By Paul Blythe
A round-up of football from Newton Aycliffe Junior Section.
Under 7’s – Travelled to Seaton Carew in their last league game before Christmas. Aycliffe experimented with players in different positions and played some lovely football in freezing conditions. The goals were scored by Harry, Theo, and Alfie.
Under 8’s Reds – Faced Whinney Banks, despite the cold weather, Aycliffe played amazing with two goals from Kian and a MOTM for Aycliffe’s number seven.
Under 8’s – Faced Chilton Junior Blues, Aycliffe played well, but with only five players and a change to goalkeeper three times through injury, they could not get the result they wanted. Aycliffe’s goal was scored by Louie, who was awarded opposition coaches MOTM. Parents MOTM was Seb.
Under 8’s Juniors – Faced Norton & Stockton Ancient Ambers in the final game of the season. The game was fast and furious from the whistle. Aycliffe’s two goals were scored by Lincoln, Aycliffe finish the season undefeated. MOTM was awarded to Luke and Joey, the two goalkeepers for great saves and distribution of the ball.
Under 9’s – Played against a tough Darlington TSC side, in cold conditions. Aycliffe worked hard throughout the game, with MOTM awarded to Isaac by the opposition manager, for his bravery and willingness to step forward with the ball from defence.
Under 10’s Reds – Played against Kader, in tough game for both sides, it was Marshall who opened the scoring with a long-range effort. Aycliffe couldn’t find another goal, despite their efforts. MOTM was Fletcher for a strong defensive display.
Under 11’s Blacks – Travelled to face Prissick Rovers United. Aycliffe started off fast and were dominant in possession throughout, playing some great through balls for the forwards to get in behind the opposition defence. There was a first half hat-trick for Fin, with Max (2) and Tyler (2) rounding up the scoring. The opposition awarded MOTM to Fin who caused them problems all game. Coaches MOTM was Findlay, who worked hard and never put a foot wrong in defence all game.
Under 13’s – Entertained TIBS, scoring three second half goals to come away with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Aycliffe played some unbelievable football, with goals coming from Archie and Grayson (2). MOTM was Grayson.
Under 14’s – Travelled to Riverside Juniors, with two debuts for Harry and Luke T. Aycliffe tore the opposition apart coming away with an 8-1 win. There was a particularly impressive performance from MOTM Blake, who helped himself to a hat-trick and two assists. The other goals were scored by Mo (2), Harry, Luke T, and Ryan.
Under 15’s Blacks – Travelled to Prudhoe in a reversed league fixture. Aycliffe started strong with an early goal from Joseph. Prudhoe rallied and eventually come away with a 2-1 win. In the second half, Harry made a great penalty save and Jayden thought he had scored the equaliser, only for it to be ruled out for offside. MOTM was Danny.
Under 15’s Whites – Travelled to Redcar, looking to complete their first double this season. Aycliffe played some fantastic football and were dominant, however it was Redcar who took the lead against the run of play. It didn’t take Aycliffe long to level through Jayden, then Noah played a perfect through ball for Tom to finish. Into the second half, Jake G played Tom through to Aycliffe a 1-3 lead. Redcar managed to score a second, buy Aycliffe defended resiliently to hold on to a 2-3 win. MOTM was Lewis.
Under 16’s Reds – Travelled to last season’s league winners Guisborough and put in arguably their best performance since forming. Aycliffe come away with a 3-0 win which was wrapped up by half time with goals from Fin and MOTM Will, who helped himself to a brace.
Under 16’s Whites – Couldn’t get the result they wanted at home to Greatham, losing 3-1. Aycliffe struggled to convert the chances they created, with the only goal coming from McKenzie. MOTM was Tyler.