SPENNYMOOR PREVIEW
31 Oct 2012

Newton Aycliffe begin their Durham Challenge Cup campaign with a first-round tie with holders Spennymoor Town.

WHO
Spennymoor Town are the holders of the Durham Challenge Cup and have won the last three Northern League championships. Rumours say Moors will look to take promotion if they add a fourth consecutive title this year. Jason Ainsley's side are in sparkling form, having only dropped two points in their 14 league games (a 1-1 draw with Celtic Nation) and lost just one of six cup ties (a 5-3 defeat away at Evo-Stik Trafford). Moors have already beaten Aycliffe once this season, recording a hard-fought 2-0 win at Brewery Field.

WHAT
Durham Challenge Cup, first round. Aycliffe reached the second round last season, where they were beaten by a stoppage-time Steven Johnson goal in the local derby with Shildon. Aycliffe had beaten Chester-le-Street at Moore Lane Park in the first round.

Spennymoor lifted the trophy, after beating favourites Gateshead reserves in the final. To reach that stage, Spenny saw off Billingham Synthonia, Sunderland RCA, Ryhope and Esh Winning. It was Moors' first-ever success in the competition.

WHERE
Moore Lane Park, Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, DL5 5AG.

WHEN
Wednesday October 31st, 2012. Kick-off 7:30pm.

Admission is £5 adults and £3 concessions.

In the official matchday programme, priced £1.50, defender John Close discusses his injury and analyses why Aycliffe's defence has been leaking goals, skipper Sean Tarling offers encouragement to Darren Craddock to end his goal drought and Ray Gowan shares his Spennymoor memories.