Newton Aycliffe FC v Gilford Park

Newton Aycliffe maintained their unbeaten start to their Northern League season with a hard-fought draw in Carlisle.
With no less than eight first team players missing through injury, suspensions and work commitments, Allan Oliver’s patched up side earned a valuable away point to preserve their valuable unbeaten record, winning eight points from their first four games.
Paul Stout and Kyle Swankie were both suspended for the trip to Gillford, while Dan Mellanby (back), Dan Robinson (back), John Close (arm) and Dave Forrest (hernia) were all sidelined through injury, with Liam Cooper and Mark Wood both missing through work commitments.
Sean Tarling did make the starting-XI to provide some much needed reinforcement, alongside the returning Dion Raitt, captain for the evening and Aycliffe’s man-of-the-match.
Aycliffe had the first show on goal, Raitt stinging the ‘keepers palms on three minutes with a free-kick from 30-yards, but it was Gillford who took the lead after 15 minutes.
The visitors drew level with a well-taken goal just three minutes later, however, when Paul Broom did well to pull back for Elliot Gardner, who grabbed his fourth goal in as many games.
Gillford went ahead before the break, scoring from the penalty spot after youngster Gavin Wilson conceded a penalty, and Steve Richardson kept his side in the game minutes before the interval with two great saves.
Aycliffe enjoyed more possession in the second half, and eventually equalised again just after the hour. Richardson’s long ball was flicked on by substitute Chase McMullen into the path of Gardner, who took two touches before slotting past the ‘keeper with a smart finish.
Both sides had half-chances to clinch all three points, but a scrappy game finished fairly even, and for Aycliffe it was an excellent away point, under the circumstances.
• A big well done to the small number of Aycliffe fans who made the long journey to Carlisle for this midweek fixture, which turned out to be a long night. Superb support!