Newton Aycliffe FC v Shildon AFC

AYCLIF F E OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME | SEASON 2020-21 | ISSUE 01

NEW TON

SHILDON AFC

Saturday 12 September, 2020 | Ebac Northern League Division One | Kick off 3pm

WELCOME to NEWTON AYCLIFFE NEWTON AYCLIFFE FOOTBALL CLUB SECRETARY Stephen Cunliffe 01325 320656 stecunliffe@aol.com CHAIRMAN Allan Oliver TREASURER Yvonne Wood MATCHDAY SECRETARY David Strickland HEAD COACH Colin Stromsoy ASSISTANT COACH Mark Wood PHYSIO Jack Petrozcy MEDIA Joe Ramage joe.ramage92@hotmail. com Bob Wood 07766808407 COMMITTEE Graeme Jones Alison Strickland Rob Tarling Dan Mellanby Scott Brassell Andy McFarlene Paul Trippett

Hello and welcome back. Let me open by simply asking: How are you?

It has been a tough time for us all this year with a lot of uncertainty in our lives, with many bridges still to cross, but hopefully we can get back to some normality with football being a regular fixture back in our diary.

In such tough times the importance of football is put into perspective, but we are delighted to be able to get back doing what we love and to do so in front of our supporters.

At this point I would like to offer my sincerest thanks for choosing to read this, our first matchday programme of the new season. Given the circumstances following the postponement of Tuesday’s game and the FA guidelines put in place it has been very difficult behind the scenes, and we hope this at least gives you a sense of familiarity in being able to read a programme, albeit online.

In this issue we have an interview with our cover star, captain Aaron Brown, who talks about his time at Aycliffe and what it was like plying his www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

trade abroad before signing for the Newtonians in 2014.

Club Treasurer and Covid-19 Officer, Yvonne Wood, details everything you need to know in and around the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium and what measures we as a club are taking to ensure your safety upon your return to watching games.

Elsewhere, Chairman Allan Oliver appears in our special feature as we look back at one of the most enjoyable seasons in our history a decade on while former club treasurer, media man and lifetime Blue, Paul McGeary, dives into his notebook and looks down memory lane to recite his favourite moment against today’s opponents Shildon.

We hope you enjoy your return to the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium and be sure to help yourselves to the services available in the bait cabin, while we welcome you into the Sports Club after the final whistle to dissect the game over a pint.

Thank you. Stay safe.

Joe Ramage Editor

@NAycliffeFC

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CONT I N T O D AY ’ S I S S U E . . .

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FROM THE DUG OUT Hear from Head Coach Colin Stromsoy on today’s game

CAPTAIN’S COLUMN The Skipper Aaron Brown gives his latest thoughts from the dressing room

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YOUR NEWTON AYCLIFFE 2020-21 Player profiles and club history, it’s all here CLUB NEWS Yvonne Wood details the new normal at Newton Aycliffe Football Club

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THE VISITORS Everything you need to know about today’s opposition Shildon AFC

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MOORE LANE MEMORIES Paul McGeary joined Newton Aycliffe’s media team in 2008 ahead of what was to become the most exciting time in the club’s history as the Newtonians embarked on their rise to the Northern League. In seven years with the club, Paul fostered many memories as the club established itself as a mainstay in the league. In this regular column, Paul will look back down memory lane, recounting memorable matches, players and supporters alike…

S HILD O N A F C This was the one we had wanted ever since we first kicked a ball in the Northern League.

No disrespect to Darlington RA, Crook and the like, but this was our real-life local derby. Two sides separated geographically only by Middridge! Less than five miles covers the transit from Moore Lane to Dean Street. Many Newtonian fans live in Shildon, many Shildon fans hail from Aycliffe. This was the rivalry we had coveted.

In our title-winning season, Shildon had whacked us 5-0 in a pre-season friendly - First Division men versus Second Division boys. The gulf was evident. Even Allan’s money couldn’t match that of Shildon.

Gary Forrest had built a team of exceptional players – Sam Garvie, Bobby Moore, Billy Greulish-Smith, Chris McCabe,

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Keith Finch, the list went on. They’d even managed to get Wazza [Byrne] back from us, following his 44-goal haul that helped us to promotion just a few months previous.

We ended up playing Shildon no fewer than five times competitively that season, and it’ll come as little surprise that the only game in which we ended victorious is the one which sticks in my memory the greatest.

Weeks earlier, we’d lost an FA Vase replay late in extra-time at Dean Street, having matched the Railwaymen for almost 240 minutes. We’d go on to lose a Durham Challenge Cup tie and a seasonending deadrubber at Moore Lane as Shildon flexed their muscle over the Division One newbies.

However, October 5, on a wet Wednesday night at Dean Street, we showed up and gave Shildon such a one-sided hammering, we claimed the bragging rights for the 2011-12 campaign, despite a record of 1-1-3 in head-to-head encounters.

Mark Peck, Paul Broom and Stewie Owen didn’t even make the starting XI as Allan named an incredibly strong Aycliffe side and, from the off, Aycliffe laid siege on the Shildon goal. Elliot Gardner and Dale Jardine put us in control in the first half and by the time Glen Robson came off the bench and scored two wonderful goals in the second half – one, a magnificent chip which showed why he’d actually played in the professional ranks before his Northern League ventures - Shildon were shellshocked into retreat.

Wayne Gredziak’s late consolation did nothing to dampen Aycliffe spirits. It was an absolute doing, and no wonder why it is the game which gets every column inch in this feature.

Familiar Faces

occasions. His 44-goal haul in the promotion season has never been matched in Aycliffe colours, despite the likes of Danny Earl, Jamie Owens and Dean Thexton – all of whom have played for both sides of the divide – coming close.

THE VISITORS...

Newtonians Dion Raitt and Ben Wood plied their trades at both their hometown team and the Railwaymen, while Darren Craddock, the Rolls-Royce of all Northern League centre halves, enjoyed cup success at Shildon after two majestic seasons in the Moore Lane backline.

A mention in this column before I sign off to two men on the Shildon committee, and two men who I have such respect and regard for, despite our postal code rivalries. I wish Norman Smith and Wilf Tray a pleasant return to Moore Lane this afternoon and hope today isn’t a game that sticks in their memories – unless it’s for the wrong reasons. Enjoy the game.

Paul McGeary

Warren Byrne is probably the most notable name on the lips of both sets of supporters, as he traded tracksuits between the sides on numerous

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INTRODUCING

SHILDON AFC

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elcome to our visitors, Shildon AFC. Just 4.4 miles separate The Railwaymen from Aycliffe which means when Shildon come to town there is often more than just three points up for grabs. Over the years there have been a number of players to have crossed through the Middridge divide which also often adds an extra element to the fixture.

In recent seasons Shildon have held the upper hand over Aycliffe, with the Newtonians winning just three of the last 10 meetings between the sides; the latest being

Newton Aycliffe FC

a 2-1 win at The Beaumont Landscapes Stadium in the 2017-18 campaign.

The Reds were third in the league table in March before the season was declared null and void and they will be looking to repeat their fantastic efforts this time around to gain promotion as they boast a plethora of attacking threats in their side.

There are a number of ‘derby’ clashes on the fixture list each season for Aycliffe, but this game in particular is the first to be circled on the calendar as another chapter in this storied rivalry gets written today.

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FROM THE DUG OUT

ood afternoon everybody and welcome to today’s game. It feels fantastic to be able to say that after what has been a really difficult period for everybody, but I hope you join us today in both good health and spirits.

