By Martin Walker
Two North-East MPs will lock horns today when their football clubs go head-to-head.
In the blue corner is Newton Aycliffe FC president and Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, while in the red corner is Middlesbrough South MP and Guisborough Town president Tom Blenkinsop (pictured above).
Both Middlesbrough supporters and Labour Whips, their Northern League clubs will play each other in a first division match at Moore Lane Park in Aycliffe today (3pm).
“We’re both really looking forward to it,” said Mr Wilson (pictured below).
“The football club here at Aycliffe is one of the main hubs of the community.
“Football has such an important part to play and we’ve seen in Darlington how passionate people in this corner of the country feel about their clubs.
“Newton Aycliffe have done tremendously well in the last few years and are well supported by fans, but they’re desperate for more business support by way of advertising and sponsorship.
“Tom is a big football fan and is president of Guisborough, we’re both Boro fans but I have my Aycliffe scarf on my office wall and Tom has his Guisborough scarf so we often share quite a bit of banter about our clubs!
“I know Aycliffe is highly-regarded by a lot of people and have done very well – I want to see it do even better in the future so I’ll do whatever I can to encourage businesses to come along.”
Phil Wilson spoke to Aycliffe Today about Aycliffe FC and other local issues in a two-part video interview last week – go to our Video Vault to see them now.
The match between Aycliffe and Guisborough kicks off at 3pm today – admission is £5 adults and £3 concessions.