Lower Breck 3, Newton Aycliffe 2
Buildbase FA Vase
By Bob Wood
It was a Halloween horror for Aycliffe as two own goals contributed to their demise in this season’s FA Vase.
Even more unfortunately both OG’s were scored by the same player, Marc Costello.
Saturday saw Aycliffe travel to the Anfield Sports Centre, Liverpool to play Lower Breck of the North West Counties League.
As per FA guidance for Tier 3 areas the visitors did not take a ticket allocation for the game.
Those who did travel, largely committee members, were somewhat surprised to find that the requirement for spectators to wear face coverings (mandatory in Durham & Northumberland) does not apply on Merseyside.
Aycliffe were without regular goalkeeper Adam Pickford who sustained an injury in the loss at home to Consett on the previous Tuesday night. He was replaced by Adam Cameron, hurriedly signed from Whickham as cover.
The visitors got off to a poor start with a cross on four minutes deflected into his own net by Costello.
Aycliffe fought back with Liam Jarvie having a chance which was just wide of the post.
An equaliser came from Ethan Wood on 24 minutes in typically spectacular fashion with a shot from outside the box finding the top corner of the net.
However, the home side were able to grab a second soon after & took a 2-1 lead into half time.
The second half saw few real chances for Aycliffe until the 84th minute when Lewis Walton was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Jake Petitjean made no mistake, bringing the scores level.
With no extra time or replay in this year’s Vase most spectators were expecting a penalty shoot-out when the Halloween own goal curse struck again giving Lower Breck the win and a trip to North Ferriby in the next round.
Aycliffe were left to a subdued trip home, not made any cheerier by the news from Downing Street of Lockdown 2.
This effectively puts a break in the season with training and matches suspended from November 4 to December 2.
Fans are asked to keep an eye on the club’s website newtonaycliffefc.co.uk for further details.
