Following their 1-1 draw earlier in the season, Willington and Ferryhill Athletic met under the lights at Hall Lane for the return fixture on Friday night, writes Chris Orton.
Ferryhill can count themselves very unlucky not to come away with a point from the game in what was a very entertaining and competitive local derby.
Kicking downhill for the first half, Athletic started well with Kieron Richardson forcing a good save from Scott in the home goal in the early stages.
Willington soon fought back and had a good chance after this, requiring Leo Strange to make an excellent save to deny an opening goal.
This was a fast-paced match with both sides battling hard throughout, Richardson going close again when his shot sailed over the bar.
Ferryhill broke the deadlock and took the lead soon after when defender Joe Langton buried the ball in the back of the net from Richardson’s corner.
During a good spell, Ferryhill had a number of impressive chances with the best coming when Reece Wilkinson hit the crossbar at one point with a terrific effort.
Willington then went on to force another good save from Strange, before Matthew Agar went close for the away side as the first half drew to a close.
The second half saw Willington equalise after six minutes when Herron latched onto a loose ball to convert.
Agar went close with another good effort, before Herron got Willington’s second.
Unfortunately for Ferryhill, Leo Strange pulled up injured and with no keeper on the bench Agar stepped up to take the gloves.
As both sides continued to battle, Ferryhill’s replacement goalie proved himself a more than capable deputy, making a number of good saves to help keep the score down.
Towards the end, Athletic had a number of further chances, but were unable to to get past the impressive Scott in Willington’s goal.
A draw would perhaps have been a fairer result, but the crowd will have gone home having seen a good game of football with Ferryhill continuing to show that they can more than hold their own in a tough Wearside Premier League against a number of well-established sides.
Ferryhill remain in the top half of the table, currently sitting eighth ahead of their next league fixture this weekend, away at tenth-place Barnard Castle on Saturday, with a 2pm kick-off on Teesside.
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
