Bishop Auckland U23’s 2 v Newton Aycliffe U23’s 4
The Under 23’s, part of Newton Aycliffe Youth Football Club, travelled for a Cup Semi Final against local rivals Bishop Auckland and one of the best teams in the area at this age group. Having lost to them in the league 5-1, they started as clear favourites, but our lads were full of confidence before the game. A great start for Aycliffe when, after nine minutes, Kieran Maughan set Sam Ions away and he was fouled in the box. Steven Dawson stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. Aycliffe were working hard in all areas of the pitch and then a breakaway involving Steven onto Kieran who passed to Cobi Jones, who calmly slotted past the keeper – a great finish for a 17-year-old. HT: 0-2 Aycliffe.
The lads were told to stay disciplined and keep their shape, which was making it hard for Bishop to break them down. Then 20 minutes into the second half Bishop win a free kick 20 yards out and score to get back into the game. However, Aycliffe pushed forward and with ten minutes left, some great football involving Callum Thomson and Jordan Wintersgill allowed Callum to set Cobi away and with another cool finish, against the advancing keeper, restored the two goal advantage. Then in the final minute, Jon Hardy popped up at the back post to score his first goal for the U23’s and put the lads in a commanding lead, 4-1. However, straight from the kick off Bishop scored a consolation goal, but no one cared as the final whistle blew – Aycliffe had sealed a great win and march into the cup final.