Football is back at North Ferriby but will sadly be without fans.

Tuesday 2nd of March 2021

North Ferriby Football Club are back in action on 10 April, but the remainder of the season will be played behind closed doors. A decision was made to curtail the league season but there is still some football to be played as Ferriby are the only locally based side left in the Buildbase FA Vase. 

Manager Chris Bolder is happy to be back playing football but is saddened its without fans and one of his key players: “It just baffles you as I am sure there would have been other options, but at least we have knock out football, so this is what we have to do. 

 “I suppose what has happened is good in a way as at least we get a chance to play football, but we know it is a one-off game and if we lose we are out and is season over! The decision over Iwan was deeply disappointing given we did everything right from our side.  

“What we have to do this time is to play for the full 90 minutes not just the second half as we did in the first game. This will give us a great opportunity to go through to the next round.” 

Bolder always felt there would be football back at Ferriby when the lockdown restrictions were lifted and so astutely had made provision to get some game time for the players with a friendly arranged on 3 April, sadly again behind closed doors. They will take on Garforth, a NCEL Premier side, who will certainly give Ferriby a good run out ahead of the Seaham game.  

Bolder continued: “At the back of our minds we knew the Vase would continue so the lads have been ticking over but now we can get into some proper training. It will be good to get back together and get some minutes into our legs for the lads to be in the best physical shape possible ahead of the cup tie.  

“We have as nearly a fully fit squad as possible for the first training session on 30 March and I am optimistic we will have everyone ready for selection. We chose Garforth as they, like Seaham, are at Step 5 and will be a good test for us.  

“Looking toward Seaham, we need to perform in the manner we played in the second half. Yes, we won by a penalty shoot-out, but that second half showed what we are about. Although we won the first game it is now all about one game at a time and we are not looking any further down the track. We cannot afford to as if we take our eye off the ball then it will be all over for us until next season.”