By Glen Robertson Newton Aycliffe Spartans were given a baptism of fire in their competitive debut at the weekend, losing both games in their first pre-season tournament. Taking part in the inaugural Leicester Spring League, the inexperienced Spartans were beaten comfortably by both Hull Scorpions (15-8) and the hosts Leicester Blue Sox...

Champions League Milan & Barcelona to produce +4.5 goals. The plum tie of the round pits the seven-time winners against the current holders, who are without competition, the best club side on the world stage currently. Both sides come into the game on the back of weekend victories, keeping the Italians four clear in Serie-A while...

Police are appealing for information after a CD player was stolen from a green Hyundai Coupe that was parked in a parking bay in Silkin Way, Newton Aycliffe. The theft happened overnight on Sunday 26 March. Anyone with any information should call Durham Constabulary on 101 and ask to speak to PC Paul Elliott. // ...

Parents and their young ones are going to have plenty to do this Easter thanks to Durham County Council’s sport, leisure and countryside activities’ School’s Out programme. Why not ‘Join in …’ a programme of events designed to encourage young people to take part in Olympic themed activities such as dance and football. It will...

Brodie Millichap picks out this week's TV highlights... Picks of the Week The Syndicate (pictured): Tuesday 9pm, BBC1. A new drama starring Timothy Spall and Matthew McNulty, which is based around a five-strong syndicate of staff at a struggling supermarket. They are all down on their luck, with their futures uncertain, when they win...

Colin McNeilie's action pitures from Aycliffe's 1-0 defeat at home to Spennymoor...    ...

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe’s losing streak stretched to four games with a derby defeat at home to Spennymoor Town. The eagerly-awaited local tie didn’t live up to expectation, as the two sides saw out a drab affair in front of a 313 crowd at Moore Lane Park. Craig Ruddy’s 17th-minute goal was enough for the champions to...

By Glen Robertson Newton Aycliffe slipped to a fourth-consecutive defeat, as title challengers Spennymoor left Moore Lane Park with a 1-0 victory. Moors, coached by Newtonian Brian Atkinson, won thanks to Craig Ruddy’s 17th minute goal, in front of 313 people on a gloriously sunny day at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club. Aycliffe are now...

Saturday March 24, 2012 Courtesy of Ray Simpson FA Carlsberg Vase semi finals first leg Dunston 1, Staveley 0 Herne Bay 2 West Auckland 2 STL Northern League Division One Bedlington 1, Guisborough 2 Billingham Synthonia 3, Penrith 1 Billingham Town 3, Tow Law 2 Bishop Auckland 3, Newcastle Benfield 2 Consett 1, Ashington...

Brian Atkinson said it was strange to sit in the opposition dug-out at Moore Lane Park on Saturday. Aycliffe's former coach, now Spennymoor's assistant manager, returned to take three points from Aycliffe. Go to our Video Vault to see his reaction // ...