Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jason Steele has won his first piece of silverware, but it’s a managerial achievement the young footballer is celebrating.
Steele watched proudly as his Sunday morning pub team, Newton Aycliffe Working Men’s Club, defeated Stockton Hardwick Social 2-1 in the County Cup Final.
Warren Byrne scored twice for the ‘Big Club’ before Hardwick pulled one back with 10 minutes to go. It ensured a nervy finale, with the full-time whistle signalling delirious pitch celebrations.
It was the club’s first County Cup win since Allan Oliver, now chairman of Newton Aycliffe, took them to the title in 1998.
Steele, 24, who jointly-manages the Sunday side along with fellow boss Dave Owen, said: “It was a fantastic achievement and the lads can be really proud of themselves. I don’t think either side really played that well in the final, but it was always going to be a tough game.
“We needed them to be a team of men and that’s what they were. I’ve never seen a team work as hard as they did, and that was after being at work all day. I was proud of them, and delighted for Dave Owen as he does a great job.”
The victorious squad included former Newton Aycliffe winger Stuart Owen, who says the cup win topped his achievements with his hometown club. The midfielder was a key part in Aycliffe’s rise to the Northern League first division in recent years.
But he said: “Winning silverware with Aycliffe was brilliant, I have some great memories of my time with the club, but this was with your mates. We all drink together and we beat some good sides along the way, but went into the final as under dogs. When that final whistle went, it was the best feeling in the world – something you can keep for the rest of your life.”
Another member of the squad, Mark Wood, knew all about the history of the County Cup – his father, Des, was in Oliver’s team to last win it 17 years ago.
He said: “Big Des always talks of his playing days and winning the County Cup all those years ago. so it was about time we gave the Big Club regulars something else to celebrate.
“It was a great night but I was just as happy for the backroom lads as I was the players – the likes of Syd Thomas, Jeff Surtees and Trevor Mossop.
“They run the club, sell the digits and make sure we don’t have to shell out any subs every week and raise money to pay for travel expenses and trips away – it meant just as much to them as it did the players.”
Goalkeeper Steve Richardson paid tribute to his fellow ‘keeper, and boss, Steele.
He said: “The lads want for nothing and we just think it’s great what he does. He’s so passionate about it and deserves a lot of praise for the time and effort he’s put in.”

1 NAWMC County Cup win - pic by Peter Allison

The victorious team with the trophy – photo by Peter Allison