By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe begin their second Ebac Northern League top-flight campaign with a trip to Marske United today.
Allan Oliver’s side suffered a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of North-West Counties side Holker Old Boys this week, losing Tuesday night’s replay in Barrow-in-Furness.
But the Newtonians will look to get their league campaign off to a promising start when they go to Teesside club Marske today (3pm), followed by a home tie with Hebburn next Wednesday night.
It’s Aycliffe’s fourth season in the Northern League after their promotion from the Wearside League in 2009, while their 2010-11 second division title campaign was followed up by a ninth-spot finish in the first division last season.
Boss Allan Oliver is hoping to improve on that, saying: “We’ve improved our league position every season, going back to when we took over in the Durham Alliance League five years ago, and the aim this year is no different.
“We’ve added to the squad, I believe we have more experience at our disposal and I’m confident it’ll be another progressive season for us.
“Tuesday’s FA Cup defeat was disappointing, but it’s gone now. There’s no point moping, we have to move on and focus on the league and other cups now.”
Aycliffe drew 1-1 at home to Holker last Saturday and had to make the long trip to Barrow to replay the tie on Tuesday.
The visitors were on top for an hour, without hurting their opponents despite creating numerous chances, but Kris Hughes’s 60th-minute missed penalty saw the tie turn in Holker’s favour, as they scored three late goals to progress to the preliminary qualifying round of the competition, with a trip to Northern League side Crook Town awaiting them.
● Aycliffe’s first home league game of the season against Hebburn Town next Wednesday kicks off at 7.45pm, with admission £5 adults and £3 concessions.
SEE AYCLIFFE’S OFFICIAL 2012-13 TEAM PHOTO HERE