Newton Aycliffe FC v Brandon Utd

By Paul McGeary
Aycliffe's impressive recent form continued with a 2-1 win at home to Brandon United.
Allan Oliver's side stretched their unbeaten home league run to six games with their sixth win of the season at Moore Lane Park.
In the proverbial game of two halves, Aycliffe took the points - which on reflection of chances - they warranted.

In a first half devoid of much goalmouth action, the visitors took the lead after 25 minutes with their first real opening. Stephen Fothergill capitalising on an error from ex-Brandon player Jonathan Pennock to race clear and cooly slot home.

The home side got level just before half time when Stuart Owen was adjudged to have been felled by Liam Bramley as they both entered the Brandon area. Skipper Dion Raitt beat 'keeper Bobby Joyce from 12 yards for his sixth of the season.

Paul Broom should have put Allan Oliver's men ahead just after the restart but he blazed high when well set four yards out but Chase McMullen atoned for his teammates lack of composure when he slotted in off the far post when sent clear by the same player just minutes later.

Further opportunities from McMullen, top scorer Elliot Gardner and a Dan Mellanby header should have made the closing stages a lot more comfortable for the hosts but in the end the points were bagged as Aycliffe won at Moore Lane for the first time since the end of November.