Atkinson was appointed the club’s new manager this week but was unable to celebrate three points on his return to the Aycliffe dugout falling just short against Whickham at the First Mortgage Glebe Sports Ground.

Declan Bisset’s freekick early in the first half was enough to settle the game as the Newtonian’s weren’t able to force an equaliser despite their possession in the game.

“I can’t fault the effort of the players, they were excellent,” said Atkinson.

“We were a little bit uptight in the first 15 minutes. They tried to get the ball forward but everything was 100 mile per hour and there was no real composure. But the second part of the first half we were in control really.

“Their work rate and endeavour was really good. We had a couple of shouts for penalties. I think they got their goal and that gave them something to hang on to and it was a tough night with the conditions.

“I obviously don’t like getting beat but like I said, I cannot say anything about the commitment and the endeavour of the players. The final ball at times wasn’t good enough but that will come.”

Atkinson was left frustrated at the decision not to award Aycliffe a penalty late in the second half when Ben Reay, returning to the club from Crook Town this week, appeared to be fouled in the area by Lang Jacks defender Kieran Galbraith.

It was one of several of contentious decisions against a physical Whickham side.

“It became a bit of a battle at times,” admitted Atkinason.

“Sometimes there’s a duty of the officials to stamp that out and it probably spilled over at times.

"I’m not one for having a go at referees and officials but I think they allowed them to get away with one or two and then that allowed them to think they could get away with a few more.

“I think we should have had a penalty. Ben’s the other side of the defender. I asked the question, if he’s gone down at the other side of the defender why haven’t you booked him? I was told there was some contact, so it’s a strange one.”

Ultimately Atkinson must now pick his players up and look for a response in his first game at the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium next week against rivals Bishop Auckland and look to arrest a mid-season slump in form.

“It’s a big game. We’ve got to react, and I’ve got no doubt we’ll get a reaction.

“The lads are disappointed in there but we can’t have asked for much more effort than they gave us tonight.

“Apart from the result it’s been a positive week. I know a little bit more now after the first game.

“There’s one or two lads who weren’t available tonight or who weren’t involved tonight who I need to still see but they’ll be at training and be available for Bishop all being well.”