Newton Aycliffe 2, Shildon 4
By Dave Strickland
Newton Aycliffe lost at home to neighbours Shildon in the Durham Challenge Cup this week.
It was an entertaining game for the spectators, particularly in the second half.
Shildon started well and went close with a couple of early shots. Aycliffe then had a good chance, with Kurt Matthews putting a header wide.
Ex-Aycliffe player Ben Trotter hit the post for Shildon on 16 minutes. But a minute later they took the lead when Greulich-Smith headed home past debutant keeper Bradley Young.
Blackford had a good chance on 36 minutes to increase Shildon’s lead when he shot past the post.
Aycliffe started the second half well, with man-of-the match Ethan Wood dominating in midfield.
Jermaine Metz went on a mazy run and brought out a good save from Newbrook in the Shildon goal.
However, Shildon increased their lead on 52 minutes when Steel headed home a cross after a quick counter-attacking move.
Aycliffe then had two chances; Daniel Wright shot wide when in a good position, and Ali Alshabeeb hit the post with a powerful shot.
Steel the headed in a third for Shildon on 62 minutes after another counter-attack.
Aycliffe finally converted a chance on 77 minutes when Metz dribbled and skipped through tackles before slotting past Newbrook.
Aycliffe continued to press and on 86 minutes Ben Wood finished well to set up a finale.
But it was Shildon who got the breakthrough, when a defensive error let in Hird who had a simple finish for 4-2.
The teams meet again in the league on Boxing Day (1pm) at Moore Lane Park.
