After last week’s disappointing cup defeat, Ferryhill Athletic looked to put things right when they travelled over to Ryhope to face Sunderland RCA Reserves in the league, writes Chris Orton.
On a bitterly cold day both teams started well, and Sunderland looked stronger opponents than the last time this fixture was played.
However, it wasn’t long before the away team took control of the match.
Ferryhill took the lead after only eight minutes, through Matt Agar, who doubled his and his side’s tally five minutes later.
Athletic were well-organised and dominated for much of the first half.
Adam Morland added to his sensational record for the season after eighteen minutes, going on to score yet another goal just a couple of minutes later to put the visitors four up with just twenty minutes on the clock.
Sunderland went on the attack and had a couple of good attempts on goal, only to be thwarted by the Athletic’s defence.
Tom Olley missed a chance on the half hour, with Ferryhill pressing constantly and the opposition offering little in the way of resistance.
The break seemed to galvanise RCA, who threatened more in the second period, but despite some attacks, were unable to get the ball past Harvey Gunn.
As the floodlights came on, Chris Devine was unlucky not to score in the sixty-third minute.
Sunderland continued to battle on, gaining a succession of corners, but Athletic defended well to the end.
Alfie Backhouse finished things off when he fired home Athletic’s fifth, subsequently earning the Man of the Match award after a fine display.
Next up its a short trip over to local rivals Coxhoe Athletic in the Washington Aged People’s Trophy on 2nd December. Kick-off at Beechfield Park is 2pm.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
