An unexpected change of venue saw Athletic travel to the Sir Bobby Robson Centre in Ushaw Moor to take on in-form Deerness Valley on Saturday, reports Chris Orton. Spectators found that they had restricted views due to the presence of a fence in front of the 3G pitch, and a blinding sun.
Luke Thompson made his debut in goal for Ferryhill in place of the absent through illness Luke Teare and was confident and assured throughout. Athletic gave one of their most impressive displays of the season, with a confident team performance in both halves of the game. Such was their dominance, they could easily have been three goals up early on, having had a number of chances.
Deerness battled hard, but had few chances in the game. They hit the side netting and had a little more of the action mid-way through the half, but Ferryhill battled hard and were rewarded with twenty minutes of the first half to go when a looping shot from Matthew Agar dropped into net beyond reach of home keeper. Not long after, a brilliantly weighted ball from David Gibson fell perfectly to play in Adam Morland, who finished clinically for the second. Agar was also unlucky not to score again ten minutes from the break.
Athletic came out for the second half determined to hold on to their lead. They should have had a third goal following a goalmouth scramble involving a group of players but couldn’t bundle it past the keeper. Chance after chance came for the away side. Reece Wilkinson had an excellent shot saved by the keeper, whilst Kieron Richardson also had a great shot saved. A dubious penalty was awarded to Deerness, but their taker contrived to hit the post. All in all, this was a superb team performance and it was backed by a brilliant travelling support from Athletic’s fans. Kieron Gillham received the Man of the Match accolade.
Ferryhill are back at home next Saturday in a top of the table clash against league leaders Willington, with kick-off 2pm. Please try to come along to cheer the lads on.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
