By Martin Walker
Gavin Barton bagged a second successive brace of goals as Newton Aycliffe won 3-2 at Richmond Town on Saturday.
Aycliffe’s new striker scored two at home Percy Main Amateurs last Wednesday night at Moore Lane Park, and followed it up with another two at Wearside League side Richmond at the weekend.
Boss Allan Oliver, who continues his pre-season preparations with a trip to Gateshead Leam Rangers on Wednesday night followed by a home game against Blue Square North side Harrogate Town on Friday night, is pleased with this summer’s progress up to now.
“Pre-season is all about fitness,” said Oliver. “It’s really about getting minutes under the belt, and from that point of view I’m happy with that, and delighted with the five new signings we’ve made up to now.
“It will take time for them to settle in, and I think we need to be mentally stronger as well, because we switched off at Richmond on Saturday.
“But pre-season is what it is and I’m fairly happy up to now. It’s great to see Gavin scoring goals, if we give him the service he’ll score, and I’m confident he’ll get us a lot of goals this season.”
Barton got two during a confident first half on Saturday, while winger Stuart Owen netted the Newtonians’ third, but after a host of changes the home side managed to claw themselves back into the game.
Rory Atkinson reduced the arrears before a strike from Mark Sims gave the Newtonians something to think about but the Northern League side held out to claim the win.
NEXT UP
Wednesday 1st August: Gateshead Leam Rangers (A), 7.30pm
Friday 3rd August: Harrogate Town (H), 7.30pm