Seeking to defend the Clem Smith Bowl, Ferryhill Athletic travelled to Washington to face Washington Athletic AFC in the first round of the cup on Saturday, writes Chris Orton.
Ferryhill immediately began the match on the front foot and were the dominant side throughout. Washington were unable to offer much and despite a couple of chances weren’t much of a threat. Athletic took the lead after nine minutes when the hard-working Jay Roddam scored with an excellent strike. Ferryhill were the authors of their own misfortune shortly after this when Washington levelled after slack defending from the away team.
Athletic kept attacking with both Matthew Agar and Kieron Richardson having shots saved by the host keeper. The game entered something of a flat spell but, just before half-time, Richardson doubled Ferryhill’s lead. Adam Morland had the chance to make it three when Ferryhill were awarded a penalty, but he uncharacteristically put it wide of the post.
Ferryhill were much more impressive in the second half and Jay Roddam doubled his tally with a perfectly struck goal that no keeper would have saved. Morland hit the cross bar shortly after, before Richardson got the fourth. And Morland’s luck was well and truly out when he hit the bar again before Athletic had a goal ruled out for handball. The energetic Will Houlahan was introduced and was a constant threat. Alex Quinn added the fifth with 25 minutes to play, and substitute Chris Devine then had a goal disallowed for offside. Ferryhill stepped up a gear and were much the better side, with Luke Teare dealing effectively with the one real attempt Washington had. Morland again rued his luck near the end when another couple of chances failed to find the target. Brad Wilson was awarded the Man of the Match following a very solid display.
Athletic progress to the quarter finals with an away game against either Darlington Under-23s or Richmond Mavericks. Next up for Athletic is the Minor Cup on Saturday against Whitburn & Cleadon at Dean Bank. Kick-off is 1.30pm.
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