By Martin Walker
It was a rollercoaster of emotions for two North-East MPs when they visited Newton Aycliffe at the weekend.
In the blue corner was Newton Aycliffe FC’s new president and Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, while in the red corner was Middlesbrough South MP and Guisborough Town president Tom Blenkinsop.
Both Middlesbrough supporters and Labour Whips, their Northern League clubs played each other in a first division match at Moore Lane Park in Aycliffe on Saturday.
And Wilson’s Aycliffe side ran out 4-2 winners after trailing 2-1 at half-time.
We interviewed the MPs before the game, at half-time and after the match, providing a mixture of emotions as Aycliffe came from behind to record a brilliant win.
“I’m not sure I like being in the blue corner!” joked Mr Wilson.
“But it was a good result. I was a bit concerned at half-time, but we got it together in the second half and confidence showed through, and I’m sure we’ll go on to get further victories.”
Mr Blenkinsop added: “It was a great experience – it’s a good little ground with friendly, warm supporters and we had good weather for it, too.
“These clubs rely on support from local businesses and we’re both trying to do our bit to get more of them involved.”
First-half goals by Adam Gell and Liam O’Sullivan gave Guisborough a 2-0 lead in the game before Aycliffe forward Warren Byrne scored a hat-trick to put his side in front, with veteran striker Dan Mellanby grabbing the fourth late on.
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Go to our Aycliffe Match Centre for our report, reaction and pictures from the game