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Following the postponement of Tuesday night’s fixture with Sunderland RCA, rest assured we have taken every precaution and measure necessary in accordance with the FA and government guidlines to ensure your safety and wellbeing while in the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium for what I’m sure will be a really good game to watch.

With that, I would like to welcome Daniel, his staff, players and everyone associated to Shildon to this afternoon’s game. We are under no illusions as to how difficult a game this will be; Daniel has done an excellent job since taking over at Shildon, he always has very well organised and drilled teams and we will have to be at our best and most clinical in front of goal if we are to take all three points from the game.

REST ASSURED WE HAVE TAKEN EVERY PRECAUTION AND MEASURE NECESSARY

NEWTON AYCLIFFE CAPTAIN A ARON BROWN LOOKS BACK ON HIS TIME IN SWEDEN AND THE TEXT MESSAGE THAT CHANGED HIS CAREER

They will be a very difficult team to break down and will pose a threat all over the pitch with a number of top quality players in the attacking positions. They move the ball between the lines well and can easily dominate games if you allow them, so we really do need to be at it for the full 90 minutes today.

On Saturday, we earned a very creditable draw away at North Shields which was a marked improvement from what was a hugely disappointing night in the FA Cup last midweek at Guisborough. After weathering an early storm I think we

began to dictacte play well and merited the point, albeit our goalkeeper Adam had to be on hand to make a super save to keep us in it, but there are still a few aspects of our game I would like to see get better as we get stuck into the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday scheduling.

Today sees us back on home soil for the first time since March and we would love to get off to a winning start here.

Improving our home form is something we must try and do if we are to maintain the levels we set ourselves from last season and we will need all of your support if we are to achieve that.

Being back at home gives me the opportunity to thank our wonderful Chairman, Allan, for all of his endeavours over what has been a very tricky period, not just for ourselves, but for all Northern League football clubs.

Upon your arrival I am sure you will have noticed the improvements in and around the stadium and we can only offer our utmost gratitude to Allan for his continuous and incredible backing at the football club.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers at the club for their tremendous efforts throughout pre-season and the restart. It truly is immeasurable the contribution you all make to the football club and we would not be here without it.

Welcome back everybody, I look forward to seeing you all and hopefully getting off to a winning start.

Enjoy the game.

Colin Stromsoy

AZZA Club captain Aaron Brown discusses his time in Sweden and life at Aycliffe in today’s cover feature

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SNAPSHOT A look back at some of our pre-season highlights

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MEMORY LANE Ex-media man Paul McGeary looks back on his Moore Lane memories against today’s visitors Shildon

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A DECADE ON Chairman Allan Oliver stars in our celebratory feature as we look back at Aycliffe’s 2010-11 Northern League Division Two title winning campaign

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www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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FROM THE DUG OUT “REST ASSURED WE HAVE TAKEN EVERY PRECAUTION AND MEASURE NECESSARY”

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Newton Aycliffe FC

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ood afternoon everybody and welcome to today’s game. It feels fantastic to be able to say that after what has been a really difficult period for everybody, but I hope you join us today in both good health and spirits.

weathering an early storm I think we began to dictacte play well and merited the point, albeit our goalkeeper Adam had to be on hand to make a super save to keep us in it, but there are still a few aspects of our game I would like to see get better as we get stuck into the Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday scheduling.

Following the postponement of Tuesday night’s fixture with Sunderland RCA, rest assured we have taken every precaution and measure necessary in accordance with the FA and government guidlines to ensure your safety and wellbeing while in the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium for what I’m sure will be a really good game to watch.

Today sees us back on home soil for the first time since March and we would love to get off to a winning start here.

Improving our home form is something we must try and do if we are to maintain the levels we set ourselves from last season and we will need all of your support if we are to achieve that.

With that, I would like to welcome Daniel, his staff, players and everyone associated to Shildon to this afternoon’s game. We are under no illusions as to how difficult a game this will be; Daniel has done an excellent job since taking over at Shildon, he always has very well organised and drilled teams and we will have to be at our best and most clinical in front of goal if we are to take all three points from the game.

They will be a very difficult team to break down and will pose a threat all over the pitch with a number of top quality players in the attacking positions. They move the ball between the lines well and can easily dominate games if you allow them, so we really do need to play with absolute purpose and belief for the full 90 minutes today.

On Saturday, we earned a very creditable draw away at North Shields which was a marked improvement from what was a hugely disappointing night in the FA Cup last midweek at Guisborough. After

Being back at home gives me the opportunity to thank our wonderful Chairman, Allan, for all of his endeavours over what has been a very tricky period, not just for ourselves, but for all Northern League football clubs.

Upon your arrival I am sure you will have noticed the improvements in and around the stadium and we can only offer our utmost gratitude to Allan for his continuous and incredible backing at the football club.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the staff and volunteers at the club for their tremendous efforts throughout pre-season and the restart. It truly is immeasurable the contribution you all make to the football club and we would not be here without it.

Welcome back everybody, I look forward to seeing you all and hopefully getting off to a winning start.

Enjoy the game.

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

Colin Stromsoy @NAycliffeFC

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CAPTAIN’S COLUMN

Hello everyone and welcome to today’s game.

I can’t tell you how happy we all are to be back playing and we can’t wait to have you all back with us at the lane for this afternoon’s derby with Shildon.

It was the longest pre-season I’ve ever known with a lot of hard work and plenty of games but we’re through the other side of that now and we are all buzzing to be back in the swing of competetive games.

We’ve played some good stuff in the first two matches but at the minute we’re struggling to find that first goal.

I think in both games we’ve created the better chances. A draw would probably have been the fair result in both games but once we get that first goal I think we’ll start beating teams by two or three with the quality we’ve got.

We were all disappointed to go out of the FA Cup at Guisborough; we felt hard done by with their goal and obviously we missed some chances as well. Saturday was better, there’ll not be many teams get a point up at North Shields, they’ll win the majority of their home games so it was a good point to build on and we look forward to doing just that today.

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After Tuesday’s fixture with Sunderland RCA was postponed we are all just itching to hopefully get back out there today.

Shildon are a good side, we know that, but so are we. I think once we get that first goal and win, that will be it. We’ve got Andrei, Burnicle, Jarvie, Arran Wearmouth and Ben Dibb-Fuller – between them five lads there’s loads of quality. Dibbsy didn’t get a lot of football at Hebburn so he might just need a run of games in the team. Burnicle might just be a little bit low on confidence with missing a couple of chances in pre-season but he showed what he can do last year and he’s still getting himself in there for the chances. I just think as soon as they all get that first goal they’ll start flying in because we’re creating chances.

These first few games are massive.

If we can get off to a good start and build some confidence I don’t see any reason why we can’t throw our name into the hat for one of those top three spots but there is a lot of hard work needed to achieve that which starts with a really tough game today.

Thanks for the support. Up The Cliffe.

Aaron Brown Newton Aycliffe FC

“THESE FIRST FEW GAMES ARE MASSIVE IF WE CAN GET OFF TO A GOOD START”

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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MEET THE SQUAD

YOUR NEWTON AY SPONSORED BY

COLIN STROMSOY - HEAD COACH Colin joined the football club in January 2019 having previously been part of the Team Northumbria set-up before they withdrew from the league. He has impressed with his wealth of innovative ideas both on and off the pitch. A UEFA A licence coach, Stromsoy guided the club to their highest ever position before the season was brought to an end in March and has brought in a refreshing brand of football to the club.

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MARK WOOD ASSISTANT Mark is a former club captain who guided the club to successive promotions through the Durham Alliance and Wearside Leagues. Despite a spell at Crook Town, Wood returned and has been a part of the fabric since whether on the pitch or in some capacity on the training ground. Mark is a key figure around the club.

