Newton Aycliffe FC v West Allotment Celtic

Newton Aycliffe began 2015 with a convincing 3-0 win over the team immediately above them in the league, West Allotment Celtic. Aycliffe gave notice of their intent after just 10 mins when Dennis Knight scored an impressive opener. Advancing into the box Knight saw West Allotment keeper Mullen off his line & the precisely judged chip sailed into the net.
The visitors were unfortunate to lose their centre-forward to injury after half an hour when Michael Armstrong picked up a nasty cut after colliding with a post. Nevertheless they might have scored after 38 mins when only a good save from Aycliffe keeper James Winter rescued his defence.
However, within a minute Aycliffe were 2 nil up when good work by Jordan Laidler was rewarded when the ball found Stuart Banks on the edge of the box. Banks made no mistake firing home a low shot.
It might have been three after 42 mins when Banks slotted the ball past the keeper only to see the assistant referee's flag raised for offside.
The second half didn't produce as many chances but Zak Boagey had a good effort saved & Laidler threatened when he ran onto a cross only to find the angle too tight to be able to get an effective shot away.
Aycliffe made it 3-0 in added time when Aaron Brown was tripped just inside the box. Banks confidently put the penalty past the keeper to seal the much needed three points. This result was a just reward for improved recent performances.