By Paul Blythe
Below is a round-up of this week’s football from Newton Aycliffe Junior Section.
Under 7’s Juniors – Played against a strong Washington United Yellows side and performed superbly. It was a great game and Aycliffe had to dig deep for the result with goals from Reign and Colton. MOTM was Zach who is growing in confidence every week.
Under 7’s Reds – Rounded off 2022 with great result against a very organised Riverside Juniors United, with Kian scoring four goals. MOTM was Leo who earned it for great concentration and working hard in his performance.
Under 10’s Whites – Had a tough match, but they fought hard and kept playing football throughout the game. Goals coming from Harry & Oscar. MOTM was Josh who was outstanding from beginning to the end.
Under 11’s Blacks – Had a cup game against Sunderland RTC, Aycliffe started off well, scoring after a good pass from Olly set up Rhys who finished with a great strike. Sunderland then proved a tough nut to crack in the second half and passed the ball well. MOTM was Olly for his confidence in defence, tackling and creating chances.
Under 14’s Blacks – Played against a well-oiled Peterlee side for the plate. Going into the game Aycliffe were twenty-eight games unbeaten and opened the scoring with a goal from Jake. Peterlee scored the next two goals to lead, before Danny set up Alex to finish well, the game ended up 2-2 and went to a penalty shootout. Jayden scored first, before Peterlee levelled to 1-1, then Adam finished well, before stand in goalkeeper Fynley danced on his line and the Peterlee player blazed over the bar. Zak then made it 3-1, before Fynley was the hero again saving the next Peterlee penalty. Danny missed his retaken effort, but it was not to prove costly as Fynley saved another Peterlee penalty to give Aycliffe the victory. The unbeaten run is now stands at twenty-nine games.
Under 17’s – Twelve game unbeaten run ended, away in the cup vs Sunderland RCA. For the second round in a row, Aycliffe played opposition from a division higher, controlling much of the play. They were rewarded for the good play when Anthony fired home, from a free kick by Jake. Sunderland equalised just before half time, with a neat finish. The second half was scrappy, but Aycliffe should have taken the lead when Noah, Morgan, Bailey, and Anthony all had chances in the same scramble, but somehow the ball stayed out. Sunderland were awarded a penalty in the last minute as the game looked to be heading to a shootout, George got a hand to the penalty but was unable to stop it slipping under him. Full time score was Sunderland RCA 2 – 1 Newton Aycliffe. MOTM was Liam.
