Newton Aycliffe FC v Seaham Red Star

By Paul McGeary
Aycliffe slipped to sixth in the Northern League second division with their first defeat of the season at home to Seaham Red Star.
Allan Oliver’s side were without the injured Elliot Gardner and Gavin Wilson to add to Wednesday night's missing list, but were buoyed by the return of skipper Mark Wood, Liam Cooper and gave a debut to Phil Caley up front.

The sun shone on another 200-plus crowd at Moore Lane Park as Aycliffe looked to defend their 100% home record against arguably a weak-looking Red Star XI, without first choice goalkeeper Michael Thackeray.

However, Jordan Hugill, three goals up to now in the league was on the bus and he ran the home back four ragged with a display of forward play way beyond his years.
Breaking free and squaring for Stephen Winspear to score in the opening minutes should have rang alarm bells for Aycliffe, who despite quickly getting level through Caley, could not cope with Hugill who proved orchestral in Seaham's ensuing rout.

Hugill got the second just after half-time, when he sprung the offside trap to slot past Stevie Richardson, and he should have had his second a minute later, but missed from two yards when presented with the chance from Winspear's cross, and only a fine smother from Richardson prevented the same player from getting the third on the hour.
The introduction of Paul Atkinson alongside Hugill shortly after brought reward, with the sub scoring himself with 20 minutes left and Hugill had the final act when he found the corner when unmarked in the area on 82 minutes.

Aycliffe were brought down to earth with a thundering bang, but not as loud a bang as those flying teacups made in the home dressing room as the crowd parted the ground at the final whistle.