Newton Aycliffe 1, Whickham 1
By Dave Strickland
Newton Aycliffe drew 1-1 at home with newly-promoted Whickham at Moore Lane Park on Tuesday night.
They started well; Aaron Ramsbotttom had a shot cleared off the line on 13 minutes, and four minutes later Daniel Kent had a header saved by Whickham keeper Mordey.
Whickham came into the game, and James Winter had to be alert on 26 minutes, saving a shot from Aiston.
Chances were few and far between until Thear got a shot away right on half-time for Whickham, but it went narrowly wide.
Aycliffe conceded six minutes into the second half when Brown put in a strong header from a right-wing cross, giving Winter no chance.
Kent then made a good run down the right and put an inviting cross right into the danger area, but there was no one there for what would have been a simple finish.
On 67 minutes Aycliffe equalised when a corner from Paul Weldon evaded everyone, and went in at the far post.
In the last 20 minutes Aycliffe got on top, with man-of-the-match Marc Costell prominent, and missed chances to seal the game, through Ward, Ramsbottom and McEvoy.
Aycliffe entertain Bishop Auckland in a local derby at Moore Lane this Saturday (August 25, 3pm kick-off).