Steels 1-1 Newton Aycliffe

Neither Stocksbridge Park Steels or Newton Aycliffe could complain at getting a point in this 1-1 draw.

Both teams started brightly and both teams looked keen to claim three points in order to boost their play-off claims. Early chances for Stocksbridge saw Kurtis Pollard sting the palms of goalkeeper Jim Pollard while Joao Silva couldn’t get his volley right after the ball fell to him following a corner.

It was an error which would lead to Stocksbridge’s goal. Pollard got his clearance from a punt upfield all wrong and Silva was there to intercept and dribble around the goalkeeper. With all the pitch for himself, the winger would simply dribble the ball into the back of the net.

Towards the end of the first half, Newton Aycliffe started to get better and better. Jake Petitjean had his close range effort denied by a Tom Charlesworth block, but their goal would come. Good play though saw the ball deflect to Dean Thexton, and he was able to strike to continue being Newton Aycliffe’s top scorer.

In the second half, both teams continued to play well but it was the defences that really stepped up to make sure neither team could score again. A well worked set piece from the Steels gave Elliot Owen an opportunity but his header looped comfortably for Pollard. At the other end, Newton Aycliffe’s own free kick gave Liam Adamson his big chance to win the game, but he volleyed over meaning both teams would be happy with a point.