Aycliffe Juniors continued their footballing season with another series of games for our younger teams…
The Under 7’s (pictured) were superb when playing against Stockton based Primrose Hill. They battled hard for every ball and showed great work rate. They conceded an early goal but then scored five of their own in a 5-1 win. Josh and Lewis had a goal each and Kai was the hatrick hero in this one. The second game was closer but Aycliffe still came out 2-0 winners on a day when a man of the match could not be picked as the whole team were excellent.
The Under 8’s enjoyed a match day experience with Darlington 1883 after winning their games against Trimdon 6-0 and 4-2. It was the penultimate game of the season for this team and they played on a bobbly surface which made going tough. Rhys scored from a free kick to open the scoring, then Jayden added another goal after a one two with Harvey. In the second half chances continued to be created and Harvey added the third goal and Jayden the fourth. The great play continued and Jayden completed his hatrick with Harvey then scoring the sixth. The second game saw goals from Jake and some good defensive work from Emrehan to give a 2-0 half time lead. Trimdon scored before Niall added the third and the best was saved until last when Aidan lobbed the keeper from the half way line for the fourth and final goal. Men of the match over the two games were Jayden and Jack.
The Under 9’s faced a strong Darlington Spraire Lads side. Positions were changed around to allow players experience across the pitch. Goals either side of half time ensured a win for Spriare Lads whilst Aycliffe had both some good passing moves and chances they could not score. Jake was the Aycliffe man of the match for a really good performance in an unfamiliar defensive position.
The Under 10 Russell Foster League side faced Chester le Street and notched up another win. Noah was superb and struck a hatrick without reply to open a 3-0 lead. The boys tired a little with only one sub available but closed out a 3-2 win. It was a brilliant performance from all involved, with Noah being the man of the match. The Under 10 TJFA league side dominated their home game against Billingham Synthonia and came away with a 3-1 win. Lucas struck two quality goals in the first half and Charlie crowned a good display with the third goal scored after a good strike from the edge of the box.
The Under 11’s didn’t have a game whilst the Under 12’s faced Barnard Castle at Sunnydale. Barnard Castle proved to be a formidable team and Ethan Parkinson’s goal was not enough to avoid defeat. The visitors were well organised and strong on the ball, but Aycliffe had some early chances with Dylan going close on a couple of occasions. Adam also hit the bar, with both himself and Jermaine making good progress down the flanks. At half time the strong visitors had opened up a 4-0 lead. Aycliffe’s battling performance continued in the second half and Ethan’s goal was reward for their efforts in a 7-1 loss. James was the manager’s choice as man of the match.
Neither of the Under 18 teams or Under 23’s had a game this weekend so our oldest team in action were the Under 14’s. They were at home against Redcar Town Whites who sat just one place above Aycliffe in the league. The boys started slowly and found themselves 4-0 down after twenty minutes. The end of the first half saw an improvement that carried on into the second half and a goal from Burrows then two from Hynes had Aycliffe back in the game at 4-3. Redcar got a penalty which deflated the home team who then quickly conceded again to make the score 6-3. The team though showed some great spirit and two more Hynes goals brought the deficit back to only one goal at 6-5, but this is how it ended. Hynes was man of the match not just for the goals but superb work rate and effort.