Match Preview – Wednesday 10th September 2014
NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs MARSKE UNITED
AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium. Kick off 7.30pm.
By Paul McGeary
Allan Oliver returns to the Newton Aycliffe dugout after just four months away to complete a full-circle saga which has seen two managers come-and-go with very little success.
Rookie boss Aidy Webster stood down from his role in the wake of Saturday’s forgetful FA Vase defeat to Bolton-based lower league outfit Daisy Hill FC.
Webster remains at the club in his role as player/coach, a post bestowed to him under former manager Dan Mellanby who himself replaced Oliver in April at the climax of the 2013-14 campaign, but quit in July.
The Newtonians last league outing saw them dispose of Crook Town 5-2, but that was their first home victory – and their second in total – of the season, which sees them in the bottom half.
By contrast, Marske are unbeaten, sit fourth in the table with games in hand and are through in both FA competitions. And to rub salt in the wounds, are doing so with the aid of Oliver’s top scorer last season, Jamie Owens.
Fans favourite “the Easter Miracle” Fred Woodhouse is banging goals in for the Seasiders, while former Blue’s ‘keeper Dan Molyneux is assisting Carl Jarrett in the dugout.
Oliver can welcome back centre half Richard Langthorne following his suspension, while Dan Mitton will have a fitness test as Aycliffe seek a consistent, regular centre back pairing.
Greg Upton is available following the end of the cricket season, but James Oliver, John Close and Craig Mickle all remain unavailable for the club.
Tale of the tape
Key Man: Tom Atkinson
One to Watch: Fred Woodhouse
Familiar Faces: Jamie Owens, Dan Molyneux, Fred Woodhouse
Form Guide: Newton Aycliffe LLLLWL Marske United WWDWWW
Last Season: 4-3