Under 23’s 1 v Darlington 0
First home game in over two months for 23’s full squad, with some of our big name players back. A hard decision for the management team on the starting line but we only made one change to the team that started last week, with Jude Bowes coming in for the suspended Callum Thomson.
We dominated from the start, creating loads of chances to score with Danny Godfrey, Jack Mortimer, Sam Thompson all going close. We were limiting Darlington to very little with Jordan Wintersgill, Jude and Cameron Nicholson cutting out everything they played though. We were nearly hit on the sucker punch when Darlo won a corner which fell to their player inside 6 yard box forcing Arran Taylor into a top class save to keep it level.
Half time we changed formation and personnel, which saw us continue to dominate the game, Jack forced the goalkeeper into 2 top class saves of his own, we had a couple of penalty claims turned away and, from a corner, Richard Murray came close.
Eventually we got our reward when Jack was upended and we were awarded a penalty! He dusted himself down and took the kick himself finding, the bottom corner to give us the lead.
We saw the game out with a disciplined display to take the 3 points and move us up to third in the league. FT 1-0.
The next 2 weeks are massive, top play second back-to-back, whilst we play both bottom and second bottom. Six points could see us into second, with games in hand.
Final mention to the whole squad, not just today but also last week, mainly, Lewis Greenwood and Mark Isigoma, who both have not had the game time they would have liked but both have done what’s needed when they have got on the pitch. Lewis came on the left side of the forwards and beat his man, relieving pressure and Mark dropping in at right back to shore things up.
Seaham Coast Women 5 v Newton Aycliffe Youth Women 8
Newton Aycliffe Women travelled to Seaham on the back of three consecutive victories and were looking for their fourth.
After two minutes Aycliffe took the lead, a ball out wide which Alex took in her stride, shaping to shoot, she fooled the defence and squared the ball for Meg to tap in at the back post, 0-1. Seaham immediately equalised to bring the game level. Three minutes later and Kate gets on the score sheet assisted by Alex. After two assists it was Alex turn to get on the score sheet, a drive into the box, riding a few tackles on her way, and strike into the top corner left the keeper had no chance, 1-3. Aycliffe looked like they were going to run away with this but Seaham came back with two cracking goals to bring the tie level, 3-3. Ten minutes before half time and Meg gets her second goal of the game, 3-4. We thought we were going into half time with the lead but Seaham had other ideas equalising just before the break. HT 4-4.
A change in formation was discussed at half time to shore up the defence whilst still maintaining an attacking threat.
Second half, and straight from the off, Aycliffe were now passing the ball better, two minutes in and Meg gets her hat trick 4-5. Seaham then struck back with a long range effort which snuck under the bar, 5-5. Aycliffe restored the lead through Alex for her second of the game, 5-6. Formation changed and subs on to freshen things up and it made all the difference. Goal number seven came from the spot, Kate drove into the box but was brought down. Annabelle stepped up and smashed the ball in off the cross bar, 5-7. There was time for one more, Morgan picked out the run of Kate who beat her defender and placed the ball in the net to make it 5-8 FT. Player of the match today went to Amber, her work rate today was phenomenal, playing in centre midfield she broke up so much of Seaham’s play today and was always available as an outlet. Unlucky not to get on the score sheet today but defensively was strong, and the catalyst for most attacks and even chipped in with an assist, well done Amber.
Finally a big thanks to our sponsors:
Team Sponsor – McDonald’s Newton Aycliffe
Badge Sponsor – Signs Express South Durham & Teesside
Match Ball Sponsor – The Post Boy Ferryhill
Away Kit Sponsor – AngloTech Group
Captain Sponsor – Swim Buddies