The Wearside League kicked off with a swift return against Clem Smith Bowl final opponents Durham City at Dean Bank Park on 3rd August, reports Chris Orton, with Athletic again taking the spoils with an emphatic 7-2 win.
A strong-looking Durham side surprisingly took the lead after just 20 seconds following a defensive mix-up from Athletic, but the home team soon went on the attack with Matthew Agar forcing a great save from the Durham keeper. Ferryhill kept battling and new signing Chris Luaba got an equaliser after fifteen minutes. Durham responded by pressuring Harvey Gunn into an excellent save, which led to a Durham corner from which they were unable to capitalise. Ferryhill took the lead with a Matthew Agar tap-in after twenty minutes and continued pressing thereafter, with Chris Dodds shooting wide on the half hour; Durham’s keeper saving with his foot from Agar just before half time.
Into the second half, and Matthew Agar fired wide early on. But his work rate paid dividends when he found the net for Ferryhill’s third following some terrific work from Luaba. Kieron Richardson then got in on the act with his first of the season shortly after with a superbly-taken goal. Despite the scoreline, Durham’s keeper was playing well and made an excellent save from Alex Quinn. Shortly after this, Adam Morland and Jay Roddam made their entrances for Luaba and Gillham, giving the team fresh legs. Richardson got his second with an excellently-taken goal following a lazy run past the Durham defence. Jay Roddam was unlucky not to score shortly afterwards, and gave a very impressive showing.
Athletic were awarded a penalty which Adam Morland slotted home decisively, before he got his second towards the end of the game in a display in which Ferryhill completely outclassed the opposition. Durham got one back through Masandi which the ref gave despite claims from the crowd that their player was offside. New signing Alex White added a vast amount of experience and gave a commanding performance at the back. He went close towards the end, but was unable to get the ball past the keeper.
The next match is away against Shildon Railway this midweek as the Chapter goes to press.
After a weekend break, Athletic will then host Gateshead Leam Rangers Reserves at Dean Bank Rec on Wednesday 14 August.
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