OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME | SEASON 2020-21 | ISSUE 04 NEWTON AYCLIFFE

BILLINGHAM TOWN Tuesday 29 September, 2020 | Ebac Northern League Division One | Kick off 7.45pm

WELCOME to NEWTON AYCLIFFE NEWTON AYCLIFFE FOOTBALL CLUB

SECRETARY Hello and welcome to the it’s hard to disagree with five Stephen Cunliffe Beaumont Landscapes goals inside just 30 minutes 01325 320656 Stadium for tonight’s fixture of football. [email protected] with Billingham Town. Tonight we move on however CHAIRMAN You jon us this evening and with it comes issue four Allan Oliver amidst further rule changes of your Newton Aycliffe and guidance with regards matchday programme. TREASURER to both attending football Yvonne Wood matches and everyday life. In tonight’s copy we hear from the century man Marc MATCHDAY SECRETARY These are testing times, Costello having reached a David Strickland but we can only offer our landmark 100 appearances assurances that we are for the club following last HEAD COACH complying with every rule weekend’s FA Vase triumph Colin Stromsoy that is being issued to us as a over Barnoldswick Town. ASSISTANT COACH club with the interests of you, Mark Wood our supporters, at heart. Paul McGeary is back with another look down memory PHYSIO We appreciate the disruption lane while club legend and Jack Petrozcy some of these measures former captain Sean Tarling may cause, but by adhering is our guest in ‘A Decade MEDIA to them as a club and as On’ as he tells us about Joe Ramage supporters it will afford us his memories of that title joe.ramage92@hotmail. the best possible opportunity winning season. com to continue being able to attend the football, at least Thanks for reading. Enjoy the Bob Wood in some capacity. game. 07766808407 Moving onto brighter things, Joe Ramage COMMITTEE and I am sure you are all still Editor Graeme Jones waiting to come down from Alison Strickland cloud nine (or should that Rob Tarling be six) following Saturday’s Dan Mellanby Scott Brassell superb 6-0 win at Thornaby. Andy McFarlene Speaking after the game, Paul Trippett assistant coach Mark Wood suggested it was the best first half performance he has ever been invovled in and www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 1 CONT ENTS

IN TONIGHT’S ISSUE... FROM THE DUG OUT Hear from Head Coach Colin Stromsoy on tonight’s game 4 CAPTAIN’S COLUMN 6 The Skipper Aaron Brown gives his latest thoughts from the dressing room YOUR NEWTON AYCLIFFE 2020-21 8 Player profiles and club history, it’s all here

CLUB NEWS All you need to know about the new Covid-19 measures in place 14

THE VISITORS We take an in-depth look at tonight’s visitors Billingham Town 16

R E E WIND THE VISITORS... A look back on Aycliffe’s latest outings since the last time we were on home soil

Saturday 26 September, 2020 Teesdale Park Credit Jim Chapman @BillinghamTown

Konstantopoulos0-6Pickford Jarvie 2’ Flounders Phelan Drummond Brown Petitjean 6’ 82’ Poole McGee Wood 12’ Roddam Pilling Gardner Costello Burnicle 21’ 28’ Konstantopoulos into the top corner as when he bent the ball superbly with the Kenny Wood Aycliffe moved up through the gears. outside of his boot into the top corner of Hopson Petitjean Costello Konstantopoulos’ net once more. Beddow Jarvie Two became three in the 12th minute Murphy Reay Brown Hannah Burnicle when Reay once more applied pressure to Aycliffe were in dreamland at the interval the Thornaby backline with a high press with the hosts shell shocked. Subs: Green, Redford, Dibb-Fuller, Ardelean, Wearmouth and was able to win the ball and release illingham Town are the visitors to Town entered the 2020-21 campaign on Wood who stroked the ball into the Ben Dibb-Fuller was introduced for the the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium the back of a successful first season at this bottom corner. excellent Reay early in the second half as INTRODUCING as they make the journey up the level last term before its suspension, with Newton Aycliffe were unplayable at times as weekend’s 4-0 win over Barnoldswick Town Aycliffe kept their foot on the pedal. A19 to be with us this evening. Barry Oliver guiding his side to 10th in the they registered their highest ever away win in the FA Vase. Jarvie was a whisker away from making it Northern League Division One table with in the Northern League at Thornaby. four minutes later when his curling effort Burnicle was close to completing his B Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Ashington means 42 points from their 30 matches played. And they picked up where they left off with just went past the far post. hat-trick just after the hour mark when he Five goals inside a 30 minute first half blitz Jarvie slotting the ball between Dimitrios raced clear of the Thornaby defence but it has been a winless start to the season for put Aycliffe on course for a win which never Konstantopoulos’ legs with a little over 60 But it was Jarvie involved once more five the keeper saved with his legs to deny the Teessiders and they arrive looking to The summer was spent planting the looked in doubt before Jake Petitjean added seconds on the clock after good work by minutes later when he wriggled through him. BILLINGHAM move off the bottom of the Ebac Northern foundations for the club to progress a sixth with his second of the game in the Pilling and Ben Reay. the defence into the area and was League Division One table. and build this season with Chairman second half. brought down leaving the referee little With the game fizzling out and Aycliffe John Tough and Oliver wokring together The hosts almost hit back immediately when option but to point to the spot. looking to secure a clean sheet, there The two side’s shared the spoils last to bring in a number of key signing’s Adam Burnicle also bagged a brace with Dale Hopson forced Pickford into a good was still time for that elusive sixth goal season, each winning the away fixture as including former striker Daniel Earl. Liam Jarvie and Ethan Wood completing the save with Aaron Brown on hand to divert Burnicle stepped up to send the keeper as Connor Phelan slid an excellent ball rout as Aycliffe moved up to fourth in the the rebound away with what happened next the wrong way to open his league through to Petitjean. Liam McNamara’s goal was enough to table to keep up with the early pace setters. being simply breath taking. account for the season and make it 4-0. secure Aycliffe a victory at Bedford Terrace Billingham midfielder Tom Hinchley will With only the goalkeeper to beat, the in October before Billingham edged a be familiar to most at the Beaumont Lucas Pilling replaced the injured Lewis Brown and Reay exchanged a neat one- TOWN The striker doubled his tally in the 28th midfielder elegantly lifted the ball over his five goal thriller at Moore Lane with ex- Landscapes Stadium having spent a year Walton at full back in an otherwise two before Reay teed up Petitjean who minute to cap a five star opening half an head to seal a memorable afternoon for Newtonian Craig Hutchinson haunting his in the blue of Aycliffe in 2012. unchanged starting line-up from last fizzed an effort from 20 yards beyond hour with arguably the goal of the game the club. club with two excellent strikes as part of a 36 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 37 3-2 win. 16 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 17 2 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC CONT ENTS

COSTEL100 Midfielder Marc Costello joins us to discuss reaching a landmark 100th 26 appearance for the club

REWIND A look back at the FA Vase success and Saturday’s win at Thornaby 34

MEMORY LANE Ex-media man Paul McGeary looks back on his Moore Lane memories against tonight’s visitors Billingham Town 40

A DECADE ON Club legend and ex-captain Sean Tarling stars in our celebratory feature as we look back at Aycliffe’s 2010-11 Northern League Division Two title 42 winning campaign

