By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe’s relegation battle was dealt another blow with defeat at Ashington.
The Newtonians put in another plucky performance at Woodhorn Lane in Northumberland.
After going a goal down in the ninth minute, midfielder Martin Young drew Allan Oliver’s side level as Aycliffe competed with their hosts.
But Ashington regained the lead just before half-time and a second-half goal killed off the visitors as they crashed to their 10th league game of the season.
Aycliffe remain rooted to the foot of the Ebac Northern League first division after 12 games, although their nearest relegation rivals, Billingham Town, were hammered 7-1 at home to Darlington 1883 to keep them within touching distance.
Despite a good start at Ashington, Aycliffe fell behind in the ninth minute when Andrew Johnson capitalised on Young’s poor pass and squared for Marc Walton to slot home.
Aycliffe equalised when speed merchant Danny Lambert skinned the Ashington full-back to the byline before pulling back for Young to make up for his earlier error by stroking home from six yards.
Johnson put Ashington back in front in the 44th minute when he latched on to a long ball from the keeper to slot past the advancing Scott Pocklington.
Ashington made it three in the 63rd minute when Aycliffe failed to deal with a right wing cross and James Taylor smashed home from eight yards.
Team: Pocklington; Hinchley, Harvey, Craddock, Close; Webster, Owen, Young; Hughes, Lambert; Earl. Subs: Woodhouse, Tarling, Knox, Broom, Butterworth.
