Ferryhill Athletic continued their winning ways in the league, reports Chris Orton, but were made to fight hard for victory against Chester-le-Street United Reserves, who were an extremely hard-working, fit and battling side.
In very windy conditions it didn’t take long for the home side to take the lead, when Adam Morland tapped home after only a few minutes. Ferryhill dominated the early stages, doubling their lead soon after when Danny Smith scored with a very well-taken goal. Athletic had the majority of the play at this point, but the opposition fought back well and came close to scoring in the 25th minute. Kieron Richardson then had an effort across the face of goal, but it wasn’t long before the visitors halved the deficit with what was their only shot of the first period. Regardless of their minimal efforts on goal, the away team never stopped running and looked an equal match for Ferryhill.
The sun came out for the second half and with it, the wind also abated. Adam Morland hit the crossbar, but Chester-le-Street showed why they are so high in the table when their determined play resulted in the equaliser at the midway point in the half.
Athletic regained the lead with an absolute rocket of a shot from Kieran Gillham that left the keeper stranded, but Ferryhill were making very hard work of things. Substitute Will Houlahan added to his tally for the season and made it 4-2 shortly before the end, but the score ended up 4-3 when the away side somehow scored direct from a free-kick from just outside the box. Ferryhill were glad to see the back of this incredibly tough game, and next take on high- flying Willington in a crucial top of the table clash at Hall Lane on Saturday with kick-off at 2pm.
Ferryhill remain three points ahead of their nearest rivals, albeit Willington, with three games in hand, are the only remaining side in the division with a 100% record. And they have an opportunity to draw level at the top as the Chapter goes to press when they host Wolivston in midweek while Ferryhill rest ahead of Saturday’s big game.