Newton Aycliffe FC v Chester-le-Street

By Paul McGeary
Elliot Gardner grabbed the Newton Aycliffe goalscoring record with a brace against his former club as the Newtonians strolled through to the last-16 of the Durham Challenge Cup.
Dale Jardine added a cool third to seal victory, but it was Gardner who stole the headlines as he moved two goals clear of former striker Warren Byrne in the Newtonian’s record books.
It took the former Chester-le-Street man just nine minutes to take the record in his own right, converting a penalty after Stuart Owen saw his 20-yard drive charged down by defender Danni Lay inside the area.
It was the only bright spot of an otherwise scrappy first half as the second division outfit proved frustrating for the hosts to penetrate and break down.
Gardner and teenage defender James Oliver had two efforts on goal as the second half started brighter for Allan Oliver’s team but it wasn’t until the 59th minute until Aycliffe doubled their advantage.
Darren Craddock carried the ball out of defence and sent Gardner clear over the top of the back-line, and the 22-year-old forward sublimely curled a shot wide of ‘keeper Hayden Scott and into the top corner of the net.
40 seconds later Jardine sealed the victory when he exquisitely lobbed Scott from 25-yards following Gardner's superb through ball from deep inside his own half.
Gardner saw a late effort for his hat-trick well saved by Scott while substitute Phil Robinson had two half sightings on goal but failed to find the target with either as the game petered out and Aycliffe secured their berth in the last-16.
Star Man
Elliot Gardner – Record!