League matches have started coming thick and fast as Ferryhill catch up with postponments and rescheduled games due to cup progress, and last weekend Athletic welcomed Birtley Town Development to Dean Bank, reports Chris Orton.
Despite having defeated Birtley in two cup competitions this season, this was the first meeting in the league with the return fixture set to take place on 20 April.
Athletic went into the game with a number of players missing due to a cold virus, but the assembled team did their missing teammates proud with a very impressive display.
Ferryhill started in an attacking vein and got all of the ball in the early stages.
It wasn’t long before the hosts took the lead, with Chris Dodds scoring with a decisive header that left Birtley keeper, Luke Outhwaite with no chance.
Ferryhill had all of the play and doubled their advantage soon after, with Kieron Richardson bagging yet another goal after a mazy run through the opposition defence.
Birtley briefly rallied and went on the attack, but had a good effort ably saved by Harvey Gunn.
Ferryhill further increased their lead to go into the break 3-0 to the good following a tap-in from Dodds.
As the second half got underway the wind died down and Birtley looked more positive, although they failed to cause the home defence any great trouble.
The home side continued to dominate, with good marshalling by Tom Olley. Dodds saw a shot go wide of the mark as he sought his hat-trick and there was good attacking play from Kieron Richardson.
Birtley gained a free kick fifteen minutes into the half, but shot way over the bar, with their next effort well saved by Gunn in the Athletic goal.
A clear penalty was somehow denied to Ferryhill after Adam Morland’s run shortly afterwards.
There was no real threat from Birtley from this point, with the home side continuing to enjoy the majority of the possession.
Dodds was unlucky again and Morland had a good attempt at goal before finally being awarded a penalty after another run into the box.
As he had earned it, the forward claimed the ball and fired coolly home.
As the wind picked up again, Ferryhill continued with their domination, with Chris Devine shooting over the bar after another pacy run from Morland.
However, the score remained 4-0 until the referee brought the visitors’ eventual respite.
It was a confident, assured display by the home team and Athletic now go into a short break before their next game, which will take place midweek on 3 April at Coxhoe Athletic.
The club remains fifth in the Wearside League First Division, with leaders Hetton Juniors now seemingly uncatchable.
In other news, Athletic held An Evening with Dean Windass at Ferryhill Club on 23 March. Almost 200 people attended the packed event, which took place to raise funds for both the first team and the Under 18’s. The night was a great success, with the attendees being entertained by both Windass himself, and comedian Lea Roberts as well as participating in a number of games and enjoying a pie and pea supper.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