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SCOTT BRASSELL ASSISTANT Alongside Mark, Scott plays a key role at the club and is Colin’s right hand man on the training pitch. Scott has been with Aycliffe for a number of seasons now and has been a part of the huge improvement in the club’s fortunes on the pitch.

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ADAM PICKFORD Adam has been with the club for a little over 18 months now having intially joined as an emergency goalkeeper for the injured James Winter. A string of impressive displays and a longer than expected lay off for Winter later and Pickford has now made the No. 1 jersey his own. Don’t be fooled by his size, as Pickford is comfortable with any range of touble he faces.

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NICK GREEN Nick is a very competent full back and can ply his trade on either side of the back four. Since arriving from Consett last summer, Green has really come into his own in recent months and has established himself as an important player in Colin Stromsoy’s side both defensively and offensively.

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LIAM McGRATH Liam is a young goalkeeper who has recently joined the club and ensures Pickford remains on his toes in between the sticks with competition. Liam is keen to learn and both he and Pickford have a good rapport.

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CONNOR PHELAN The son of ex-Manchester City defender, Terry, Connor was brought to the club by Head Coach Stromsoy and alongside Nick Green ensures we have two very strong options at right fullback.

Phelan likes to get forward and help in attack but is no stranger to his defensive duties.

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CLIFFE 2020-21 OSCAR ECKLEY-ALDSWORTH Oscar is a young centre half signed during the summer with both a look to the future as well as offering strong competition for places already. Oscar has a calm head on such young shoulders and likes to play the ball out and impressed on his Northern League debut when keeping a clean sheet.

AARON BROWN The skipper. Aaron is the heartblood of Newton Aycliffe having notched up over 250 appearances for the club since his arrival in 2014. A product of Hartlepool United’s academy, Aaron spent a season in Sweden at Ange IF having struggled in spells at West Auckland and Sunderland RCA. An ever present and an integral part of the team and system who can add the odd goal throughout a season SAM READ Sam is also a recent signing in defence having also joined the club just last summer. Sam is one of a number vying for a spot in the team in defence having arrived from Hebburn Town.

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KEVIN CARR Equally adept in defence, midfield or on the wing, Kevin is the versatile player every squad needs and is an asset to Stromsoy’s squad.

No matter what role or position he is tasked with either from the bench or in the starting XI, Kev is fully committed and a useful player in the squad.

AIDAN McGEE Aidan is a no nonsense centre back and has really come on leaps and bounds in his endeavours to make that position his own. Along with Oscar and Sam Read, Aidan finds himself in a healthy battle to keep his spot in the starting XI alongside Aaron Brown in the heart of the defence. Aidan can head the ball and is comfortable playing out from the back.

LEWIS WALTON Lewis arrived at Moore Lane in 2019 having enjoyed spells with Whitley Bay, Darlington and Jarrow Roofing. He enjoyed a successful first season with the club last year and made the left back position his own. A lively character in the dressing room and a brilliant left foot, Lewis is a big part of the squad.

LUCAS PILLING Like Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth, Lucas is another youthful summer recruit as Colin Stromsoy looks to integrate young players into the squad. Lucas is keen to learn and improve and will only get better the more appearances he makes.

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RYAN REDFORD Ryan is another handy utility man who will do whatever job is required of him when called upon.

Ryan wears his heart on his sleeve and is neat and tidy in possession as well as not being afraid to get stuck in. Can play either in a central or wide midfield role.

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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GERARD RICHARDSON Gerard is another versatile player in the squad and is adept in a number of positions across the midfield. Gez joined Aycliffe in the latter part of the 2018-19 campaign and is renowned for his strength in the air.

ETHAN WOOD Ethan has been at the club for two years now having signed from Easington Colliery in 2018.

The midfielder has developed into a key component in the team; neat and tidy on the ball with an impressive set piece delivery. Ethan has started to contribute goals and man of the match displays to his game making him a good all-rounder.

JAKE PETITJEAN Jake signed for the club in the winter last year after impressing for Crook Town in Division Two. Jake has made the step up a division comfortably and is fast becoming a regular in Stromsoy’s starting XI. A technically gifted player, Jake is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can beat a man and adds to a talented midfield.

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ANDREI-VASILE ARDELEAN Following a short spell with Guisborough Town, Andrei joined Colin Stromsoy at Team North in 2017 where he helped them to promotion. Since then he has had spells with Blyth Spartans and Whitley Bay before reuniting with Stromsoy in January this year as part of a newlook Aycliffe frontline.

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BEN REAY A young exciting midfielder who impressed at Shildon last season. Ben joins an array of attacking prospects in the Aycliffe line-up with the 18-year-old comfortable across the attacking midfield line.

MARC COSTELLO The oldest player in the squad, Marc has been with the club for a number of seasons having joined the club from Washington and has a wealth of experience at this level. ‘Cossy’ is the engine room in the midfield and never stops running. Good in the air and not afraid to do the dirty side of the game, every team needs a Marc Costello.

BEN DIBB-FULLER Signed during the summer to link up once more with the Head Coach, Dibb-Fuller is another technically sound player.

Comfortable as a number eight or a 10, ‘Dibbsy’ has a lot of ability between the lines. He joins the club from Hebburn Town after impressing in pre-season.

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ARRAN WEARMOUTH Arran is a new recruit this summer and offers another dynamic to Stromsoy’s attack. A vastly experienced forward, Arran started his career at Middlesbrough and has had spells with Darlington and Blyth Spartans among others.

Newton Aycliffe FC

ADAM BURNICLE Adam joined the club in January after a shake up in the forward line. Burnicle hit the ground running in style scoring eight goals in his first 10 games with the club to quickly become a favourite at Moore Lane. With spells at Shildon, Morpeth and West Auckland under his belt, Adam is an experienced centre forward who knows where the net is.

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It is difficult to find the definitive date when Newton Aycliffe Football Club was formed. There is evidence of a Newton Aycliffe Rangers in 1951 playing in the Darlington and District League. In 1954-57 there was a NAFC playing in the Auckland and District League, firstly at Sugar Hill sports ground and then Burn Lane sports ground. There then appears to be a gap.

There is a report in the Newtonian in 1965 setting out the Newton Rangers Club was formed in 1961/2 and playing home games in Darlington. A further team, Newton Aycliffe AFC was formed in 1964 as a soccer section of the NA sports club, playing its first season in 1964/5 in the Darlington Weekend League, playing home matches at Simpasture playing fields.

Newton Aycliffe Rangers later played on a pitch near Aycliffe Stock Car Stadium. In 1967/68 The Rangers won the Auckland and District League Division Two Championship (playing home games at

LIAM JARVIE Liam arrived in October last year when he made the jump from the Wearside League with Darlington Town. Jarvie is versatile across the forward line and loves running at defenders with the ball at his feet. A big character in the dressing room and on the pitch.

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Croxdale Welfare). By 1968-69 they had moved to Moore Lane as part of Newton Aycliffe Sports Club and had a reserve team in the Auckland and District League Division Two. 1969 saw Aycliffe Rangers reach the Semi Final of the Durham Challenge Cup, losing to Ferryhill Athletic after beating another Northern League side Stanley United on a very heavy Moore Lane pitch.

In 1969-70 a team named Newton Aycliffe SC played in the Auckland and District League Division One and a reserve team played in Division Two. This team won the League Challenge Cup in both 1969-70 and 70-71.

