By Martin Walker
Relegation-threatened Newton Aycliffe will welcome neighbours Spennymoor Town to Moore Lane Park tonight for a crucial Northern League clash.
The Newtonians are hovering just above the first division drop zone with seven games to go.
Third-bottom Penrith have five games in hand and are just a point behind Aycliffe – but all of the Royal Blues’ remaining games are at home, beginning with Spennymoor tonight.
FA Vase finalists Moors – who play Tunbridge Wells at Wembley on Saturday 4th May – still have 15 league games to play.
They’re currently second in the table – 28 points behind leaders Darlington with nine games in hand.
That means both sides desperately need maximum points in this evening’s derby, as Allan Oliver’s side battle to retain their top-flight status after two seasons in the first division.
Kick-off tonight is 7.30pm – with admission £5 adults and £3 concessions. Under-16s go free with a full-paying adult (proof of age required).
Aycliffe have another local derby this Saturday, when Shildon come to Moore Lane Park.
Click here to see Aycliffe’s up-to-date results and fixtures.