By Paul McGeary
In front of a new club record crowd, including local MP Phil Wilson who officially opened their new standing accommodation, Newton Aycliffe appeared to suffer from stage fright but still ground out another victory taking them to within 12 points of promotion.
In a week where trains have dominated the local press, Darlington RA almost derailed the Newtonians title assault with a spirited and resilient display that left many in attendance wondering exactly who were the runaway league leaders.
Some week now, Allan OliverÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s table-toppers will secure promotion, thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a given, but his players, and their fans alike are going to have to get used to the fact that every team is after their scalp and the three points will have to be won, rather than taken for granted.
Oliver named an unchanged side from last weekÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mechanical victory over Northallerton, but welcomed Ben Wood and Dan Mellanby back to bench at the expense of Chase McMullen and Anth Campbell.
The Railwaymen by contrast were missing several first-team regulars, but still included former Aycliffe wing-man Kyle Swankie, and Wayne Hall, the 20-year-old full-back who departed Moore Lane Park in August.
After a cagey start in which the 567 watching had little to get excited about, the hosts finally registered a shot on goal after 37 minutes.
Top scorer and former RA man Warren Byrne broke into the box and fed Stuart Owen in the left-sided channel. Owen unselfishly opted to pull the ball back to Craig Mickle who was well positioned 18-yards out but the 25-year-old striker saw his fiercely hit first time effort well saved by Phil Pentony in the visiting goal.
Two minutes later and Pentony Ã¢â‚¬â€œ a former Darlington junior Ã¢â‚¬â€œ turned from hero to villain as he wildly misjudged OwenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s hanging left wing cross leaving Byrne with the freedom of the park to slam home at the back post for his 32nd of the campaign.
Sadly, that was to be it from the promotion chasing outfit as they flattered to deceive in the second period, although MickleÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s 50th minute dismissal for a second yellow card somewhat diluted their offence.
The Railwaymen almost turned party-poopers as the coldness drew in and second-half substitute Mark Jenkinson stung the palms of Scott Pocklington with an 84th minute effort which deflected wickedly off the thigh of the impressive Mark Peck.
Pocklington, a former Quakers junior himself, coped better than his opposite number with a save of top quality in preserving his 13th shut-out of the season, pushing JenkinsonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s effort for a corner kick.
And so it was to be a case of after the lord mayorÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Ã¢â‚¬â€œ or the local MPÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Ã¢â‚¬â€œ show for the Newtonians who although stretched their lead at the summit of the table to 13 points, will be left kicking themselves that they didnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t fashion out a memorable display for the record in attendance.
It remains to be seen whether 567 will turn out against Brandon in two weeks time, but Aycliffe can rest assured that if they maintain their unbeaten streak Ã¢â‚¬â€œ which now stands at 22 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ between now and then, whoever is in attendance that day may well be watching the promotion-sealing victory, as Allan OliverÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s men are now just four wins from joining the top-tier of the Northern League.
Star Man Ã¢â‚¬â€œ John CLOSE
On an evening deprived of attacking quality, it was inevitable a member of the back-line was going to earn praise. Mark Peck was superb throughout, defending resolutely whilst Elliot Gardner ran his socks off in the centre of the park. Close however had a fine evening marshalling the tricky Swankie and winning every aerial battle thrown his way.

Match Preview

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Attendance

Team Sponsors