CHAMP10NS A decade ago Newton Aycliffe were embarking on a journey that would live long in the memory of every Newtonian as the club smashed its way to the STL Northern League Division Two championship. Winning an extraordinary 30 of their 38 matches and amassing a whopping 95 points, Allan Oliver’s men secured their place in the COSTEl100 Northern League First Division in just their second season at Northern League level. In this feature series we are going to look back and celebrate an historic season a decade on by revisiting games, goals and stories as told by the players and staff Marc Costello secured his 100th involved, with tonight’s guest; club legend and title winning captain Sean Tarling... appearance for Newton Aycliffe in the club’s recent FA Vase success over What are your memories of that 10-11 season? knocks, I played through it. I knew how strong the It was one of the most memorable years I had squad was and every one of us wanted that shirt Barnoldswick Town. We sit down with not only in football, but in my life. In the February on a Saturday afternoon. You played well, you the Aycliffe midfielder to discuss his [2010] I became a father for the first time when kept it. That was always Allan’s message. we welcomed a beautiful little girl into our lives and the season we won the league it really was won’t go into to much detail about it, but it was achievement, how he might have made but, as you can imagine, pre-season was tough It was just a season that I will never forget. The for him. He was with us every step of the way that one of my best efforts - I’m sure Paul McGeary can it here sooner and what lies ahead. with a lack of sleep and Mr Gary Farley putting us craic was unbelievable on and off the pitch and season. mention it in his column though it at some stage! through our paces was the last thing I needed to for me that was very important. There were be honest! games in the season where we really had to dig How long into the season was it when Can you believe it’s been 10 Years? deep and without the togetherness we had we you realised you had a chance to Not at all. It really does show you how I remember pre-season being quite a mixed would not have won or drawn some of those win it? quick time goes by. Looking back now bag though. We’d had a great first season in games and finished where we did. I’m not sure I ever really thought we were a group of home-grown local the Northern League finishing ninth in which we about it. I do remember a turning lads who loved playing football, had played some great football and basically picked It must have been great, as captain, to win the point for us as a team however; we’d great togetherness, loved a pint and There’s a drop of perspiration forming on Marc Costello’s head, up where we left off the season before when league with the club? had some mixed results in the were mates. Simple as that. highlighted by the fading early autumnal sun. He sits back to let out claiming promotion from the Wearside League. To play for your home town club was an honour, early games including We were/ have been very a token sigh of a job complete and looks out onto the cricket field To finish top 10 in our first season was a great to captain your home town club was an absolute against Guisborough fortunate to experience surrounding the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium. success for the club. privilege but to play, captain and win the who have and will what we have with our Northern League was unbelievable. I got married continue to be Newton friends because that is Aycliffe’s bogey team. exactly how it was. We were Darlington CC are the visitors as the game winds down to its For me personally, looking back now has to be in July 2011, so when we won the league that year one of the best season’s I’ve had in the Northern and got promoted, when we collected the trophy We got beat 2-3 at home playing home games in close. There has been no century of runs during this drawn North League. I was given the captaincy a few games and had the presentation night it was like a mini and then the following front of 300-400 plus every Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League Division Two match into the season due to Paul Stout unfortunately stag do. Some might have called it #BEERCLUB. It week we played them again other week beating teams – that was saved for the football field pocketed in the background getting injured. It was an absolute honour was an honour to say the least. and drew 2-2 and I knew such as Morpeth, Whitley Bay, beyond the foliage where Costello reached his landmark to captain my home town club - something I then that if we were to get out Hebburn, Marske United very 100th appearance for the club in a 4-0 win in the FA Vase over managed to do for a number of years after this What was the atmosphere in the dressing of the league it would be Guisborough comfortably. fighting it out with us so it gave us a Barnoldswick Town. success story. room like that season? The atmosphere in the changing room was always team to judge ourselves against and To say it’s been 10 years since we We had such a great togetherness, local lads from upbeat. We had the likes of Danny Mellanby, Paul we came out on top in the end. did what we did is unbelievable. Three years since the midfielder’s arrival from Washington and a raft the town who loved the club and were committed Stout, Stuey Owen (Ratboy) and the Mad Monk - The commitment that Allan [Oliver] of changes since, just how does it feel to achieve this milestone? to what Allan [Oliver] and the committee were Scott Pocklington in the squad. It was never a dull Are there any games/goals that stand out? continues to give the football club is a different trying to do and that makes a huge difference. day on match day or in training. I often like to remember playing Whitley Bay away level - without him the club does not exist. For “Initially I wasn’t aware,” says a smiling Costello. “I think it was Adam We won together but we also lost together - we won the game 1-4. It was always a tough me personally, as the boots are currently perched (although not very much in the 2010-11 season). But not only did we have the players, atmosphere game playing Whitley Bay, they’ve always been a on two hooks, I loved my time with the club and [Pickford] who message in the players group and said ‘oh do you very organised side. But that day we outclassed would give anything to roll back 5-10 years to do know it’s your 100th game?’ And then when I got to the game and the banter, we also had Mr Frankie Swinburne I was very fortunate that season to play over 40 who was an absolute legend and always will be. them from start to finish and as a player it’s always it all again. We conquered what we set out to do games and have no injuries - if I did have any Frankie looked after the lads week in, week out nice to get on the score sheet and I think the lads that season and we celebrated that success for are still sick of me talking about that goal now. I about 12 months after! 42 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 43 26 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 27 www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 3 4 FROM THE DUG OUT G To take an early lead away from home defence pushedon. the midfieldsqueezedup and the over the pitch – the forwards pressed, Right fromtheget-go we were at itall performance andresultatThornaby. None moresothan with Saturday’s I’m happy with the start we havemade. pre-season schedule, so inthat respect the month,onbackofastrenuous tonight’s game willbe our seventh of a toughscheduleforusall; It is carry onwithplayingfootball. guidelines inplacetoensure we can throughout; adhering toallofthe in thecorrect and appropriate way returned and gottendowntobusiness in the comfort of knowing we have pitch, but I thinkwe can all share of thecampaignboth on and offthe It hasbeenachallengingfirstmonth Ebac NorthernLeagueseason. verdict ahead of tonight’s home encounter in the Ebac Newton Aycliffe Head Coach Colin Stromosy delivers his Northern LeagueDivisionOnewithBillinghamTown. STROMSOY positive start tothenew positive we looktomaintainour Landscapes Stadiumas back totheBeaumont ood evening andwelcome #OneTownOneTeam COLIN The challengethat faces usnow was ofitsownhighquality,too. demonstrates that. Each goal division score sixgoalsaway from homeinthis a veryhighstandard at thislevel–to spells they are capable of delivering to a regularbasis.Theladshaveprovenin and application weneedtomatchon Those are the levelsofperformance excellent. over the following 25-30 minuteswas on that in themanner in which we did is alwaysagreat thing, but tocapitalise we knowfrom ourencounters with is stillvery early in the season and in termsofthe table, it Billingham While it’snot been an ideal start for evening. of Town Billingham to Aycliffe this players and staff and the supporters Barry along withhis to welcome I’d like this evening. prepare properly for atoughfixture draw must a lineunderit,refocus and of all the players and staff but now we was asuperbdisplayandI’mproud replicate those levels consistently? It can weascoaches and players is, Newton Aycliffe FC

“THE CHALLENGE THAT FACES US NOW IS, CAN WE AS COACHES AND PLAYERS REPLICATE THOSE LEVELS” them last season just how physical and offers us a big opportunity to gain challenging tonight’s game will be so we another three points. can’t lose focus. We have won two of the three games we They will be coming here to go all out have played at home in all competitions for the three points to kick-start their so far and that is something we need to season and it is up to us to match those look at trying to maintain throughout levels and make sure we show how the season. much we want to win the game as well. Thank you for your continued support. Billingham are a strong side, with some Enjoy the game. good players after making a number of significant signings over the summer. But with that said, we are at home which Colin Stromsoy

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 5 AARON BROWN CLUB CAPTAIN AARON BROWN GIVES HIS THOUGHTS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM AHEAD OF TONIGHT’S GAME

Hello and welcome to tonight’s game of goal. I mentioned in my programme with Billingham Town. notes at the beginning of the season that I believed once we got that first goal CAPTAIN’S COLUMN CAPTAIN’S As always, it’s great to be back on home and the lads at the top end of the pitch turf once more and again under the floodlights – there’s something just a little bit extra special about playing under the lights and we’re looking forward to doing so again this evening.

We arrive tonight on the back of a special day for the club on Saturday. It’s not very often you go away from home and win 6-0 in this league so we were absolutely delighted to achieve such a result and we more than deserved it.

I’d like to think I’ve got a bit of experience behind me at Aycliffe having played here for a number of years now and I can honestly say that first 45 minutes on Saturday is right up there with the very best I’ve been involved in.

We work tremendously hard in training to be well drilled and organised and to know our individual and collective roles, so when it all comes together and works like it did on Saturday it’s a great feeling to be part of.

We were at it from the very first whistle and were absolutely ruthless in front

6 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC got off the mark we would beat teams Last time Billingham came here they came comfortably and we saw that on Saturday. in and snatched three points from under We have a very capable group here. our noses, so we have to be prepared to put in the same levels of desire, commitment Nevertheless, that result has been and and attitude as we did on Saturday. gone now. As pleased as we were with the performance on Saturday we must now We’ve made a solid start to the season, make sure we are focussed on Billingham and these next few games give us the Town this evening. chance to make it a really good start.

It’s no good putting a display in like we did Thanks for the support. at the weekend if we don’t follow that up at home tonight. Up the Cliffe.

Billingham have had a tough start to the season but let’s not kid ourselves into thinking this will be an easy game. Aaron Brown

“WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER AND WORKS LIKE IT DID ON SATURDAY IT’S A GREAT FEELING” www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 7 YOUR NEWTON AY CLIFFE 2020-21 SPONSORED BY

COLIN

STROMSOY HEAD COACH Colin joined the football club in January 2019 having previously been part of the Team Northumbria set-up before they withdrew from the league. He has impressed with his wealth of innovative ideas both on and off the pitch. A UEFA A licence coach, Stromsoy guided the club to their highest ever position before the season was brought to an end in March and has brought in a refreshing brand of football to the club.

MARK SCOTT WOOD ASSISTANT ASSISTANT BRASSELL Mark is a former club captain Alongside Mark, Scott who guided the club to successive plays a key role at the club and is promotions through the Durham Colin’s right hand man on the

MEET THE SQUAD Alliance and Wearside Leagues. training pitch. Scott has been with Despite a spell at Crook Town, Wood Aycliffe for a number of seasons returned and has been a part now and has been a part of of the fabric since whether on the huge improvement in the the pitch or in some capacity on club’s fortunes on the pitch. the training ground. Mark is a key figure around the club. GOALKEEPERS ADAM LIAM PICKFORD McGRATH Adam has been with the club for a Liam is a young goalkeeper who little over 18 months now having has recently joined the club and intially joined as an emergency ensures Pickford remains on his toes in goalkeeper for the injured James between the sticks with competition. Winter. A string of impressive Liam is keen to learn and both he displays and a longer than and Pickford have a good rapport. expected lay off for Winter later and Pickford has now made the No. 1 jersey his own. Don’t be fooled by his size, as Pickford is comfortable with any range of touble he faces. DEFENDERS NICK CONNOR PHELAN GREEN Nick is a very competent full back The son of ex-Manchester and can ply his trade on either side City defender, Terry, Connor was of the back four. Since arriving brought to the club by Head Coach from Consett last summer, Green Stromsoy and alongside Nick Green has really come into his own in ensures we have two very strong recent months and has established options at right fullback. Phelan himself as an important player likes to get forward and help in in Colin Stromsoy’s side both attack but is no stranger to his defensively and offensively. defensive duties. 8 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC YOUR NEWTON AY CLIFFE 2020-21 OSCAR AIDAN ECKLEY-ALDSWORTH McGEE Oscar is a young centre half signed Aidan is a no nonsense centre back and during the summer with both a has come on leaps and bounds in his look to the future as well as offering endeavours to make that position his strong competition for places own. Along with Oscar and Sam Read, already. Oscar has a calm head on Aidan finds himself in a healthy battle such young shoulders and likes to to keep his spot in the starting XI play the ball out and impressed on alongside Aaron Brown in the heart his Northern League debut when of the defence. Aidan can head the keeping a clean sheet. ball and is comfortable playing out from the back. AARON LEWIS BROWN WALTON The skipper. Aaron is the heartblood Lewis arrived at Moore of Newton Aycliffe having notched Lane in 2019 having enjoyed spells with up over 250 appearances for the club Whitley Bay, Darlington and Jarrow since his arrival in 2014. A product Roofing. He enjoyed a successful first of Hartlepool United’s academy, season with the club last year and made Aaron spent a season in Sweden the left back position his own. A lively at Ange IF having struggled in character in the dressing room and spells at West Auckland and a brilliant left foot, Lewis is a big Sunderland RCA. An ever present part of the squad. and an integral part of the team and system who can add the odd goal throughout a season.

