Newton Aycliffe 3, Bradford (Park Avenue) 1
By Ryan Livingston
Newton Aycliffe put in yet another superb home performance on Saturday as they comprehensively defeated Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-1.
This was their fifth consecutive league win and they now lie eighth in the league.
While all the goals came within the first half, it was an entertaining match for those of an Aycliffe persuasion as the second half saw Brian Atkinson’s side utilize great defensive prowess.
Aycliffe’s first real chance culminated in the first goal of the game when Jake Petitjean’s pass found Liam Jarvie who rapidly outpaced Bradford’s Josh Ashman and coolly slotted the ball past Jack Hall to make it 1-0 in just 15 minutes.
The lead lasted minutes however when former Spennymoor Town forward Connor Shanks fired a spectacular curling shot on the edge of the D that caught Jim Pollard off-guard.
Keeping with the game’s end to end nature, Aycliffe once again restored their lead in the 20th minute when Liam Adamson broke free of Bradford’s backline and rocketed a shot into the top corner once again leaving Bradford’s hall completely powerless to stop the shot.
Either Adamson’s or Shanks’ goal would have been a goal of the game contender in any other match, but the headlines would be claimed by Wayne Whitfield in the 36th minute
Kareem Hassan-Smith’s clumsy challenge against Dean Thexton set up the perfect scoring opportunity for Whitfield, who is now known amongst the Aycliffe team for his deadly set pieces.
His incredible shot past 25 yards was drilled into the top corner once again leaving Bradford’s Hall entirely defenseless.
This goal by Whitfield, and the prior two from Adamson and Jarvie, are now available on the club’s Facebook and YouTube page, and certainly come as recommended viewing!
The second half saw a quieter affair. Jim Pollard saw out the second half well, as would Toby Pascoe, Alex Nelson, Ryan Barrow and Ethan Wood who also contributed a great defensive shift.
Park Avenue didn’t offer all that much, with their final noteworthy moment being a penalty call within the 85th minute that referee Alex Clark swiftly rejected.
Aycliffe play the last of their run of home games on Tuesday (November 12) when Ashington will be the visitors.
They then play two away games before returning to the Ashcourt Group Stadium on Saturday, November 23, when Garforth Town will be the visitors.
That game will be followed, at 6pm, by a Race Night in the Clubhouse which supporters are welcome to attend.
• The above picture, by Yvonne Wood, shows Jake Petitjean airborne against Bradford (Park Avenue).
