Aycliffe continue play-off push with seven points from three games

By Ryan Livingston

Newton Aycliffe are carrying on their play-off push after two victories and a draw in the past three matches.

Attention now turns to the visit of Garforth Town on Saturday – they are eighth, just two places behind Aycliffe, and they are the only side Aycliffe have not yet played.

February 18

Newton Aycliffe 3-1 Liversedge

An early penalty from Dean Thexton put Aycliffe in the drivers seat on just the 10th minute. The score remained 1-0 at the break and Dom Weston for Liversedge made it 1-1 in the 56th minute.

Aycliffe gained a second penalty however which was dispatched by Jake Petitjean. Dean Thexton wrapped up a home win and gained a brace when he scored in the 79th minute.

February 22

Carlton Town 2-2 Newton Aycliffe

Aycliffe’s long trip to Carlton looked to be pointless for a large majority of the game. Especially when Carlton made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute. Dale Elgie made it 2-1 in the 48th minute however.

Substitute Dane Eltringham was shown red late in the second half, but despite this setback in the sixth minute of added on time Wayne Whitfield fired an emphatic finish to make it 2-2 at the death.

The above picture, by Yvonne Wood, shows Whitfield celebrating the leveller.

March 1

Newton Aycliffe 2-1 Grimsby Borough

While the first half had little to write home about for either side, the second half saw three goals. Bradley Wood for Grimsby saw red in the 68th minute and this doubt helped Aycliffe who already had more momentum than the visitors.

Jake Petitjean carried on his free scoring season in the 79th minute to take his tally for the season to 20 when he found the net in a crowded box.

A few minutes later Liam Adamson cut down the wing with pace and calmly slotted the ball past the helpless Grimsby Borough ‘keeper.

Borough got a late consolation goal courtesy of Lewis Collins but it was too late to pose any meaningful threat and the three points were won by Aycliffe.

Northern Premier League – First Division East (top)