SAM LUCAS READ PILLING Sam is also a recent signing in Like Oscar Eckley-Aldsworth, Lucas is defence having also joined the another youthful summer recruit as Colin club just last summer. Sam is one Stromsoy looks to integrate young players of a number vying for a spot in the into the squad. Lucas is keen to learn and team in defence having arrived from improve and will only get better the Hebburn Town. more appearances he makes.

MIDFIELDERS BEN RYAN REAY REDFORD A young exciting midfielder who Ryan is another handy impressed at Shildon last season. utility man who will do whatever Ben joins an array of attacking job is required of him when prospects in the Aycliffe line-up with called upon. Ryan wears his the 18-year-old comfortable across heart on his sleeve and is neat the attacking midfield line. Can link and tidy in possession as well the play and contribute goals from as not being afraid to get stuck midfield. in. Can play either in a central or wide midfield role. www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 9 GERARD MARC richardson COSTELLO Gerard is another versatile The oldest player in the squad, Marc has player in the squad and is been with the club for a number adept in a number of positions of seasons having joined the across the midfield. Gez joined club from Washington and has a Aycliffe in the latter part of wealth of experience at this level. the 2018-19 campaign and is ‘Cossy’ is the engine room in renowned for his strength in the midfield and never stops the air. running. Good in the air and not afraid to do the dirty side of the game, every team needs a Marc Costello.

ETHAN BEN WOOD DIBB-FULLER Ethan has been at the club for two years now having signed from Signed during the summer Easington Colliery in 2018. The to link up once more with midfielder has developed into the Head Coach, Dibb- a key component in the team; Fuller is another technically neat and tidy on the ball sound player. Comfortable with an impressive set piece as a number eight or a 10, delivery. Ethan has started to ‘Dibbsy’ has a lot of contribute goals and man of ability between the the match displays to his game lines. He joins the club making him a good all-rounder. from Hebburn Town after impressing in pre-season.

JAKE SAM PETITJEAN DIBB-FULLER Jake signed for the club in the The younger of the two Dibb- winter last year after impressing for Fuller’s in the squad, Sam Crook Town in Division Two. Jake also joined the club in has made the step up a division the summer and offers comfortably and is fast becoming competition for places a regular in Stromsoy’s starting in both the midfield XI. A technically gifted player, and attacking areas. Jake is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can beat a man and adds to a talented midfield. FORWARDS

ANDREI-VASILE ARRAN ARDELEAN WEARMOUTH Following a short spell with Guisborough Town, Andrei joined Arran is a new recruit this Colin Stromsoy at Team North in summer and offers another 2017 where he helped them to dynamic to Stromsoy’s attack. promotion. Since then he has A vastly experienced forward, had spells with Blyth Spartans Arran started his career and Whitley Bay before at Middlesbrough and reuniting with Stromsoy in has had spells with January this year as part of a Darlington and Blyth newlook Aycliffe frontline. Spartans among others. 10 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC ADAM LIAM BURNICLE JARVIE Adam joined the club in January after a Liam arrived in October last year when he shake up in the forward line. Burnicle hit made the jump from the Wearside the ground running in style scoring eight League with Darlington Town. Jarvie is goals in his first 10 games with the club versatile across the forward line and to quickly become a favourite at Moore loves running at defenders with the Lane. With spells at Shildon, Morpeth ball at his feet. A big character in the and West Auckland under his belt, dressing room and on the pitch. Adam is an experienced centre forward who knows where the net is.

CLUB HISTORY It is difficult to find the definitive date Croxdale Welfare). By 1968-69 they had when Newton Aycliffe Football Club was moved to Moore Lane as part of Newton formed. There is evidence of a Newton Aycliffe Sports Club and had a reserve Aycliffe Rangers in 1951 playing in the team in the Auckland and District League Darlington and District League. In 1954-57 Division Two. 1969 saw Aycliffe Rangers there was a NAFC playing in the Auckland reach the Semi Final of the Durham and District League, firstly at Sugar Hill Challenge Cup, losing to Ferryhill Athletic sports ground and then Burn Lane sports after beating another Northern League ground. There then appears to be a gap. side Stanley United on a very heavy There is a report in the Newtonian in Moore Lane pitch. 1965 setting out the Newton Rangers Club was formed in 1961/2 and playing In 1969-70 a team named Newton Aycliffe home games in Darlington. A further SC played in the Auckland and District team, Newton Aycliffe AFC was formed in League Division One and a reserve team 1964 as a soccer section of the NA sports played in Division Two. This team won the club, playing its first season in 1964/5 in League Challenge Cup in both 1969-70 the Darlington Weekend League, playing and 70-71. home matches at Simpasture playing fields. As Newton Aycliffe FC the team later moved to the Teesside League and joined Newton Aycliffe Rangers later played on the Wearside League in 1984 before a pitch near Aycliffe Stock Car Stadium. In folding from it during the 1993-94 season. 1967/68 The Rangers won the Auckland And although the current club was re- and District League Division Two formed a number of years ago, competing Championship (playing home games at successfully in the Darlington & District League its re-emergence from 2007-08 was nothing short of phenomenal.

Having smashed their way into the Start To Learn Northern League in emphatic fashion – winning back-to-back league titles; Durham Alliance (2007-08) and the Wearside League (2008-09) – Allan Oliver’s side built on their inaugural campaign at Northern League level by

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 11 2015/2016 was the most successful season in Newton Aycliffe’s history. Under the management of Peter Dixon the highlight was winning the Durham Challenge Cup, but added to that we had our best ever runs in the FA Cup (2nd Qualifying Round Replay) & FA Vase (5th Round-last 16). We also had our highest finish topping the table for a huge eight months in the Ebac Northern League ending the as they finished seven points clear of their campaign in sixth. nearest rivals in the 2010-11 title race. In December 2016 Deano Browne & a The club’s development off the field has returning Danny Mellanby joined as joint been as rapid as that on it, as Moore Lane manager, steering the Club to ninth in Park gradually transformed into a ground Division One, following that with a 14th befitting a club at Step 5 of the National place finish in 2017/2018. For 2018/2019 League “pyramid” System – the club Danny elected to move to a new role on averaged 191 attendance in 2009-10, the the club’s committee concentrating on fifth highest average crowd in the youth development. Andrew Jinks & former Northern League and 222 in 2010- skipper Sean Tarling came in as Assistant 11, again bettered by just four Managers. teams. A poor start to the 2018/2019 season Of course, the club owes a lot brought a change of management with to Sedgefield Council’s Local former Team Northumbria manager Improvement Programme and Colin Stromsoy joining in early 2019. the Football Foundation for His input led to an improvement in providing grants to afford the form which resulted in a 12th place facilities but the football club finish in the league. This was developed are also indebted to the support further with the team sitting fifth in received from Newton Aycliffe Division One when Covid-19 brought the Sports Club who continue to be a season to a premature end. massive backer and supporter of the club’s transformation. Further works to the ground took place over the summer of 2020. New drains Seated accommodation were laid to help reduce the number of was delivered in the spring postponements due to waterlogging. At the of 2010 and after the assistance from same time a grant from the Great Aycliffe local firm Finlay Structures and a team of & Middridge Partnership allowed for the volunteers dedicated to the club, standing resurfacing of the path leading to the accommodation for over 100 persons was ground & the construction of a turnstile. installed in February 2011, ready for the club’s transition into a top-flight outfit.

12 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 3 NEW COVID-19 MEASURES IN PLACE

Since we were last here at the Beaumont Spectators are now required to wear face Landscapes Stadium there have been coverings when attending matches and some new restrictions imposed on us. within the stadium surroundings. Please ensure that you have a face covering in Durham and Northumberland FA’s have place as you come through the turnstile brought in new measures following and keep it on until you leave the ground consultation with local councils. These - you can, of course, remove the face measures are a result of the current covering whilst drinking the Bovril on sale

CLUB NEWS CLUB situation regarding Covid-19 here in the from the Bait Cabin. North East. Spectators need to “check in” to the We are now limited to a spectator ground for Track & Trace purposes upon capacity of 150. This limit applies across their arrival. The easiest way to do this is the Ebac Northern League to those to download the NHS Covid-19 app to teams affiliated to either the Durham or your phone where you then just need to Northumberland FA. scan the QR code as you come in. If you don’t have a smartphone, or an older We are maintaining our preference phone that can’t download the app, for games to be “pay on gate” but we please give your name and contact details will continue to review the situation as as you enter the ground to one of our necessary. Please keep an eye on our club officials. website www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk for the latest updates of ticketing - look for Once in the ground please observe social news articles entitled “Home Games - distancing measures. Also please queue Spectator Arrangements” for all of your responsibly at the toilets or Bait Cabin. ticketing and access queries. While the restrictions may seem onerous they are there for our mutual benefit. We want to continue to play in front of spectators but that can only happen if we continue to act responsibly.

If you have any comments or suggestions on our Covid-19 measures please email our Covid-19 Officer, Yvonne Wood, via info@ newtonaycliffefc.co.uk.

