By Gary Beacom
There were reduced matches this week due to all Saturday’s RFYL matches being off.
Newton Aycliffe U9 Juniors played their last friendly of preseason this morning away to Bishop St Mary’s Aces (TJFA Red Division). It was a really competitive game from the start, with opportunities for both sides but the keepers kept clean sheets for the first 20 minutes. The 2nd 20 minutes Aycliffe lost their shape & concentration a few times & Bishop capitalised. Some fantastic individual play from Jack saw them pull goals back but Bishop scored another. The last 20 minutes saw Aycliffe back to their best, passing the ball around, creating lots of opportunities & Jack managed to add to the score sheet again.
The under 11s were at home this morning playing Hurworth Albion FC in a friendly. Aycliffe started very well and took the lead with Thomas scoring his 5th goal of the preseason. Aycliffe scored before halftime after an excellent move starting with Jamie, a clever flick from Callum fell to JJ who finished it well just before halftime. Aycliffe made changes in the 2nd half with Logan going in goal and Theo at left back due to an injury to Zeke. Aycliffe played some fantastic football and scored again after Callum’s brilliant turn and strike, James and Jamie were solid all morning at the back. Hurworth got back into the game late on scoring again, an overall entertaining game.
U16s continued their fine pre-season form with a 5-0 win at home to Brompton today. In windy conditions the team kept the ball on the ground and played some great football. It could have been double figures but decision making in the final third was the reason for that. Brennan was clinical today scoring 4 and Lewis added one to make 5. That’s 23 goals scored and zero conceded in the last 3 games, Aycliffe have a tough test against Bishop Auckland next week who are 2 leagues higher but judging on recent form Aycliffe should give them a good game.
