Newton Aycliffe FC still don’t know if they will be playing 1st Division football next season after a weekend which saw them lose to FA Vase Finalists North Shields. Meanwhile Billingham Synthonia’s win at Penrith on Easter Monday means that the last game of the season next Saturday will determine Aycliffe’s fate.
As ever North Shields brought a large and enthusiastic following to Moore Lane Park. As well as booking their trip to Wembley they are still in the 1st Division title race. Aycliffe held their own for most of the first half despite North Shields having the majority of the play.
Aycliffe suffered a major blow on 45 minutes when Craig Garthwaite brought down a forward in the box. The referee awarded a penalty and sent off the Aycliffe centre-half. Shields’ Gareth Bainbridge took the spot kick but saw it brilliantly saved by Aycliffe keeper James Winter.
For the second game in a row Aycliffe started the second half with ten men and it didn’t take Shields long to press home the advantage.
On 50 minutes Bainbridge’s header hit the bar and Ryan Carr headed home the rebound. As in the first half the visitors had the better of the chances but Aycliffe came close to equalising with 7 minutes left. Stuart Banks saw the keeper out of his goal and tried a long ranged shot which went wide.
Another close scoreline but no points for Aycliffe so their season will end and be decided at Ashington this Saturday.