By Martin walker
Newton Aycliffe completed their pre-season programme with victory over Blue Square North side Harrogate Town on Friday night.
New striker Paul Robinson scored the late winner as Allan Oliver’s side got the better of a youthful Town in front of 104 spectators at Moore Lane Park.
Sean Tarling went close to opening the scoring in the first half after a good turn of pace provided him with a shooting opportunity, but his tame left-footed effort was easily saved before half-time.
Kris Hughes beat the off-side trap three minutes into the second half but his shot was deflected on to the crossbar by the visiting keeper.
Tom Hinchley headed just over the bar from a 65th-minute corner, and the home side produced a flowing move 10 minutes later – involving Paul Broom, Dan Robinson and Fred Woodhouse – before Paul Robinson’s overhead kick flashed just wide.
But the ex-Newcastle striker made no mistake with his late winner as Aycliffe claimed an impressive win to complete their pre-season programme ahead of the 2012-13 curtain-raiser next Saturday, at home to Holker Old Boys in the FA Cup.
Team: Pocklington, Oliver, Owen, Craddock, Peck, Broom, Wilson, Knox, Tarling, Hughes, P Robinson. Subs used: D Robinson, Hinchley, Woodhouse, McMullen.