Athletic took on local rivals Willington just two days after having played against Shotton Colliery in another league game, reports Chris Orton.
This swift turnaround contrasted with Willington who were well rested after last playing the previous weekend. There wasn’t much between the sides however, as they ground out a 1-1 draw in an entertaining game. A good crowd gathered to watch the two teams and were treated to a great game between a good pair of sides.
Ferryhill took the game to Willington and began with a positive attacking attitude. It was the opposition, however, who took the lead after seven minutes when Wilks put the ball into the Athletic net. This was a goal that Ferryhill would have been disappointed to concede, but they never gave up and continued battling. Joe Purvis was once again impressive in defence and dealt with just about everything that came his way. Tyler Brown started up front and went close when he shot over the bar as Ferryhill kept battling.
Athletic had most of the play, but Willington defended well and were hard to break down. Most of the possession in the first half was controlled by the home side, but a goal just wouldn’t come. Michael Hogg had a good attempt saved by Scott in the Willington goal, whilst a cross from Ellis Hare almost landed in the net. Things were very frustrating for Ferryhill and they went into the break one-down.
Athletic made a good start to the second half but found it hard to create a goal-scoring opportunity. Hare once again had a shot saved by the impressive Scott. Ferryhill were battling really hard and Kieron Richardson stepped up to begin to control the game. Eventually Athletic were rewarded with a goal when Brown scored from a corner, somehow chesting the ball into the net. Kyle Quinn had a header saved as the darkness began to descend and the two sides tired.
A draw was probably a fair result in the end, and Ferryhill can be proud to be competing so well against established Premier League teams, having just come up from the division below.
They remain seventh in the league table, and Michael Hogg took the Man of the Match award. Athletic next move on to another league game away to Sunderland West End on 1 September. Kick-off time at Ford Hub is 7.45pm.
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
