Aycliffe Juniors continued their season with a series of league fixtures for all the players to enjoy.
For these fixtures to go ahead we are always dependent on referees so it was great this week that two of our players, Tom Cayless and Sam Dawson, both qualified as referees and took charge of NAJFC games.
The Under 7’s were again victorious with an 8-2 win at Billingham United Hornets. The team are improving their passing and also working hard for each other. This effort led to goals for Thomas (4) with Alex and Dylan both getting two each. The man of match was Alex and credit to Joshua, Thomas and Dylan for sharing the goalkeeping duties.
The Under 9’s TJFA league team faced Leven who had won four of their opening five games so far. Rhys scored the opening goal as Aycliffe took the lead after some quality build up play from James, Harvey and Jayden. Good defending kept Leven out and then Dom headed a goal to make it 2-0 at half time. In the second half Dom added his second and Niall also scored in a 4-0 win. The second game was won 5-1 and the mornings men of the matches were Harvey and Niall.
The Under 11 Russell Foster league team played at home against Washington Lions. The first goal came when Jake’s shot was saved and the rebound fell to Reuben who finished well for a 1-0 lead. Good goalkeeping and defending kept a clean sheet and then the second goal came, this time it was Noah’s chipped shot that was first saved but he followed up to score. Alex was named as the man of the match.
The Under 11 TJFA side travelled to play Whinney Banks for a clash between the league winners from either half of the league structure last season. The hosts dominated the first half and were 3-0 up at half time. In the second half Aycliffe dominated and had many chances with Lucas scoring, and an own goal also going in their favour. Aycliffe went on to create enough chances to win the game and both the side netting and cross bar took a battering but despite all the good effort and opportunities the game ended in a 4-2 defeat.
The Under 12’s won 3-1 at home against Darlington All Stars, the visitors started off well and took a 1-0 lead. This seemed to spur Aycliffe in to action and a great solo goal from Hume levelled the score before half time. Cayless finished the second goal well and then Clark calmly added the third to seal the win.
The Under 13’s were away to Kader FC and had to play with only 10 available players. All involved put in a spirited and determined effort for which everyone involved was really proud. They were defeated but stuck to the task until the end, Nathan was the man of the match.
The Under 15’s put on a great display at home against Darlington RA ‘Spitfires’ who have not had the best start to the season. This one turned out to be a one sided affair and goals from Stoker (5), Burrows (4), Hynes (2), Own Goals (2) and one each for Pattison, Sanderson Homes and Wardle provided a 16-0 win.
The Under 17’s faced Normanby and their struggle for a settled team continued as they prepared to kick off with 10 men before some late arrivals joined the team. Normanby caught Aycliffe on the break to score first before Nile got the equaliser. This pattern of scoring was repeated with the equaliser from Jimmy this time making the score 2-2. A couple of disputed decisions were made as the hosts gained a two goal lead at 4-2. Blake scored one to claw a goal back and make it 4-3 but this game was unfortunately lost 5-3.
The Under 23’s were away to Chester le Street in the league cup. They found themselves under pressure at the start but still scored first through Jack Oliver. Rob Gustard made a few outstanding saves but Chester le Street then drew level at 1-1. Aycliffe were dominant for the rest of the first half and four more goals from the lively Jack Oliver gave a 5-2 half time lead. The second half was quieter and a 5-3 win was secured and the referee named Jack Slatcher as the man of the match.
