Newton Aycliffe 2 Durham City 1
By Bob Wood
Newton Aycliffe earned three vital points at home to eighth-placed Durham City on Saturday.
The win came courtesy of two goals from Dennis Knight, with the first coming in the 37th minute.
A weak defensive header fell to Stuart Banks who found Knight on the left. The Aycliffe forward shot across goal finding the bottom corner of the net.
Knight’s second goal came after 57 minutes when he found himself played through with only the keeper to beat.
The confident shot was fired home without difficulty guaranteeing Knight the man of the match award from sponsors Hewitts solicitors.
Durham might have found a way back into the game a couple of minutes later when a strong penalty appeal was denied by the referee.
With the clock ticking down Aycliffe provided their fans with some anxious moments.
Three minutes from time central defender Craig Garthwaite miscued, slicing the ball over his own keeper and into the net.
Fortunately that proved to be the last significant action and Aycliffe managed to hang on to take all three points.
Two away games this week, against Bedlington and Dunston, will be a stern test for Aycliffe but six points would go a long way to ease those relegation worries.
LEAGUE FIXTURES
Weds 11th March: Bedlington Terriers (A) 7.30pm
Sat 14th March: Dunston UTS (A) 3pm
Tues 17th March: Consett (H) 7.30pm
Sat 21st March: Morpeth Town (H) 3pm
Sat 28th March: Guisborough Town (A) 3pm
Sat 4th April: North Shields (H) 3pm
Sat 11th April: Ashington (A) 3pm