Newton Aycliffe FC v Bishop Auckland

By Paul McGearyNewton Aycliffe served a Boxing Day treat to their biggest league crowd of the season as they defeated neighbours Bishop Auckland by the odd goal in three.363 supporters packed into Moore Lane Park as goals from Nathan Wilson - making his first start for the club - and Dan Mellanby summonsed Bishops to defeat, despite Arran Wearmouth's late goal setting up a tense finish.Victory meant Allan Oliver's side ended the year in sixth place, with a six-point cushion over Bedlington in seventh, although the Terriers have games in hand.The first half was largely devoid of goalmouth action, with Josh Gray coming closest for the hosts, only to see his goalbound effort cleared from the line by the experienced Ian Dixon.Aycliffe took the lead just past the hour mark. A long punt forward from the impressive Stephen Gibson was expertly controlled in the swirling wind by former Two-Blue Mellanby.The 32-year-old flicked through to the on-rushing Wilson who took just one touch to steer home under the body of Peter Jeffries in the visiting goal.Aycliffe took hold of the game from that moment and double their advantage with 18 minutes remaining.Scott Pocklington launched an attack from his own box and after seeing off Dixon and Chris Bell, Dale Jardine poked past Jeffries only to be wrestled to the ground by the 'keeper. Mellanby didn't wait for the ensuing ref's whilstle and in firing into the unguarded net, spared Jeffries the impending red card as the official allowed the goal to stand with no further punishment to Colin Myers' side.Bishop reduced the arrears when Wearmouth fired through a melee of bodies on 78 minutes but Aycliffe hung on to claim their first victory over their local rivals.Star ManSteven Gibson - tireless