After a cup victory last week, Ferryhill Athletic found themselves back in the hunt for a trophy, this time in the prestigious Durham FA Minor Cup, reports Chris Orton.
It was something of a homecoming for Athletic, as Haughton le Skerne were welcomed to Ferryhill’s ancestral home of Darlington Road due to Dean Bank Park being unavailable.
Whilst this was far from a classic performance, Athletic ground out a 2-0 victory to take them into the last 16 of the cup.
In very warm unseasonal October weather, the match opened with a impeccably observed minute’s silence for the late Kevin Simpson, a former Athletic player and famous name in local football who sadly passed away this week.
The game kicked off with fast-paced play from both sides, the game going from end-to-end.
Haughton le Skerne had an early chance when their striker headed wide, and Ferryhill struggled to get hold of things.
The home team had a chance when Kieron Richardson had his free kick spilled by the away team’s keeper, whilst a long-range shot from Alex Quinn sailed wide.
This was a good test for Athletic, and in the first half they made Haughton look good. As things progressed, however, Ferryhill started to dominate. Kieran Gillham forced a good save from the away keeper, Adam Morland headed over with five minutes to go, and Michael Hull’s attempt resulted in another fine save.
Things changed in the second half, with the introduction of Ellis Hare and Zak Lauder bringing a fresh intensity and attacking speed.
Haughton were lucky not to have their keeper sent off when he handled outside the box, which the referee missed.
The scoring was opened when Joe Langton headed in superbly from a corner.
At the other end of the pitch Finlay Colwell had another good game, tipping a number of shots onto the bar. Hare was unlucky not to score when he was put through by Richardson, and later had a shot kept out by the goalkeeper.
Richardson doubled the lead with a peach of a shot that left the keeper floundering.
Athletic kept pressing and Hare and Richardson had further attempts on goal denied. Jay Roddam had another good game, with his strength ensuring that he won nearly every ball he went for. Alex Quinn got the Man of the Match award, after putting in a solid shift.
The next match takes place on Friday 17 October away to Gateshead Leam Rangers Reserves, in a league fixture. Kick-off at Hilltop Playing Field is 7.30pm. Set your sat navs for NE10 8QQ.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
