Chester le Street Town started their 2017 -18 season with an FA Cup tie at First Division Newton Aycliffe. It was a closely fought encounter with Newton Aycliffe winning by 1-0.

Newton Aycliffe created the first chance after 19 minutes, the ball was played into the area and Jack Wilson rushed out but failed to make contact with the ball which fell to Stuart Banks. He lifted his shot towards the empty net but Wilson recovered quickly, to get back and gather the ball. After 22 minutes a mistake by Christopher Stephenson let in Marc Costello but Wilson was quickly off his line, to make a good block. Chester le Street came close to taking the lead after 30 minutes when a corner from the right was met by Andrew Clarkson but his firm header brought a good save from James Winter. After 50 minutes Aycliffe were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Chester le Street area. Banks curled a great free kick over the wall but Wilson made a superb save to tip the ball over the bar.

Newton Aycliffe made the breakthrough after 55 minutes when a ball into the area found Banks and he fired in. After 67 minutes, a ball into the area was played back to Banks but his shot across goal went wide of the far post. Aycliffe finished the game strongly. After 87 minutes the ball was played into the area and then back to Craig Hindmarch but his shot brought a good save from Wilson. A minute later, Marc Costello made ground down the right but his cross-cum-shot hit the bar and was cleared. In the last minute, Matthew Pennal raced into the area to fire in a good shot which brought another good save from Wilson.

A disappointing result from a decent performance, although we never really troubled the Newton Aycliffe defence.

Chester le Street team:      Jack Wilson, Christopher Stephenson, Alex White, David Surrey, Alexander Walker, Calum Greaves, Kieran Megran, Daniel McGuire, Andrew Clarkson (Craig Marron, 82 mins), Michael Hepplewhite, Dylan Crooks (Thomas Wood, 75 mins). Subs Not Used: Kieren Proctor, Michael Graver, Connor Lyon, Lee Mole

Attendance: 131

Referee: Mr. D. Wade, Hartlepool  Assitants:  Mr. G. Scott, Consett & Mr. J. McMemenam