National League North
North Ferriby United 2-1 AFC Fylde
Wayne Brooksby celebrates his equalising goal in normal time of promoted North Ferriby’s play-off final. Picture: John Rudkin
North Ferriby United made history by reaching the National League after beating AFC Fylde after extra time in the play-off final.
In a match with a great atmosphere it was Ferriby who started well with captain Liam King seeing an effort saved, but this was going to be a back and forth game and Fylde nearly took the lead moments later when in form striker Danny Rowe fired a curled effort which was saved by Adam Nicklin.
The away side then took the lead on the 23rd minute by Sam Finley after a cross was not cleared and he was able to just get the ball over the line.
Ferriby were not put down by that goal and kept pushing with Russ Fry seeing a thunderbolt of an effort saved brilliantly, from the corner Danny Hone hit the bar as the hosts continued to press.
With only seconds to go King found space in the area and he squared to Wayne Brooksby who had a simple tap in to make it 1-1.
The start of the second half saw both sides cancel each other out, but Ferriby could have scored when King ran onto a pass but just couldn’t get to the ball before the Fylde keeper Urwin.
Flyde then should have won it in added time when Dion Charles was found in the area after a cross wasn’t cleared but when put in a good position he fired high and wide and so it was extra time for the teams.
But in extra time Danny Hone was able to head the ball into the back of the net and send the home fans wild and the Villagers held on to make history and gain promotion to the National League.
North Ferriby United manager Billy Heath:
North Ferriby United captain Liam King:
North Ferriby United striker Tom Denton:
North Ferriby United: Nicklin, Topliss, Wilde, King, Palmer, Hone, Clarke, Bolder, Denton, Brooksby, Bateson (Fry 27) (Emerton 90). Subs unused: Kendall, Middleton, Gray.
AFC Fylde: Urwin, Hughes, Crainey, Langley, Hannigan, Barnes, Hughes, Finley, Rowe, Baker, Hardy (Charles 45). Subs unused: Blinkhorn, Hinchcliffe, Lloyd, Dixon.