Newton Aycliffe Women 4 v Darlington RA Women 0
After four weeks without a game, Newton Aycliffe Women were back in action at the Oakleaf for a local derby. The large away support added to the already big home crowd made up the over 80 supporters, who were all expecting a close game. Prior to kick off, everyone observed a minute’s silence to honour and remember those who lost their lives in war.
It was going to be a tough game and Aycliffe needed to be at their best. From the first whistle the game was end to end with neither side creating any clear-cut chances. Aycliffe then started to get into their stride and were rewarded on 28 minutes. A through ball to Alex, down the left, beat the Darlington defence, a whipped cross to the back post and a brilliant volley by Kate left the keeper no chance. Five minutes later and Katie gets on the score sheet with a great solo effort. Just before half time, Jordan winning the ball in midfield saw the run of Kate and poked the ball through the Darlington defence, Kate took her chance well to make it HT 3-0. Second half and the women were asked for more of the same, Aycliffe started slow and Darlington were on the front foot, Courtney making some good saves to keep the score at 3-0. Then, probably goal of the season contender, Amber edge of the box, wide right, rode two tackles then whipped in a curling shot across the keeper into the top corner. Formation changed and subs made, with the sights now set on a clean sheet. Everyone battled hard to the end and we were unfortunate not to get a few more goals. Final score 4-0. POTM: Annabelle. Team Sponsor: McDonald’s Newton Aycliffe, Badge Sponsor: Signs Express, South Durham & Teesside, Away Kit Sponsor: AngloTech Group.
Newton Aycliffe Youth Seniors 4 v Deerness Valley 2
More cup action for the seniors with their first home game since August and they started the game on fire. A high press won a throw-in which Niall controlled and turned in one move, smashing in from a tight angle. This was followed by a 3 pass move that saw Andy release Jack to tuck away the second. Then Jack cut inside and fired from distance, the keeper saved but Niall was on hand to tuck home the rebound. Aycliffe were controlling the game but a mistake at the back allowed Deerness to grab a goal back, right on half time, HT 3-1.
The second half became a midfield battle which we continued to win, however, Deerness won a penalty which Adam was very unlucky not to save, after going the right way and get a hand to it. Just as it looked like Deerness may have been getting back into the game, Aycliffe won a free kick 40 yards out, no one expected Jack to step up and shoot but a curling ball beat the keeper high to his left to secure the win and move into the next round of the cup. MOM: Jon Hardy.