A week on from their last meeting, Ferryhill and Coxhoe faced each other once again at Dean Bank, this time in the extra preliminary round of the Washington Aged Person’s Trophy, reports Chris Orton.
Due to the recent heavy rain, it was touch-and-go as to whether the game would go ahead, but things had calmed down sufficently for the match to happen.
The windy conditions made it a difficult game, but both teams battled hard throughout.
Adam Thirlaway sent an effort over the bar early on, as Ferryhill once again demonstrated their effective passing game.
Kieron Richardson then fired over before Coxhoe counterattacked and forced Finlay Colwell into a terrific save.
In what was a very even half, Alex Quinn worked very well on the wing but Ferryhill were unable to break their opponents down.
Colwell came to Ferryhill’s rescue again with 18 minutes of the first half left when he tipped the ball past the post after a goalmouth scramble.
Coxhoe proved to be a very hard opponent and again forced the impressive Colwell into a good save.
A somewhat unpleasant incident occurred when Richardson was hacked down by a Coxhoe defender, but he was thankfully uninjured and managed an effort on goal just before half time.
The first half ended goalless, but things were to change in an eventful second half.
The wind died down slightly as proceedings got back underway and the hard-working Adam Morland had a couple of good chances.
Coxhoe put one over the bar, and were probably the better side during this spell.
A through ball led to the away side taking the lead with 20 minutes left, and they doubled their tally a minute or so later with a belter of a shot.
This spurred Ferryhill on and Cameron Wallace got one back when he coolly chipped the keeper.
Alex Quinn then levelled the tie with a cracker of a goal, and Joel Bennett had a goal disallowed with ten minutes left.
As the clock ticked down Coxhoe got a third, but Ferryhill drew level again when Kieron Richardson converted from the spot after a nasty challenge on Joe Langton in the box.
Just before the final whistle, Colwell produced a fantastic save to turn a Coxhoe shot around the post.
The game went to penalties with Ferryhill converting four of theirs, whilst Coxhoe could only manage three, with Adam Thirlaway scoring the vital winner for Ferryhill.
Athletic progress to the next round of the cup, and Finlay Colwell gained a deserved Man of the Match award.
After the game Kieron Richardson was presented with a commemorative shirt to mark his 100th goal for Ferryhill and we are pleased to say that he continues to add to that total!
Next week sees another cup game, at home to Haughton le Skerne in the first round of the Durham FA Minor Cup.
Kick-off is 1.30pm and the match will take place on the old Athletic pitch adjacent the A167.
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
