Newton Aycliffe FC v Hebburn

For this inaugural game in the Northern League the sun was shining and an excellent attendence of 295 was recorded to witness a victory to mark the occasion.
The Aycliffe squad was missing several players due to injury /holiday but nevertheless was a strong team that Alan/Brian selected.
We started brightly with Danny Mellanby creating a few problems for the Hebburn defence and probably should have scored twice in first 10 minutes when both Mellanby and Elliott
Gardner had good chances.However ,Hebburn gradually forced their way into the game as we lost momentum with a lack of cohesion all over the park.Hebburn took the lead on the stroke of half time when Steve Richardson needlessly fouled a striker on the by-line and the resultant penalty was easily converted.HALF TIME 1-0 HEBBURN
Following good play on the right Mellanby found Stewart Owen in space 10 yards out but Stewart hit the post and the ball was scambled clear.Hebburn were founding space down their right and Richardson atoned for his penalty boob by making a great reaction save to keep ot a close range header.However ,Hebburn increased their lead when a towering head was adjudged to have crossed the line ,by local lino Steve Moran, despite Owen's valiant attempt to clear.
Quite clearly Hebburn had not read the script for this game which we were supposed to win !!!On 58mins Alan and Brian made a double substitution ,replacing both wide men and this proved to be astute and provide the impetus for a dramatic turnaround in Aycliffe's fortunes.Almost immediately Kyle Swankie linked up with Mellanby to find space for a shot which he screwed wide when well placed.In the 63rd minute ,Chase McMullen found Gardner in the inside right channel ,who outpaced a defender to round the keeper and slot home.Aycliffe were beginning to dominate the game and could have equalised through Swankie who missed a glorious cance from a McMullen cross and then Mellanby warmed the keepers hands with a powerful shot.With Mellanby exerting his presence,Raitt driving from midfield and Stout urging the team forward they were not to be denied and equalised through Paul Stout's looping header across the keeper into the bottom corner.
This seemed to spur Hebburn back into action and Aycliffe survived a couple of close calls as they frantically tried to clear their lines.With the clock running out the crowd seemed to have accepted a draw but the this relatively young Aycliffe side had other ideas.McMullen produced excellent skill in controlling a Raitt cross from the left and found Mellanby ,10 yards out in the middle of the goal.3-2 Aycliffe as Danny crashed the ball past the keeper ,high into the net.Aycliffe regrouped a closed the game out to record a deserved,if dramatic ,victory.
PLAYER WATCH
Richardson -a good all round display and atoned for mistake with an excellent second half save.
Wood -a solid ,workmanlike display all game -distribution from back was generally good.
Mitton -another faultless performance from this young lad who reads the game and is comfortable on the ball
Stout -battled hard all game and deserved goal for driving the team forward -good exprience showed -been there etc-
Hall -despite losing position a couple of time a good competent display from this young lad who looks comfortable on the ball
Robinson -never really exerted his nfluence on the game in midfield but battled hard
Raitt -exerted his presence on the game in the second half with good tackling and passing -unlucky with free kick late on
Broome -prominent early but faded as he made no impact
Owen -short of training and match fitness showed as Stewart failed to make an impact
Gardner -ran the channels and deserved his goal for his effort and workrate
Mellanby -a leaner,fitter Danny -was a threat with his ball control and passing -fitting that our talisman scored the winner
McMullen -injected pace and a constant threat when coming on as sub
Swankie -showed good skill and movement -Kyle will know he should have done better with more composure with goal chances.
Cairns -late sub for Gardner -not on long enough to have an impact
SUMMARY -
On this historic occasion for Newton Aycliffe FC this was a deserved victory with a spirited,if not scintillating,display that bodes wwell for our prospects this season and was watched by another excellent crowd attendence ,which I would suspect may be highest of the day in the Northern League.Appreciation for your continued support.