By Martin Walker

FORMER Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jason Steele has won his first piece of silverware - but it's a managerial achievement the young footballer is celebrating.

Steele watched on proudly as his Sunday morning pub team, Newton Aycliffe Working Men's Club, defeated Stockton Hardwick Social 2-1 in the County Cup final.

Warren Byrne scored twice for the 'Big Club' before Hardwick pulled one back with ten minutes to go.

It ensured a nervy finale, with the full-time whistle signalling delirious pitch celebrations.

It was the club's first County Cup win since Allan Oliver, now chairman of Newton Aycliffe, took them to the title in 1998.

Steele, 24, who jointly-manages the Sunday side along with fellow boss Dave Owen, said: "It was a fantastic achievement and the lads can be really proud of themselves.

"I don't think either side really played that well in the final, but it was always going to be a tough game.

"We like to pass it about and play out from back as much as we can, but I was watching Atletico Madrid play Real Madrid on TV the night before and I remember texting our players, telling them to watch the way Atletico were playing.

"They're not really that much of a footballing side and we had to change our usual style for the game because we knew it was going to be a battle.

"We needed them to be a team of men and that's what they were. They worked so hard - I've never seen a team work as hard as they did, and that was after being at work all day.

"I was unbelievably proud of them, and I was delighted for Dave Owen as well, he does a great job."

Steele says he had his Blackburn Rovers team-mates routing for the Aycliffe side in the build-up to the final.

"I think everyone at the training ground knew about the game," he said. "The lads are really interested, they think it's great I stay involved with my friends and help run the club.

"They were also interested to learn about the County Cup and what it means in this part of the country. We beat sides from Newcastle, Stockton, Hartlepool... teams from all over the North East to get there and they were really impressed with that.

"I just love being involved and I enjoy trying to make the lads better footballers, while enjoying it at the same time.

"I went back in to training last Friday morning night with a big beaming smile on my face and the lads were delighted for me."

The victorious squad included former Newton Aycliffe winger Stuart Owen, who says the cup win topped his achievements with his hometown club.

The midfielder was a key part in Aycliffe's rise to the Northern League first division in recent years.

But he said: "Winning silverware with Aycliffe was brilliant, I have some great memories of my time with the club, but this was with your mates.

"We all drink together and we beat some good sides along the way, but went into the final as under dogs. When that final whistle went, it was the best feeling in the world - something you can keep for the rest of your life.

"There was people running in all directions. Supporters on the pitch, committee lads celebrating. It was just special."

Goalkeeper Steve Richardson paid tribute to his fellow 'keeper, and boss, Steele.

He said: "The lads want for nothing and we just think it's great what he does. He's so passionate about it.

"Now he's living a bit further away he still comes home for the Sunday games and even the midweek games when he's not playing for Blackburn, so he deserves a lot of praise for the time and effort he's put into it."