Preview Report:

Hallam VS North Ferriby

North Ferriby FC travel to Sheffield to take on league leaders Hallam FC in a pivotal game in the race to win the NCEL division one title. Hallam currently sit in first place, three points ahead of Chris Bolder’s Villagers. The Sheffield based outfit have a much superior goal difference as well. Both sides come into the game in great form. Ferriby have won five on the bounce, the latest a 2-1 home win over Rainworth this midweek. Hallam have won their last four, a 4-0 thrashing of Selby their latest win. 

Ferriby’s opponents Hallam, as stated, have been in great form. Their only defeat this calendar year was a 5-4 defeat to Parkgate. Craig Denton’s side have scored goals for fun this season. The Countrymen have scored 116 goals in their 33 games. Only Brigg can match this feat. In Kieran Watson, Iren Wilson and Liam Royles, Hallam have 3 of the top 10 goal scorers in the NCEL Division one season so far. If Hallam’s offense is impressive, then North Ferriby’s defence deserves credit as well. Bolder’s side have conceded a league best 21 in 33 games. The defence will have to be at its best to nullify the Hallam threat. When the sides last met, Ferriby came out on top 1-0. A Danny Buttle goal was the difference. It was a tight game with both sides having chances. 

Chris Bolder was asked to sum up his overall thoughts ahead of the game, “We are all looking forward to the game on Saturday, these are the games you want to be involved in, high stakes in front of a big crowd. We know how challenging it will be on their pitch, given the huge slope and potentially a poor surface so we will have to manage these conditions accordingly. It is a must win game for us if we are to have any chance of winning the league, but we are ready for this test. I am sure we will get a fantastic following once again to help cheer on the lads”.