14 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC FURTHER INFORMATION FROM THE NORTHERN LEAGUE From Thursday, September 24 all of our allows users to quickly and easily ‘check clubs are required by law to use the new in’ to a venue by scanning the code. The NHS Covid-19 app. information stays on the user’s phone. In England, you do not have to ask people The new NHS QR poster – specific to each who choose to ‘check in’ using the official club – has to be displayed. This will help NHS QR code to provide their contact NHS Test and Trace to identify and notify details. If there is an outbreak associated people who may have been exposed to the with a venue, a message will be sent to virus. the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice. This will help to avoid The app is available for spectators to the reintroduction of further lockdown download and we would ask everyone who measures. has a smart phone to use the app so that we can continue to hold matches. Instructions In addition to maintaining and sharing on how to download the NHS-Covid-19 app records where requested and displaying for both Apple and Android phones are at an official NHS QR poster, everyone must (it includes the need to turn Bluetooth on): also continue to follow other Government guidance to minimise the transmission of https://covid19.nhs.uk/help-downloading. COVID-19. This includes maintaining a safe html working environment and following social distancing guidelines – here: Minimum versions for Android and iOS are required: Android version – 6.0 and up with https://www.gov.uk/government/ iOS version – 13.5 or later. (Clubs should publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social- still retain a paper system to record those distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social- spectators who do not or cannot use the distancing-after-4-july app.) And the FA’s guidance is here: All spectators should wear a face covering when attending a game. https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/sep/10/ updated-covid-19-guidance-for-grassroots- The NHS COVID-19 app has a feature that nls-wfp-100920 DIBB-FULLER INJURED

Everyone at Newton Aycliffe would like to incident during a practice game. wish Sam Dibb-Fuller a speedy recovery from injury. Sam was treated by club physio Jack Petrozcy and other club officials and the The attacker suffered a serious knee injury early signs are encouraging for a full in training last week following an innocuous recovery. Get well soon, Sam. www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 15 THE VISITORS...

INTRODUCING BILLINGHAM TOWN

16 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC Credit Jim Chapman @BillinghamTown

illingham Town are the visitors to Town entered the 2020-21 campaign on the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium the back of a successful first season at this as they make the journey up the level last term before its suspension, with A19 to be with us this evening. Barry Oliver guiding his side to 10th in the B Northern League Division One table with Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Ashington means 42 points from their 30 matches played. it has been a winless start to the season for the Teessiders and they arrive looking to The summer was spent planting the move off the bottom of the Ebac Northern foundations for the club to progress League Division One table. and build this season with Chairman John Tough and Oliver working together The two side’s shared the spoils last to bring in a number of key signing’s season, each winning the away fixture as including former striker Daniel Earl. Liam McNamara’s goal was enough to secure Aycliffe a victory at Bedford Terrace Billingham midfielder Tom Hinchley will in October before Billingham edged a be familiar to most at the Beaumont five goal thriller at Moore Lane with ex- Landscapes Stadium having spent a year Newtonian Craig Hutchinson haunting his in the blue of Aycliffe in 2012. old club with two excellent strikes as part of a 3-2 win. www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 17 THE MANAGER

Barry Oliver is currently enjoying his second spell with Billingham Town having left the club at the end of 2017 after succeeding Darren Trotter.

Oliver became a firm favourite among supporters at Bedford Terrace overseeing a much improved run of form for the club in 2015 and brought a number of exciting cup runs back to the former Durham Challenge Cup winners.

Since leaving the post, the former Northallerton Town assistant had been involved with the clubs’ developmental programmes assisting Billingham U23’s and was the overwhelming favourite to take over the reins once more in the summer of 2018.

Alongside Paul Edwards, Oliver guided Town to their first ever Northern League Championship in 2019 as they secured their spot in MEET THE SQUAD the Northern League Division One where the finished 10th in their first campaign.

THE PLAYERS Guilherme Baltazar Lewis McDonald Cameron Holliday Daniel Boyle Stephen Oakley Dale Lee Alex Bruton Matthew Osmond Connor Hudson Leon Carling Liam Pritchard Oliver James Nicholas Cranston Josh Smith Dominic Joynes Christopher Dickinson Alex Snaith Brandon Kirkbride Connor Dunlavey Anthony Snook Ashley Lavan Daniel Earl Keaton Sturdy Matthew Lovatt Christopher Emms Cameron Wilson Elliott May Matthew Frazer Matthew Wilson Clayton McDonald Thomas Hinchley

18 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC CLUB HISTORY BILLINGHAM TOWN was originally known as Billlingham Social Interim Chairman Club and was founded in 1967 by Tom Donnelly and Robbie John Tough Cushley. Tom, who played in Town’s first game back in 1968, has Tel: 07540096819 (M) been secretary of Billingham Town since its conception until 2000 when he relinquished this post to become chairman of the club Directors and subsequently is now life president. Joh Tough & Neil Martin Company Secretary: Rob In 1968 Town joined the Second Division of the Stockton & Fenby District League and won the league title at the first attempt, playing at Mill Lane and the legendary slope – the top of the Secretary corner flag was level with the crossbar. Town stayed in the Ray Morton Stockton League until 1973 and won the Division A League title 22 Beverley Road, Billingham, three times and the League Cup twice and also winning the TS23 3RE Stockton Charity Cup twice. Tel: 07866 952211 Email: morton353@hotmail. In 1974 Town were admitted into the Teesside League and com remained members for eight years. During this time they won the League twice (1978-79 and 1981-82) and were runners-up once. Commerical Manager In 1975 they were beaten finalists in the Durham Amateur Cup Stephen Durrant Final, but won the competition in 1976 and 1982. Colours In 1982 the club took the golden opportunity of joining the Shirts: Blue (Home), Red newly formed Second Division of the Dryboroughs Northern (Away) Shorts: Blue (Home), Red League and changed its name to Billingham Town. After three (Away) years in the Second Division Town gained promotion into the Stockings: Blue (Home), Red First Division but were immediately relegated back to the Second (Away) Division in 1986. However, they bounced straight back in 1987 and lost to neighbours Synthonia in the final of the Durham Challenge Cup a year later. Another relegation followed in 1991- 92, but they regained their place in the top flight in 1997-98 and have remained there since.

After being runners-up in the Durham Challenge Cup in 1988-89 Ground and 2001-02 Town eventually won the cup in season 2003-04 Bedford Terrace, Billingham, when manager Alan Robinson led them to a 3-1 victory over then Cleveland TS23 4AE UniBond side Bishop Auckland. Tel: 01642 560800

Since 1981, ground improvements at the Bedford Terrace Head of Medical ground have resulted in new dressing rooms, a cantilever stand, Harrison Hudson hard terracing behind one goal, hard terracing and covered Kit Man accommodation opposite the main stand. A refreshment room Steve Cranston and a re-turfed pitch surrounded by an 8ft boundary fence around 5.5. acres of land. Groundsman Ian Stewart, Keith Tippey & Bedford Terrace is now recognised as having one of the more Paul Holyland attractive grounds in the North-East. Floodlights were installed in the 1992-93 season with the official switch-on match against Clubhouse Manager Chris Winn www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 19 Middlesbrough F.C. After sever gales blew down one of the pylons, Town installed new At the end of the 2017/18 campaign, floodlights in 2003. stalwart of the club and long running Chairman & Secretary, Peter Martin In the summer of 2007 Hartlepool United announced his retirement from all club invested in Bedford Terrace and completely duties. Unfortunately the 2017-18 campaign re-laid the football pitch to a depth of saw the club rapidly decline off the field several feet and installed new drainage. The with volunteers leaving and attendances new pitch measurements and now exactly dropping dramatically. the same measurements of Pool’s Victoria Park. Also behind the scenes there has been In January 2018 the Billingham Town a total facelift with new showers and central Supporters Trust was set up which worked heating being put in the dressing rooms. to oust the regime in charge, eventually Hartlepool now play the majority of their taking over the running of the club facilities home Reserve games at Bedford Terrace. on 18th February after an EGM of club supporters and volunteers. Paul Beddow The 2015/16 season saw the arrival of was voted in as the new Chairman of Manager Barry Oliver and assistant Graham the Supporters Trust along with a strong Popple whom have brought stability to committee behind him. the club and managed a respectable finish season. The 2016/17 season was one of The new committee immediately set about the clubs most exciting in recent years with getting the club back on track which saw an FA Vase run that saw Town knocked by many ex-volunteers and supports return and Cleethorpe Town in the 4th Round proper. rally around the club. The Lincolnshire side went on to make the final only to be beaten by South Shields. At the end of the 2017-18 season, Manager Also that year Craig Hutchinson broke the James Hunter and his assistant Harry Taylor record for goals scored with a total of 59. stood down from their positions, and the

20 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC club moved swiftly to appoint familiar face Barry Oliver and ex-Thornaby manager Paul Edwards as a joint management team.

The 2018-19 season was a successful one, exceeding all expectations, with the club earning promotion as League Champions - the first title in the Northern League.

2019-20 saw the club establish themselves in the Northern League First Division, working their way to the top half of the table before the season was cut short when the Covid-19 Pandemic saw the season cancelled and the country enter lockdown for 5 months.

