Following a very narrow opening league defeat to Barnard Castle in midweek, Ferryhill Athletic welcomed Windscale to Dean Bank Park, the men from Cumbria having travelled 100 miles to play the game, reports Chris Orton.
A disputed penalty near the end of the game led to Windscale earning a point from a match that Ferryhill had led for much of. On a cooler day than of late, Athletic started brightly and almost went ahead early on when an effort flew across the face of the goal. For much of the early stages, Ferryhill had most of the play, but keeper Leo Strange was called into action to tip a Windscale free kick over the bar.
Athletic put on a good team performance with the lads all working well for each other. Michael Hogg and Ellis Hare chased every ball, and it was a shot from Hare that led to Ferryhill opening the scoring when his effort bounced out to Agar who slotted home from near the left post. Windscale looked a well-organised team and are the type of side that Athletic will have to get used to playing at this higher level. Ferryhill were no slouches though and were more than able to compete.
Things continued in much the same vein after the break, despite Windscale having come out more determined. Strange made a series of terrific saves to deny the opposition, before the returning David Gibson’s free kick was turned away by Windscale’s keeper. Kieron Richardson was next with an attempt on goal with a free kick, but it went just over the bar. Things got a bit niggly from this point, with Athletic having to rally to keep out the Cumbrians. Ferryhill’s number one made yet another save, whilst Hogg continued working well down the wing.
Adam Thirlaway was unfortunately kicked in the chest by an opposing player, and for a spell Athletic rode their luck. The penalty decision came with just two minutes remaining: with Windscale on the attack, the ball struck a Ferryhill defender on what was adjudged to have been the arm, a decision that the Athletic players and home crowd vocally disputed. Despite this, the spot-kick was given and Windscale duly scored.
At the final whistle honours were even, and this was probably a fair result on the balance of play. As newcomers to the top division, Ferryhill competed well with a solid defensive display against an established side and thoroughly deserved a point. The impressive Joe Purvis took the Man of the Match award for Ferryhill.
Chris Orton
Writing regular Ferryhill Athletic match reports.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
