Whickham v Newton Aycliffe preview -new signing Nathan Greenwood

Whickham have added winger Nathan Greenwood to the squad ahead of tonight’s game against Newton Aycliffe at the First Mortgage Glebe, writes ADAM TONES.

Greenwood, 20, joins the club after impressing manager Tony Fawcett and goes straight into the squad for the Friday night game under the floodlights.

Greenwood has Northern League experience with Seaham Red Star, and has also had a spell as a pro at Sunderland.

Fawcett said: “We are delighted to have added Nathan to the squad. He’s lightening quick and will hopefully offer us another dimension.”

Greenwood may have to wait for his debut, however, with Fawcett’s side in good form after making it two wins out of two under the new manager.

Whickham beat Crook Town 2-0 at the First Mortgage Glebe last Saturday – Mark Fitzpatrick got his first goal for the club in his second spell, before his strike partner Zak Atkinson grabbed his fifth of the season late on.

Aycliffe come into the game off the back of a surprise 1-0 home defeat to nine-men West Allotment Celtic, in what was Colin Stromsoy’s final game in charge before he surprisingly stepped down.

Aycliffe announced the appointment of former Sunderland star Brian Atkinson as his replacement. Atkinson, who had a hugely successful spell at the club previously as assistant manager, has also been No2 at West Auckland and Darlington.

Aycliffe will be a real test for Fawcett’s side. They boast the league’s fifth best defence as well as possessing quality attacking options going forward. After a relatively strong first half of the season Newton Aycliffe sit in seventh place with three wins in their last six league games.

The Lang Jacks will be without experienced midfielder Conor Newton, who is still a few weeks away from a return to the squad. The home side will also be without Michael Hoganson and Flynn Martindale, while Louis Parral is on international duty with Gibraltar.

On a positive note, forwards Scott Robson and Jack Robson return to the squad.

Whickham will also be hoping Fitzpatrick can now go on a run after breaking his duck. He said: ‘’I was glad to get off the mark, I think previously as a striker I’ve just been chasing all game but now I can drop into the number 10 so I now have more time on the ball and play football.

“It feels really good, I’ve had quite a few chances over the past couple of games but it wasn’t quite to be. It felt amazing to get off the mark.”

Kick-off tonight is 7.30pm. Admission is £6 adults, £3 concessions and £1 kids with a paying adult.

We will also have a programme on sale with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.