Newton Aycliffe 2, Shildon 1
By Dave Strickland
Newton Aycliffe played at Moore Lane for the first time since mid-November and gained a vital win and three points against local rivals Shildon.
The Newtonians were quick out of the traps and were two up early on. Firstly, Jordan Roberts received a pass from Ben Trotter and cut inside his full back before powering an unstoppable shot into the top corner on 12 minutes.
Two minutes later Roberts broke out of defence and released Craig Hutchinson. He beat his man and crossed for Ben Trotter to run onto it and smash it into the net on the half-volley.
Aycliffe nearly had a third on 24 minutes when a Stuart Banks free kick went just past the post. Shildon came back into it and had a couple of half-chances.
Aycliffe suffered a blow early in the second half when striker Hutchinson went off injured, and was replaced by Kurt Matthews.
Shildon were having a lot of possession without troubling home keeper James Winter.
This changed on 67 minutes when Shildon’s height advantage at corners paid dividends when Greulish-Smith got on the end of a nod-down to make it 2-1.
Both sides went for another goal but could only create half-chances, the game ending 2-1.
Aycliffe’s next game is against Washington at home on Saturday (February 10).