As Newton Aycliffe FC the team later moved to the Teesside League and joined the Wearside League in 1984 before folding from it during the 1993-94 season.

And although the current club was reformed a number of years ago, competing successfully in the Darlington & District League its re-emergence from 2007-08 was nothing short of phenomenal.

Having smashed their way into the Start To Learn Northern League in emphatic

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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fashion – winning back-to-back league titles; Durham Alliance (2007-08) and the Wearside League (2008-09) – Allan Oliver’s side built on their inaugural campaign at Northern League level by topping the table for a huge eight months as they finished seven points clear of their nearest rivals in the 2010-11 title race.

The club’s development off the field has been as rapid as that on it, as Moore Lane Park gradually transformed into a ground befitting a club at Step 5 of the National League “pyramid” System – the club averaged 191 attendance in 200910, the fifth highest average crowd in the Northern League and 222 in 2010-11, again bettered by just four teams.

Of course, the club owes a lot to Sedgefield Council’s Local Improvement Programme and the Football Foundation for providing grants to afford the facilities but the football club are also indebted to the support received from Newton Aycliffe Sports Club who continue to be a massive backer and supporter of the club’s transformation.

Seated accommodation was delivered in the spring of 2010 and after the assistance from local firm Finlay Structures and a team of volunteers dedicated to the club, standing accommodation for over 100 persons was installed in February 2011, ready for the club’s transition into a top-

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flight outfit.

2015/2016 was the most successful season in Newton Aycliffe’s history.

Under the management of Peter Dixon the highlight was winning the Durham Challenge Cup, but added to that we had our best ever runs in the FA Cup (2nd Qualifying Round Replay) & FA Vase (5th Round-last 16). We also had our highest finish in the Ebac Northern League ending the campaign in sixth.

In December 2016 Deano Browne & a returning Danny Mellanby joined as joint manager, steering the Club to ninth in Division One, following that with a 14th place finish in 2017/2018. For 2018/2019 Danny elected to move to a new role on the club’s committee concentrating on youth development. Andrew Jinks & former skipper Sean Tarling came in as Assistant Managers.

A poor start to the 2018/2019 season brought a change of management with former Team Northumbria manager Colin Stromsoy joining in early 2019. His input led to an improvement in form which resulted in a 12th place finish in the league. This was developed further with the team sitting fifth in Division One when Covid-19 brought the season to a premature end.

Further works to the ground took place over the summer of 2020.

New drains were laid to help reduce the number of postponements due to waterlogging. At the same time a grant from the Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership allowed for the resurfacing of the path leading to the ground & the construction of a turnstile.

Newton Aycliffe FC

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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CLUB NEWS

THE NEW NORMAL AT NEWTON AYCLIFFE A lot has changed since the last time we had Northern League football at the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium. As such, our Treasurer and Covid-19 Officer, Yvonne Wood, tells us the ins and outs of the ‘new norm.’

Like everyone else, we here at the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium are trying to get used to “the new normal”.

For us we’ve had to take on board a whole raft of government and Football Association guidance to get us back to playing.

Lockdown came just as we were preparing some improvements to the ground itself. Thanks to a grant from the Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership (GAMP) we were looking forward to a new path and turnstile at the ground. The work to resurface the path was completed on March 12.

The following day the Ebac Northern League postponed the next weekend’s games & subsequently the FA cancelled the remainder of the season.

On July 18 the FA published new guidance for clubs like us in the National League System. This showed us how we could prepare for a return to training and football in the new world of social distancing. We were also required to produce a risk assessment and publish it on our website. Work on this was done as quickly as possible and we were able to return to training and play friendlies, albeit behind closed doors. Tow Law were our visitors for the first game played under the new arrangements on August 8. You can read the current

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version of the Risk Assessment at www. newtonaycliffefc.co.uk/d/documents Like all organisations, the club has had to purchase supplies of hand sanitiser and increase our cleaning regimes.

Signage around the ground is used to encourage social distancing. We also restricted the use of the dugouts.

This meant closing off the spectator path behind the dugouts to create an extended technical area. We have implemented a one-way system to the toilets and are allowing only one person at a time.

We had arranged a pre-season friendly against Spennymoor Town and expected that to be played behind closed doors. However, a change to the government guidance was made the week before the match which meant the game could be played in front of a crowd of only up to 150 spectators. New FA guidance was issued and the club hurried to revise the risk assessments to take in the new circumstances.

A key issue was how we deal with a limited crowd of 150 when Spennymoor might bring many more.

It was decided to offer an email booking service. This seemed to work well on the night and we were pleased to receive positive feedback on the Newton Aycliffe FC

measures we’d put in place.

Since then the crowd capacity has been raised to 300. Our average home league attendance last season was 156.

We don’t, therefore, expect “all-ticket” to be a regular feature but it may be necessary for some games. We are aware that some people, particularly the elderly, may be unable or unwilling to book online and use online banking. We are anxious not to exclude these supporters and so we will use “pay on the gate” as much as possible. Please keep an eye on our social media channels and website www.newtonaycliffefc. co.uk for up to date details of games.

We have taped off some of the seats in the stand. We apologise for that, but we feel we need to restrict the number of seats in use. Please, if possible, leave the seats for the elderly or those less able to stand.

We’ve had to make some changes to the Bait Cabin. Previously we asked customers to put their own milk and sugar etc in coffee and teas. This isn’t practical now so we’re doing that for you in the Cabin. The downside is that it takes us just a bit longer to serve each person.

To save time we’ve stopped cooking and are now only serving ready to eat food such as sausage rolls and pies - sorry to those who liked their burger and chips!

However, we found the new stock (from Don Walker in Simpasture) was very popular at the Spennymoor game. Don’t forget season ticket holders still get a free cuppa.

the last few months is Track & Trace.

It’s common now in pubs, restaurants and workplaces. Football is no different.

When you come to the ground we ask

you to leave your details. If you have a smartphone it couldn’t be easier. Scan the QR code as you come in. We are using the evePASS system so if you want to make the process even quicker simply download their app to your phone. If you don’t have a smartphone please write your name and contact number on the Track & Trace sheet when you come into the ground.

We all want coming to a football match to be as safe and enjoyable as possible.

We hope that the measures we have put in place will help with that. We ask you to help us by using common sense at the ground by social distancing and washing and sanitising hands frequently. If you have any concerns or suggestions please contact me at the Club or by email info@ newtonaycliffefc.co.uk Enjoy the game and stay safe!

Yvonne Wood

One thing we’ve all become used to over www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

15

THE VISITORS...

INTRODUCING

SHILDON AFC 16

#OneTownOneTeam

Newton Aycliffe FC

Credit @Official_SAFC

W

elcome to our visitors, Shildon AFC. Just 4.4 miles separate The Railwaymen from Aycliffe which means when Shildon come to town there is often more than just three points up for grabs. Over the years there have been a number of players to have crossed through the Middridge divide which also often adds an extra element to the fixture.

In recent seasons Shildon have held the upper hand over Aycliffe, with the Newtonians winning just three of the last 10 meetings between the sides; the latest being

a 2-1 win at The Beaumont Landscapes Stadium in the 2017-18 campaign.

The Reds were third in the league table in March before the season was declared null and void and they will be looking to repeat their fantastic efforts this time around to gain promotion as they boast a plethora of attacking threats in their side.

There are a number of ‘derby’ clashes on the fixture list each season for Aycliffe, but this game in particular is the first to be circled on the calendar as another chapter in this storied rivalry gets written today.

