Newton Aycliffe 0, Shildon 1
By Dave Strickland
Newton Aycliffe lost to neighbours Shildon in front of a bumper Boxing Day crowd at Moore Lane Park.
With 265 in attendance, the derby followed the same pattern as Aycliffe’s cup defeat against the Railwaymen a few days earlier, in that Shildon dominated the first half and Aycliffe the second.
Both sides had free kicks in good positions early on, but Palmer and Ethan Wood both failed to trouble the keepers.
Palmer and Trotter had further chances for Shildon, but neither troubled James Winter.
Shildon built a good move on the half hour, but no-one was in the six yard box to tap in a great cross.
Aycliffe man-of-the-match Dan Mitton marshalled the defence well. Shildon continued to press and Winter made a great save five minutes before the break to keep the score goalless.
Both sides had chances early in the second half, but it was Shildon who made the breakthrough on 61 minutes when a poor clearance went straight to Palmer, who hit his shot low into the corner of the net.
Aycliffe pushed further forward and started to get the upper hand; Vinny Gash had a sharp shot well saved by Shildon keeper Newbrook.
Three minutes later Aycliffe built a great move and got the ball into the six yard box, only for Shildon to somehow scramble it away under pressure from Daniel Wright.
Aycliffe substitute Ali Alshabeeb took the game to Shildon as soon as he came on, and he soon had a good shot well blocked by the Shildon defence.
Shildon fell back in order to hold on to their lead, and Aycliffe threw bodies forward to try and get an equaliser. Shildon held on though and took the three points.
Aycliffe travel to Whitley Bay in league action today (December 29).
