Our panel of three Aycliffe ‘experts’ give their predictions for this weekend’s game…
One point is award for the correct result (win, lose or draw), and three points are awarded for the correct scoreline.
Last time, doom prophets Dan and Glen took an easy point, by condemning the lads to defeat.
Scores on the Doors:
Glen Robertson – 18
Paul McGeary – 12
Dan Lewis – 10
This week, our experts cast their eye over the home derby with Shildon
Paul McGeary
Another game which historically swings the way of the visitors. Both sides won the away trip last season, scoring four times, while Shildon narrowly knocked Aycliffe out of the Vase after 240 minutes of football. The Railwaymen did prevail in the Durham Challenge Cup tie, again with a late winner and this season at Dean Street, only Adam Johnston’s late free-kick gave the hosts the lead and the points in a 2-1 victory. Since their Vase exit, Shildon have been a bit of an enigma, owing largely to the fact that their injury ravaged squad has had to contend with a game every other day. On Tuesday night, Aycliffe played with no fear against Spennymoor and almost came away with a point, meanwhile Shildon lost at Hebburn Town, a place where Aycliffe won only six weeks ago. Shildon play Billingham Synthonia on Thursday, giving them only 36 hours rest before this game and that could prove to be the leveller, as Allan Oliver hopes to have Sean Reay, Tom Hinchley and Kris Hughes back in the fold. I’m going to predict a victory for Aycliffe, giving them a confidence boost going into Monday’s game against the equally unpredictable Bedlington Terriers.
Newton Aycliffe 3-1 Shildon
Glen Robertson
Wasn’t Tuesday night more like it? A packed Moore Lane Park, a good atmosphere and a very good display from the home side. Unfortunately, the result was not there to go with it. But the lads will hopefully have picked up a bit of confidence from the display and they can take it into this local derby. And, just maybe, a few fans from Tuesday will be tempted back to Moore Lane Park again on a more regular basis. Shildon are another excellent side, but one who have injury problems and an incredibly hectic fixture schedule. It will be Darren Craddock’s last game until the final day of the season and he’ll want to sign off with a clean sheet. And Danny Earl will be itching to make up for the miss against Spennymoor. Aycliffe win.
Newton Aycliffe 1-0 Shildon
Dan Lewis
The game at Shildon earlier in the season was another one of the many this season where I felt we deserved more. A game we dominated for long periods, but were undone by a freak long range shot in the closing stages.
On Tuesday I thought the lads put up a really good show against the Vase finalists, and had we taken a couple of chances we had then who knows. However, again, that has been a bit of a story of the season. I hope however that the lads can maintain that kind of performance level for the remaining 6 games, which will give us half a chance of survival.
Shildon have been very inconsistent since they were unfortunately knocked out of the Vase, and the remainder of the season could go one of two ways for them. I hope they finish strongly, after Saturday of course, as they still have a number of fixtures to play which will help to decide our fate. However for now that fate is in our hands, and I think Allan and the boys will be targeting this fixture as one to get three points.
Newton Aycliffe 2-1 Shildon