By Martin Walker Aycliffe boss Allan Oliver has praised stand-in goalkeeper Ste Richardson for his “mature” performance against top-of-the-table Sunderland RCA on Saturday. The Newtonians claimed a much-deserved point at Meadow Park – and could have clinched a win after having the best of the chances. But Oliver has singled out...

By Martin Walker Martin Gray reckons the Tyne-Wear derby is the biggest in the country. Newcastle lack horns with arch rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday lunchtime. And former Black Cat Gray, who has experienced the hostile rivalry, says it’s a game both sets of fans look forward to. The 40-year-old, who now runs his...

Saturday March 3, 2012 RESULTS ROUND-UP Courtesy of Ray Simpson FA Carlsberg Vase quarter-finals Bournemouth 0, West Auckland 2 Peterborough Northern Star 3, Dunston 4 (aet) STL Northern League Division One Billingham Town 0, Consett 1 Guisborough 3, Tow Law 1 Jarrow Roofing 1, Ashington 1 Marske United 0, Billingham Synthonia...

Craig Liddle's reaction to Darlington's 1-0 defeat at home to Stockport County is now in our Video Vault Click here to see it  ...

By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe stretched their latest unbeaten run to 11 games as their patched-up side produced a dogged display at league-leaders Sunderland RCA. Without 'keeper Scott Pocklington, winger Paul Broom, midfielder Josh Knox and 11-goal Dale Jardine, the Newtonians shaded the few chances in an otherwise lacklustre...

By Martin Walker Darlington slipped into the relegation places with a 1-0 defeat at home to Stockport County. Alfreton Town's 0-0 draw at home to AFC Telford United was enough for them to leapfrog Darlo after a frustrating afternoon at the Northern Echo Arena. A crowd of just over 2,200 watched Craig Liddle's side lose their 17th game...

By Martin Walker Brian Atkinson has spoken to Aycliffe Today for the first time about leaving Newton Aycliffe. The 41-year-old left Aycliffe as coach last November – this week he was appointed assistant manager at local rivals Spennymoor. In our exclusive video interview with Atkinson, the former Sunderland midfielder explains his...

By Martin Walker Police are appealing for witnesses after £127-worth of razor blades was stolen in Newton Aycliffe. The razors were stolen from the Wilkinson’s store in the town centre just before 1pm on Tuesday February 14. Police have issued this CCTV image of a female suspect they’d like to speak to in relation to the...

By Martin Walker Craig Liddle admits Darlington’s form is “horrendous” – but he’s adamant the Quakers can turn it around. Darlo were deducted 10 points for entering administration in January, and a nine-match winless run has seen them slide down the Blue Square Bet Premier table. They’re now fourth-bottom and only keeping...

By Martin Walker Aycliffe chairman Gary Farley has thanked former coach Brian Atkinson for the “phenomenal” work he did for the club. Atkinson was appointed assistant manager at Northern League title-chasing rivals Spennymoor this week. The 41-year-old, who joined the club as coach four years ago, played a major part in the...