Newton Aycliffe FC v Marske Utd

By Paul McGeary
It was back to league action after an enforced six-week sabatical for Allan Oliver's men and in the shape of form side Marske United, the hosts could not have asked for a harder task as they themselves tried to build upon a run of six games without defeat in sNL2.

The first half was largely all Marske, the Seasiders continuing where they left off in midweek - a strong second half display at Pickering Town in the FA Vase culminating in a 2-1 victory and a last-16 berth.

Benn Thompson, the physical frontman who seldom lost a header all day, showed an uncanny turn of pace on 34 minutes showing Dan Mitton a clean pair of heels. Ste Richardson closed the angle but Thompson squeezed the ball through the Aycliffe custodian's legs from 10 yards.

Aycliffe came out a different entity in the second period and a strong run from Dan Mellanby - making his first start for four months - resulted in a foul bringing a free-kick 20 yards from goal. Skipper for the day Dion Raitt duly stepped up and curled the ball exquisitely into Brendan Ledgeway's top right hand corner.

Both sides had half chances to claim the points but in the end the shared spoils proved a fair reflection as the teams continued their respective unbeaten records in the league.