Dean Bank Park saw Ferryhill hosting a home game for what seemed like the first time in ages when Coxhoe Athletic visited on Saturday, as Ferryhill Athletic sought to maintain their position at the top of Wearside League Division 1, reports Chris Orton.
In this local derby Athletic looked quite leggy in the early stages, having already played in midweek with Coxhoe making a really impressive start, forcing Ferryhill to have to battle throughout.
The away side dominated the opening part of what was a somewhat scrappy game at times with Ferryhill’s best chance coming when Matthew Agar had a fine shot on goal well saved by the Coxhoe keeper.
The breakthrough came when Kieron Richardson scored yet again, firing past the keeper after twenty minutes to take his tally for the season to 23.
Coxhoe were working very hard, but Ferryhill got hold of the game by the scruff of its neck, with Michael Hogg firing across goal and Deacon Simpson controlling things well in midfield.
As the half wound down, Kieran Gillham had a goal disallowed for a handball in the penalty area.
Most of Coxhoe’s play went down the right-hand side with their number 11 being the most impressive of their players.
Their equaliser came seven minutes into the second half when a shot came in from the right and landed in the net.
Adam Morland came on from the bench and made an immediate impact with his pacy play down the wing.
The lead was retaken by Ferryhill when Agar headed down a cross at then near post with the ball sneaking over the line.
Shorlty after, Morland fired home from close range to make it 3-1, getting a deserved goal after his terrific efforts in midweek.
This was one of the toughest tests so far this season, but Athletic rode it out and victory was assured when Simpson scored a belter of a goal.
Joe Langton was again commanding at centre-half, and Kris Carr handled just about everything that came near his goal.
As the game drew to a close, Joel Bennett had a shot save by the Coxhoe keeper and Morland headed over the bar.
The game finished 4-1, although Coxhoe weren’t in any way outclassed and this turned out to be one of the toughest games so far this season.
Deacon Simpson desrvedly claimed the Man of the Match award. Ferryhill remain to top of the table with eight wins out of eight.
With the September matches done and dusted, Athletic are back in in Cup action next Saturday when Coxhoe make a swift return to Ferryhill for a tie in the Washington Aged People’s Trophy, kick-off at the usual time of 2pm.
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
