It was a much anticipated return to league action for most of our teams who compete in the TJFA league and a continuation of early season games for others this weekend. With teams from under 7 through to under 18 in action it was a busy weekend.
Under 7’s were away at Bishop St Mary’s Kings and put in a strong performance. Aycliffe took a 2-1 lead in to half time with goals from Ashton and Isaac. This was a game of two halves and whilst Aycliffe could not add to their lead Bishop scored 3 to win 4-2. This scoreline was reversed in the second game as Aycliffe dominated with Oscar and Isaac each getting a brace to seal the 4-2 win. Man of the match was Lennon in the first game and Lewis in the second.
Under 8’s enjoyed a great pre-season with tournament success however they did not quite play at the same level and had a disappointing result against Billingham Synthonia. Goalkeeper Lucas Acuna Ocana made some great saves and Jake Smith’s battling performance was rewarded with a goal.
Under 9’s got the season underway at Billingham Synthonia with strong showing from the squad as two Jason Beadle goals earned the team a 2-1 win. Defensively Charlie, Cody and Kiera were strong whilst Parker made some fantastic saves in goal. In midfield Jason, Reece and Jack saw their efforts rewarded whilst up front Jude, Thomas and Lewis were proving a handful and were unlucky not to score. The second game saw a resounding 8-1 win with goals from Reece, Thomas, Jason, Lewis and Jude. Man of the match was Reece.
Both Under 10 teams were also in thick action, and the Russell Foster league side bagged 11 goals for the second week in succession. They raced to a 6-2 half time lead and completed the victory with five more second half goals.Two for Ted, Taylor, Matty and Bronton as well as one a piece for Evan, Ollie and man of the match Sam.
TJFA Under 10’s side began the defence of their division one title with a 4-0 win over Golden Flatts. They dominated the first half and goals from Zack (2) and a wonder strike from Aaron gave them a 3-0 half time lead. Thomas made two amazing double saves in the second half and Charlie added the fourth to complete the win. The second game was a 7-2 win as Thomas came out of goal to claim a hat-trick, Lucas added 2 with Charlie and Aaron completing the scoring. Both teams were looking the part too, as pictured, in their new kits provided by Beanies to whom all involved are extremely grateful.
Under 11’s had a challenging opening game against strong opposition from Saltburn. Goals from Matt Turnbull and Rob Hillman were not enough to avert defeat. The whole squad put in a spirited display.
Under 12’s started their season with a trip to Great Ayton and performed well gaining a 1-1 draw. Initially Great Ayton were on top, then as the first half progressed Shaw and Scotchbrook combined to find Dylan Howe in space to score the first goal for Aycliffe. At half time it was 1-1 as the hosts got an equaliser towards the end of the half. Aycliffe were on top in the second half and did find the back of the net once with a left foot strike from Stewart, unfortunately ruled offside. So all square in this one, a good team effort and man of the match was goal scorer Dylan.
Under 14 squad was depleted to only 12 available players and the writing was on the wall when they fell behind 4-0 against Fishburn Park. A determined second half performance led to a hat trick from Burrows to claw back in the game. Captain Sanderson Howes led by example throughout as the team battled to get something from the game. They lost 5-3, but the whole squad produced a fantastic second half effort and there are lots of positives to take to next week.
Two under 18 sides had mixed fortunes, the Reds started with a home game against Thirsk Falcons. The home team tested the visiting keeper with shots from Ryan Peart, Lewis Race and Jack Smith, further first half pressure did not get the opening goal. The home dominance continued in to the second half, then the home team began to tire and Thirsk got the opening goal with what seemed to be their first attack. Aycliffe then changed formation and played with three up front to push for the deserved equaliser.
Their endeavours were not met with luck and the Thirsk striker scored a lovely individual goal. It ended 2-0 to Thirsk, Aycliffe’s man of the match was Nathan Acuna Ocana. Under 18 Black got their season off to a flier with a 9-1 win away at Hardwick Youth
No game this week for the Under 23’s as they look to start their league season at home to Wolviston on the 27th after a cup game against Hebburn Argyle next week.

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