Birtley Town 1, Newton Aycliffe 1
(Newton Aycliffe win 4-2 on penalties)
By Bob Wood
Newton Aycliffe progressed to the first round proper of the Isuzu FA Vase thanks to a win at Birtley Town on Saturday.
However, it took a penalty shoot-out to decide the tie with the sides level at 90 mins.
Aycliffe went into the match without strikers Jamie Owens (injured) and Liam Adamson (cup-tied).
The game got off to a disastrous start for the visitors, conceding a goal after just 3 mins.
Brian Atkinson’s side fought their way back into the game creating several chances with Ben Reay and Liam Jarvie going close.
It was Jarvie who got the leveller on 37 mins with a fine volley from a cross, giving the Birtley keeper no chance.
It was a landmark goal for the former Darlington Town forward, his 50th for the Newtonians in 96 games.
The second half saw some fine moves from Aycliffe but they were unable to capitalise on their chances.
So, finishing 1-1 and with no extra time or replays in the FA Vase it was straight to penalties.
Aycliffe found the net four times but Birtley put one over the bar and Adam McHugh ended the game with a save diving to his left.
In the draw, made on Monday, Aycliffe discovered that they will face a former manager in the next round.
They travel to Colin Stromsoy’s Newcastle Benfield for a game due to be played on Saturday, October 22.
In the meantime Aycliffe return to League action this Saturday (October 1) when Northallerton Town will be the visitors to the SecuriCorp Stadium, Moore Lane (kick off 3pm).
The above picture, by Yvonne Wood, shows Adam McHugh’s penalty save which put Aycliffe through to the next round of the FA Vase.