Newton Aycliffe begin their campaign in the Buildbase FA Vase this weekend with a home tie against Barnoldswick Town.
The FA Vase gets underway this weekend despite last season’s final not having been played yet.
The Consett v Hebburn final should have been played at Wembley on Sunday September 27. However, this has now been postponed by the FA following the latest govt restrictions.
Meanwhile the 2020-21 competition gets underway on Saturday (September 19). Colin Stromsoy will be hoping his side can make amends for their early exit from the FA Cup.
Barnoldswick Town of the North West Counties League will be the visitors to the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium, and it won’t be their first visit. Aycliffe beat them 3-0 in 2015-16 in what proved to be Aycliffe’s most successful Vase season, reaching the fifth round.
Barnoldswick exited the FA Cup last Saturday so, like Aycliffe, will be keen to get off to a good start in the Vase.
Kick off is 3pm on Saturday with admission £6 adults and £4 concessions. It will be pay on gate but spectators are asked to bring exact change if possible to minimise cash handling. All spectators are required to participate in track and trace. This couldn’t be simpler if you have a smartphone. All you have to do is scan a QR code at the gate. If you don’t have a smartphone please fill in your details on the list as you come into the ground.
Aycliffe earned a point in a hard-fought league game at home to Shildon last Saturday.
The visitors took the lead in the second half but then had a man sent off for a dangerous tackle.
Aycliffe equalised through a cracking goal from Ben Reay, scoring against his old club.
Aycliffe were due to travel to Whitley Bay on Tuesday (September 22), but that game has been postponed as Bay will be playing in the FA Cup that night. It’s one of two fixtures which are awaiting a new date.
You can keep up-to-date with fixtures at newtonaycliffefc.co.uk.