By Ryan Livingston
Newton Aycliffe progressed to the second qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup this week.
The Newtonians earned a replay with a 1-1 draw against NPL Premier side Bamber Bridge last Saturday, before a dramatic penalty shoot-out win at Moore Lane.
The away tie was a game where both teams had chances to win, but the game stayed a stalemate after Charlie Dawson’s 70th minute equaliser.
Charlie also becomes the third member of his family to score in the FA Cup, following his cousin Dan and uncle Bri.
The home side started sharp, and Bamber Bridge could have been 1-0 up within five minutes, but Lucas Weaver completely misjudged his shot and fired high it despite been in a perfect position to score.
Bamber Bridge would try go forward, but Alex Nelson and Toby Pascoe would both be on defensive duties to keep the opposition threat to a minimum.
Bamber Bridge were the first to score when experienced striker Mark Cullen tapped in from close range to make it 1-0 in the 40th minute.
It was almost an instant response however when in the 44th minute Cieran Jackson went on a long run and his low shot just barely stayed out the net. The first half ended 1-0, but Aycliffe were already showing good character and giving a very good account of themselves.
In the second half Lucas Weaver kept up his active role in the midfield, and his chipped shot narrowly hit the side netting. In the 63rd minute Ethan Wood was unlucky to have his long shot hit the top of the netting. Jim Pollard would be an integral part of the second half, Weaver almost beaten him in 67th but Pollard once again made a brilliant quick-reflex save.
A few minutes later in the 70th minute several Aycliffe players got in a crowded box, and Ryan Lincoln Barrow’s cross was whipped in and after chaos in the box found substitute Charlie Dawson and tapped in from close range. While Aycliffe had been soaking up some pressure, they were gradually growing into the game.
The remainder of the second half once again saw Jim Pollard make excellent saves, as Aycliffe managed the end of the game very well to pick up a very credible 1-1 draw away to higher league opposition.