THE JOURNO’S PANEL

Our panel of three football writers give their predictions on Newton Aycliffe’s game this weekend…

Three points are awarded if our ‘experts’ pick the exact score, 1 point awarded if they get the result correct.

All three experts again put the hex on Allan’s men last weekend, as the club opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat away to Marske United.
Martin Walker – 0
Paul McGeary – 0
Glen Robertson – 0

Looking to get off the mark this week, here’s what they have to say on the visit to Team Northumbria

Glen Robertson
Nothing has gone for the club so far this season. Woodwork has been hit multiple times, opposition goalkeepers have pulled off brilliant saves, and the injury and absentee list continues to grow. Team Northumbria will be another tough test. Even at full strength it would be a closely fought game. Team North beat Aycliffe, Spennymoor and West Auckland on the way to winning the League Cup last year and are a very good footballing side. I can see another difficult afternoon in store for the club, but I think they’ll pick up a hard-earned point and a much improved performance will give the lads confidence ahead of Monday’s huge derby against Bishop Auckland.
Team Northumbria 1-1 NAFC

Paul McGeary
Without being disrespectful, this is by far the dullest away trip of the season. The ground has no atmosphere or enthusiasm about it… I’m glad I’m missing it! Team North however do make up for it on the pitch, and they play an exciting brand of football and just the other night beat FA Vase holders Dunston UTS. Comfortably! I’m going to try a change of tact this week and predict a defeat for our boys – partly because Team North have won the last two encounters against us, handsomely – in the hope of turning our fortunes around. We’re also ravaged with injuries and holiday commitments, so I think even Dan Lewis is expecting a call-up on Friday night! No goal for the skipper either, as his drought continues!
Team Northumbria 3-1 NAFC

Martin Walker
We approach another game with renewed optimism, but it’s yet another tough test for Allan and the lads. Team Northumbria will still be riding on the crest of a wave following their promotion last season and recorded a very impressive win against Dunston during the week, after losing 3-0 at Spennymoor last Saturday. We’re admittedly at a low ebb – arguably the lowest since we joined the Northern League three years ago – but our manager is also known for pulling rabbits out of the hat when our backs are against the wall. More players are missing for the trip to Newcastle, too, so on the face of it you could say our chances don’t look good. But I expect the returning Darren Craddock to lead by example on Saturday – and I think he and the skipper will inspire the lads on to muster a spirited performance and a much-needed result.
Team Northumbria 1-2 NAFC