Gateshead Leam Rangers 0 v Newton Aycliffe Youth Seniors 2
Playing away, in the first of two semifinals, the seniors have made it through, against one of the few teams to have beaten them this season.
First half, Aycliffe had the wind and made a tactical decision to play Ryan Peart though the centre, looking to use his pace to get in and behind. After 15 minutes the lads started to take control, Ryan got himself behind the Leam defence, but his shot was just wide. Then Jack Mortimer had a free kick, but the home keeper pulled off a wonder save. Steven Dawson, not once, but twice, cut in from the left and was unlucky not to score. Then, in the 30th minute, a great move saw Jack cut across from the right wing to left, beat two men and crossed for Andrew Burrows to head home. There was still time for Aycliffe to go close again when Cameron Nicholson headed wide from a yard out and Jack went close again.
Gateshead were finding no way past the shape and the work rate of the midfield three and back 4. HT 0-1. Gateshead had the wind in the second half, but Aycliffe still dominated the game. Another great piece of football as Charlie Jackson fed Ryan who played a perfect pass for Jack to round the keeper, but the Ref blew for offside. Niall Douglas came on to replace Ryan to give Aycliffe the option to hold the play up front and winning the aerial battles, one of which found Steven who’s shot was again saved. Aycliffe needed the second goal and were starting to drop deep. Mason Steed came on for Callum Thomson to try and up the tempo. Jack fed Mason, but his shot and second attempt were saved by their keeper, however the ball rolled out to Niall, who took a touch and smashed it home. A massive win for Aycliffe and sees them into their first senior cup final. MOM: Jordan Wintersgill.