By Paul McGearyNewton Aycliffe bounced back from their FA Vase heartache at Shildon with a robust victory over last season’s runners-up Consett.
Allan Oliver’s side patched themselves up and secured a fighting 2-1 victory, despite being without seven first team regulars.
Missing Scott Pocklington, Darren Craddock, Mark Peck, Sean Tarling, Josh Gray and Dan Mellanby, and still reeling from the shock exit of recent signing Andy Appleby, Aycliffe battled through thanks to goals from Josh Knox and Glen Robson.
James Oliver’s unfortunate, yet splendid own goal gave Consett
certain hope in the last quarter but Aycliffe held their nerve and moved back up to fourth in the league standings.
Consett started the better and should have taken a sixth minute lead, but defender Stephen Tobin saw his goalbound effort strike a post after Aycliffe failed to deal with a left-wing corner.
Michael Mackay and Marc Walton were busy up front, and both had flashes on goal which were dealt with by returning ‘keeper Andrew Spence.
Aycliffe got themselves in front with a fine Knox strike just after the half hour mark. Elliot Gardner and Ben Wood linked up well, and as the ball drew back to the awaiting Knox, the 19-year-old curled his first goal of the
season home from just outside the area.
Aycliffe doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Wood danced his way round ‘keeper Peter Jameson before unselfishly squaring for the awaiting Robson who stroked home into the empty net from two yards against his former club.
Oliver’s unfortunate intervention on 70 minutes halved his sides lead, as he coolly lobbed the outrushing Spence in a moment to forget for the matchday programme cover boy.
Substitute Fred Woodhouse struck a post in the 86th minute and Aycliffe had a late scare when Walton’s cross was volleyed over by Gavin Ross who was positioned just yards from Spence’s goal.Star ManPaul Broom - unfamiliar

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