The Old Boys OVER THE years several players who had their start at Billingham Town went on to have careers in the full time game. Pride of place must go to the only one who went on by Grimsby Town in October 1983. Over to win international caps, GARY PALLISTER, the next 10 years Mark played 252 games who did in fact win almost every honour for Grimsby, Darlington, Peterborough, in the game. He joined Middlesbrough in Scunthorpe and Doncaster Rovers. Since November 1984 from Billingham Town and leaving the full time game he played with went on to play 189 games for them, plus Gateshead, Stalybridge Celtic, Spennymoor seven for Darlington, where he had a loan and Whitby Town among others, picking spell a year after joining Boro. In August England Semi-Pro caps up along the way. 1989 he was sold to Manchester United for £2.3m and over the next nine years, along DAVE ROBINSON left Billingham to start with Steve Bruce, formed a vital part of the his league career at Hartlepool in August United side that won virtually everything. 1983, and over the next three years played In the summer of 1989, after 437 games for 66 league games for them before being United, he was sold back to Middlesbrough transferred to Halifax Town. Again he had for a £200,000 profit. Though he did play three years with the club, adding 72 league 61 games back at games to his total. His next move took him Middlesbrough, to Peterborough where he played 95 league injuries were taking games in what had become his usual three their toll and it was year stay. His league career ended at Notts no surprise when County where he played just three games in he retired in the two years. summer of 2001. Two football league clubs actually signed MARK HINE TONY BARRETT from Billingham Town. played for Grimsby Town signed him first, but released Billingham him after he had played 28 games for them. Town and He rejoined Billingham, however after a few Whitby months Hartlepool United paid £1,000 for Town his services and he rewarded them with 116 before games before moving to York City in March being signed 1989. He went on to play 166 times for York, www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 21 but sadly his last season there was marred by Rowntree, George and Gary Woodhouse. a serious groin injury and he was released in the summer of 1955. NEAL BISHOP played for Town for a number of years before moving to UniBond sides Not quite making the grade was another Gateshead, Spennymoor and Whitby Town. Town ‘old boy’, TONY HALL. As an 18-year- He then played Conference football with old he left Town for Tranmere Rovers where Scarborough before being transferred to he made just one appearance as a substitute. York City where he was instrumental in the Two months later he was at Hartlepool and Minsterman’s campaign in 2006-07, helping during his time there he again made just one them towards the play-offs with some appearance as a sub, and that unfortunately impressive midfield displays. He eventually was the end of his football league career. won the ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ and the ‘Supporters Player of the Year’. After being Ironically, GRAEME HALL, who left Billingham out of contract with York City in June 2007 he to go to a bigger club never tasted league signed for Barnet and immediately stamped football. Graeme was signed by Arsenal and his authority on the Barnet midfield with his though he was sign on pro forms in 1994, displays being a central feature of the Bees he was freed a year later without a first team good start to that season. Neal won England game. He then spent a season with Barnet, C honours that season and finished up as but again failed to make an appearance. club captain of Barnett before his transfer to Notts County in the summer of 2009 GERRY FORREST played for Southampton where he had a successful season finishing in and Rotherham and also represented the County winning the league and promotion to Saints in veterans, still plays in the Over Division 1. 40’s league alongside Town old boys Paul

WHICKHAM STOCKTON NORTH NORTHALLERTON ASHINGTON TOWN SHIELDS TOWN 2-1 2-1 4-1 2-0 4-1 AWAYL L L AWAYL L HOME AWAY AWAY September 9 September 12 September 16 September 19 September 26

Billingham arrive for tonight’s game without a win or a point in the league this season having lost all four of their opening fixtures after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Ashington. THE FORM GUIDE Town’s sole win of the season so far came in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round where they won 4-1 at Northallerton Town at the beginning of the month. The Teessiders currently prop up the rest in the Northern League Division One table due to having a worse goal difference than Bishop Auckland. Of the seven games Billingham have played in all competitions this season; six have been away from home with a seventh here tonight at the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium. 22 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC LAST TIME WE MET

ONE TO WATCH January, 2020 DANNY EARL Danny Earl returned to Billingham in the summer after NEWTON AYCLIFFE 2 a spell with the club early in his career as a teenager. BILLINGHAM TOWN 3 The striker got off the mark on his second debut in the Emirates FA Cup win at Northallerton Town before netting his second in Saturday’s defeat at Ashington. It was a frustrating afternoon for Aycliffe who Earl has carved out a strong career in the North twice surrendered a lead before ultimately losing East enjoying spells Marske United, the game three minutes from time. Guisborough Town and Shildon. During his time with Marske, Earl helped fire Adam Burnicle made his debut for Aycliffe having his team to the Northern League title joined from West Auckland Town to replace before moving onto the Priorymen Shildon-bound Dean Thexton and he continued where he scored 66 goals in two where Thexton left off by scoring his first goal for seasons at the King George V the club inside seven minutes from a Lewis Walton Ground. Goals followed him to corner. Dean Street before returning to Teesside with Guisborough The lead lasted just nine minutes however as once more before returning ex-Newtonian, Craig Hutchinson, showed great to Bedford Terrace. Earl is an composure to turn Walton in the area before experienced head at the top end slotting past Adam Pickford. of the pitch for Billingham and one who Aycliffe will need to keep their eye on this evening. Burnicle was on hand to restore the lead for Colin Stromsoy’s men when he converted from the HOW THEY COULD LINE-UP penalty spot on the half hour after the referee adjudged the Billingham centre back to have handled in the area. EARL But once more Billingham came back with Hutchinson who found the net from range with an EMMS excellent half-volley to level to scores at the break. BRUTON LAVAN BOYLE HINCHLEY Burnicle was denied a debut hat-trick midway through the second half when he met Liam Jarvie’s cross but his shot came back off the crossbar. OSMOND McDonald CARLING DUNLAVEY It would be a miss the hosts would ultimately regret as Dan Flounders ensured all three points would had back to Teesside with three minutes McDonald remaining when he diverted an in-swinging freekick beyond the outstretched Pickford. www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 23

Occasions CARDS, CANDLES & GIFTS

52 Beveridge Way, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4DS 01325 320443

MIXING, & MASTERING @TruStudios www.trustudios.co.uk 26 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC COSTEl100

Marc Costello secured his 100th appearance for Newton Aycliffe in the club’s recent FA Vase success over Barnoldswick Town. We sit down with the Aycliffe midfielder to discuss his achievement, how he might have made it here sooner and what lies ahead.

There’s a drop of perspiration forming on Marc Costello’s head, highlighted by the fading early autumnal sun. He sits back to let out a token sigh of a job complete and looks out onto the cricket field surrounding the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium.

Darlington CC are the visitors as the game winds down to its close. There has been no century of runs during this drawn North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League Division Two match – that was saved for the football field pocketed in the background beyond the foliage where Costello reached his landmark 100th appearance for the club in a 4-0 win in the FA Vase over Barnoldswick Town.

Three years since the midfielder’s arrival from Washington and a raft of changes since, just how does it feel to achieve this milestone?

“Initially I wasn’t aware,” says a smiling Costello. “I think it was Adam [Pickford] who messaged in the players group and said ‘oh do you know it’s your 100th game?’ And then when I got to the game

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 27 obviously Graeme was there and [Browne] was in charge but before he mentioned it to me because the game the referee was trying he’s Mr Stat man. to find excuses to get the game called off with the condition of the “[To get to 100 games] it’s good. pitch among other things. I’m not one of these who’ll go here there and everywhere like a lot “But the game went ahead so in the Northern League. As long I think the ref was already ‘in as you’re happy then I think you one’ from the start of the game should stay at a club and try and and then just the lack of respect get as many games as possible. through the game – yes you get it from the players but the referee “I should have made it sooner,” he has a bit of a duty to control it explains. “If I wasn’t as injury prone and I remember him shouting and or if I didn’t get that suspension I’d swearing at our goalkeeper at the have been here ages ago, but it’s time Wints [James Winter] and I nice – it’s a good feeling. said to him ‘you can’t do that’ and he was like ‘you don’t tell me what It is true Costello might have made to do’ and from then on he kind of his 100th appearance sooner – had me in his sights. seven games sooner in fact – had it not been for a ban he picked up “I got a yellow for a pretty nothing early in his Aycliffe career. challenge – a tackle which had already been made a number The midfielder was dealt of times through the game by a potentially crippling 120 other players. Then I’ve dragged day suspension following an someone back and he’s given me altercation with a referee. Costello another card and he’s shouting at and the club felt aggrieved and me to get off the pitch.” appealed the decision as they were required to stand in front Away from the pitch Costello of a panel with the Durham FA teaches students in the special to defend his case. Fortunately educational needs department for Costello, and Aycliffe, the and is familiar with confrontational ruling was overturned and seven situations and the demand to games was deemed enough of a remain in control and keep his punishment. emotions in check. But on this occasion the renowned cool “It was a lack of judgement on my Costello saw red. part,” admits Costello. “But at the same time it was taken way out of “It was one of the only time’s I’ve context. lost my temper – I’m a teacher so I’m pretty programmed to keep “I can’t remember who we were my cool in situations – and I’ve playing, it was when Deano walked past him and stood on his

28 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC “IT WAS A LACK OF JUDGEMENT ON MY PART... IT WAS SILLY FROM ME, OF COURSE” www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 29 foot and brushed into him with my shoulder. niggling ankle injuries following a bad injury picked up as a teenager at university where “Straight away I thought to myself ‘what have he damaged some of the ligaments in his you done there.’ So I had the red card but foot. then in his report he noted that I’d stamped on him – which was taken out of context. It is an injury that can plague a season for the midfielder and one he must be wise to when “It could have been up to 120 days getting kitted up on a match day. suspension as it was listed as violent behaviour towards the referee – which is why “It was my first year at university when I we appealed it because that was my season used to be a winger back in my youth! I got done if so. absolutely cleaned out and got badly injured, but being 19 you think you can continue no “But I think they realised the ref had been problem. in the wrong with his behaviour during the game and then with all of the evidence from “Then that night, as a first year, was beach the witnesses they made the decision to turn night so I went out in my flip flops and it over so I missed the six games I’d already sunglasses and everything else and woke up missed up to that point while we sorted the the next day and my ankle was more than hearing out and then just an additional game twice the size it already was. for the actual red card. “The physio said straight away I’d had “It was silly from me, of course, but it wasn’t ligament damage but because of how the as bad as was made out.” muscle fibres work in that part of the body it meant I’ll probably forever have injuries Away from suspension Costello has had to in that area. So now even if I catch a volley compete for large parts of his career with wrong or just overstretch my foot it can lead to me missing a few games.

