Newton Aycliffe’s bid for survival in the Northern League first division took a big blow on Tuesday night as they were beaten 3-2 by fellow strugglers South Shields.
A fortunate goal 10-minutes from time gave the Mariners a scarcely deserved victory and left the Royal Blues just one point above the relegation zone.
It made Thursday’s clash with Newcastle Benfield a massively important fixture and also means they need to get something from this weekend’s derby clash against second-placed West Auckland – the club’s last away game of the season.
Following that, all games remaining will take place at Moore Lane park. FA Vase finalists Spennymoor visit on Tuesday April 9th, before beaten semi-finalists Shildon make the short trip the following Saturday. The Newtonians will need to put in a much improved display in those games than they did against South Shields on Tuesday night.
After an impeccably observed minute’s silence for club legend Frank Swinburne, Aycliffe flew out of the blocks and took an early lead through Danny Earl’s close-range finish.
But Andrew Thompson levelled a minute later with a thumping drive from 30-yards.
Aycliffe were left incensed after Kris Hughes was pulled down in the penalty area but the match officials did not feel the challenge warranted a penalty.
South Shields went 2-1 up in first-half stoppage-time as Jonny Wightman tapped in but the lead lasted barely 30 seconds as Stephen Gibson teed-up Tom Hinchley who netted his second goal in as many games.
The home side were on top for much of the second half but were hit with a sucker-punch in the 80th minute as Stephen Ramsey’s mis-hit cross looped over Scott Pocklington and into the Aycliffe net.
Pocklington almost made amends with the last kick of the match as he struck the post with a well-struck volley after joining the attack for a corner.
FIXTURES
Saturday 6th April: West Auckland (A) 3pm
Tuesday 9th April: Spennymoor (H) 7.30pm
Saturday 13th April: Shildon (H) 3pm
Monday 15th April: Bedlington (H) 7.30pm
Wednesday 17th April: Ashington (H) 7.30pm
Monday 22nd April: Norton (H) 7.30pm
Thursday 25th April: Whitley Bay (H) 7.30pm
Saturday 27th April: Guisborough (H) 3pm
