Newton Aycliffe 1, Bishop Auckland 1
By Bob Wood
Newton Aycliffe gained a point at home to Bishop Auckland with a 1-1 draw last Saturday.
They got off to a great start when Ben Wood struck a sweet shot into the corner on five minutes, following good work by Jamie Owens.
On 19 minutes, Aaron Brown did well to get on the end of a free-kick, but narrowly missed the far post with his shot.
Aycliffe made a couple of goal-line clearances on 21 minutes to keep the score at 1-0.
However, Bishops got another chance on 30 minutes, when Aycliffe failed to clear their lines and as the ball bounced around in the penalty box, Jury was first to the ball to prod home.
Aycliffe pressed and Owens had a couple of chances, but put a header and a shot over the bar.
Owens had two further chances on the hour, but again put the ball over the bar on each occasion.
Aycliffe had a let-off on 71 minutes when a curling shot from Bishops centre-forward Ward just missed the upright.
Then it was Aycliffe’s turn to be unlucky when an Owens shot came back off the post.
The result leaves Aycliffe ninth in the Northern League first division, with two games remaining.
Their next match is away to North Shields on Saturday April 22. The last game of the season is at home to Morpeth on Tuesday April 25.
Football fans may also be interested in watching the Durham FA under 18s Cup Final at Newton Ayclife Sports Club at Moore Lane on Friday April 21 (7.15pm). This will between Bishop Auckland St Marys and Durham County Youth.