Newton Aycliffe Youth U23’s 2 v Gateshead Redheugh 0
Top of the table clash with the league title still on for both teams, but it was vital that the lads took the points with 2 games to go. A tight first quarter but the deadlock was broken with an Aycliffe free kick on the half-way line from Jordan Wintersgill into the box, with the keeper shouting his ball, the defender ducked out, but the ball went past the keeper into the net
First real bit of luck we have had all season. Aycliffe kept on top of the game through sheer work rate and commitment. A ball into the Aycliffe box saw not one but three different defenders put their body on the line clearing three times off the line, to get to HT 1-0.
Into the second half, at times the lads dropped too deep and gave Gateshead too much space but thanks to the work rate off the midfield 5, Gateshead started to resort to just going long. A ball into our box found the Gateshead striker in the 6 yard box, Arran Taylor produced a stunning save right in the bottom corner to keep us in front. Gateshead started to throw everything forward but the defence were holding firm. The Ref then added 5 minutes of extra time but with 2 minutes to go, Jack fed Joel who is clean through, but their centre back wiped him out on the edge of the box, red card. Up steps Jack Mortimer and slots the free kick to seal a crucial win and the championship is still there for the taking.
Richmond Town Ladies 0 v Newton Aycliffe Women 5
It took just 5 minutes for Aycliffe to open the scoring, Amber provided a stunning through ball for Alex to latch onto and she calmly finished past the keeper. Then, after 14 minutes, a poor kick by the opposition keeper went straight to Annabelle, who controlled the ball well and stroked the ball into the top corner. Amber, filling in at right back got her second assist, this time teeing up Kate to get her first of the game. Alex then got on the score sheet again, this time assisted by Lauren. A few more chances came in the first half but ended 0-4.
Second half was a lot more cagey with both teams getting their fair share of chances but both struggling to find the back of the net. The defence were equal to everything Richmond had and the odd time they did get through, Courtney was solid in goal. Aycliffe did manage 1 more goal in the second half, Morgan popping up with an assist, a through ball to Kate out wide, who drove into the box, went round the keeper and walked the ball into the net. A much better team performance in the second half but all credit to Richmond Town who defended really well and restricted our chances on goal. POTM: Lottie Hall.