The first round games of the Durham Trophy took place at the weekend, and saw Ferryhill Athletic visit league high flyers Gateshead Leam Rangers, writes Chris Orton. Unfortunately, Athletic bowed out of the competition after going down 2-0 in a tough game against a determined opposition.
Missing several players from last week’s excellent game with Washington, Athletic started well enough but found it tricky to grind down Leam Rangers who had a good deal of the play in the early stages. The away side also suffered an early blow when defender Adam Thirlaway had to go off due to injury. Leam Rangers forced a terrific save from Leo Strange in the Athletic goal, before a spell of head tennis commenced. Ferryhill had a bit more of the ball as the half progressed, with Deacon Simpson lobbing the keeper, only for his shot to land wide of the post. Matthew Agar was also working well up front; first hitting the upright and then heading over after a short corner. Unfortunately for Ferryhill they went behind just before half-time when Strange spilled the ball after being dazzled by the sun, with it falling fortuitously to Gateshead’s Hirst who slotted home with ease.
Things were much the same in the second half, with even spells of possession. Kieron Richardson had a good attempt at goal, but Ferryhill found this a difficult and frustrating game. Leam Rangers doubled their lead when Arthurs headed home from a corner, leaving Athletic with a lot of work to do in not enough remaining time. Richardson had another effort on goal following Kieran Gillham’s pin-point through ball, but ultimately the goals just wouldn’t come. Agar’s next attempt was a header which landed on the top of the net, whilst substitute Harley Cairns’ shot was well taken by the keeper. The impressive Deacon Simpson took the Man of the Match award for Ferryhill.
Ultimately, this was a bad day at the office and Athletic’s efforts on Tyneside fell short.
They will be hoping to do better in a couple of weeks when the sides meet again in the league, and must now look forward to Friday night’s league game against Willington. Kick-off at Hall Lane is 7.30pm.
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
