Hallam VS North Ferriby

North Ferriby head in to the festive period having shared the spoils in South Yorkshire following a two-all draw at Sandygate against Hallam FC.

Josh Thacker saw his tally for the season move to six, whilst Lewis Dennison’s peach of a strike lit up a four goal thriller that keeps Ferriby inside the top ten.

As expected, the villagers began well as Josh Dennett fired one of his trademark throws deep in to opposition territory, with the Countrymen fending the ball away.

Ferriby continued their initial tempo and came even closer after ten minute, as a headed effort sailed the wrong side of the woodwork from a Dennett cross.

Despite a solid start, Ferriby found themselves behind after twelve minutes after Brandon Bradbury’s bicycle kick forced the Countrymen in to an early lead.

Ferriby responded with intent and were rewarded five minutes later as a moment of brilliance from forward, Lewis Dennisonsaw the Villagers level as his curling effort from twenty yards found the top corner.

A smattering of chances came and went for both sides, the best coming seven minutes from time as Josh Whiteley broke free of his mark forcing a corner kick at Warhurst’s near post.

Six minutes from time Ferriby saw a solid claim for penalty waved away by the match officials and in a split second Hallam were ahead following a second Brandon Bradbury goal.

Out for the second forty-five and a lively start saw Hallam claiming for a spot kick, once again officials waved away, awarding Ferriby a goal kick.

The tie soon settled in to something of an attritional affair, with both looking to test each others defence. But, the final twenty saw Ferriby come alive. 

The Villagers came close with sixteen to play after Elliott Walkers  twenty-yard free kick was fumbled into the path of a teammate but the ball evaded the goal.

Ben Bottomley produced another fine showing of goalkeeping down the other end of the pitch to keep the countrymen at bay.

Seven minutes from time and Ferriby were back in the game. Josh Dennetts long throw landed right in the mix and is was Josh Thacker who got there first to force the ball home.

Starting XI: Ben Bottomley, Jack Johnson, Jack Walters, Louis Kirk, Niall Tilsley ©, Dom Roma, Josh Dennett, Elliott Walker (Sam Aynsley 62’), Lewis Dennison (Mason Johnson 81’), Josh Thacker, Josh Whiteley (Josh Whiteley 62’).

Unused Subs: Luke Hogg, Myron Gibbons