Newton Aycliffe’s hopes of repeating last season’s magnificent run in the Emirates FA Cup quickly evaporated on Tuesday night. Last year we managed to take FA Trophy winners North Ferriby to a replay in the Second Qualifying Round.
This year we crashed out against fellow Northern League side Washington in the Extra Preliminary Round. After a 2-2 draw at the Mechanics’ ground at Nissan the sides  tried again at Moore Lane on Tuesday night. The first half was goalless with some wayward shooting leaving the ball boys busier than the goalkeepers. The first half ended with a red card for Washington’s Ashley Davis.
As is often the case in football Aycliffe failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage in the second half. The visitors, however, reorganised & came out even more determined. They earned their reward after 56 minutes with a headed goal from Matty Waters. Within ten minutes it was 2-0 thanks to a goal from Mark Davison, meeting a cross from the left to shoot past James Winter.
Aycliffe tried to respond as the clock ran down but were unable to break through a strong Washington defence. With the final whistle approaching Aycliffe were also reduced to 10 men as Paul Garthwaite was sent off for a foul.
It was a disappointing result for the team who now face a tough start to the Ebac Northern League with a game at Marske on Saturday 13 August followed by the visit of newly promoted South Shields on Tuesday 16 August, KO 7:30pm.