After almost a month off, Ferryhill Athletic returned to action, playing their first league match of the year against Barnard Castle, reports Chris Orton.
Pitch issues again forced a change of venue, with the game taking place at King George V Playing Field. Despite this, a good crowd turned up to support the lads.
Manager, Lee Jewett had a strong squad to pick from, but the team took a while to get going, with both sides evenly matched in the early stages.
Unluckily for Ferryhill, Barnard Castle took the lead after thirteen minutes but it wasn’t long before the home side began to respond well.
A strong penalty claim from Ferryhill was unsuccessful after 22 minutes, with the referee dismissing the appeals of the Ferryhill players.
The fast-paced game went from end to end, with Barnard Castle having another attempt on the half hour.
However, it was Ferryhill who equalised shortly after, following a good run by Adam Morland, who topped it off by slotting home with ease.
Kieron Richardson then put the home side in the lead three minutes later.
Ferryhill kept pressing, and just before half-time a good attack led to the Barnard Castle keeper spilling the ball into his own net, making it 3-1.
Ferryhill stepped up a gear and the visiting keeper was forced into a good save to prevent the hosts from further extending their lead before the break.
The second half started well for Ferryhill, with man-of-the-match Richardson having another attempt at goal.
The scoring was completed soon after when Matthew Agar took his chance and scored a belter.
A well-judged quadruple substition by Ferryhill brough fresh legs and further domination. Both sides battled well, but overall, Ferryhill were just too strong for their opponents.
Barnard Castle had three consecutive corners later on, but never looked like getting the ball past Harvey Gunn.
Next up is another home game on Saturday 20th January in the Washington Aged People’s Trophy against Coxhoe Athletic at Dean Bank Recreation Park. Kick-off is at 2pm.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
