Ferryhill bowed out of the Washington Aged Person’s Trophy on penalties at the semi-final stage after a battling display against Hetton Juniors in strong winds at Dean Bank on Saturday, reports Chris Orton.
Despite the pitch being passed playable by a local referee, both teams struggled in the blustery conditions, with players doing their best to play a normal game.
The first half was very evenly matched in the main, with the home team’s defence well-marshalled against a determined opposition.
All was going well until Athletic conceded a penalty, after the Hetton striker was brought down by Harvey Gunn.
The home keeper made amends however by pulling off a terrific save.
Tom Olley earned a deserved man of the match award with a solid display, and it wasn’t long until Ferryhill took the lead through a superb Kieron Richardson strike twenty minutes into the half.
Athletic went close again through Chris Dodds, but had the wind against them throughout the first half.
Ferryhill took their slender lead into the break, but the second half saw a more determined, more organised Hetton come out fighting.
And it took them just five minutes into the half to level the game, using the wind to whip in the ball from a corner and send it past Gunn.
As the wind became even more extreme, Hetton kept winning corners but were unable to extend their lead.
Ferryhill’s game improved with the introduction of new signing Louis Anderson who had an impressive debut.
However the scores remained level and with no extra time, the game went straight to penalties.
Dodds, Morland, Anderson and Wilkinson slotted home for Ferryhill but unfortunately for the home side, Hetton scored five, despite Gunn managing to save two others.
Athletic’s next game is in the league, away to Billingham Reserves, as the Chapter goes to press, on 10 April.
Kick-off is at 6.30pm and the midweek game is followed by a home league game when Athletic host West Auckland Reserves on Saturday 13 April. Kick-off in that game is at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile, congratulations are due to Ferryhill Athletic Under-18s, who have won the Tees Junior Football Alliance Division 2 at the first attempt – and with games to spare – following a top of the table clash against Billingham United on Sunday.
The final score was 3-1 to Ferryhill, who clinch the title as a result.
Well done to Martin, Andy and all the lads!
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
