Gateshead Rutherford Ladies 2 v Newton Aycliffe Women 4
The Women were back in action after 3 weeks without a game. From the kick off Aycliffe were struggling to create chances until, in the 9th minute, Lauren pinged a diagonal ball for Kate who controlled and finished into the bottom corner. Defensively we were restricting Gateshead to long range efforts but they grabbed an equaliser just before half time. Second half, it was Gateshead that started the quickest and took the lead from a free kick whipped into the box and put away. In games like this one, the team have struggled to come back from a losing position. We made some changes then the goals started to flow. A through ball from Annabelle split their defence, Morgan beat the defender for pace and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to equalise. Morgan got her second from a mazy run from Alex. Then a 30 yard free kick from Annabelle took an awkward bounce in front of the keeper and snuck in. A few more changes made to see the game out and that’s exactly what they did, final score 2-4. POTM: Morgan.
I2i Academy 2 v Newton Aycliffe U23’s 2
Aycliffe started brightly and were moving the ball across the pitch but struggled to create any clear cut opportunities. However, on 35 minutes, Jack Mortimer was set away and cleaned out and the Ref awarded a penalty, up stepped Jack and made it 1-0. Second half, the lads again started brightly and after 10 minutes Jack broke through and was once again brought down for another penalty. He stepped up to give the lads a 2-0 lead. I2i grew into the game and with a couple of changes coming, with Mitchell and Jack making way for Mark and Dec, the game became a little bit more open and fresh legs from I2i started to get on the ball. With 15 minutes left I2i scored a penalty and followed up with a quick fire second and the game ended all square MOM: Andrew Burrows, solid at centre back and helped calm the game when moved into midfield.