Ferryhill Athletic were back on league duty on Saturday when they entertained former Northern League rivals, Durham City, and they turned in a solid performance to win 3-0, reports Fraser Reynolds.

The match had to be switched to Mainsforth following a ground inspection at Dean Bank which hadn’t recovered from the previous night’s fireworks display.

Leading goal scorer, Adam Morland, was brought in to the side at the expense of Billy Snaith, who has decided to concentrate on Sunday football, and new signing Bradley Wilson was on the bench.

There were very few chances early on before Lee Jewett switched his wing backs, which worked better and Watkinson fed in Morland to open the scoring.

At this stage, Durham offered very little going forward. Early on in the second period it was Morland again on the score sheet as he outpaced the visitors’ defence and slid the ball under the advancing keeper.

A smart one-two down the left put Alex Quinn through to hit a fierce shot into the bottom corner for the third.

In the last 15 minutes, the Athletic took their foot off the pedal and were lucky not to concede.

Durham hit the post, a last-ditch tackle from Backhouse and a point blank save from Gunn ensured a clean sheet.

The win sees the Athletic climb the table into fourth with 14 points after seven games and the league’s best offensive and defensive records, while Belmont currently lead the pack on 22 points, but having played nine games.

This Saturday, Ferryhill face a tougher match when they visit Hetton in the League Cup.

Hetton have already beaten the Athletic this season, so they must be at their best if they want to make progress into the next round.