This weekend sees Newton Aycliffe FC launch another bid to get to the home of football!
Following on from the disappointment of Spennymoor grabbing a late equaliser at Moore Lane Park in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie, and the subsequent defeat at Brewery Field in the replay, this weekend sees Oliver’s men return to action in the FA Vase.
This is a competition the Northern League has a great deal of affection for. The last 5 seasons have seen the Vase winners come from the Northern League, and it offers a realistic opportunity for the teams at this level to get to Wembley and enjoy a day in the National spotlight. Few in South West Durham will forget the scenes enjoyed by our FA Cup conquerors Spennymoor, and their Bank Holiday open top bus parade through the local streets. Could it be Aycliffe’s turn this year?
Whilst that of course remains a long way off, this Saturday sees a home tie for the Royal Blues, as they start their journey. The visitors, Guisborough are of course no strangers to Aycliffe, and will be hoping for a good Vase run themselves. They have recruited well over the summer, adding to a squad which proved to be competitive with all others in the Northern League last season. They, like Aycliffe, can count themselves among the few Clubs able to defeat the runaway Champions Darlington last season.
But Aycliffe have started the season well. Their only League defeat came on the 3g pitch at Durham City, and they acquitted themselves very well in the FA Cup coming so close to a major upset in knocking Spennymoor out. The performances have continued on from the back end of last season, when a run of 5 victories in their last 6 games saw them achieve safety after a season of struggles. A couple of new faces have been added, and players and supporters alike have a smile on their faces again, seem to be enjoying their football and as a result MLP is a much happier place again.
With no Premiership of Championship football this weekend, what better way to spend ‘Non-League Day’ than down at your local non-league Club. The game kicks off at 3pm, with admission prices at £6 adults, £4 concessions and u12s getting in for FREE!