Newton Aycliffe FC v Washington

By Paul McGeary
Elliot Gardner took his season tally to 17 goals with his second brace in as many games as Allan Oliver's men moved four points ahead of Northallerton.
Probably more significantly, however, the win moved Aycliffe to within a point of seventh-placed Whitehaven in the race for final placings, which may well determine whether or not the club are playing FA Vase football next season.

Gardner's first was a moment of individual brilliance, accepting the ball from the impressive Josh Knox, Aycliffe's number 10 beat two men on the edge of the area before unleashing a left-footed effort which former Darlington trainee Dan Molyneux could do nothing about in the visiting goal.
His second was more of a poachers effort as he slid in at the back stick to steer Chase McMullen’s right-wing cross past Molyneux in the 84th minute to seal the points for the hosts.

In between times, Dan Mellanby got the second with another fine individual goal, beating two men and finding Molyneux's bottom corner on the stroke of half-time.
A minute later and the game was effectively ended as a contest as Washington's Andy Reay was given his marching orders for a bad tackle, much to the dismay of his manager Dave Lee, who remained animated about the decision long after the final whistle.