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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MEET THE SQUAD

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DANIEL MOORE PLAYER/ MANAGER Originally from Mansfield, now Hartlepool, first played for Mansfield Town until he enlisted in the army. Daniel proudly gave eight years’ service in the Infantry unit The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers completing two tours of Afghanistan, one of Iraq and one of Kosovo and lived in Northern Ireland for two and half years.

A transfer to Catterick brought him to the North East where he played for Shildon, Spennymoor Town, Celtic Nation and of course a return to Shildon AFC where he has played close to 500 games. It was at Shildon that he got his big break into management signing a three year contract with the club. Since his appointment in January 2017 he has taken Shildon to 4th position in the Northern League, in his first season, and 3rd in his second.

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SHAUN NEWBROOK Signed at the beginning of the 2018/19 Season and has made over 80 appearances for The Railwaymen.

The 31-year-old has previously had spells at Jarrow Roofing and Seaham Red Star.

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JACK VAULKS Signed from Darlington FC who has had loan spells at Whitby and Pickering Town. He is a calm defender who goes about his job with confidence and gives confidence to the defenders around him.

#OneTownOneTeam

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MATTHEW BATEMAN Young Goalkeeper signed from Bishop Juniors in October 2019. The 17-year-old provides back-up to Newbrook between the sticks.

DOMINIC CURL He made his first appearance playing for Shildon AFC first team aged 17 after training in the Shildon Development Centre Under 18s in the 2016/17 season. The 20-year-old has made over 60 appearances since.

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AIDAN HEYWOOD No stranger to Colin Stromsoy, Heywood is a big fullback signed from Team Northumbria at the beginning of the 201819 season. Likes to get forward and help in attack.

JORDAN LAVERY Jordan is a strong tackling left sided player and a good passer of the ball, previously with Sunderland RCA and Consett. Like his opposite fullback, he likes to get forward to support attacks.

Newton Aycliffe FC

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JACK NAYLOR 18-year-old signed from Hartlepool United at the beginning of the 2019-20 season. Comfortable in defence or in midfield.

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BEN TROTTER Ben has recently been named Shildon AFC’s captain. Born in Shildon he started playing the game aged 7 in a local junior team which led to a signing for Newton Aycliffe FC before coming back to his roots in 2017.

Tough tackling and prone to being in the referee’s notebook.

DANNY CRAGGS A dead ball specialist signed from Consett last summer, Danny is a midfielder who offers goals with a strike rate better than one in three.

CHAY LIDDLE Chay signed from Marske United in the summer of 2019, is an intelligent defensive midfielder who reads the game well.

He played a key part in their title-winning campaign of 2017/18.

His previous clubs also include Spennymoor Town & Guisborough Town.

ALEX WHITE Signed from Whitby Town in the summer, Alex has a wealth of experience having played North of the border in Scotland as well as at Spennymoor Town and others.

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DAVID PALMER Signed from Seaham Red Star in 2018, David has become an efficient cog in Daniel Moore’s side and has made over 60 appearances in his two years at the club.

KURT MATTHEWS Signed at the beginning of the 2019/20 Season.

Kurt who can play on either wing or as a central striker has spent the last 2 seasons at Newton Aycliffe. As a schoolboy he also played at Leeds United.

BRANDON MALLABURN A 17-year-old midfielder, Brandon was signed last summer and offers interesting competition for places across the midfield line.

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

19

JOE POSTHILL Signed from Thornaby in January 2020, Joe is an exciting 22-year-old and adds to the the quality within the squad. Good at finding space and likes to get hold of the ball and carry the team up the pitch.

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ZAK ATKINSON The striker joined from Ashington FC and has had spells with Blyth Spartans, Bedlington and Rutherford AFC, having trained at Middlesbrough Academy.

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BILLY GREULICH-SMITH One of the most exciting players in the Ebac Northern League. Billy was born in Barnet, North London, and moved to Sunderland when he was 10. He signed for Brandon at 16, before moving to Luton Town and resigning at the age of 17. This was followed by a two year stint with Hartlepool United, Durham City for half a season and Shildon for an impressive eight years. He also spent time at Watford, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland when he was growing up.

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DEAN THEXTON Dean joined Shildon in January 2020 from Newton Aycliffe having impressed in the first half of the season. A goalscorer who knows where the net is, was on the books at South Shields.

#OneTownOneTeam

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MICHAEL SWEET Signed permanently, after being released by Blyth Spartans, on a two year contract. Michael led the Spartans attack regularly last term with 30 appearances to his name with a goal return of five. He signed for Blyth Spartans in the summer after scoring 128 goals in four seasons at Consett AFC.

Newton Aycliffe FC

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FORMED in 1890 as Shildon Town, the Railwaymen joined the Auckland and District League two years later and in 1894 merged with the Rangers and Heroes to become Shildon United.

In 1900, the club played in the new Northern League Division Two but folded that season due to financial problems – as did the Second Division.

A re-formed club joined the Northern League in 1903 to replace Stockton St John’s. In 1907, Shildon joined the semiprofessional ranks of the North Eastern League, finishing second in season 1932/33.

Before WWII the club won four successive Northern League Division One titles; a record that stood until overhauled by Blyth in 1984. In 1937 the team was unbeaten on their march to the title with Jack Downing firing in a record 61 league and cup goals.

A replay win at York City in 1927/28 saw the club reach the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time. In the first round they have also played Brentford, Doncaster Rovers, Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic three times. The last time the club reached the first round was in 2003/04, losing out 7-2 against Notts County. The club also reached the second round, in 1936/37 against Dartford.

The Dean Street turnstiles and distinctive grandstand were erected in

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1923. A £45,000 grant saw new dressing rooms and a social club built beneath the stand 60 years later.

Shildon won the Second Division championship in 2001/02, scoring 135 goals and finished runners-up in two cup competitions. The following season they won the Northern League Challenge Cup with a 3-2 golden goal victory over Billingham Synthonia at Feethams.

Tragedy struck the club in February 2004 when 26-year-old player, Lee Hainsworth was killed in a road accident on his way to training.

He had been with the club for six years. The Brown Street stand was renamed in his memory.

Bill Aisbitt, a lifelong stalwart at the club, died in June 2003 and the boardroom was named in his honour after over 50 years loyal service.

At the end of the 2004 season, the Railwaymen came under serious threat through financial difficulties when the former chairman severed all ties with the club. At the end of the season all the players and the manager left the club, leaving it crippled.

But during the close season, the club appointed a new chairman, Brian Burn who ensured its survival. The club survived a relegation scare and since then has gone from strength to strength.

In 2012-13, the club reached two cup semi-finals. A depleted

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

21

side lost in the Durham Challenge Cup to Spennymoor Town. The match brought an end to the playing career of midfielder Chris Hughes after he suffered a knee injury. And there was more heartbreak as the side narrowly missed a dream day out at Wembley after losing their two-legged FA Vase semi-final to a late extra-time goal in the second leg at home.

two late goals – the winner in added time at the end of the 90 minutes – to overcome their local rivals by two goals to one. After missing out on the Northern League Championship in the 2014-15 season by one point, the team re-grouped and won the Northern League Cup and became Champions of the Northern League the following season.

In season 2013-14, the management team further strengthened the playing squad, bring in several experienced players in a determination to bring silverware back to Dean Street for the first time. The investment paid off with the club narrowly missing out on the league title, remaining competitive until the final weeks of the season.

Following the sudden departure of the Management Team, Chairman David Dent appointed Daniel Moore in January 2017 and Moore guided us to 3rd position in the League and a Durham Challenge Cup Semi-Final.

