By Dave Strickland
Newton Aycliffe slipped to 14th in the Northern League first division table after a 2-0 defeat at home to Team Northumbria on Saturday.
The Newtonians got off to a bad start against the Northumbria University students when they went behind after five minutes, when centre forward Ardelean got ahead of his marker and headed in a cross.
Aycliffe had a chance to equalise on 13 minutes but Stuart Banks missed a penalty. Then the students also missed a penalty on 20 minutes when home keeper James Winter saved.
Aycliffe took forward Matty Pennal off just before half-time and replaced him with midfielder Sean Tarling.
But the students were on top in the second half, due to an insipid Aycliffe performance, and went two up when they went straight through a non-existent defence.
Keeper James Winter brought down a player and was sent off for two cautions. Grant Hickman went in goal.
The students could have made it three, but hit the bar with five minutes to go.
Next up is Newcastle Benfield at home on Tuesday September 5 (7.30pm).