The holders of the Clem Smith Bowl narrowly slipped out of the competition following a close penalty loss to league leaders Willington, reports Chris Orton.
On a beautiful day at Dean Bank, a large crowd gathered to follow the action and weren’t let down with a terrific display of football on show in what was an excellent game.
Athletic went into the match with a virtually full-strength squad, missing only the injured Adam Morland.
Into the side came the returning Matthew Agar who led the line up front as Ferryhill started the game confidently and brightly.
They had the majority of the game in the first half, playing some of their best football for weeks.
The home side weren’t intimidated at all by the team at the top and had a number of great chances throughout the game.
Kieron Richardson raised the hopes of the home supporters with a shot that went wide of the post before Billy Snaith almost scored a headed goal that would have hit the net had it not hit a divot in the pitch which deflected it wide.
Willlington had very few chances early on, with the one decent shot they did have being well saved when Athletic keeper Dan Pratt tipped it over the bar.
Ferryhill played very good football, and Willington certainly didn’t look the side that won at Dean Bank earlier in the season.
Athletic battled hard for the entire game, dominating most of the play and playing some attractive football.
The away side came back better in the second half with an improved display, but they too were unable to make a breakthrough.
Pratt made an excellent save with his foot to prevent a Willington shot going in, but Ferryhill continued to play well.
Alex Quinn headed over the bar from a David Gibson corner, while Brad Wilson, the Kierons Richardson and McWaters all played well in their roles.
Pratt again came to the rescue when he rose high to gather an incoming ball, unfortunately taking out his own defender in the process.
Athletic had a few more chances as the end drew close, but no goals were forthcoming.
And so the game went to the lottery of penalties, with no extra time played in this competition.
Richardson, Will Houlahan and Chris Devine converted for the home side with Pratt saving one of the Willington penalties.
The away team ran out 4-3 winners after the shoot-out but Ferryhill can hold their heads high after putting in a superb performance, and can feel no shame in going out to the league leaders.
The next game in the diary is an evening game away to Durham City at Houghton on Wednesday 12 March, which kicks off at 7.30pm, followed by a home tie against Wolviston on 15 March with a 2pm kick-off.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
