Match Preview – Wednesday 17th September 2014
NEWTON AYCLIFFE vs NORTON & STOCKTON ANCIENTS
Durham Challenge Cup, Prelim.
AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium. Kick off 7.30pm.
By Paul McGeary
Newton Aycliffe will look to bounce back from three straight defeats as they begin their Durham Challenge Cup assault with a home tie against second division Norton.
While some may say that the cup offers light relief from a league campaign which has yielded just two victories, others will point to the Newtonians’ failures in both the FA Cup and FA Vase already.
Norton arrive at the AuxAudio.co.uk Stadium placed healthily in 7th spot, having lost just one of their opening eight fixtures, winning five and drawing twice.
The Ancients have scored 20 goals already this season, with Gary Mitchell and Rocky Andrews in fine goalscoring form. By contrast, Aycliffe have scored only 10, with seven coming in two victories over Crook Town.
Allan Oliver’s side were rocked earlier this week with the departure of fan’s favourite Stuart Owen, but the Chairman-come-interim boss has his eyes on two new signings which he hopes will bolster his squad, which has also lost Craig Mickle to ongoing work commitments.
Oliver should have the bulk of the squad which travelled to Cumbria for Saturday’s defeat at Celtic Nation available to him, with nephew James Oliver expected to come back in to the reckoning, while injury victim Dan Mitton is nearing full fitness and may again make the bench.
Tale of the tape
Key Man: Zak Boagey
One to Watch: Rocky Andrews
Familiar Faces: Harrison Davies
Form Guide: Newton Aycliffe LLWLLL Norton WDLWWW
Last Season: N/A
