Ferryhill Athletic 3 – Darlington Railway Athletic U23 1

October 27, 2025

Ferryhill faced Darlington Railway Athletic Under 23s for the second time this season following their meeting in the league a month ago, this time in the Clem Smith Bowl, reports Chris Orton. On that occasion Athletic came away from Brinkburn Road with a respectable 4-1 victory against a very fast, hard-working side, so the home team were hopeful of achieving a similar scoreline in the cup.

The match took place in what were far from ideal condition with the wind being very strong and the sun often in the eyes of the players, whilst there looked to be as many leaves on the pitch as there was grass, but Athletic made a good start and it wasn’t long until they took the lead with Michael Hogg slotting past the Darlington keeper on ten minutes. Ferryhill constantly pressed in the early stages, with Kieron Richardson firing off a good shot which just went wide of the post.

The wind died down slightly as the half progressed, but Darlington offered little and rarely troubled Finlay Colwell in the home goal. Hogg doubled his tally with a belter of a goal, shooting long-range from outside the box and looping the ball over the head of the opposing keeper. Joe Langton was the next to have an attempt on goal, which was swiftly followed by an Alex Quinn headed shot that went over the bar. Ferryhill continued to have most of the play, with Michael Hull impressing in defence and Ellis Hare battling hard throughout.

Darlington came out for the second half revigorated and were much more lively, forcing Ferryhill onto the back foot at times. They got a goal back when they had a long-range shot that left Colwell no chance of stopping. Athletic lost their way for a while, and Darlington were much better but the game was decided when Hare got the third with a neat tap-in. The ever-dependable Jay Roddam took a well-deserved Man of the Match award. Athletic face Deerness Valley at home in the next round of this competition.

Next week Athletic face Consett Blackfyne FC from Division 2 of the Wearside League in the Washington Aged Person’s Trophy Preliminary Round at Dean Bank. Kick-off is 2.00pm.