On a blustery, rainy day only twelve players were available for Ferryhill who travelled the short distance to Oak Leaf Sports Complex to take on Newton Aycliffe YFC Senior, who were languishing near the foot of the table prior to the game, reports Chris Orton.
After a slow start Ferryhill went on the attack with Chris Devine going close early on, and Reece Wilkinson having a shot tipped over by the home keeper shortly after.
Ferryhill always attempted to play good football, but suffered a blow early in the half when Matthew Agar had to go off injured, to be replaced by debutant, Ellis Hare.
Captain Kieron Richardson was a threat throughout and headed wide midway through the first half. It was difficult to play on a sloping, bumpy pitch but Athletic did their best, although they were unable to make a breakthrough before the ref’s whistle blew for half-time.
Richardson shot wide immediately prior to the break.
Athletic stepped up a gear in the second half, with Richardson having a terrific shot turned around the post by the keeper early on.
What looked to be a clear handball in the box by an Aycliffe player wasn’t rewarded with a penalty, but Athletic kept going and earned a succession of free-kicks as the game progressed.
One of these led to the first goal of the game when Richardson’s shot snuck into the net with the merest hint of a deflection. Joe Langton was unlucky not to score when his follow-up shot from Richardson’s was saved.
Newton Aycliffe were barely in the game by this point, and had very few chances at all in the match. Athletic’s lead was doubled when Hare fired home with 16 minutes on the clock.
David Gibson hit the bar with five minutes to go, and the sun even came out for the final few moments of the game.
It was a positive squad performance, with all of the lads putting in a shift against a tricky opponent, David Gibson earning the man of the match award.
Athletic, who are now in fifth place, next play on 2nd April away to Durham City at Leyburn Grove in Houghton-le-Spring, followed by a home game on 5th April against FC Hartlepool Reserves at Dean Bank Park.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
