North Ferriby United celebrate their captain Liam King’s dramatic winning penalty in the FA Trophy quarter-final win over Ebbsfleet. Picture: John Rudkin
North Ferriby United are on the brink of reaching the FA Trophy Final at Wembley after a dramatic last gasp 1-0 win over Ebbsfleet United.
Ferriby captain Liam King showed nerves of steel to fire home a 86th minute penalty after Ebbsfleet’s Kenny Clark had elbowed Danny Hone off-the-ball.
Clark was sent off for the offence and slammed by his manager Jamie Day.
The result rests the demons from last season when Ferriby lost at home to eventual finalists Gosport Borough at the quarter-finals stage.
The Vanarama North and South sides were well-matched and the game looked to be heading to a replay.
Ebbsfleet’s Adam Cunnington saw effort crash back off the crossbar, while Russ Fry curled a free kick against the post.
The flashpoint came out of nowhere. A Ferriby corner sailed into the box and the referee Ross Joyce blew his whistle and pointed to the spot.
Clark made his exit and King stepped up and placed the ball to the goalkeeper Preston Edwards’ right and scored – to spark scenes of jubilation.
North Ferriby United manager Billy Heath
“I thought we made all the running. They had a spell in each half. Given last season’s quarter final defeat, we have laid a ghost today. I didn’t see the penalty incident but fair play to the referee he saw what he said was an elbow and he was brave enough to give it.
“Last night the game was in doubt but thanks to the work of the chairman and supporters last night they got the pitch playable. That shows the spirit that exists in the club.”
North Ferriby United: Nicklin, Topliss, Wilde (Peat 82), King, Anderson (Gray 14), Hone, Clarke, Fry, Denton, Bolder (Kendall 79), St Juste. Subs unused: Nicholson, D’Laryea
Referee: Ross Joyce
Attendance: 610
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