Newton Aycliffe Juniors footballing weekend came round again with a series of game across the age groups. Our development squad for 4-7 year olds enjoyed their first match on Friday with Thomas starring as man of the match in a great performance.
The Under 8’s won their game 4-3 against Spraire Lads in Darlington. They initially went 2-0 down but Rhys scored to get a goal back before the equaliser came via a home players head. Harvey volleyed in the third goal before Lucas made a good save to keep the score at 3-2.
Spraire did equalise but Rhys got the winner with two minutes to go. In the second game Aycliffe started brightly with Niall in particular catching the eye. Spriare scored against the run of play then took control of the game to win this one. Men of the match this week were Jayden and Aidan.
The Under 9’s faced Darlington All Stars at Sunnydale and started well with lots of possession and good passing play between Reece, Charlie and Thomas providing chances but no goals. It was all square at half time then All Stars got a goal early in the second half and despite chance after chance Aycliffe could not get the equaliser. A good performance from all and the team, who were unlucky not to take any points from the game.
The Under 10’s Russell Foster league side completed their winter league season with a 1-1 draw against HFC United Hoops. Aycliffe competed well and created chances on goal which were not converted in the first half which ended with the score at 0-0. A strong driving shot beat Herbie in the Aycliffe goal as United went a goal up, then with the last kicks of the game Josh assisted Noah to score the equaliser. The TJFA league side tasted defeat for only the second time this season as a penalty was the difference between them and Leven in a 1-0 loss. They were off key in the first half and conceded the goal before a spirited second half display could not see them score against determined and well drilled opposition.
The Under 12’s were away at Whitby but their trip to the seaside was not victorious as goals from James and Zack not proving enough to take the points as they lost 4-2. The home team had only lost once so far this season and it was clear why this was the case as they opened the scoring.
Aycliffe were in good form and James equalised five minutes later. Whitby got the second against the run of play before adding the third with half time arriving and the score was 3-1. The second half was evenly matched and there was a goal each for the teams with Zack on hand to score for Aycliffe. James was rewarded for a great game in defence by being named man of the match.
The Under 14’s went down 3-2 at Kader FC whilst the Under 18 Reds and Blacks both won this weekend and amassed plenty of goals. The Reds winning 8-3 at home against Leven and the Blacks completing a 5-0 win at Redcar. The Reds suffered with players unavailable but turned on the style to score through Ryan Peart (4), Lewis Race (2) and one each for Morghan and man of the match Kieran.
The Under 23’s hosted league leaders Guisborough at Sunnydale with only 12 players available. They kept their shape well and held the strong opposition for most of the first half but Guisborough scored in the last minute of the opening period.
The lead increased to 2-0 in the second half before Aycliffe pulled one back via Jack Oliver’s smart finish. As the hosts pushed for the equaliser a third goal was conceded and the game ended at 3-1, Jack Slatcher was named man of the match by the referee.
