Brighouse Town 0, Newton Aycliffe 2
By Bob Wood
A goal either side of half time gave Aycliffe victory in their first ever appearance in the first qualifying round of the a Emirates FA Cup.
The win came against a Brighouse side who play one league higher than the Newtonians.
Click here for details of the second qualifying round.
Aycliffe started brightly against Brighouse with Matty Moffat winning a corner after five minutes. Dennis Knight’s low cross was met by Alex Kitchen whose shot was cleared.
Brighouse almost took the lead three minutes later but keeper James Winter pulled off the first of many great saves he needed to make during the game.
Both sides had chances as the first half progressed but as the break approached Aycliffe and in particular Matty Moffat began to put pressure on the home defence.
Three minutes before the break Moffat was played through by Ashley Coffey but his shot was blocked by the Brighouse keeper. On the stroke of half-time the same players combined but this time Moffat was able to squeeze the ball past the keeper from a tight angle.
Within a minute of the second half getting under way Dennis Knight made it 2-0 with a spectacular solo effort. Tricking his way past two defenders Knight unleashed a long range shot which was out of the reach of the keeper and into the top of the net.
Five minutes later Aycliffe had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Moffat appeared to be bundled over in the box following a great ball through from Zak Boagey.
Brighouse fought back and Winter was forced into action pulling off a fantastic double save after 67 minutes.
The home side continued to press and had two goals disallowed for offside. Winter made two more great saves in the last five minutes but Aycliffe held out to earn their greatest victory in their 50 year history.
Whatever else this season brings Aycliffe’s loyal supporters will long remember this fantastic win achieved thanks to the hard work of the whole team.
Aycliffe now return to league action with a home game against Sunderland RCA this Saturday (19th September). Admission is £6 for adults and £4 concessions with under 12’s going free.