By Paul Blythe
A round-up of this week’s football from Newton Aycliffe Junior Section.
Under 7’s Reds – Competed in the Flamingo Land tournament at Flamingo Land and put in some very spirited and wonderful team performances. Lots of memories made on the day and the boys loved every second of both the tournament and the park afterwards.
Under 10’s Blacks – Travelled to play Darlington Young Bulls, in three twenty-minute matches. The first match was level with a goal from Fin. The second match was not Aycliffe’s best performance with the team looking tired. Aycliffe bounced back in the third game, playing some fantastic flowing football with two goals from Fin. MOTM was Logan, new to goalkeeping but grew in confidence as the night went on keeping a fantastic clean sheet in the third match.
Under 10’s Blacks – Travelled to Middleton Rangers in a pre-season friendly. Aycliffe put in a wonderful put in one of their best performances this morning, passing the ball about and creating chances, culminating in a goal from Findlay and a first half hat-trick from Jacob. Into the second half Max fired home after a fine turn in the box, Fin then showed great individual skill down the left and scored. Aycliffe were awarded a penalty late on and Toby stepped up to score his first goal for the club. MOTM Jacob Caygill for his first half hat trick and a great attacking display in midfield.
Under 13’s – Played their last preseason friendly away to Birmingham Lions. After conceding first, Aycliffe bounced back in the second half scoring three times and dominated the game to win 3-1. Goals from Callum, Keaton, and Ethan. MOTM was Ethan.
Under 14’s Whites – Played away to Darlington Young Bulls, Tom opened the scoring, before Jayden went close. Jake C then put Aycliffe 2-0 up at half-time. Into the second half and Aycliffe started to tire, Darlington pulled one back, before Aycliffe missed a penalty. MOTM was Charlie who had a strong game at right back.
Under 15’s – Beat Middleton rangers 2-1 in a friendly, the opposition will be in Aycliffe’s league this season. Aycliffe played some excellent football and deserved the victory with goals from McKenzie and Jayden.
Under 17’s – Hosted a home friendly against Shildon, losing 4-2 in a close game against an excellent opposition.
Under 18’s – Had their final pre-season game Sedgefield who will be in Division 1 alongside Aycliffe next year. Aycliffe completed there 100% preseason, winning all seven games with a well-deserved 4-0 victory. Aycliffe played some good passing football, that the opposition could not deal with. A very mature performance from all sixteen players involved and looking particularly good going into league action next week. Goals from, Lucas Goddard, Alex Simpson, Zack Blythe, and Jack Clarkson.