Seeking to defend the Clem Smith Bowl, Ferryhill took on a youthful Easington Lane Reserves at Dean Bank last Saturday afternoon, reports Chris Orton. The opposition started well and posed a threat down their left flank from their pacy winger.
Ferryhill suffered a major setback early on when they lost skipper Tom Olley to injury and progress was slow in the first half. Athletic had a goal denied when the referee ruled that the ball hadn’t crossed the line, and shortly after this Easington took the lead after some terrible defending from the home side. Ferryhill stepped up a gear and the Easington keeper made a number of saves from Quinn and Richardson.
Ferryhill started the second half much more positively, with Alex White marshalling events from the back. A double substitution from Ferryhill made all of the difference, with Adam Morland and Alfie Backhouse adding extra pace. Morland ensured that Ferryhill got back on equal terms when he converted from the spot, after they were awarded a penalty.
Easington kept battling but their downfall came when they had a man sent off for foul and abusive language towards the referee, and had another sin-binned soon after. Ferryhill sent on Will Houlahan and it was 11 v 9 for a spell. Kieron Richardson had a sighter across goal before thundering home a spectacular shot from outside the box as the hosts eventually took advantage of their superior numbers.
A couple of minutes later, a Backhouse shot was deflected into the away net by one of the visiting defenders to make things comfortable. Adam Morland finished things off when he scored near the end of the game to make the end result 4-1 to the cup holders. Ultimately, Ferryhill’s experience and numerical advantage ensured they progress to the next round.
Athletic return to league action this midweek as the Chapter goes to press when they take on Gateshead Leam Rangers Reserves, followed by an away league game against Wolviston on Saturday with a kick-off time of 2.30pm.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
