By Paul Blythe
A round-up of Newton Aycliffe Juniors Action…
Week Ending 12/01/2025
Under 8’s – Played against Boro Rangers in the third round of the League Cup. Aycliffe started slowly against a top side and were punished for it, conceding three goals in six minutes. After this Aycliffe seemed to relax and started playing better and scored through Oliver, Cooper, and Ollie, unfortunately Boro rangers progressed with a late goal. A particularly good performance from Aycliffe against a team five divisions higher.
Under 9’s Reds – Played Prissick Rovers City at Middlesbrough Sports Village, despite the chilly weather, Aycliffe put in a wonderful performance with two goals from Fox. POTM was Korben PPOTM was Leo.
Week Ending 19/01/2025
Under 8’s Blues – Entertained Kader Juniors in the second round of the challenge cup. After a slow start in freezing conditions Aycliffe started to play lovely football and put in a gutsy battling performance with goals from Alex (2) and Nate (2). POTM was Alex for his first half double.
Under 11’s Reds – Put in an impressive performance in the cup, with both teams battling hard. Jenson was awarded MOTM with an outstanding performance in goal, pulling off a couple of outrageous saves.
Under 11’s Blacks – Travelled to play Darlington Spraire Lads who are a couple of divisions higher, in a cup game. It was not to be Aycliffe’s day, but they played their part in a fifteen-goal thriller. A real highlight of the game was a hat-trick by JJ, Alfie S, Jack B and Liam scored further goals. POTM was awarded by the opposition manager to goalkeeper Liam B for outstanding saves and great goal.
Under 16’s Blacks – Played Seaham away, going down 3-2, in a game they fought all the way. Goals were scored by Zak and MOTM Leon.
Under 12’s Whites – Lost 4-2 against Harton and Westoe Avengers, Aycliffe were left scratching their heads on how they did not get anything out of the game, but it was not to be their day. William and Chase scored goals. MOTM was Harry P
Week Ending 26/01/2025
Under 9’s Reds – Faced Stokesley Utd on a very chilly day and put in an amazing performance with Leo getting the goal for Aycliffe. PPOTM went to Oliver and POTM was Jack.
Under 9’s Juniors – Travelled to face Leven, in what turned out to be a great end to end match. Aycliffe got straight to work with lovely passing football, resulting in an early goal and kept an excellent work rate throughout the game. The goals were scored by Lincoln (2), Connor, and Zeke with MOTM being awarded to Lincoln.
Under 10’s Whites – Travelled to face Dormanstown at Redcar in a windy and cold game. Aycliffe battled hard and came away with a positive result, with all the lads working their socks off. POTM was Freddie who made a couple of super saves and saved all ten penalties in the shootout at the end.
Under 10’s – Played a cup at home to Auckland Moors Greys in an incredibly good game of football. It was tense throughout the game with all four goals coming from Noah A, which took the game to penalties with Harvey P the hero, saving two penalties in the shootout.
Under 11’s Blacks – Entertained Riverside Blues and put in a dominant display. The defence looked solid winning all tackles. Alfie S impressed with another hat-trick, with Jack B and Grayson scoring the other goals. POTM was awarded by the opposition manager to Grayson for his work rate and effort.
Under 11’s Reds – Played against Darlington RA in what was a great game of football from both teams. Oliver T scored the goal after quick thinking to close down a goal kick.
Under 12’s Whites – Played Sunderland RCS Reds, starting on the front foot, Aycliffe dominated throughout winning 7-4. Oscar (3), Thomas (2), and Charlie (2) scored goals. MOTM was Arran S.
Under 12’s Blacks – Travelled to face Stockton Town Royals in the first game since before Christmas. The game started slowly with both sides playing good football and both goalkeepers making good saves. Riley scored for Aycliffe, but they could not find the result they wanted. MOTM was Findlay.
Under 23’s – Were deservedly beaten 4-1 at home to Spenny Volti. Ben scored Aycliffe’s goal with Curly being awarded MOTM.