With the dreadful weather over the past week, it was touch and go as to whether or not this fixture would go ahead, but the council declared the pitch fit to play on as Athletic welcomed Newton Aycliffe YFC Senior to Dean Bank, reports Chris Orton. Ferryhill got back to winning ways with a 5-1 victory, keeping them in second place in the league.
The first half was a turgid affair, with Ferryhill dominating but finding it difficult to make a breakthrough. Danny Smith, Matthew Agar and Kieron Richardson all had chances but none hit the back of the net. David Gibson forced a save from the Aycliffe keeper, but the going was hard with nothing coming off until near the end of the half. Richardson eventually struck home to give Athletic the lead. Then, just before the break, Adam Morland doubled the advantage when he bundled the ball home.
The goals spurred the side on and they gave a much better second half performance to dominate the game. The returning Kris Carr in goal for Athletic made a number of good saves to keep out Aycliffe and displayed excellent distribution. The impressive Will Houlahan came on from the bench and soon made an impression with his first of two goals.
The away side managed to sneak a goal back to make it 3-1, but Houlahan almost burst the net with his second goal which left the keeper stranded. Chris Devine went close and Richardson continued to battle hard before Jay Roddam finished the scoring with a well-taken goal in the last minute.
Man of the Match was the ever-imposing Kieron Richardson.
For the first game of October, Ferryhill make the short journey to Washington Athletic this Saturday as they seek to defend the Clem Smith Bowl. Kick-off is at 2pm at Emmerson Terrace.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
