Newton Aycliffe 2, Stocksbridge Park Steels 1
By Ryan Livingston
Newton Aycliffe followed on from their epic victory over league leaders Stockton Town with a 2-1 win over Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday.
Brian Atkinson’s side climbed up to fifth in the Northern Premier League Division One East table as they stretched their unbeaten run to nine games.
In comparison to last Tuesday’s gripping match, this game was a quieter affair.
Stocksbridge had the game’s first two chances from Jack Tinker and Ross Goodwin, but both went high over the bar.
Fortunately, Aycliffe scored with their first big chance after 20 minutes. Toby Pascoe crossed to Liam Jarvie who was deep in the Stocksbridge box and poked the ball past Ben Townsend with ease.
The first half scoreline remained 1-0, mainly due to Townsend doing well to deny both Jarvie and Ethan Wood’s strikes.
The second half proved a bit more interesting. Most of the early attacking was from Stocksbridge, starting with Luke Rawson narrowly missing a header.
A few minutes later, James Winter had to make a quick save after a swift low shot from Kurtis Turner.
The game remained rather quiet again until the hour mark, a ball from a corner was whipped into the Aycliffe box and Winter did well to deny Jack Watson from close range, parrying the ball away to Marc Costello who launched the ball out of the box.
Liam Adamson and Jarvie launched a quick counterattack, but Jarvie’s shot went high and wide.
The Stocksbridge pressure continued, and this time Costello could only clear as far as Luke Hogg, who calmly sent the ball past Winter to make it 1-1.
Stocksbridge seemed more than happy to play for a draw, while Aycliffe spent the remainder of the game searching for the winning goal.
Jarvie’s curling shot was easily saved by Townsend. Jake Petitjean also challenged Townsend but the Stocksbridge keeper once again stood firm.
Adamson and Kyle Davis have exhibited brilliant link up play throughout the season, and the winning goal was no exception.
Davis weighted the perfect pass to Adamson who feinted passed Tinker, and fired an absolute rocket of a curling shot that hit the top corner on the way into the net.
Davis almost grabbed a goal of his own immediately after, but this time Townsend found the ball with ease.
The two sides have just seven days before they renew their rivalry as the reverse fixture is at Stocksbridge on Saturday, March 16. Aycliffe then return to Moore Lane on Saturday, March 23, for the visit of Winterton Rangers.
• The above picture, by Yvonne Wood, shows centre back Dale Elgie in action against Stocksbridge.
