The torrential rain, prior to the weekend, caused havoc for fixtures across the whole region, but some did survive.
FC Hartlepool Reds v Aycliffe U10 Wildcats
The girls progressed to the next round of the cup after a tight game in which they kept going to the end. An assured finish from Millie gave the girls an early lead and they were denied going further ahead by some excellent goalkeeping. The girls did well to adapt to new positions and lots of rotation, playing some fantastic football at times. Parents’ POTM was Penny who was outstanding, bravely closing down attackers. Coaches’ POTM was Millie who took her goal well and worked hard to press from the front. Goal: Millie; Assist: Sophie.
Hartlepool Pools Youth Whites v Aycliffe U8 Eagles
The boys started really brightly in their first game of the new season and were really unfortunate to find themselves three goals down at half time. The boys never gave up despite the terrible weather and were really unlucky to be the losing side. POTM: Toby.
Middlesbrough Girls 4 v Aycliffe U13 Girls 1
With only 13 girls available, the game went more or less as expected. We got off to a very strong start and scored the first goal of the game courtesy of Imogen finishing Hannah’s assist. Unfortunately, as the game went on, we couldn’t keep pace with the 17-strong Middlesbrough team. POTM: Jasmine. Goal: Imogen; Assist: Hannah.
Riverside Juniors Yellows 5 v Aycliffe U12 Eagles 1
Despite the wet weather, Aycliffe started the brighter of the two teams, but two quick goals against us swung the tie towards Riverside. A further goal for Riverside early in the second half left the Eagles with a mountain to climb – finally losing 5-1 to a well-organised home side. Goal: Tarek. POTM: Tyler.
Durham Boro Rangers 4 v Aycliffe U14 Angels 1
Our first defeat in nearly 2 years came at the hands of the league leaders. If you’re going to lose then losing with 100% effort and team spirit is essential. That’s exactly what these players showed. Awesome effort. Our goal was from Erin – a header after a pinpoint cross from Faith. Star players: Hannah and Eveie.
Guisborough Town v Aycliffe U14 Boys
The lads exited the Challenge Cup, but it was a hard game to assess afterwards, given the quality of the opposition and having several players out with illness. Massive credit to all the lads who played, they never gave up and were still laughing and joking together at full-time. POTMs: Charlie and Toby. Goal: Isaac.