Pre-season friendly
Newton Aycliffe 0, Morpeth Town 2
Friday, July 28
By Ryan Livingston
Newton Aycliffe FC completed their busy pre-season programme last weekend as the Newtonians prepare for a historic season in the Northern Premier League.
Aycliffe’s final pre-season test came against Morpeth Town, with Brian Atkinson’s side losing 2-0.
It was always going to be a tough test for the home side, which featured several new trialists, against an away team which featured former Darlington and York City winger Vinnie Steels, and former Hartlepool United captain Liam Noble.
Morpeth were a threat from the off, Liam Miller and Andrew Johnson both coming close for the visitors early in the first half. Andrew Johnson and Vinnie Steels consistently caused trouble for the home side.
While the game was end to end, and Aycliffe did have promising chances, the visitors seemed to get closer to scoring and in the 25th minute Josh King fired a long range strike from outside the box into the top corner to make it 1-0 to Morpeth.
Aycliffe then went on to have the majority of attacking play, but still failed to breach the Morpeth defence.
The second half had even more promising attacks for Aycliffe, but it was Morpeth who scored again, a well worked attack lead to a tap in for Jack Foalle, who made it 2-0 to The Highwaymen.
The home side did show lots of skill towards the end of the game, with an attack in the 83rd minute only narrowly going wide. While the home side were certainly skilled on the night, no chance truly challenged Morpeth’s keeper James Anderson. Despite this, their were many positives for Aycliffe to take from the match.
Attention now turns to the Emirates FA Cup with Aycliffe visiting Guisborough Town on Saturday 5th August.
They will again be on their travels on Saturday 12 August as Aycliffe play their first ever game in the Northern Premier League against North Ferriby.
Supporters wanting to travel to that match can book a seat by emailing [email protected]. Seats cost £20 and must be paid in advance.