Newton Aycliffe FC chairman Gary Farley has called on townsfolk to get behind their only semi-professional football team. The Royal Blues started their rise up the football pyramid in 2008, progressing from the Durham Alliance to the Wearside League.

Their only year at that level – a title-winning campaign – saw crowds of over 200 pack out Moore Lane park, but despite progressing to the Northern League first division and competing in the FA Cup and FA Vase, the club have seen their attendances dwindle.

From attracting 567 for a derby match with Darlington RA, they could only attract 238 for a game with much-closer rivals Shildon.

Now 150 appears to be the standard, while a record-ever low crowd of 87 turned up on Saturday as the Newtonians chased a fourth consecutive victory.

The sparse crowd was just as much of a disappointment as the narrow victory against a very good Celtic Nation side, as the club heavily rely on matchday income to compete.

Chairman Farley wants to see Moore Lane heaving on a matchday again. “It’s been disappointing to see the crowds fall this season,” said Farley. “We made a decision to freeze prices at £5 in the summer when many others were going up to £6, as we wanted to ensure fans were getting value for money.

“Without big gates we will struggle to compete at the level we’re at. We’ve worked hard to reach this level and it would be a shame if we were unable to continue providing first division football for the town due to a lack of funds.

“We understand many from the town go and see the big three clubs in the region but for those who don’t or can’t afford to, we urge you to give Moore Lane Park a go on a Saturday. You won’t regret it.”

Northern League chairman Mike Amos has also expressed his bemusement at the situation. In August, after he had seen Aycliffe play Hebburn, he wrote on his Chairman’s Blog: “Newton Aycliffe have done extraordinarily well. Five years ago they were in the Durham Alliance, in 2008-09 Wearside League champions. For the first three weeks of last season they were top of our first division and with ground facilities changed almost beyond recognition.

“The curious thing is that gates have fallen season by season, a disappointing 124 paying to see Hebburn’s 4-1.”

It has led to much head scratching at the club. How could a club attract 200 in the Wearside League with ease, but struggle to match it against non-league heavyweights such as Bishop Auckland, Whitley Bay and West Auckland? Finding the answer could help the Royal Blues challenge at the top of the table.

Have you stopped going for a particular reason? Is there something stopping you from going? If so, the club would like to hear why. Send your comments to glenr2790@gmail.com.

Never been before? Then get down next Saturday, February 23rd as they host Newcastle Benfield in a game that could prove decisive in the club’s battle to remain in the first division.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Saturday 16th February: Dunston (A) 3pm

Saturday 23rd February: Newcastle Benfield (H) 3pm

Wednesday 27th February: Bedlington (A) 7.30pm

Saturday 2nd March: Billingham Town (A) 3pm

Tuesday 5th March: Celtic Nation (A) 7.30pm

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk