Newton Aycliffe FC v Jarrow Roofing

By Paul McGearyNewton Aycliffe stretched their unbeaten run to five games, while at the same time recorded back-to-back clean sheets in disposing of Jarrow Roofing 3-0 in gale-force conditions.Goals from Dale Jardine, Nathan Wilson and returning substitute Ben Wood secured the points for Allan Oliver's side, who remain on the tails of the top-five after a fine run of form over the Christmas and New Year period.Dan Mellanby returned to the starting 11 at the expense of Josh Knox while John Close replaced the injured Mark Peck in the back-line. Josh Gray found himself at left-back as Oliver utilised his versatile pool.Aycliffe had the benefit of the wind in the opening period but struggled to take full advantage with a reluctence to shoot coupled with wayward finishing when they did pull the trigger. The visitors' best chance fell to Jardine on 16 minutes but the former West Auckland man found Gary Hoggeth equal to his effort in the Roofers' goal.Richie McLoughlin's side should have taken the lead on 29 minutes. Alex Benjamin - playing against Aycliffe for his third different side this season - crossed to the back post where Yanis Galis cushioned a header into the path of Aristote Guerin-Lokonga who untroubled, blazed over from just four yards.The attacker had trials with Sunderland and Torquay before the festive period and his penalty box mishap showed probably why he still plies his trade at Northern League level and not higher up the pyramid.True to form Jarrow were made to pay for their ineptness in front of goal as Aycliffe stole ahead seconds later. Sean Tarling - impressive all afternoon - linked well with Mellanby who superbly played Jardine through and the big striker finished off from 22-yards for his 10th goal in Aycliffe colours.A second was needed before the turnaround and Oliver's men got it with the last kick off the half. Mellanby was again involved and after beating two men, he played the ball square for Wilson to arrow a shot into the corner from 18-yards.It was the former Sunderland man's third goal in as many starts as his Aycliffe career flourishes.Wood replaced Mellanby at the interval with the 32-year-old complaining of a tight hamstring and with Jardine going off with a knee injury minutes later, Aycliffe were stretched with resources, as Jarrow looked to use the wind to their gain to get back into the game.However, the onslaught never came and it was the Newtonians who grabbed the third, and all important goal. Stuart Owen mesmerised his marker as he twice lifted the ball over his head before slotting through to the onrushing Wood to coolly finish under the advancing 'keeper.Kris Hughes forced Scott Pocklington into a save on 70 minutes as his cross fell goalwards in the wind while Chris Scott again tested the Aycliffe custodian from the resultant corner with a near post snap-shot which Pocklington beat away.Aycliffe turn their attentions to cup action as they host rivals Shildon in midweek before two more away games on the road sees them travel to Billingham, to face Synthonia and Town in the space of seven days.Star ManSean Tarling - everywhere!