Newton Aycliffe FC v Team Northumbria

By Paul McGeary
Aycliffe began December where November left off as they stretched their unbeaten record to seven games with victory over a Team Northumbria side far better than their current league position would suggest.
Daniel Lennon's individual brilliance brought the first goal after just five minutes and despite having Dave Forrest dismissed for two bookable offences, Aycliffe held on and sealed the points when substitute Chase McMullen netted 10 minutes from time, having only been on the field for around 15 seconds! Anth Campbell's strong run and shot was only parried and McMullen finished with aplomb.
Dan Mitton was faultless in central defence on his return following injury and despite Mark Wood volleying against his own crossbar midway through the second half, Ste Richardson was rarely threatened as Northumbria's finishing let them down several times despite good build up play.
Aycliffe overtook neighbours Crook with the three points and remain on the periphery of the top three with five points seperating seven teams, albeit by virtue of a superior amount of games played over their rivals.