By Paul McGeary
Knowing that by bettering GuisboroughÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s result they would be crowned champions, Newton AycliffeÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s players gathered on the field after sharing the points in their home encounter with Chester-le-Street.
News of a rare home defeat for the Priorymen came through meaning that the Newtonians lacklustre draw was enough to see them confirmed as kings of the second division at just the second time of asking.
What followed was a scene of sheer jubilation as most of the 200-plus crowd stopped behind to laud their champagne-soaked heroes as they walked from the field, Ã¢â‚¬ËœChampionsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ banner in tow.
Of course, many had been here before Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the Durham Alliance title in 2008 which was followed by the Wearside League title a year later Ã¢â‚¬â€œ but the Northern League second division title in just their second season was undoubtedly the clubÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s finest hour.
Winning the title was the icing on the cake for boss Allan Oliver and his backroom team, who challenged their players to win the silver after their historic promotion was sealed last week.
And that silver will be delivered to Moore Lane Park in two weeks time when skipper Sean Tarling will get his hands on the second division trophy after his sideÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s home game with Birtley Town.
Missing Chester-le-Street residents Mark Peck and Craig Mickle through injury, Oliver recalled Anth Campbell to the starting line-up while Paul Broom replaced Ben Wood on the right. Darren Ablewhite was called upon to deputise for the absent Scott Pocklington in goal.
The Cestrians arrived at Moore Lane on the back of a run of results which had brought just one defeat in eight while the Newtonians hadnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t been beaten in the league for 26 games - the ensuing draw now looking something of a banker.
Chester started the brighter and should have been four up inside the first 20 minutes. Instead it was just one. That came in their first raid after just three minutes when Kevin DixonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s right-wing centre was missed by Ablewhite and after an unfortunate ricochet off the back of Chris Beckett, Robbie Draper had the simplest of tasks in tucking the loose ball into the welcoming net.
Ablewhite atoned for his mishap five minutes later when he made a breathtaking save from DixonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s bullet header. Nick KaneÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s pin-point cross from the left was met 10-yards out by Dixon but the 35-year-old stopper superbly tipped the ball over his bar despite being off balance.
Five minutes further later and Mark Davison fashioned an opportunity for Kane but with Ablewhite narrowing the angle, the 21-year-old wing man could only drag his shot wide of the post.
On 20 minutes Chester came closest to doubling their lead when Ben JohnsonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s back post header lobbed over Ablewhite but hit the top of the town-end crossbar before dropping behind for a goal kick.
OliverÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s side drew themselves level with their first real telling attack. Broom expertly beat his man on the edge of the area before crossing deep to former Cestrian Elliot Gardner who rose highest to send a header back across goal and into Kyle BarlowÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s bottom corner.
The goal failed to settle the title-chasing side who almost again fell behind as half time approached. KaneÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s corner was only half cleared and Jordan FraserÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s left-foot rocket on the turn was only just deflected over the bar by his own man, Draper fortunately well positioned from an Aycliffe point of view.
The hosts offered slightly more in the second period but couldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t find the goal that would settle nerves, with news filtering through that Guisborough were 2-0 behind to their arch-rivals Marske.
Instead Chester played their part in dampening the celebrations by taking the lead for the second time on what was becoming an increasingly frustrating afternoon.
Again Aycliffe failed to deal properly with a right-wing centre and amid a mass scramble, Fraser squeezed the ball over the line in the 63rd minute despite AblewhiteÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s best efforts.
Campbell sent a 35-yard rocket goalwards in the 70th minute but his shot thundered back off the angle of post and bar while Byrne scooped over the same bar with a rare opportunity on a day when he was starved of any service as Luke Gilhespy, Marc Bladen and Fraser defended impeccably.
The introduction of Wood sparked certain life into Aycliffe and following a mazy run from the former Sunderland Academy player, the home side were awarded a contentious penalty.
WoodÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s heels were clipped as he entered the box but credit to the 19-year-old attacker as he stayed on his feet. With no advantage being evident as WoodÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s delivery was cut out, the referee called play back and pointed to the spot sparking raucous scenes involving those in yellow.
Byrne remained unfazed and he eventually sent Barlow the wrong way in tucking home his 42nd goal of the campaign, all but one coming in the league.
Back in November it was OliverÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s men who clinched the points with a 93rd minute winner having twice led themselves and as the clock ran down that game was fresh in the memories of all present fearing Chester would exact revenge.
News of a David Onions penalty at Guisborough did little to settle the nerves but the final whistle at Moore Lane did bring one permutation closer. And so the nail-biting call for commentary on the closing stages in the North-Riding derby.
The Newtonians knew all-to-well of how Guisborough can break hearts with late comebacks but after a few close opportunities, proceedings were drawn to a close at the King George sparking the jubilation at Moore Lane.
Star Man Ã¢â‚¬â€œ John CLOSE
On a day when Aycliffe were second best, it could only be a defender who took the credit and in the absence of Peck, Close stood up to the challenge and defended resolutely all afternoon.

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