Despite a valiant performance against Deerness Valley, Ferryhill Athletic bowed out of the Minor Cup in an epic penalty shoot-out after the match finished all square, reports Chris Orton.
The match had been switched to Downhill Hub miles away in Sunderland following the heavy rain on Thursday that had ruled the pitch in Esh Winning unplayable.
Ferryhill started somewhat slowly, taking time to get into the game, but there was good early play from Alex Quinn and Deacon Simpson.
It was the home side, however, who took the lead after fifteen minutes, then doubling their account shortly after.
Ferryhill stepped up through the gears as the half progressed and halved the lead when the home keeper somehow fumbled a Kieron Richardson shot into his own net from an Athletic corner.
Richardson then latched on to a long ball from keeper Finlay Colwell and shot over, an attempt which was soon to be followed by a Joe Langton header that went over the bar. Quinn had a similar attempt as the half drew to a close.
The second half saw some excellent play from Ferryhill who had several very good chances.
Athletic were rewarded with their second goal when Kieron Richardson scored from the penalty spot.
Ferryhill were having most of the game by this point, with Deerness being restricted to a few attempts.
Colwell pulled off a couple of terrific saves for the away side.
For the neutral this would have been a very entertaining watch, and showed two sides playing some very good football.
At the final whistle things ended all-square at 2-2 and a penalty shoot-out beckoned.
It seemed as though it was going to go on for ever with both sides converting each of their first six penalties, but eventually the home side ran out 7-6 winners.
Ferryhill can feel no shame at their performance as every player worked exceptionally hard to try to secure victory and the squad had been affected by a number of injuries.
The players who came in gave it their all and the result was tough to take for the fans who had travelled to support the team.
Ferryhill are back in league action next Saturday at home to local rivals Middlestone Moor. Kick-off at Dean Bank Park is 2pm.
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
