Newton Aycliffe 3, Guisborough Town 0
By Dave Strickland
Newton Aycliffe gave another accomplished performance at the Beaumont Landscapes stadium when they beat Guisborough Town 3-0 on Tuesday night.
It was seventh versus sixth, and the win meant that Aycliffe leapfrogged Guisborough (and North Shields) up to fifth position in the Northern League first division, with games in hand.
Adam Burnicle took only eight minutes to add to his impressive goal tally since arriving at the club. He received a good pass before getting through the Guisborough defence and slotting the ball past Catterick in the visitors goal.
There were few chances in the next twenty minutes as the midfields dominated.
Aycliffe then broke through again when Ethan Wood played Burnicle in and he made no mistake for 2-0. That was his fourth brace in as many games since joining the club. Unfortunately he had to go off injured on the half hour, so missed his chance to get a hat trick.
Aycliffe had a good chance to increase their lead right on half time when centre forward Andrei-Vasile Ardelean put his shot wide from a good position.
Gusiborough changed things around at half time and came into the game more.
Aycliffe keeper Adam Pickford had to make his first real save on the hour. Liam Jarvie then brought out an excellent save from Catterick as Aycliffe got into their stride again. Man-of-the-match Mark Costello was the driving force in midfield.
On 68 minutes, Aycliffe got their third. A rash challenge from a Guisborough defender resulted in a penalty and Ardelean stepped up to put the ball low into the corner of the net.
Guisborough were competitive in midfield but couldn’t convert their good play into chances due to Aycliffe’s organisation; they managed one more shot near the end but Pickford was equal to it. Aycliffe saw out time and took the win.
Aycliffe’s next match is at home to North Shields on Saturday (February 8, 3pm).
