South Shields 2, Newton Aycliffe 2
(after extra-time: Aycliffe win 3-1 on penalties)
Newton Aycliffe reached the final of the Durham Challenge Cup for the first time in their history with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win at South Shields on Tuesday night.
The Newtonians came from behind to lead the semi-final clash in front of 517 fans at Mariner’s Park before the hosts equalised 10 minutes from the end of normal time.
But after both sides failed to score in extra-time, Aycliffe ran out 3-1 winners in a nail-biting spot-kick finale.
Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland star Julio Arca put the second division runaway leaders ahead from the penalty spot after 17 minutes.
The Argentinean later saw red when he was sent off in extra-time.
Aycliffe drew level three minutes later through Dennis Knight and Zak Boagey put them 2-1 ahead shortly after half-time.
But Michael Turner equalised for Shields after 81 minutes to set up the extra half-hour.
Both sides had chances to win it but the tense last-four tie went to spot kicks.
And former Aycliffe forward Warren Byrne was one of three Shields players to miss as Boagey, John Campbell and Stuart Banks slotted past another ex-Aycliffe player, Scott Pocklington, in goal.
Peter Dixon’s men will face second division mid-table side Whickham in the Good Friday final on 25th March after they beat West Auckland 3-0 in the other semi-final on Tuesday night.