“I have to manage it,” he says. “It’s better that you miss games where it might mean you’re only out 10 days-two weeks rather than do damage for longer or continuing to play when you’re not at your best. I can play through most injuries like dead legs or things like that but if it’s around my ankle I have to be sensible with it.”

The 33-year-old is the old is the most experienced player in the Aycliffe dressing room and following a youthful summer of recruitment from Head Coach Colin Stromsoy it

30 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC is a testament to his ability on and off the the ball deep and dictate. The three of us pitch that he remains a mainstay in the have a really good partnership. Aycliffe midfield. “But we’ve got a lot of really It is a midfield which is showing good young players as well; more than any green shoots Ben Reay, Lucas [Pilling], Oscar of potential. Alongside Ethan [Eckley-Aldsworth] who are all Wood and Jake Petitjean, 17-18 and are going to be good Costello considers himself players at this level. It’s a good fortunate to be playing set-up to be a part of.” alongside “two of the best young midfielders in the It is a set-up which has league.” transformed drastically over the past 12 months. At the beginning “Since Colin came in you can of last season Aycliffe were tell the difference,” says spearheaded in attack by the “JAKE AND ETHAN ARE UP THERE WITH TWO OF THE BEST YOUNG CENTRE MIDFIELDERS IN THE LEAGUE”

Costello. “I’m not knocking any of the prolific Dean Thexton who fired 19 goals for previous managers I’ve had here but you the club by Christmas. can tell the way he does things is massively professional. Everything from training to Thexton would leave the Beaumont a match day is set up such as tactics, set Landscapes Stadium for Shildon in January pieces defending and attacking. meaning it was back to the drawing board for Stromsoy and Aycliffe but Costello “We’ve got some good players. I’d say Jake believes things have worked out better for and Ethan are up there with two of the the club since. best young centre midfielders in the league -we’ve got a good partnership. “We started well last year but I think truthfully we probably overachieved a “It was developing last year. Initially, I was little bit before Christmas and then Deano told to sit in there while they roamed but [Thexton] left and we actually ended up they’re both intelligent players on the pitch being a better team which is strange when – although they might not be off the pitch! you lose your top goal scorer.

“They know when one goes the other needs “But our front three totally transformed to sit in and vice-versa. I think Penrith away and we looked a really good team and then last year and RCA away were two of the we’ve added more quality to that in the main games where the three of us were summer and I think all of us are confident interchangeable so it’s not just me sitting now we can have a good go.” in there and I think the start of this year I’ve probably been forward more times than I The early signs are promising for Aycliffe did in the first half of last season. But I think who are unbeaten in their first four Ebac it’s good for them this way as well to get on Northern League Division One matches and

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 31 AYCLIFFETODAY.CO.UK T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R A Y C L I F F E B U S I N E S S P A R K A Y C L I F F E T O D A Y . C O . U K

I S S U E THE MAGAZINE FOR AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK A Y C L I F F E have progressed to the Second Qualifying we have our say with each other. I S S U E #44 MARCH-APRIL 2020 B U S I N E S S #45 AYCLIFFE J U N E - J U L Y 2 0 2 0

Round of the FA Vase. The Newtonians THE PLACE TO BE DURHAM DEAL AYCLIFFE VENUE HAS BECOME BUSINESS FAMILY FIRM WINS A THRIVING HUB FOR LEARNING, NEW LOOK! STILLER FORCE CONTRACT INVOLVING MEETING AND WORKING WELCOME TO THE LOGISTICS FIRM STILLER THE 12,000 METRES OF STEEL REBRANDED AYCLIFFE LATEST TO SIGN UP FOR SPARTA BUSINESS MAGAZINE SECURITY SERVICES recorded their record away win at this level “Azz will have his say with being club captain

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on Saturday when they beat Thornaby 6-0 at and then the likes of me and Burnicle, due MAKING HISTORY PUBLISHERS EXPAND AS THEY MOVE INTO ICONIC BUILDING Teesdale Park with two of the midfield trio to our age and experience in the Northern getting on the scoresheet. League, will have our little input and it works M A N O F well. We’re a good, close knit group.” A C T I O N T H E T E K M A R C H I E F A N D C L A S S H I S I N C R E D I B L E R I S E T O “I know Ethan and Jake are the ones scoring S U C C E S S T H A T B E G A N A S A ACT S C H O O L B O Y E N T R E P R E N E U R the goals out of the three of us, but when With the cricket match in front of us drawing PETER BARRON TALKS TO THE AYCLIFFE BUSINESS MARKING A DECADE OF MAKING A I was a bit younger and to a close and the aches DIFFERENCE IN SCHOOLS COMPLIMENTARY more of a box to box “HOPEFULLY BY and pains of another C O M P L I M E N T A R Y midfield player I would 90 minutes of football get double figures,” says THAT TIME WE’VEbeginning to settle in, Costello. “I’ve said to both there is still time for of them they should be BEEN PROMOTED” Costello to reflect on a hitting double figures this landmark achievement season.” and what the future might hold for him and Newton Aycliffe. It is that kind of off the field impetus which makes Costello such an important figure “To get 100 games is good but I was saying around the club. While Aaron Brown captains to the lads; I’ve got two years in me so it’ll be the side and will deliver his verdict in the interesting to see how close I can get to 200. dressing room it is often welcomed when the senior players such as Costello and Adam “I think 36 sounds about right [to consider Burnicle offer their advice. stop playing]. I think in terms of my private life as well, me and my girlfriend might look It is a role Costello is happy to play, and with to start a family and obviously you can’t 100 games in his pocket for Aycliffe a role he play forever. Hopefully by that time though believes his teammates respect from him. we’ve been promoted and I’d be playing at the highest level I’ve ever played at as “I’ll go around and speak to the lads – I think player. To do that at 34-35 would be a good that’s due to my experience anyway. We don’t achievement. Fingers crossed.” have an official vice-captain. Sometimes at half-time Col and Mark [Wood] will wait while 32 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC AYCLIFFETODAY.CO.UK T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R A Y C L I F F E B U S I N E S S P A R K A Y C L I F F E T O D A Y . C O . U K

I S S U E THE MAGAZINE FOR AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK A Y C L I F F E #44 I S S U E MARCH-APRIL 2020 B U S I N E S S #45 AYCLIFFE J U N E - J U L Y 2 0 2 0

THE PLACE TO BE DURHAM DEAL AYCLIFFE VENUE HAS BECOME BUSINESS FAMILY FIRM WINS A THRIVING HUB FOR LEARNING, NEW LOOK! STILLER FORCE CONTRACT INVOLVING MEETING AND WORKING WELCOME TO THE LOGISTICS FIRM STILLER THE 12,000 METRES OF STEEL REBRANDED AYCLIFFE LATEST TO SIGN UP FOR SPARTA BUSINESS MAGAZINE SECURITY SERVICES

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MAKING HISTORY PUBLISHERS EXPAND AS THEY MOVE INTO ICONIC BUILDING

M A N O F A C T I O N T H E T E K M A R C H I E F A N D C L A S S H I S I N C R E D I B L E R I S E T O S U C C E S S T H A T B E G A N A S A ACT S C H O O L B O Y E N T R E P R E N E U R PETER BARRON TALKS TO THE AYCLIFFE BUSINESS MARKING A DECADE OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SCHOOLS

COMPLIMENTARY

C O M P L I M E N T A R Y

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 3 R E E WIND A look back on Aycliffe’s latest outings since the last time we were on home soil

Saturday 19 September, 2020 The Beaumont Landscapes Stadium

Phelan 19’ Pickford4-0Little Hill, A Phelan Brierley Jarvie 36’ Brown Grice Burnicle 46’ McGee Turner Walton Young Petitjean 65’ Costello Skocki Wood Dale Burnicle Petitjean Hill, A Jarvie Hill, G Reay Knox Burnicle Ralph

Subs: McGrath, Eckley-Aldsworth, Pilling, Redford, Dibb- Subs: Barrow, Wood, Holgate, Catlow, Holt Fuller, Ardelean, Wearmouth

Newton Aycliffe booked their spot in the of Saturday’s tie. Second Qualifying Round of the Buildbase FA Vase with a comprehensive victory over Having threatened for much of the opening Barnoldswick Town on Saturday. exchanges Phelan finished smartly from inside the area, placing the ball into the Connor Phelan, Liam Jarvie, Adam Burnicle bottom corner of Jack Little’s goal after and Jake Petitjean completed the rout at Ethan Wood’s clever change of play. the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium as Colin Stromsoy’s men recorded their second The goal allowed the home side to dictate win of the week following Tuesday’s late play with confidence and Marc Costello Northern League win over Newcastle was unfortunate not to cap a wonderful Benfield. move eight minutes later when Wood again cleverly bypassed the Barnoldswick defence Stromsoy wanted to see more of the with a cute lobbed pass. Costello beat the same from his side’s display in the second onrushing goalkeeper but lifted his shot half from Tuesday and take the game to onto the roof of the net. Barnoldswick and he was rewarded when his side took a deserved lead inside 20 minutes Jarvie was unable to sort his feet on the half 34 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC for ayellowcard instead. Walton butreferee MatthewSmithopted a mandownafter AndrewHill’slungeon perhaps fortunatenottogoin atthebreak periods ofthefirsthalf,visitors were Having keptBarnoldswickquiet forlarge many games. snapshot anddenyReayathird goalinas Little gotdownwelltohisrightgather the midfielderonedgeofareabut minutes beforehalftimewhenhefound Jarvie nearlyreturnedthefavourtoReay post. placing theballbeyondLittleathisnear Town manmadenomistakethistime releasing JarvieandtheformerDarlington Barnoldswick midfieldanddefencebefore Reay whojinkedhiswaybetweenthe Walton’s throwfromtheleftfoundBen five minuteslater. season to double the home side’sadvantage though ashescoredhisfirstgoalofthe Jarvie didn’thavetowaitmuchlonger were theoneswhocontinuedtopress. the attackeratbackpostasAycliffe hour markafterLewisWalton’scrossfound www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk season. the farcornertoscorehisfirstgoalof unmarked whomanagedtorolltheballinto the rightandhispullbackfoundBurnicle around thecornerreleasedJarviedown Wood againinvolvedforAycliffeashisball the tie. just 42secondsoftherestarttoallbutkill interval butthatleadwasextendedinside Aycliffe tookatwogoalleadintothe next roundofthe Vase. for Aycliffeandsecuretheirpassage intothe almost emptynettosealacomfortable day the backposttodivertJarvie’s crossintoan again withPetitjeanstickinga legoutat But itwasthehostswhofound thetarget to cleartheirlinesfromacorner. just beforethehourmarkasAycliffefailed Bradley Knoxheadedoverforthevisitors range volley. smart stopdowntohisrightfromaclose as ZackDaleforcedAdamPickfordintoa North WestCountiesPremierDivisionside The goaldidignitearesponsefromthe @NAycliffeFC 35

