Match Preview – Saturday 30th August, 2014
NEWTON AYCLIFFE versus CROOK TOWN
AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium at Moore Lane Park. 3pm kick off
By Paul McGeary
With both sides having crashed out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking, this hastily arranged fixture pairs the teams just two weeks after Aycliffe won the reverse encounter 2-0 at the Millfield Ground.
Crook were thumped 7-0 by Shildon in their extra-preliminary round tie while Aycliffe lost 2-1 at home to Yorkshire side Garforth Town despite leading the game from the early minutes.
Both sides find themselves at the wrong end of the Ebac Northern League table, with Crook in the relegation zone having amassed just two points from their five games so far. Aycliffe are just one point, and two places better off in 18th position.
The Bank Holiday weekend brought contrasting fortunes for the sides, with Adie Webster’s Newtonians losing heavily on both Saturday and Monday, 4-0 and 3-0 respectively at Consett and at home to derby rivals Bishop Auckland.
Crook meanwhile drew at home to Ashington – conceding an injury time equaliser – and in their clash with Shildon, fared better than they did in the FA Cup as they lost by the odd goal in five this time round, having come back from 2-0 down at one stage.
Aycliffe are buoyed by the return of defender Dan Mitton, but last season’s Player of the Year may require a fitness test on a troublesome knee complaint. Martin Young also returns to the squad after missing the defeat to Bishop.
Lewis Wing has re-signed for Seaham Red Star, a club where he finished the last campaign at meanwhile another player has been subject of a transfer approach in the week, but won’t be allowed to speak with his suitors until Wednesday at the earliest.
Tale of the tape
Key Man: Zak Boagey
One to Watch: Tony Stephenson
Familiar Face: Chris Renshaw
Form Guide: Newton Aycliffe LWLLLL Crook Town DLLLDL
Last Season: Newton Aycliffe 3-3 Crook Town