Toolstation NCEL Division One
FC Humber United 1-2 North Ferriby
A controversial second half penalty allowed Danny East to slid home the fortunate winner and end title-chasing North Ferriby’s winless run.
On paper it was a straight-forward victory and cricket-score territory for Ferriby and Josh Whiteley’s opener seemingly set them on course for the three points.
However, Brandon Burke header out of nowhere dragged FC Humber United level until the penalty.
The defeat was cruel on Humber who will have blown many’s preconceptions apart by conjuring up an inspiring and disciplined display which frustrated big guns Ferriby and almost earned them a point.
Ferriby were literally hanging on at the end, especially when Humber wasted a golden opportunity from a free kick right on the edge of the penalty area.
Ferriby went into the fixture without a win in three games – a poor run that has led to Hallam taking over at the summit.
Must-win was an understatement and Ferriby absolutely dominated the first half.
But Chris Bolder’s side struggled to break down Humber’s tightly-congested defence.
Whiteley was Ferriby’s danger man, his pace terrifying Humber and eventually breaking down them in the 27th minute.
The ex-Ossett Town forward went through and comfortably finished goalkeeper Dave Howard.
What happened three minutes into the second half certainly wasn’t scripted.
An unattractive cross from the left seemed harmless but the unmarked Burke scooped low and headed past Jordan Douglas.
It was hard to work out who was most surprised.
Ferriby then threw caution to the wind.
East went close with a free kick and Howard expertly denied Whiteley in another one-on-one situation.
The decisive moment was harsh to say the least.
A penalty for a debatable handball and East sent Howard the wrong way from the spot.
Humber did not give up though and in the last minute they were awarded a free kick literally on the 18-yard-line.
Ferriby fans must have been biting their finger nails as the tension as Humber prepared for the big moment.
Burke went for power and Ferriby survived as the ball hit the wall.
What They Said
North Ferriby manager Chris Bolder
“2-1 suggests it (was hard work) and at times we are panicking aren’t we.
“You’re totally right, in the first half in particular we played some really nice stuff and controlled the game really well.
“We got into some fabulous crossing positions but lacked a bit of care in the final third and we rushed a few things.
“Ultimately we were only 1-0 up at half-time and we were happy as we were controlling the game.
“They got a bit of a freak goal and we lost our way a little bit which is understandable as we have been in a bit of rut.
“The lads recomposed themselves and it is nice to get a fortuitous penalty.
“There was a handball maybe ten minutes before prior to that which was more of a handball.
“Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t and when you have been in a rut like we have been getting that good bit of fortunate can be the catalyst to kick-start your season again.”
The Teams
FC Humber United: Howard, Heath (Boyle 83), Wileman, Durkin, Lumley, Allen (captain), Czubik, Cull, Blackwell (McKernan), Burke, Baxter (Richardson 70). Subs unused: Barton, Binsley.
North Ferriby: Douglas, Emerton (Bolder 68), Leyland, Tarbotton, Tilsley (captain), Start, Kirk, Forrester (Jowett 82), East, Whiteley, Corner (Medcalf 68). Subs unused: Exall, Kemp.
Who Was In Charge
James Moody (6/10)
How Many Were There
208
Man of the Match
Josh Whiteley (North Ferriby)
