Following an impressive pre-season, Ferryhill Athletic kicked off their 2025-2026 Wearside League campaign under new player-manager Kieron Richardson with a trip to Eastbourne Sports Complex to face Darlington FC Under 23s who had beaten Coxhoe 3-1 last weekend, reports Chris Orton.
The conditions at Eastbourne were very difficult due to the wind, with both sides battling valiantly throughout on the 4G surface.
It didn’t take long for Athletic to take the lead however, with Ellis Hare working well to get behind the home defence and slot home.
Things were quite evenly matched early on with Ferryhill attacking well, and this led to a long-range shot from Richardson just going over the bar.
Darlington gained the advantage for a spell, but things took a somewhat unpleasant turn when Athletic’s Adam Thirlwell was elbowed in the face.
The game was rather scrappy at times due to the high winds, but Richardson forced a good save from Mason in the Darlington goal.
Some strange refereeing decisions marred the game, but Athletic battled on and Matthew Agar bundled the ball over the line just before half time to get the second.
Darlington started the second half well, but well unable to make a breakthrough.
Ferryhill continued fighting and some inspired substitutions kept the momentum in the away side’s favour. Richardson hit the crossbar, whilst Agar headed wide from a corner but Athletic made hard work of things at times.
The scoring was finished off when Richardson got the third, heading the ball in after having a penalty saved by Mason.
The match was a good test for the start of the season, with Kieron Richardson gaining the Man of the Match award.
Ferryhill now move on to a home game against Shildon Railway on 13th August. Kick-off at Dean Bank is 6.45pm
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
