Harrogate Railway Athletic VS North Ferriby

Harrogate Railway 1-3 North Ferriby FC

North Ferriby FC bounced back from last week’s disappointing loss to Retford with a terrific performance and a brilliant 3-1 at Harrogate Railway. Two goals from Danny East and one from Josh Whiteley allowed the Villagers to take home three points at the in-form Harrogate Railway. A professional second half performance saw off Railway who had won their last six games. 

It was a cagey start to the game as both sides looked to gain an upper hand. Harrogate had the first opportunity as Marcus Day was on the receiving end of a deflection but Jordan Douglas produced a good save to keep the scores level. 

It was the Villagers who took the lead on 20 minutes. Josh Whiteley worked hard to win a free kick and from the free kick the aforementioned Whiteley headed home, as he found himself unmarked.

It would be 2-0 to Ferriby when an attempted pass from the Harrogate left back hit Josh Dennett and he ran forward with the ball. He then found Danny East who placed the ball into the corner of the net. 

The hosts were given a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty. A Ferriby defender was adjudged to have handled the ball by the referee. Danny Thirkell stepped up and sent Douglas the wrong way. 

Railway nearly equalised but another good save from Jordan Douglas kept Joe Crosby at bay. 

In the second half Ferriby dug deep and put in a great defensive performance. Harrogate rarely threatened during the last 45 minutes.

The Villagers wrapped up victory when Danny East hammered home. Danny Buttle sent in a great cross which wasn’t dealt with by the Harrogate defence, which allowed East the opportunity to score. 

Ferriby had a couple more opportunities but Whiteley was denied the chance to go through as the pitch held up the ball before he could really advance. Substitute Harvey Carew also went close but couldn’t put the ball home from close range. 

A jubilant Chris Bolder summed up his thoughts, “We played last week and absolutely dominated a team and was on the receiving end of a defeat. Today, first half we have been dominated, full credit to Harrogate, they caused us great problems but we go in 2-1 up at half time. We have been calling for us to be more clinical in front of goal and first half we’ve had two shots and scores two goals. We spoke to the players at half time and discussed what we needed to do and the shape was absolutely phenomenal. Harrogate didn’t cause us many problems through clear cut chances and we managed to catch them on the break a couple of times. It was a totally different performance from us. I don’t think there’s been many times this year when the opposition has had more possession. They’ve dominated the ball and the possession and we’ve had to see a different side to us. 

1. Douglas 2. Dennett 3. Start 4. Tarbotton 5. Tilsley 6. Bolder (14.Carew)7. Emerton 8. Kirk 9. Buttle (12. Kemp) 10. East 11. Whiteley (15. Jowett)