THE FORM GUIDE

But the club were able to avenge the semi-final defeat of the previous season when they faced Spennymoor Town in the final of the Durham Challenge Cup. On an historic Good Friday, Shildon striker, Billy Greulich-Smith added a new chapter to the club’s history books with

22

The first piece of silverware came at the start of the 2018/19 season with a 4-1 Penalty victory against Dunston UTS. During this season, Daniel Moore guided us to another top 6 finish and the season finished as it started with silverware coming back to Dean Street after the Club defeated South Shields 1-0 in the final of the Durham Challenge Cup held at the Stadium of Light.

August 23

August 27

September 2

September 5

September 8

FRICKLEY ATHLETIC

MORPETH TOWN

STOCKTON TOWN

WEST AUCKLAND

HEBBURN TOWN T

3-1

3-0

5-0

2-0

HOME

HOME

AWAY

HOME

AWAY

PRESEASON

PRESEASON

2-1 W

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The Railwaymen could not have had a much tougher start to the season with a trip to the Map UK Stadium in the FA Cup and a visit to FA Vase finalists Hebburn Town in the first week of the season sandwiching the visit of West Auckland Town.

A heavy defeat in the FA Cup at Stockton was rectified with the 5-0 hammering of West Auckland on day one of the new league season. But Moore’s men fell to a 2-0 defeat on Tuesday night at The Green Energy Sports Ground conceding a second in injury time when pressing for an equaliser themselves. #OneTownOneTeam

Newton Aycliffe FC

ONE TO WATCH DEAN THEXTON

Shildon are blessed with a lot of quality, but if there is one man at Shildon Newton Aycliffe know well it’s striker Dean Thexton.

‘Deano’ was influential for Aycliffe during the first half of last season scoring 19 goals in 20 games including a remarkable four at Seaham Red Star. It was difficult to see the 27-year old leave in the New Year and while Thexton may have competition for his place at Dean Street among a star studded attacking line-up, there can be no doubts as to his ability to put the ball in the back of the net when called upon.

HOW THEY COULD LINE-UP SWEET

GREULICHSMITH

THEXTON POSTHILL

PALMER

TROTTER

HEYWOOD

LAVERY VAULKS

MOORE

NEWBROOK

LAST TIME WE MET December, 2019

SHILDON NEWTON AYCLIFFE

2 0

Newton Aycliffe’s Christmas cheer was dampened at the hands of rivals Shildon on Boxing Day 2019 as The Railwaymen punched their way to a 2-0 victory at Dean Street.

Kurt Matthews and a Billy GreulichSmith penalty gave the three points to Daniel Moore’s men on what proved to be a tough afternoon for the Newtonians who ended the contest with 10 men.

Aycliffe started the game without 19goal talisman Dean Thexton who would sign at Dean Street the following week in the New Year.

The win ensured bragging rights would remain the wrong side of Middridge after the two teams shared a four-goal thriller at the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium earlier in the season.

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

23

Occasions CARDS, CANDLES & GIFTS

52 Beveridge Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4DS 01325 320443

MIXING, & MASTERING @TruStudios

www.trustudios.co.uk

AZ ZA NEWTON AYCLIFFE CAPTAIN A ARON BROWN LOOKS BACK ON HIS TIME IN SWEDEN AND THE TEXT MESSAGE THAT CHANGED HIS CAREER

26

#OneTownOneTeam

Newton Aycliffe FC

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

27

S

ix years ago Aaron Brown was sat in the airport when his phone let out a jingle. It was a text message which would shape the next stage of his football career.

Brown was returning home from a year long stint in Sweden when the new Newton Aycliffe manager, Peter Dixon, sent him a text message enquiring about “what he was up to in football.”

Brown had been playing for Swedish outfit Ånge IF in the Norrland Section Second Division as part of the LFE life skills programme in place with Hartlepool United.

“That’s what it was all about,” he says.

“The LFE were keen to get you that experience and push you a little bit.

When I got released from Hartlepool they do you a little highlights package and they must have sent it around to a few clubs and “IT WAS one came back to me with the opportunity and asked A CLASS if I’d like to go over.

EXPERIENCE, I LOVED IT”

Having struggled to secure a contract with Pools’ they offered out his services with the programme which acts as an educational arm to the club.

It affords youth players who haven’t

28

quite been picked up yet the opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain invaluable experience within the world of football as the club promotes their youth candidates with references and show reels; it was an opportunity a raw Brown couldn’t resist.

#OneTownOneTeam

“I hadn’t even heard of Ånge if I’m honest, but just like that you have a split decision to make, at 18-year-old you have no fear do you?

I was going to live in a foreign country on my own but it’s one I don’t regret one single bit.

Newton Aycliffe FC

“Their season [in Sweden] is split into two,” he adds. “There’ll be a three months block and then there’ll be a two or three week break like the winter break and then there’ll be another three months.

opportunity to divulge further, Dixon had sent his message.

Brown had made up his mind before his plane left the tarmac in Sweden as he decided Newton Aycliffe in the Northern League was the move for him.

“You sign a three month contract and play the first half of the season while the LFE programme covers your wages, food and digs for that part of the season. After that, if the team wants to keep you then they have to cover your wages after the break.

“I ended up staying for a full season and then came home. It was a class experience, I loved it, but you couldn’t stay over there. There was lads playing for my team 28-years-old coming out with very little wage-wise and while you got your food and accommodation paid for you still can’t do that forever. It was a great experience and I enjoyed it but it wasn’t worth staying there.”

Sitting in the airport with a fifth place finish and international experience on his CV, Brown pondered what was next for him - but before he had the

Having endured brief spells with West Auckland Town and Sunderland RCA, Brown was no stranger to the rigours of the Northern League and slotted straight in at Moore Lane, enhanced by his experience in Scandinavia.

“The standard [in Sweden] was very good to be fair,” he says.

“Technically, it was a better level then Northern League but I think if one of their teams was to come over and play in the Northern League they’d get eaten alive physically.

“They play on 4G pitches so it’s just all about getting it down and playing, no long balls or anything like that and a few would roll around crying if you put a hard slide tackle in. But it was good quality, and it was good to get used to a different culture. Even the training was different to what I’d been used to here; there was a lot of technical work.”

Brown has been a mainstay at Aycliffe ever since, picking up the club’s Player of the Year Award in 2019 before being given the captains armband the following season where he notched his 250th appearance for the club.

Brown was recognised before a home

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

29

fixture with Consett in February by Chairman Allan Oliver who presented his captain with an engraved plaque to commemorate the landmark. It was a moment Brown, who celebrated with his niece Orla on the pitch, cherishes.

“It’s a good achievement,” he says. “There’s not a lot of loyalty around the Northern League in terms of players sticking with one club, so I’m quite proud of it.

I’ve been on holiday. I’ve not missed a game through injury. So if we get a couple of decent cup runs you can easily rack 50 games up so I’d hope so.”

“I’D LOVE TO GET TO 300 THIS YEAR.”

“But I’ve always been the same to be fair. I was at Hartlepool from when I was nine years-old until I was 18. If I’m enjoying it somewhere I’d rather stay there than chop and change, and all the lads at Aycliffe have always been spot on so there’s no real need to move on.

“I’d love to get to 300 this year,” he adds. “The last few seasons I’ve not really missed a game – the only time I’ve missed a game, touch wood, was when my sister got married in Thailand or if

30

#OneTownOneTeam

Brown guided his team on course for their highest ever finish last season, fifth in the Ebac Northern League, before the Coronavirus pandemic put an end to the season and the skipper is confident they can equal such standards this time around.

