Newton Aycliffe 1, Seaham Red Star 2
By Dave Strickland
Newton Aycliffe lost at home in the league, when they went down 2-1 to Seaham Red Star.
Both sides failed to produce any flowing moves and good football, with Seaham just about deserving the win.
Aycliffe suffered three injuries in the first ten minutes, and had to make an early change when Tom Gavin came on for Matty Pennal.
Aaron Ramsbottom got through the defensive line on 24 minutes, but was deemed offside.
Two minutes later Gavin was unlucky when he headed a cross against the bar, with Seaham keeper Hunter beaten.
Ramsbottom then forced Hunter into a good save, and then hit the side netting, as Aycliffe had a spell of pressure.
Seaham came back and ex-Aycliffe player Warren Byrne wriggled free in the penalty box, but curled his shot just wide.
Ryan Noble had a couple of chances for Aycliffe, but put a header and shot wide.
As half-time approached, Seaham had a couple of chances, but didn’t trouble James Winter in the Aycliffe goal.
Noble hit a good shot on target on 53 minutes, but Hunter was equal to it, turning it around the post for a corner.
Then Aycliffe man-of-the-match Winter made two great saves in the space of three minutes, as Seaham pressed.
They got their reward on 67 minutes when a defensive error let in Bryne and he ran on to slot past Winter.
Eight minutes later they doubled their advantage, when a cross from the left found its way through to Gardiner, who made no mistake.
Aycliffe tried to get back into the game, and Hunter made two good saves from Ramsbottom and Noble, before Ramsbottom scored in injury time, but Seaham held on for the win.
Aycliffe’s next game is at home to Whickham on Tuesday (August 21, 7.30pm kick-off).