was named parents man of the match with Reuben taking the captains award. Under 11 TJFA team had a tough opening fixture at home against Marton FC Blue. They went behind before two goals from Lucas got them in front, the first saw great pace to round the keeper and the second finished a lovely chipped pass from new signing Jake Marquis. The lead did not last long and by half time a few errors had let Marton in to a 4-2 lead. The second half saw goals from Jacob and a Jake Patterson penalty but this was not enough to avoid defeat. Under 13’s had a trip to Kader FC for their first game and they looked great in their new kit sponsored by MCWare IT solutions (pictured). The team travelled with only 12 players due to a variety of illness’ hitting the squad. They enjoyed the lions share of possession and Dylan H hit the bar and the post early on. Two quick goals were conceded at the end of the first half and they went in to the break 2-0 down. Aycliffe continued to defend well but could not get a break through and the game ended at the same score. Dylan H was named man of the match by the opposition manager as he chased every ball, created chances and contributed defensively. Under 15’s played Kader FC at home and took the lead with a Burrows penalty. Kader equalised before a great period of play led to Burrows second goal and then Stoker and Hynes adding to the tally for a 4-1 lead. Despite this really good play the lads could not stop slipping to a defeat as they conceded and lost their advantage. The new Under 17 squad played away at Middlebeck and despite going down to 10 men they came away with a 4-2 win. Lewis  Race scored first for Aycliffe before the sending off. Middlebeck equalised but the 10 men then dug in. Goals from Nile Rutter then a Kieran Maughan header and a Sam Dawson volley made it 4-1. The home team finished the scoring but Aycliffe took the win. Under 23’s travelled to Seaton Carew after beating Peterlee in their first game last week. They started brightly and Patrick put them in a 1-0 lead after finishing a cross from Chris A. Jack Slatcher then fed Chris A who smashed home a 20 yard volley to double the lead. In to the second half and Michael headed a third goal before two were conceded and the lads held out for a 3-2 win. The opposing manager named Jack Slatcher as man of the match. Well done to all our players and coaches. If you want to get involved with the club you contact us in a few ways, by social networks Facebook and Twitter or via email aycliffejuniors@gmail. com.