After a disappointing defeat in midweek Ferryhill got back to winning ways with a 5-2 victory against Birtley Town Development on the 3G pitch at Washington Hub, reports Chris Orton.
Birtley started brightly and it looked as if the away side would have a tough match on their hands. Both teams had attempts at goal early on, but it wasn’t long until Ferryhill took the lead through Alfie Backhouse following a well-worked move, neatly being played in by Chris Dodds. Recent signing Louis Anderson impressed and was a constant threat. Matthew Agar doubled Ferryhill’s lead shortly after with a corker of a strike. Birtley rallied after this, and equalised with a goal that the crowd seemed to think was offside. Backhouse remained a menace on the wing for much of the half. Shortly before half-time Ferryhill got a free-kick on the edge of the box which Kieran Richardson fired straight through the wall and into the back of the net.
Into the second half, and Ferryhill changed formation to four at the back. Birtley came out fighting, but were no match for Athletic who were working together well with some great passing moves. Richardson had a great shot, Morland fired wide and Tom Olley was unlucky not to score. Birtley managed to get a second, but after this Ferryhill took complete control. Chris Devine almost managed to lob a shot over the keeper, and then raced down the wing to feed in Morland who belted the ball home. Joe Wilson fired over and Devine had a goal disallowed for being offside before substitute Joe Wilson claimed the fifth to seal a decisive victory with the final score 5-2.
The next game takes place on Wednesday 24th at Dean Bank when Athletic take on Deerness Valley. Kick-off is 6.45pm.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
