A planned busy weekend for Aycliffe Juniors was again affected by the weather, with only three teams playing but one group also enjoyed a fantastic weekend in a warmer Spanish climate.
The Under 9’s were away at Billingham Wasps and despite a whole hearted effort they found themselves four goals down at half time. Two of those conceded being from unfortunate deflections. Aycliffe managed to pull one back with Thomas finding a way past the impressive Billingham keeper. The final score showed a 6-1 loss but the seven available players did exceptionally well and showed good signs of improvement. Thomas was the man of the match for this game.
The Under 10’s Russell Foster league side played on Saturday against Velocity FC raptors, a side well established in a league the Aycliffe team have just been promoted in to. The Raptors slicker finishing was the difference as the Aycliffe team played well overall but were caught on the break three times. The game ended with a 4-1 defeat despite scoring first through Bo’s goal. The seven available players in the TJFA squad were unable to play their scheduled game with Seaton Carew as neither side could locate a suitable playing surface.
A group of players from the under 10’s sides including Aaron, Charlie, Harry, Jake, Ollie, Sam, Thomas and Zack were joined by under 9 Jake Blythe for a memorable trip to Barcelona over the weekend. After taking in a Messi hat trick at the Nou Camp during the Barcelona game against Grenada on Saturday the players got to enjoy their own game against the UE Cornella youth side the following morning. It was an early start after a long day and night before for the team, and their dads, in order to travel to Espanyol for the fixture. The boys faced a physically strong team who had some exciting talents and fatigue was a contributing factor when Aycliffe conceded late in the first half after an even opening to the game. Inspiring words from the ever youthful Aycliffe manager, Adrian, spurred the boys on for a difficult second half. Despite conceding again Ollie pulled back the crucial away goal to put the team in a good position for the second leg. With the Barcelona based team unlikely to travel for a repeat fixture to complete the tie, the contest will be classed as a great success and an overall win for Aycliffe in the memories of those involved.
Each of the planned games for the older sides were postponed due to pitches being waterlogged across the local area, any sightings of the big yellow thing in the sky would be greatly welcomed by all at the Juniors!