By Glen Robertson
Newton Aycliffe’s unbeaten away record in the Northern League melted away beside the sea at Marske, as United ran out 3-1 winners.
All four goals were scored in the first 20-minutes of the second-period, as the players struggled to cope with the sweltering October heat in the first-half.
Anthony Campbell went from villain-to-hero, first giving away the penalty which gave the home-side the lead, before firing an unstoppable 25-yard volley to equalise two-minutes later.
But a spectacular own-goal from John Close and a Chris McGill header meant Aycliffe tasted defeat for just the second time in their inaugural first division campaign.
Glen Robson was handed a start in attack alongside Dale Jardine, and the former-striker came closest to scoring in the first-half. Campbell crossed from the left and Robson beat his marker in the air, but his header came crashing off the crossbar.
Just before the half-hour mark, Paul Broom released Jardine, whose cross found Stuart Owen unmarked at the back post. The left-winger’s square ball evaded Robson, the Marske defence and the ‘keeper, but Jardine couldn’t finish off from an acute angle.
Aycliffe’s game-plan suffered a hit as the first-half neared its conclusion, with striker Jardine being forced off with an injury.The game came to life early in the second-half. Glenn Wesson was released down Marske’s right-hand side and the winger was bundled over in the penalty area by Campbell. The home side’s skipper, Steven Cochrane, blasted the spot-kick right down the middle to give Marske the lead.
Aycliffe hit back immediately, with Campbell registering an early goal of the season contender. Finding himself in the centre of the pitch, the left-back unleashed a 25-yard half-volley that left ‘keeper Graeme Willey with no chance.
Suddenly Aycliffe looked to have woken up and took the game to Marske. New signing Tom Portas came on to make his debut and his arrival almost coincided with a second for Aycliffe. Wood was released down the right by Robson and crossed for Owen at the back-post, but the winger was just beaten to the ball by Michael Wilson.
But just as it seemed Aycliffe were stepping up a gear, they found themselves behind again. Close, who was struggling with an injury, inadvertently lobbed Scott Pocklington from 30-yards, as he attempted to find his ‘keeper.
The goal deflated the Newtonians, and Marske threatened to run away with it, as they caused problems for the Aycliffe back-line.
The killer goal came in the 64th-minute as McGill header home at the far-post from Daniel Brunskill’s right-wing cross.
Aycliffe will look to bounce back on Wednesday night as they visit local-rivals Shildon.
Star Man
Josh Knox – battled.

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