In what was a somewhat typical end of season game, Ferryhill ran out 2-1 victors over Shildon Railway at Dean Bank in their penultimate game of the season, reports Chris Orton.
Shildon were a much more difficult opposition to the team that Athletic played earlier in the year and made the home side work hard throughout.
The weather was very good for the visit of the local rivals, and the dry weather had resulted in a very hard playing surface.
Shildon had the first chance, with Athletic keeper Leo Strange having to make a good save from a free kick.
The ever impressive Kieron Richardson had a good shot saved shortly after this, with Chris Devine also having a chance when he almost put the ball into the top corner of the net.
It was a fairly flat game for much of the first half with few other chances for either side and little to write home about.
Athletic rallied for the second half with Will Houlahan shooting wide early on.
As in the first half, there was little between the teams, but Shildon took the lead when they were rightly awarded a penalty which they duly converted.
There was an immediate response from Ferryhill however when Richardson slotted home following a goalmouth scramble.
The winning goal came soon after this when Reece Wilkinson followed home, neatly scoring after Richardson’s shot had hit the post.
Shildon made Ferryhill work very hard for the win, and had had to field a number of young players and some others who had played in another game earlier in the day.
Richardson was unlucky not to add to his superb tally for the season after good attacking work from Matty Ashcroft-Brown, and Jay White almost converted from a free-kick.
The Ferryhill lads all battled hard to gain the win, and Reece Wilkinson claimed the Man of the Match award.
Next week sees the final game of the season, when Deerness Valley visit Dean Bank. Kick-off is at 2pm.
Meanwhile, Athletic have been praised by neighbours Spennymoor Town FC after the Ferryhill club donated £200 towards the Moors’ transport costs for their trip to Wembley and the FA Trophy final this Sunday.
The two clubs are linked by a mutual commercial partner, with Moors’ shirt sponsors TMC also working with Ferryhill during the course of the 2024/25 campaign.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to have the support of our neighbours in the Wearside League, who clearly understand the importance of community and how significant an event like this can be for a town and its people,” said Managing Director, Ian Geldard.
“We’ve managed to raise just over £3,300 in donations towards an overall cost of over £8,000 in subsidising the 442 seats at the cheaper rate.
“Everyone at Spennymoor Town wishes Ferryhill Athletic the very best for the summer and for the 2025/26 campaign and we thank them again for their support.”
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
