By Paul McGeary
Newton Aycliffe are developing an unhealthy knack of relying on leading goalscorer Warren Byrne's goals, as the ex-Shildon man hit his seventh and eighth goals for his hometown team.
Another habit Allan Oliver's men have developed is that of failing to win games, as this became their fifth outing in the last seven where they have failed to secure all three points, and although they still sit second in the table, the Newtonians find themselves five points off Guisborough's pace having played a game more.
With last years leading marksman Elliot Gardner returning, and experienced Northern Leaguer Brian Fairhurst debuting in midfield, there was high hope of returning to winning ways following last weeks demolition at Washington.
Yet it was the Cumbrians who stole the lead, with former Carlisle striker - and the division's top scorer - Michael Reed feeding on to a hopeful long ball, before outpacing Michael Heckley to net past Christopher Moore at the 'town-end' from 12 yards.
Byrne got his side level nine minutes before half-time with a superb individual goal. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, he expertly turned his marker before firing low, in off the post from the edge of the box, with 'keeper Ryan Smith nowhere near the effort.
Aycliffe were back in the game without really controlling it and after a stern talking to at the interval, it was anticiapted that the title challenge would gather momentum and Gilly would be despatched back across the A66 pointless.
Those hopes turned to fears of a back-to-back defeat after 51 minutes when Moore failed to deal with a left-wing corner and Sean Bannon was on hand to stab the ball home through a crowd of players from the six-yard line.
With time running out, and not many chances to boast, the home side looked like losing another game in front of a rather subdued and sparce crowd until Gardner was felled in the 88th minute, just inside the area. Byrne stroked the resultant penalty home, sending Smith the wrong way but it was a definite case of a missed opportunity for Oliver's side who need to put a run of form together if they are to maintain any pressure on the runaway Priorymen.
Star Man - Warren Byrne
Fairhurst grew as the game went on and Dan Mitton stood out on his 50th appearance, but it is top scorer Byrne who takes the award for his two saving strikes and some fantastic hold-up and link play

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