“I think we’ve got a stronger squad this year,” he admits. “It’s probably the best squad I’ve been involved in [at Aycliffe].

Under Peter Dixon we probably had slightly better quality but the team camaraderie was nowhere near as good, there are no cliques within the team, we all get on and give everything in training and in games.

“People need to remember as well, we’ve got a really young side,” he adds.

“It’s a good thing having a young side as well because everyone is hungry and wants to be here and wants to get better. I think if we can put a few wins together at the start of the season, and everyone’s confidence is high, I don’t see why we can’t have a run at top three.”

Newton Aycliffe FC

AYCLIFF

GAZI THE MA

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.CO.UK

THE MAGAZINE FOR AYCLIFFE BUS INESS PARK

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ISSUE

# 44 MARCH

NEW LOOK! THE TO WELCO ME AYCLIF FE REBRA NDED MAGAZ INE BUSIN ESS

AYCLIFFETODAY.CO.UK

AYCLIFFE BUSINESS

K SS PAR

2020 -APRIL

ISSUE

# 45

JUNE-JULY 2020

TO BE BECOM E THE PL ACE VENUE HAS G, DE AL AYCLIF FE HUB FOR LE ARNIN DURHA M WINS A THRIV ING WORKI NG FAMIL Y FIRM AND INVOL VING MEETI NG CONTR ACT S OF STEEL 12,000 METRE

STILLER FORCE

LOGISTICS FIRM STILLER THE L ATEST TO SIGN UP FOR SPARTA SECURITY SERVICES

SUPPLY & DEMAND

AIR EXPERTS AIM TO CRACK AYCLIFFE MARKET

MAKING HISTORY

PUBLISHERS EXPAND AS THEY MOVE INTO ICONI C BUILDING

MAN OF ACTION

CLASS ACT

THE TEKMAR CHIEF AND HIS INCREDIBLE RISE TO SUCCESS THAT BEGAN AS A SCHOOLBOY ENTREPRENEUR

TO THE TALKS ARRON RKING PETER B BUSINESS MA E AYCLIFF OF MAKING A DE S A DECA SCHOOL ENCE IN DIFFER

COMPLI

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COMPLIMENTARY

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

3

PRE-SEASON SNAPSHOT

It felt like one of the longest pre-seasons there has ever been, but Aycliffe’s preparations were thorough with six games in total. Take a look at a snapshot of some of the action throughout August.

Aycliffe 3-3 Abbey Hey Abbey Hey made the journey up from Lancashire in early August and played out an exciting 3-3 draw.

Matthew Pennal and Adam Burnicle added to Aaron Brown’s equaliser to give the Blues a 3-1 lead but the visitors scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the game to earn a draw.

Ryhope CW 1-1 Aycliffe Another pre-season draw came when Aycliffe visited Seaham to take on Ryhope at a neutral venue in midAugust. Ryhope went in front through a Danni Lay header before Ben DibbFuller equalised in what proved to be a competetive affair and a good test ahead of the new season.

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#OneTownOneTeam

Newton Aycliffe FC

Easington Colliery 1-4 Aycliffe Aycliffe saw off a keen Easington in late August beating the Ebac Northern League Division Two side by four goals to one. Ben Dibb-Fuller added another pre-season goal to his tally as Liam Jarvie, Andrei Ardelean and Adam Burnicle completed the scoring in what was a profitable day for the Aycliffe front line.

Aycliffe 0-1 Spennymoor Town The penultimate preseason friendly was one of significance as spectators were allowed back into the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium in a limited capacity of just 150 people for the first time in almost six months. Vanarama National League North Spennymoor were the visitors on a rain-soaked night at Moore Lane. Aycliffe gave their lofty opponents a scare for most of the night and were unfortunate not to come away with a very creditable draw. As it was, a Glen Taylor penalty 18 minutes from time was enough to earn Moor’s a victory in late August.

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

33

STAT PACK 2020-21 FIXTURE

2

3

4

5

6

DATE

RESULT

FAC

A

Sep 2

1-0

PICKFORD

GREEN

BROWN

McGEE

WALTON

COSTELLO

NL1

A

Sep 5

0-0

PICKFORD

GREEN

BROWN

WALTON

COSTELLO

Sunderland RCA Shildon

ECKLEYALDSWORTH

NL1

H

Sep 8

[P-P]

NL1

H

Sep 12

Newcastle Benfield Barnoldswick Town Whitley Bay

NL1

H

Sep 15

FAV

H

Sep 19

NL1

A

Sep 22

Billingham Town Seaham Red Star Guisborough Town Northallerton Town West Auckland Town Whickham

NL1

H

Sep 29

NL1

A

Oct 3

NL1

A

Oct 7

NL1

Guisborough Town North Shields

COMP VENUE

1

A

Oct 14

NL1

A

Oct 17

NL1

H

Oct 24

Consett

NL1

H

Oct 27

Bishop Auckland Ryhope CW

NL1

H

Nov 7

NL1

A

Nov 14

Hebburn Town Stockton Town Thornaby

NL1

H

Nov 17

NL1

A

Nov 21

NL1

H

Nov 28

Penrith

NL1

A

Dec 5

Ashington

NL1

H

Dec 12

Sunderland RCA

NL1

A

Dec 19

West Auckland Town

NL1

H

Dec 26

Whickham

NL1

A

Jan 2

Newcastle Benfield Whitley Bay

NL1

A

Jan 9

NL1

H

Jan 16

Billingham Town Guisborough Town Hebburn Town Northallerton Town Consett

NL1

A

Jan 23

NL1

H

Jan 30

NL1

A

Feb 6

NL1

H

Feb 13

NL1

A

Feb 20

Seaham Red Star Shildon

NL1

H

Feb 27

NL1

A

Mar 6

North Shields

NL1

H

Mar 13

Bishop Auckland Ryhope CW

NL1

A

Mar 20

NL1

H

Mar 27

Stockton Town Thornaby

NL1

H

Apr 3

NL1

A

Apr 10

Penrith

NL1

H

Apr 17

Ashington

NL1

A

Apr 24

34

#OneTownOneTeam

Newton Aycliffe FC

KEY

YELLOW CARD RED CARD MAN OF THE MATCH GOAL SCORED

WIN LOSE DRAW

7

8

WOOD WOOD

S1 SUB ONE S2 SUB TWO S3 SUB THREE

9

10

11

S1

S2

S3

PETITJEAN

JARVIE

BURNICLE

WEARMOUTH

ARDELEAN

DIBB-FULLER

REDFORD

PETITJEAN

ARDELEAN

BURNICLE

WEARMOUTH

JARVIE

PHELAN

DIBB-FULLER

RESULTS, STANDINGS & FIXTURES Tuesday, September 8 Shildon 2-0

Hebburn Town

Wednesday, September 9 Whickham

2-1

Billingham Town

Northallerton 2-0 Seaham Red Town Star Newcastle Benfield

1-0

Bishop Auckland

Stockton Town

3-0

Ashington

Guisborough 5-1 West Auckland Town Town Thornaby

1-2

Penrith

DIVISION ONE Newcastle Benfield 1 Guisborough Town 2 Stockton Town 3 Whickham 4 5 Northallerton Town Shildon 6 Hebburn Town 7 Penrith 8 Thornaby 9 10 Seaham Red Star Sunderland RCA 11 Ryhope CW 12 Newton Aycliffe 13 North Shields 14 Consett 15 Whitley Bay 16 Billingham Town 17 Bishop Auckland 18 Ashington 19 20 West Auckland Town

P 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 2 2

+/- Pts

+2 +4 +3 +1 +1 +3 +2 +1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -2 -2 -4 -9

6 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Saturday, September 12 Newton Shildon v Aycliffe

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

Northallerton Town

v

Whickham

Seaham Red Star

v

North Shields

Thornaby

v

Sunderland RCA

Hebburn Town

v

Pontefract Collieries

Kendal Town

v

Bishop Auckland

Guisborough Town

v

Tadcaster Albion

West Auckland Town

v

Ashington

Billingham Town

v

Stockton Town

Frickley Athletic

v

Newcastle Benfield

35

MOORE LANE MEMORIES Paul McGeary joined Newton Aycliffe’s media team in 2008 ahead of what was to become the most exciting time in the club’s history as the Newtonians embarked on their rise to the Northern League. In seven years with the club, Paul fostered many memories as the club established itself as a mainstay in the league. In this regular column, Paul will look back down memory lane, recounting memorable matches, players and supporters alike…

SHILDON AFC This was the one we had wanted ever since we first kicked a ball in the Northern League.

