Aycliffe Under 23’s Cup Success
Newton Aycliffe u23’s 4 v 1 Consett u23’s
A strong 17-man squad travelled to the Washington Hub for this Durham FA League Cup Final, Aycliffe started very brightly and after 10 minutes won a free kick 30 yards out, Jack Mortimer stepped up, beat the wall but the keeper got down to save, however the rebound landed to Steven Dawson who tapped home, within 10 minutes the lads had a second, when Steven, Cobi, Jack all linked up well to send Steven 1 v 1 with keeper and he finished calmly into the bottom corner. Aycliffe continued to dominate and created several half chances that they either flashed wide or the keeper saved. At the other end the defence was restricting Consett to shots from distance. Then, on the stroke of half time, Jack Mortimer beat one defender before sitting the keeper down and slotting home. HT 3-0. Aycliffe continued in the same vein and totally dominated the game and created chances galore, 10 minutes into the second half we started to make changes to get the whole squad involved in the cup final. Richard went on a run down the left side and his cross was tapped wide, then Mitchell sent a ball into the box that was headed into their own net to make it 4-0. With 15 minutes to go Consett got a consolation goal when an attack at their end was cleared long and the striker ran clear and lobbed Arran. Aycliffe still had time to miss several half chances and add to the score. Great win, with all 17 of the squad getting decent game time and involved in this cup final.
However, there was still an important last league game to go.
Newton Aycliffe u23’s 3 v 1 Bishop Auckland Reserves u23’s
Bishop Auckland arrived as the only unbeaten side in the league and the lads needed a point to finish as runners up to add to the cup win. The first half was very even with both sides having spells. Then Jack Mortimer was brought down for what looked like a clear penalty but it was waved away.HT 0-0. Into the second half and Aycliffe carried on playing their football, when Jack Mortimer beat 4 players on a mazey run and crossed for Cobi Jones to tap in. It was soon two, when Jack found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. We then switched off and allowed Bishop into the game. We were then awarded a penalty when a Bishop player handled in the box Cameron Martin stepped up to score against his old club. The points were won and the runners up slot secured to round up a great season for these lads and the excellent coaching team of Michael Bloomer, Gary Taylor and Josh Gibson. However, it is going to be a busy close season for all involved, as we prepare for next season.