Ryhope Colliery Welfare 1, Newton Aycliffe 1
By David Strickland
Newton Aycliffe came away from Ryhope Colliery Welfare with a 1-1 draw, but they should really have taken all three points.
They squandered several good chances, and conceded a late goal. Both sides played some good football in the extremely windy conditions.
Aycliffe had the benefit of the wind in the first half, and took advantage after only three minutes. Ryhope keeper Atkinson beat Shaun Hudson to a through ball, but his clearance ballooned to Ben Wood. He controlled it well and volleyed the ball back over the stranded keeper and the defenders into the top corner from 22 yards.
Wood nearly had a second on 17 minutes when his well-hit free kick was tipped over by Atkinson.
Ryhope started to get a foothold in the game, and Ellis hit the post after James Winter had pushed a shot out. Matt Pennal had a couple of chances before the break, but couldn’t increase the lead.
Aycliffe played against the wind in the second half, but were the better team again.
There were good chances for Vinny Gash, Stu Thompson and Ethan Wood but they also couldn’t trouble Atkinson.
The inevitable happened with four minutes of normal time left. A Ryhope corner was headed onto Jones at the far post to fire in the equaliser.
Deep into injury time Aycliffe man-of-the match Marc Costello got on the end of a cross, but somehow Atkinson kept the header out.
Moore Lane plays host to Newton Aycliffe Womens development team versus Gateshead Rutherford Ladies, at 2pm on Sunday 4, and Middlesbrough U15s versus Newcastle U15s at 6.30pm on Wednesday 7.