Newton Aycliffe 5, West Auckland Town 0
By Bob Wood
Newton Aycliffe pulled off a stunning start to 2023 with a comfortable win over local rivals West Auckland.
The win came thanks to two goals from Eddie Thomas, one from Liam Jarvie plus a brace from 16-year-old debutant Jacob Mallinson.
Despite missing two first team regulars (Marc Costello and Joe Ferguson) due to suspension, the home site looked comfortable from the start.
The first goal came after 13 minutes. A pass from Jarvie found Thomas just inside the penalty area. He turned and lofted a shot over the keeper and into the net.
The second goal came just three minutes later with Thomas again the scorer meeting a fine cross from the right by Ethan Wood.
West Auckland were reduced to ten men shortly before half time when Liam Potter was shown a straight red card for a foul.
Aycliffe continued to press in the second half and the third goal came on 55 minutes. A pass from Liam Adamson found Jarvie wide on the left and his shot from a tight angle evaded the West keeper.
Manager Brian Atkinson showed his confidence in the younger members of his squad bringing on three Under-18’s as substitutes.
Jack Clarkson, Charlie Dawson and Mallinson all came on during the second half with the latter scoring within two minutes of making his debut.
A long ball from midfield found Mallinson on the left wing. He cut inside before firing his shot high into the top corner of the net.
Eight minutes later he bagged his second, finishing well after a fine pass from Clarkson.
The visitors finished the game with nine men as Danni Lay was sent off shortly before the final whistle.
The result took Aycliffe up to second place in the Ebac Northern League Division One six points behind Bishop Auckland with a game in hand.
Next up for Aycliffe is a trip to Guisborough on Wednesday (January 11) followed by a visit to Newcastle Benfield on Saturday (January 14).
Their next home game is on Saturday, January 21, when third-placed Whitley Bay will be the visitors to the SecuriCorp Stadium.
The above picture, by Yvonne Wood, shows Mallinson scoring on his debut for Aycliffe.