By Gary Beacom
Newton Aycliffe U8s Blacks hosted Darlington Spraire lads this week. Playing into a strong wind in the first half, Aycliffe were up against it from the start and struggled to get their game going. A tough first half found them heading in behind at half time. Despite the score Aycliffe did not let their heads drop and put in a much improved second half performance, finally getting their passing game going and creating chances. Aycliffe managed a consolation goal through Regan. MOTM went to Max.
U9 Whites played against SR Predators. This was a close game throughout. Predators took an early lead when Aycliffe failed to clear their lines but Aycliffe did not panic and pulled a goal back through Dom. Aycliffe had a reshuffle at half time after goalkeeper Jenson was injured following a top class save from a free kick. Daniel took over as keeper. Some great link up play between Tyler, Jonah and a great finish from Jack saw Aycliffe take the lead. Some fantastic defending from Sammy, some great saves from Daniel and a goal line clearance from Noah. Goals came from Dom, Jack and OG. MOTM went to Sammy and Daniel.
U9s Blacks played Blackhall Monks this week. In very windy conditions Aycliffe played the first half into the wind and it proved to be a tight half. Jake made some great saves to keep Aycliffe level. Second half playing with the wind meant Aycliffe got more of the ball, scoring more goals including a lovely looping shot from just inside the opposition’s half. Great display by everyone today, Max got all goals but worked well with others and set James up to nearly get his 1st of the season. MOTM went to Max.
U10s played away to Wynyard which was their first game of the season. They had a difficult game this week, although they put up a good battling performance with goals from Sam and Archie x2. MOTM went to Archie.
Aycliffe U12s Blacks played away to Oustan Eagles this week. From the first whistle Aycliffe were bright and confident and managed to get an early goal. Aycliffe played such a technical game and were rampant in front of goal; they were an absolute joy to watch with their passing, shooting, tackling and positional play. Second half Aycliffe had the wind on their side, using it well to their advantage. Alex won a penalty and dutifully put it away. Despite Aycliffe’s excellent display they were still unable to keep a clean sheet with Oustan managing to get a consolation goal. Goals came from Keaton, Alex, Steven and Danny. MOTM went to Alex.
U13s Whites played Bishop Auckland St Mary’s Kings this week. Playing against a strong wind in the first half Aycliffe played some excellent football, keeping the ball on the floor and creating lots of opportunities. Aycliffe scored three very well worked goals with some excellent build up play, with Tyler scoring two and Niall scoring the other. Second half Aycliffe started moving the ball quickly again and scored 3 further goals to move ahead. Tyler completed his hatrick with a finish into the top corner, Niall scored a volley from a corner and Connor beat his man at the front post to score a volley. Bishop added a consolation goal at the end and the game finished 6-2 to record Aycliffe’s first win of the season.
U14s entertained Blackwell Rangers at home. Aycliffe broke the deadlock after a tight start with 2 goals from Travis and one from Jordan giving Aycliffe a three nil lead at half time. It was a strong second half performance in a physical game, three further goals from Travis and goal each for Alfie and Jake giving the lads an 8-0 win. The result leaves the lads top of the league with a 100% record after 4 games
U15s travelled to play League Leaders Hetton Pumas this week in very much a game of two halves. The first half saw Aycliffe dominate possession, with a well worked goal giving Bo the chance to open the scoring, an excellent header from Bailey restoring the lead after a Hetton equaliser. Despite another outstanding performance in goal from Shae, the elements and lack of subs saw Aycliffe picked off in the second half as they grew tired. Goals came from Bo and Bailey. MOTM – Bo
U16s lost at home 3-4 in an ill-tempered match against Nunthorpe Athletic Yellows. Aycliffe went in three nil down at half time but in the second half they managed to claw it back to 3-3 with goals from Brennan x2 and Callum x1. A debatable decision gave Nunthorpe a penalty, their second of the game which saw them take all three points.