No disrespect to Darlington RA, Crook and the like, but this was our real-life local derby. Two sides separated geographically only by Middridge! Less than five miles covers the transit from Moore Lane to Dean Street. Many Newtonian fans live in Shildon, many Shildon fans hail from Aycliffe. This was the rivalry we had coveted.

In our title-winning season, Shildon had whacked us 5-0 in a pre-season friendly - First Division men versus Second Division boys. The gulf was evident.

Even Allan’s money couldn’t match that of Shildon. Gary Forrest had built a team of exceptional

players – Sam Garvie, Bobby Moore, Billy Greulich-Smith, Chris McCabe, Keith Finch, the list went on. They’d even managed to get Wazza [Byrne] back from us, following his 44-goal haul that helped us to promotion just a few months previous.

We ended up playing Shildon no fewer than five times competitively that season, and it’ll come as little surprise that the only game in which we ended victorious is the one which sticks in my memory the greatest.

Weeks earlier, we’d lost an FA Vase replay late in extratime at Dean Street, having matched the Railwaymen for almost 240 minutes. We’d go on to lose a Elliot Gardner scored the first Durham Challenge at Dean Street as Aycliffe sealed a memorable win over Shildon

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Newton Aycliffe FC

Cup tie and a season-ending deadrubber at Moore Lane as Shildon flexed their muscle over the Division One newbies.

However, October 5, on a wet Wednesday night at Dean Street, we showed up and gave Shildon such a one-sided hammering, we claimed the bragging rights for the 2011-12 Warren campaign, despite a Byrne is one record of 1-1-3 in headof several to-head encounters. to have crossed the

AycliffeMark Peck, Paul Broom Shildon and Stewie Owen didn’t divide even make the starting XI as Allan named an incredibly strong Aycliffe side and, from the off, Aycliffe laid siege on the Shildon goal. Elliot Gardner and Dale Jardine put us in control in the first half and by the time Glen Robson came off the bench and scored two wonderful goals in the second half – one, a magnificent chip which showed why he’d actually played in the professional ranks before his Northern League ventures - Shildon were shell-shocked into retreat.

Wayne Gredziak’s late consolation did nothing to dampen Aycliffe spirits. It was an absolute doing, and no wonder why it is the game which gets every column inch in this feature.

Familiar Faces Warren Byrne is probably the most notable name on the lips of both sets of supporters, as he traded tracksuits between the sides on numerous occasions. His 44-goal haul in the promotion season has never been matched in Aycliffe colours, despite the likes of Danny Earl, Jamie Owens and Dean Thexton – all of whom have played for both sides of the divide – coming close.

Newtonians Dion Raitt and Ben Wood plied their trades at both their hometown team and the Railwaymen, while Darren Craddock, the RollsRoyce of all Northern League centre halves, enjoyed cup success at Shildon after two majestic seasons in the Moore Lane backline.

A mention in this column before I sign off to two men on the Shildon committee, and two men who I have such respect and regard for, despite our postal code rivalries. I wish Norman Smith and Wilf Tray a pleasant return to Moore Lane this afternoon and hope today isn’t a game that sticks in their memories – unless it’s for the wrong reasons. Enjoy the game.

Paul McGeary

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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10 YEARS ON A decade ago Newton Aycliffe were embarking on a journey that would live long in the memory of every Newtonian as the club smashed its way to the STL Northern League Division Two championship. Winning an extraordinary 30 of their 38 matches and amassing a whopping 95 points, Allan Oliver’s men secured their place in the Northern League First Division in just their second season at Northern League level.

In this feature series we are going to look back on and celebrate an historic season a decade on by revisiting games, goals and stories as told by the players and staff involved and where better to start than with the man who guided Aycliffe to the league title himself, the manager, and now our Chairman, Allan Oliver...

It was brilliant, I was the best manager we’ve ever had - until I sacked myself!

The first season was a bit of an eye opener, it was a lot stronger than the Wearside League.

But after the first season I knew what we needed. We were making chances and not scoring and then conceding soft ones at the other end. We signed Warren Byrne and a lad called Mark Peck and I think we signed Ben Wood and those three players on top of what we had gave me the belief we would go close.

We had an indifferent start, I think we got beat 3-0 away to Washington and people were grumbling but from that game I think we went 28 or 29 games unbeaten. We got the bit between our teeth, we had great support and it was just like a snowball rolling down a hill really, we just got bigger and better and stronger as the season went on.

I always tried to get good players enjoying themselves and then you didn’t have to manage very much. I had some great players, the likes of Dan Mellanby who was on fire at the time and we had some good young lads and they all played with a smile on their face.

It was just a good atmosphere.

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The games which really stick out in my head, I remember we played Chester-Le-Street away who were flying and I’d said to the lads ‘we’ve got to get something here today,’ and I knew if we got something we’d go very close and we won 3-2 coming from behind – I think Mellanby got a late winner. Then a month or so later we went to Whitehaven and we were getting beat 2-1 with 20 minutes to go and we ended up turning it around and winning 4-2 and we had a hell of a day on the bus, brilliant.

I remember going to Seaham to get promoted and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a performance like I did from Mellanby and the team in the second half that day – Mellanby was unbelievable – and we won the game 6-1. I think we won the league three games later at home to Chester-Le-Street; we hadn’t to get beat and we got a draw to win us the league.

It was a fantastic season, absolutely great and we’ve stayed in the First Division ever since and I think it’s an achievement to do that. It’s absolutely flown over. It was just a fantastic time at the club. Happy times.

Newton Aycliffe FC

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk

@NAycliffeFC

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HEAD COACH: Colin Stromsoy Adam PICKFORD Liam McGRATH Connor PHELAN Nick GREEN Aaron BROWN Aidan McGEE Oscar ECKLEY-ALDSWORTH Lucas PILLING Sam READ Lewis WALTON Kevin CARR Ryan REDFORD Gerard RICHARDSON Ben REAY Jake PETITJEAN Ethan WOOD Marc COSTELLO Ben DIBB-FULLER Andrei-Vasile ARDELEAN Liam JARVIE Arran WEARMOUTH Adam BURNICLE

MANAGER/ PLAYER: Daniel Moore Shaun NEWBROOK Matthew BATEMAN Dominic CURL Aidan HEYWOOD Jack VAULKS Jordan LAVERY Jack NAYLOR Alex WHITE Ben TROTTER David PALMER Danny CRAGGS Kurt MATTHEWS Chay LIDDLE Brandon MALLABURN Joe POSTHILL Billy GREULICH-SMITH Zak ATKINSON Dean THEXTON Michael SWEET