North Ferriby VS FC St Helens

North Ferriby Football Club kicked off their competitive campaign with a draw in the world’s oldest domestic cup competition, after being held to a two-all draw against  FC St Helens at the Versa Sportswear Stadium.

Cup fever returned to a sun drenched Versa Sportswear Stadium with the Villagers looking to take charge early doors as Lewis Dennison produced the ties opening strike wide of the mark.

Soon after, the Villagers number one produced a fine stop as our visitors from the North-West found space to claim their first shot on goal.

The best opportunity of the fixture came with fifteen minutes on the clock. A well worked passage from the Villagers saw Jack Boyle fire a low strike, forcing a strong save from Lucas Gibbs in the St Helens goal.

With the Villagers seemingly settling into their rhythm, it was the visitors who produced the opening goal of the afternoon as Tom Scarborough curling strike found the top corner.

The Villagers responded with immediate effect as Lewis Dennison forced the ball home from a goal mouth scramble three minutes after seeing the visitors opener.

From there, the villagers looked to press home an advantage but saw multiple efforts from their front line denied by some top goalkeeping and were to settle being all square at the break.

Both aired on the side of caution in the opening moments of the new half until the Villagers saw Jake Day pounce on a loose ball, his strike fell kindly to Lucas Gibbs.

Of the two, it was the Villagers who continued to ascend with both Josh Thacker and Jake Day seeing opportunities failing to hit the target.

The chances continued into the final moments, but an elusive goal remained, until, a fine passage saw Lucas Robinson through on goal to slot home to give Ferriby the lead.

Drama took hold in the final minutes as St Helens were awarded a contentious free kick in the ninety-fourth minute, ultimately resulting in the visitors claiming a late equaliser.

Then, at the death, The villagers were denied a penalty after seeing a hand ball in the area. We now look to a Tuesday night replay at FC St Helens.

Starting XI: Jonathan Dash (GK), Charlie Carlisle, Liam Love, Arun Jones (Charlie Dunkerley 70’), Josh Clackstone (Brandon Murillo 45’), Jack Walters ©, Lewis Dennison, Olly Green (Mason Johnson 70’), Jake Day, Josh Thacker, Jack Boyle (Lucas Robinson 64’).

Unused Subs: Jordan Douglas, James Williamson, Benn Lewis