Newton Aycliffe FC saw their quest to move on towards the top half of the EBAC Northern League First Division table frustrated by the weather at the weekend as their home game against Durham City was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
With the visitors fresh from a takeover by former Newcastle United full back Olivier Bernard, it was a game that Allan Oliver’s men were looking forward to. They had revenge in their eyes as well, following the heavy defeat they suffered at New Ferens Park back in August.
However, despite the best efforts of the grounds staff down at Moore Lane Park, the recent heavy rain had taken its toll, and the game was finally postponed following a pitch inspection on Saturday morning.
On the plus side, it gives long term injury victim Stephen Gibson more chance of regaining fitness ahead of the run-in to the season, as well as being a couple of weeks further into the expected 6 week period that Oliver will have to do without hot shot Jamie Owens.
As ever at this time of the Northern League season Clubs start to face a fixture backlog. In that regard Aycliffe are not as badly off as many. They have played 29 out of their 44 league games, and of course they don’t have any cup commitments to distract them between now and May!
The Club have announced that the committee have decided to take on the highest peak in England to help raise funds for the Club, and prove they are just as fit as the playing squad! The sponsored climb is due to take place over the weekend of 5th April, and full details will be released in due course.
Next up on the pitch (weather permitting of course) is the short trip to Heritage Park to take on Bishop Auckland (and several former Aycliffe players) on Fri 7th Feb, followed by a third attempt at the game at Crook on Wed 12th, before returning to Moore Lane Park on Sat 15th when they welcome high flying and big spending Celtic Nation.
They follow that with another home game on Wednesday 19th when Penrith follow Celtic Nation across the A66. As ever, your support is very much valued by Allan and the players as Aycliffe seek to finish the season on a high and aim for a top half finish.