By Glen Robertson
Newton Aycliffe look to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing draw with Consett as they welcome Marske United to Moore Lane Park on Saturday.
Aycliffe can stretch their unbeaten league run to 10-matches and atone for a surprise defeat suffered at the hands of the Seasiders earlier on in the campaign.
Marske beat Aycliffe 3-1 back on a gloriously hot afternoon in October, recording their first home victory of the season in the process. Allan Oliver’s side had travelled to Mount Pleasant Avenue as favourites, following victories over Consett and Billingham Synthonia and an unbeaten away league record, but the formbook was dumped on its head as the hosts eased to victory.
A wonder strike by Anthony Campbell had drawn Aycliffe level after the break, but a spectacular own-goal from John Close and a Chris McGill header gave Marske the three points.
Again, Marske head into the fixture in a bad run of form, losing their last four games. The Seasiders currently sit in 14th-place in the Northern League first division, with little chance of being sucked into a relegation scrap.
Aycliffe can consolidate their top-six spot with a victory, but Bishop Auckland, Bedlington and Ashington are within striking distance should Aycliffe slip up. The Two blues are four points behind with a game in hand, the Terriers six adrift having played two games fewer and the Colliers eight points back but with a massive six games in hand.
The game kicks off at 3pm at Moore Lane Park – admission is £5 adults and £3 concessions.
Next weekend sees Aycliffe travel to title-chasing Sunderland RCA, after the Northern League brought the game forward from April 28. The new date is Saturday March 3, kick-off still at 3pm.