With the area blanketed by snow, once again, all home games at the OakLeaf were postponed. Those games that went ahead were away or central venues:
South Shields 6 v Newton Aycliffe Youth U14’s 1 (Sunday Team)
The girls got off to a flying start in the opening minutes and were on top and looking dangerous. The positive start was rewarded with the best goal of the game. Amy played a lovely ball out wide to Eveie, Eveie then set a ball into Lana’s path around 20 yards from goal. Lana shifted it out of her feet and unleashed a rocket into the top right. Shields then started to play themselves into the game and were threatening with balls over the top but Tilly, Freyja and Layken were doing a solid job of dealing with them. However, Shields failed to convert a penalty but still led at HT 3-1. Layken had a brilliant game and made numerous brilliant saves but she couldn’t do anything about Shields 4th with a great strike into the top corner leaving her with no chance. We opened up and added an extra attacker in an attempt to get back into the game which left us more vulnerable on the break and allowed Shields to add two late goals. FT 6-1.
Coaches MOTM: Bailey. Players MOTM: Lana.
U10 Girls 4 v Durham United 0
After a loss last week, Aycliffe were wanting to get back to their winning ways. A strong start from the girls, as they scored from kick off. Poppy B ran towards the goal and shot, the keeper saved it but Amelia slotted the rebound for a goal in the first minute. Ten minutes later they managed to switched roles with Poppy B getting herself a goal assisted by Amelia for a 2-0 half time lead.
Second half found Aycliffe keeping up the pressure with numerous attempts on goal. Poppy B managed to find herself a second goal, the ball was won in midfield and she dribbled past the defence to score. A few chances for Durham but was goalkeeper Daisy marshalling her defence well and Emily C dropping back to help. The final goal was from Poppy H who had a 1v1 with the keeper and slotted home.
POTM was hard as all the girls had a strong performance but it goes to Poppy H, she pressured the defence well, working hard the whole game and managed to get herself a well deserved goal.
Ryton & Crawcrook 0 v U12 Girls 1
The girls did incredibly well to get a win from the game, Ryton have proved, in both our meetings this season, to be a very well organised and difficult team to score against.
Throughout the game we looked the stronger team and dominated possession, our defence was rock solid and the midfield looked strong and confident moving forward. To Rytons credit they did an outstanding job of defending their goal and withstood 40 minutes of relentless attack before we got the breakthrough we needed. Our winning goal came from Hannah, tapping in a goal mouth scramble following Eva’s corner. FT 1-0.
Coaches MOTM: Maddy. Players MOTM: Jasmine.
Under 6 Eagles (Boys) and Under 7 Wildcats (Girls)
Our two newest teams are preparing for friendlies, leading then joining the league in September 2023. The boys and girls have been working well in training, but we still have a couple of places left in each team. If you are interested, contact Berni 07939 045242 – Under 6’s boys, Year 1 and Under 7’s Girls, Year 2.