Credit @ Five Little Boys Photography R E E WIND A look back on Aycliffe’s latest outings since the last time we were on home soil

Saturday 26 September, 2020 Teesdale Park

Konstantopoulos0-6Pickford Jarvie 2’ Flounders Phelan Drummond Brown Petitjean 6’ 82’ Poole McGee Wood 12’ Roddam Pilling Gardner Costello Burnicle 21’ 28’ Kenny Wood Hopson Petitjean Beddow Jarvie Costello Murphy Reay Brown Hannah Burnicle

Subs: Green, Redford, Dibb-Fuller, Ardelean, Wearmouth

Newton Aycliffe were unplayable at times as weekend’s 4-0 win over Barnoldswick Town they registered their highest ever away win in the FA Vase. in the Northern League at Thornaby. And they picked up where they left off with Five goals inside a 30 minute first half blitz Jarvie slotting the ball between Dimitrios put Aycliffe on course for a win which never Konstantopoulos’ legs with a little over 60 looked in doubt before Jake Petitjean added seconds on the clock after good work by a sixth with his second of the game in the Pilling and Ben Reay. second half. The hosts almost hit back immediately when Adam Burnicle also bagged a brace with Dale Hopson forced Pickford into a good Liam Jarvie and Ethan Wood completing the save with Aaron Brown on hand to divert rout as Aycliffe moved up to fourth in the the rebound away with what happened next table to keep up with the early pace setters. being simply breath taking.

Lucas Pilling replaced the injured Lewis Brown and Reay exchanged a neat one- Walton at full back in an otherwise two before Reay teed up Petitjean who unchanged starting line-up from last fizzed an effort from 20 yards beyond 36 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC Konstantopoulos into the top corner as when he bent the ball superbly with the Aycliffe moved up through the gears. outside of his boot into the top corner of Konstantopoulos’ net once more. Two became three in the 12th minute when Reay once more applied pressure to Aycliffe were in dreamland at the interval the Thornaby backline with a high press with the hosts shell shocked. and was able to win the ball and release Wood who stroked the ball into the Ben Dibb-Fuller was introduced for the bottom corner. excellent Reay early in the second half as Aycliffe kept their foot on the pedal. Jarvie was a whisker away from making it four minutes later when his curling effort Burnicle was close to completing his just went past the far post. hat-trick just after the hour mark when he raced clear of the Thornaby defence but But it was Jarvie involved once more five the keeper saved with his legs to deny minutes later when he wriggled through him. the defence into the area and was brought down leaving the referee little With the game fizzling out and Aycliffe option but to point to the spot. looking to secure a clean sheet, there was still time for that elusive sixth goal Burnicle stepped up to send the keeper as Connor Phelan slid an excellent ball the wrong way to open his league through to Petitjean. account for the season and make it 4-0. With only the goalkeeper to beat, the The striker doubled his tally in the 28th midfielder elegantly lifted the ball over his minute to cap a five star opening half an head to seal a memorable afternoon for hour with arguably the goal of the game the club. www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 37 NL1 NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE KEY FAC EMIRATES FA CUP STAT PACK 2020-21 FAV BUILDBASE FA VASE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 FIXTURE COMP VENUE DATE RESULT Guisborough FAC A Sep 2 1-0 PICKFORD GREEN BROWN McGEE WALTON COSTELLO WOOD Town North Shields NL1 A Sep 5 0-0 PICKFORD GREEN BROWN ECKLEY- WALTON COSTELLO WOOD ALDSWORTH Shildon NL1 H Sep 12 0-0 PICKFORD GREEN BROWN ECKLEY- WALTON COSTELLO WOOD ALDSWORTH Newcastle NL1 H Sep 15 3-2 PICKFORD PHELAN BROWN McGEE PILLING COSTELLO WOOD Benfield Barnoldswick FAV H Sep 19 4-0 PICKFORD PHELAN BROWN McGEE WALTON COSTELLO WOOD Town Thornaby NL1 A Sep 26 6-0 PICKFORD PHELAN BROWN McGEE PILLING COSTELLO WOOD Billingham NL1 H Sep 29 Town Seaham Red NL1 A Oct 3 Star Guisborough NL1 A Oct 7 Town Billingham FAV H Oct 10 Synthonia Northallerton NL1 A Oct 14 Town West Auckland NL1 A Oct 17 Town Whitley Bay NL1 A Oct 20 Whickham NL1 H Oct 24 Consett NL1 H Oct 27 Bishop NL1 H Nov 7 Auckland Ryhope CW NL1 A Nov 14 Hebburn NL1 H Nov 17 Town Stockton NL1 A Nov 21 Town Thornaby NL1 H Nov 28 Penrith NL1 A Dec 5 Ashington NL1 H Dec 12 Sunderland NL1 A Dec 19 RCA West Auckland NL1 H Dec 26 Town Whickham NL1 A Jan 2 Newcastle NL1 A Jan 9 Benfield Whitley Bay NL1 H Jan 16 Billingham NL1 A Jan 23 Town Guisborough NL1 H Jan 30 Town Hebburn NL1 A Feb 6 Town Northallerton NL1 H Feb 13 Town Consett NL1 A Feb 20 Seaham Red NL1 H Feb 27 Star Shildon NL1 A Mar 6 North Shields NL1 H Mar 13 Bishop NL1 A Mar 20 Auckland Ryhope CW NL1 H Mar 27 Stockton NL1 H Apr 3 Town Penrith NL1 H Apr 17 Ashington NL1 A Apr 24 38 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC WIN YELLOW CARD MAN OF THE MATCH S1 SUB ONE LOSE RED CARD GOAL SCORED S2 SUB TWO RESULTS, SUB THREE DRAW ASSIST S3 STANDINGS & 7 8 9 10 11 S1 S2 S3 FIXTURES

WOOD PETITJEAN JARVIE BURNICLE WEARMOUTH ARDELEAN DIBB-FULLER REDFORD Saturday 26 September WOOD PETITJEAN ARDELEAN BURNICLE WEARMOUTH JARVIE PHELAN DIBB-FULLER Ashington 4-1 Billingham Town WOOD PETITJEAN REAY JARVIE ARDELEAN REDFORD PHELAN BURNICLE Bishop 0-2 Seaham Red WOOD PETITJEAN DIBB-FULLER BURNICLE WEARMOUTH JARVIE REAY ARDELEAN Auckland Star Newcastle 3-1 Ryhope CW WOOD PETITJEAN REAY JARVIE BURNICLE PILLING DIBB-FULLER REDFORD Benfield North 2-1 Shildon WOOD PETITJEAN REAY JARVIE BURNICLE DIBB-FULLER ARDELEAN WEARMOUTH Shields Penrith 2-4 Guisborough Town Stockton 5-1 Northallerton Town Town Sunderland 2-3 Whitley Bay RCA Whickham 2-3 West Auckland Town Thornaby 0-6 Newton Aycliffe

DIVISION ONE P +/- Pts 1 North Shields 5 +8 13 2 Hebburn Town 4 +11 12 3 Newcastle Benfield 5 +2 9 4 Newton Aycliffe 4 +7 8 5 Stockton Town 5 +6 8 6 Shildon 5 +5 7 7 Guisborough Town 5 +2 7 8 Whickham 6 0 7 9 Northallerton Town 5 -5 7 10 Consett 2 +5 6 11 Whitley Bay 2 +2 6 12 Ashington 5 0 6 13 Thornaby 4 -5 6 14 Seaham Red Star 6 -8 5 15 Ryhope CW 3 0 4 16 Sunderland RCA 3 0 4 17 West Auckland Town 5 -12 4 18 Penrith 4 -5 3 19 Bishop Auckland 4 -5 0 20 Billingham Town 4 -8 0

Tuesday 29 September Ashington v Ryhope CW

Consett v West Auckland Town Shildon v Seaham Red Star Newton v Billingham Aycliffe Town Sunderland v Penrith RCA Wednesday 30 September Thornaby v Newcastle Benfield North v Hebburn Shields Town Whickham v Northallerton Town Bishop v Guisborough Auckland Town Stockton v Whitley Bay Town

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 39 MOORE LANE MEMORIES Paul McGeary joined Newton Aycliffe’s media team in 2008 ahead of what was to become the most exciting time in the club’s history as the Newtonians embarked on their rise to the Northern League. In seven years with the club, Paul fostered many memories as the club established itself as a mainstay in the league. In this regular column, Paul will look back down memory lane, recounting memorable matches, players and supporters alike… BILLINGHAM TOWN

