Seaham Redstar 2 v Newton Aycliffe Youth U23’s 6
Slow start to the game saw Aycliffe playing too deep, however a quick change in tactics saw the lads start to move the ball though the third quicker. Jack Mortimer opened the scoring converting a 1v1 with the keeper. A bad bit of defending and a mix up at the back allowed Seaham to equalise. Then an Aycliffe counter attack found Richard Murray on the overlap who beat two defenders and smashed the ball home. Another early through ball by Jordan Wintersgill found Jack who again rounded the keeper to make it 3-1. Then, to finish the half a big diagonal ball from right back by Declan Scott found Richard who finished to make it 4-1.
Second half continued in the same vein with Aycliffe having 3 goals ruled out for very tight offside decisions by the referee. The lads continued to dominate the game as Jack added his third from a ball from Mitchell Simons, and then received another great ball from Jon Hardy, beat three defenders and smashed home his 4th to seal the win. With 10 minutes to go we fell asleep at the back allowing Seaham to grab their second.
MOM Mitchell Simons with a great disciplined performance. Special mention to Mark Isigoma from our U18’s making his debut for the U23’s, with a mature performance in the centre of midfield. This result still leaves Aycliffe with a great chance of winning the league.
Bishop Auckland 2 v Newton Aycliffe Women 5
Aycliffe broke the deadlock in the first 10 minutes, Meg played in Alex and a decisive finish put Aycliffe ahead. Alex then turned provider with a cut back for Amber to tap in. Bishop pulled one back with a well worked goal before Annabelle restored the two goal cushion, Bishop now pushing forward forced a series of corners. Then an unfortunate OG and Bishop were back in the game. However, there was still time to get one more before half time, Jordan picking out Alex for her second of the game, 2-4. Second half and Bishop were much more of an attacking threat but the defence coped and we always looked a threat on the attack. In the final minute of the game Lottie played a defence splitting ball out wide for Meg to run onto, Meg drove into the box and shot low and hard leaving the goalkeeper no chance.
POTM Annabelle.