Ferryhill Athletic finally made it back to play at Dean Bank for the first time since October, reports Chris Orton, and were looking to quickly bounce back from a disappointing midweek 1-0 defeat against Consett Town Reserves.
Billingham Town Reserves were the visitors, with manager Lee Jewett fielding a strong side against the bottom of- the-table outfit.
The home side dominated the early stages, and it wasn’t long before star player Kieran Richardson scored with a well-taken goal. Ferryhill battled hard and forced the Billingham keeper to make a series of good saves.
Athletic somehow managed to have two goals ruled out during this period and Billingham equalised just before half-time after a defensive mix-up led to an own goal. Ferryhill battled back and Richardson had a shot saved by the Billingham keeper.
Approaching half time, the visitors shocked the hosts by taking the lead before Chris Dodds equalised for the home side to level the scores again going into the break. The goals gave the visitors confidence and the sides were more equally matched as the second half got underway, with Adam Morland twice coming close, only to be denied yet again by the Billingham keeper.
A couple of substitutions rejuvenated Athletic and it wasn’t long before Kieran Richardson got his second with a decisive strike that flew into the opposition net. Chris Devine rounded off the scoring with a terrific goal after evading the Billingham defenders. Another chance fell to Morland just before fulltime whistle, but it was to remain 4-2 to Ferryhill in a game that the opponents fought hard for throughout.
The next match is against Chester-le-Street Park View on Saturday 2 March at Riverside South, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3SJ. Kick-off is 2pm.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