Saturday 29 September, 2012. Arguably added exciting the darkest day to date in our then talent from the short Northern League history. Many Stockton area with will debate that there have been darker the likes of Danny Earl, Tom Hinchley since, but as a barometer, that late and ex-Darlington winger Danny summer day eight years ago sticks long Lambert. in my memory, and will do so for many readers this evening. It beggars belief that this team was languishing bottom of the table. Having finished in the top 10 in our Likewise, the goals of Jamie Owens inaugural season in the top division should have safely seen Billingham much was expected of us again, above their lowly berth. 24th hosted but for some reason we got things 23rd where something had to give – and catastrophically wrong that campaign it did! which almost resulted in relegation, but for a late April Already 2-0 down, Aycliffe failed to surge which saw us narrowly defend a long ball forward which sent avoid the drop. Nicky Martin in the clear. Scotty raced from his line in customary fashion We’d lost eight of our opening and was adjudged to have felled 10 games and had already Town’s pocket-sized striker. Red been drubbed by seven, six, card. Allan was renowned for not five and four goals along carrying a goalkeeper on the the way. Despite bench, but he did that day with retaining the likes of 17-year-old Ryan Farley named Scott Pocklington, Daz amongst the subs. Farley’s Craddock, Mark Peck, first touch of the ball in Kris Hughes, Josh Knox, Stuart Northern League football was Owen, Sean Tarling and Fred to save Owens’ penalty – a turning Woodhouse, Allan had also point perhaps? 40 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC The euphoria of the last month of that season almost wipes out the memories of the previous nine, but for me, I’ll never forget that September afternoon. Let’s hope nothing similar happens this evening.

Familiar Faces

Current Town midfielder Tom Hinchley had one season with Aycliffe back in 2012, as did Christian Selby and full back Things however snowballed from there Paul Harvey, while perennial goalscorer and the turning point never came. It’s Jamie Owens finished as the league’s an afternoon I doubt young Ryan wants top scorer in the colours of both teams reminding of as we got thumped 8-0, - as he has gone on to do so for both despite his penalty save. Funnily, but for Shildon and Stockton Town similarly. Farley, the game would’ve finished 15-0, Pocklington had a couple of games for as Aycliffe surrendered. the Teessiders a year or two ago but it’s fellow goalkeeper Dan Molyneux that Everyone associated with the club this column fondly remembers. embarrassed beyond belief. Expenses packages withheld. Not a player to be Former Darlington goalkeeper Mol was a seen in the bar at 5pm. Resignations class act, on and off the field. When Scott threatened, transfer requests submitted. left for Bishop, Allan needed a trusty pair The club had reached breaking point for of hands and he got them in Mol. Often the first time having ridden the crest of a criticised for his lack of height, Dan made wave for so long. up for it in every other area. He slotted seamlessly into the dressing room and A huge repair job was now required. even held coaching sessions. Allan always said that if the club went down to the Second Division, he doubts A horrific accidental challenge up at Tow it would ever recover. Aycliffe needed to Law one night would not only end Mol’s maintain First Division football. Aycliffe career, but it put the brakes firmly on his Northern League one too The return of injured pair John Close and – a mark of the man knowing that this Paul Broom, coupled with the signing of close shave was one too many. Vase winning full-back Stephen Gibson added some much-needed stability and Enjoy tonight’s game. familiarity to the Newtonian line-up, as Oliver’s men slowly climbed their way to Paul McGeary freedom, eventually finishing 17th.

www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 41 CHAMP10NS

A decade ago Newton Aycliffe were embarking on a journey that would live long in the memory of every Newtonian as the club smashed its way to the STL Northern League Division Two championship. Winning an extraordinary 30 of their 38 matches and amassing a whopping 95 points, Allan Oliver’s men secured their place in the Northern League First Division in just their second season at Northern League level. In this feature series we are going to look back and celebrate an historic season a decade on by revisiting games, goals and stories as told by the players and staff involved, with tonight’s guest; club legend and title winning captain Sean Tarling...

What are your memories of that 10-11 season? knocks, I played through it. I knew how strong the It was one of the most memorable years I had squad was and every one of us wanted that shirt not only in football, but in my life. In the February on a Saturday afternoon. You played well, you [2010] I became a father for the first time when kept it. That was always Allan’s message. we welcomed a beautiful little girl into our lives but, as you can imagine, pre-season was tough It was just a season that I will never forget. The with a lack of sleep and Mr Gary Farley putting us craic was unbelievable on and off the pitch and through our paces was the last thing I needed to for me that was very important. There were be honest! games in the season where we really had to dig deep and without the togetherness we had we I remember pre-season being quite a mixed would not have won or drawn some of those bag though. We’d had a great first season in games and finished where we did. the Northern League finishing ninth in which we played some great football and basically picked It must have been great, as captain, to win the up where we left off the season before when league with the club? claiming promotion from the Wearside League. To play for your home town club was an honour, To finish top 10 in our first season was a great to captain your home town club was an absolute success for the club. privilege but to play, captain and win the Northern League was unbelievable. I got married For me personally, looking back now has to be in July 2011, so when we won the league that year one of the best season’s I’ve had in the Northern and got promoted, when we collected the trophy League. I was given the captaincy a few games and had the presentation night it was like a mini into the season due to Paul Stout unfortunately stag do. Some might have called it #BEERCLUB. It getting injured. It was an absolute honour was an honour to say the least. to captain my home town club - something I managed to do for a number of years after this What was the atmosphere in the dressing success story. room like that season? The atmosphere in the changing room was always We had such a great togetherness, local lads from upbeat. We had the likes of Danny Mellanby, Paul the town who loved the club and were committed Stout, Stuey Owen (Ratboy) and the Mad Monk - to what Allan [Oliver] and the committee were Scott Pocklington in the squad. It was never a dull trying to do and that makes a huge difference. day on match day or in training. We won together but we also lost together (although not very much in the 2010-11 season). But not only did we have the players, atmosphere and the banter, we also had Mr Frankie Swinburne I was very fortunate that season to play over 40 who was an absolute legend and always will be. games and have no injuries - if I did have any Frankie looked after the lads week in, week out

42 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC and the season we won the league it really was won’t go into to much detail about it, but it was for him. He was with us every step of the way that one of my best efforts - I’m sure Paul McGeary can season. mention it in his column though at some stage!

How long into the season was it when Can you believe it’s been 10 Years? you realised you had a chance to Not at all. It really does show you how win it? quick time goes by. Looking back now we I’m not sure I ever really thought were a group of home-grown local lads about it. I do remember a turning who loved playing football, had great point for us as a team however; we’d togetherness, loved a pint and were had some mixed results in the mates. Simple as that. We early games including were very fortunate to against Guisborough experience what we did who have and will with our friends because continue to be Newton that is exactly how it Aycliffe’s bogey team. was. We were playing We got beat 2-3 at home home games in front of and then the following 300-400 plus every other week we played them again week beating teams such and drew 2-2 and I knew as Morpeth, Whitley Bay, then that if we were to get out Hebburn and Marske United of the league it would be Guisborough very comfortably. fighting it out with us so it gave us a team to judge ourselves against and To say it’s been 10 years since we we came out on top in the end. did what we did is unbelievable. The commitment that Allan [Oliver] Are there any games/goals that stand out? continues to give the football club is a different I often like to remember playing Whitley Bay away level - without him the club does not exist. For - we won the game 1-4. It was always a tough me personally, as the boots are currently perched game playing Whitley Bay, they’ve always been a on two hooks, I loved my time with the club and very organised side. But that day we outclassed would give anything to roll back 5-10 years to do them from start to finish and as a player it’s always it all again. We conquered what we set out to do nice to get on the score sheet and I think the lads that season and we celebrated that success for are still sick of me talking about that goal now. I about 12 months after! www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 43 NEXT UP...

SEAHAM RED STAR Saturday, October 3 Kick Off: 15.00 The Ferguson Motor Repairs Stadium

Saturday sees us travel North East as we head to the Ferguson Motor Repairs Stadium to take on Mark Collingwood’s Seaham Red Star in the Ebac Northern League Division One. Tickets are available via Seaham Red Star’s website and social media channel but be sure to check our club website www. newtonaycliffefc.co.uk for further updates ahead of Saturday’s game.

The ground is located at Seaham Town Park, Stockton Road, Seaham , County Durham. SR7 0HP, UK just off the A19 COMING SOON...

Wednesday, October 6 Saturday, October 10 Wednesday, October 14 19.45 15.00 19.30 AWAY HOME AWAY 44 #OneTownOneTeam Newton Aycliffe FC www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk @NAycliffeFC 3 HEAD COACH: Colin Stromsoy MANAGER: Barry Oliver

Adam PICKFORD Guilherme Baltazar Liam McGRATH Daniel Boyle Connor PHELAN Alex BRUTON Nick GREEN Leon CARLING Aaron BROWN Nicholas Cranston Aidan McGEE Christopher Dickinson Oscar ECKLEY-ALDSWORTH Connor Dunlavey Lucas PILLING Daniel EARL Sam READ Christopher Emms Lewis WALTON Matthew Frazer Kevin CARR Thomas Hinchley Ryan REDFORD Cameron Holliday Gerard RICHARDSON Dale LEE Ben REAY Connor Hudson Jake PETITJEAN Oliver James Ethan WOOD Dominic Joynes Marc COSTELLO Brandon Kirkbride Ben DIBB-FULLER Ashley Lavan Andrei-Vasile ARDELEAN Matthew Lovatt Liam JARVIE Elliott May Arran WEARMOUTH Clayton McDonald Adam BURNICLE Lewis McDonald Stephen Oakley Matthew Osmond Liam Pritchard Josh Smith Alex Snaith Anthony Snook Keaton Sturdy Cameron Wilson Matthew Wilson