Ferryhill Athletic were required to switch their home game against runaway league leaders Washington FC due to unforeseen circumstances, to take place away from home last Saturday afternoon, reports Chris Orton.

In an impressive performance, Athletic ended up taking a point off the opposition in a thoroughly entertaining 2-2 draw in which both sides had some great chances. Ferryhill started brightly with Kieron Richardson going very close to scoring after just a minute, before Washington hit back and hit the Athletic post at the other end of the pitch.

Against a very organised opposition, Ferryhill had a good deal of the ball but it was the home team that took the lead after fifteen minutes when they scored following Ferryhill keeper Leo Strange saving an initial shot. Both sides were playing well and Ferryhill’s next chance came when a Richardson header was saved by the Washington keeper.

A sour note came when Athletic’s Reece Wilkinson was fortunate not to sustain an injury when Washington’s number 8 went over the top of the ball and crunched into the defender’s leg, escaping with only a yellow card. Ferryhill kept pressing, however, with their reward coming when Adam Thirlaway’s shot from the right looped over the home keeper. Deacon Simpson then had a chance at goal and probably had his most impressive game of the season, ably controlling things in midfield.

The second half was just as competitive with more great play from both sides. Richardson fired over the bar with a speculative effort, but Athletic went behind when Washington scored from the spot after being awarded a penalty. Soon after, Richardson was inexplicably sin-binned for no good reason, with Athletic facing Washington for ten minutes with ten men. Ellis Hare and Matthew Agar were introduced from the bench and gave the Athletic side a fresh impetus. Ferryhill earned a corner and after the ball was swung in, the ball fell to Agar who belted it home impressively.

The game was a very good advert for Wearside League football and a draw was probably a fair result at the final whistle, taking Ferryhill up to seventh place in the table. This was probably Athletic’s finest performance of the season so far, with every player giving it their all.
Kieron Richardson was awarded the Man of the Match award, but there could have been many contenders.

Ferryhill’s next game is on 3 October when they travel to Gateshad to face Leam Rangers in the next round of the Durham Trophy. Kick-off is earlier than usual at 1.30pm.