By Paul McGeary
Newton Aycliffe stretched their latest unbeaten run to 11 games as their patched-up side produced a dogged display at league-leaders Sunderland RCA.
Without ‘keeper Scott Pocklington, winger Paul Broom, midfielder Josh Knox and 11-goal Dale Jardine, the Newtonians shaded the few chances in an otherwise lacklustre game.
Mark Davison went close for the hosts with an early cross-come-shot while Ben Wood and James Oliver went close at the other end.
Aycliffe finished the half the stronger and ‘keeper Neal Anderson was forced into a flying stop in order to keep Nathan Wilson’s 25-yard drive out of the top corner.
Battling both the slope and the wind in the second period, Aycliffe still forced the best opportunity when Wood burst into the area but was foiled as Anderson spread his huge frame.
Craig Coates lashed an 87th-minute free-kick through the wall which stand-in stopper Steve Richardson superbly kept out with his legs as Allan Oliver’s men held on for a deserved point.
Full match report to follow…
