North Ferriby United 2  Northwich Victoria  3

If you can take pride from a defeat, then Ferriby could walk away from this game with their heads held high. Promotion-chasing Northwich were made to battle all the way by a spirited North Ferriby side reduced to nine men before half-time.

Ferriby were up against it as early as the eighth minute when debutant Steve Gardner was sent-off  for instinctively handling a goal-bound header on the line. Kyle Armstrong's penalty was well-saved by Steve Wilson who also saved Wade's follow-up shot.

A stiff breeze blowing the length of the pitch made it difficult for both teams to play as they would have liked. Despite their numerical advantage, Vics were unable to create any clear-cut chances as Ferriby closed them down at every opportunity.  

Ferriby did try to take the game to their opponents with Wayne Brooksby prominent in many of The Villagers attacks. Brooksby caused problems for Northwich throughout the game with his determined running and ability to hold-up the ball.

Northwich almost took the lead in the 28^th minute when Ryan Wade's in-swinging corner hit the far post. This was the closest to a goal for either side as Ferriby continued to hassle and harry Northwich.

Things became worse for Ferriby in the in the 42^nd minute when skipper Chris Bolder received a red card for a rash two-footed tackle on Kyle Armstrong.

Just as it looked as if the first-half would be goalless, Northwich took the lead in the 45^th minute when Wayne Riley fired home from close range.

The second half saw Northwich continue to struggle to make their numerical superiority count. They doubled  their lead in the 53^rd when Nathan Woolfe's shot was unluckily deflected by Nathan Peat giving Wilson no chance.

Ferriby continued to defend high up the pitch and the back four and Wilson refused to buckle under Northwich's pressure. Northwich's attacks were continually closed down as every Ferriby player ran himself into the ground. Northwich were becoming increasingly frustrated at their inability to create any clear opportunities.  

It was something of a surprise when Northwich's third goal came in the 77^th minute. Michael Clarke rose to head home Woolfe's corner.

If the crowd expected Ferriby's heads to go down they were in for a shock. Wayne Brooksby immediately broke down the right to fire past Ben Hinchcliffe. This spurred Ferriby who continued to  press forward and still manage to frustrate their visitors attacks.

 In the 89^th minute Russell Fry's free-kick in to the top corner to set up a stirring finale. Lee Morris almost stole a point for Ferriby in the final minute but the ball just did not fall to him.

Northwich were probably relieved to hear the final whistle after such a stubborn and determined Ferriby performance.

NFU: Steve Wilson, Steve Gardner, Kevin Larvin, Nathan Peat, Gregg Anderson,  Sam Denton (Dominic Riordan 74), Wayne Brooksby, Russell Fry, Chris Bolder (c), Gary Bradshaw  (Lee Morris 76), Danny Clarke. Subs not used:,James Williams, , Tim Taylor, Rob Moy

NV: Ben Hinchcliffe, John Disney, Lewis Short (David Fitzpartrick), Dominic Collins, Ian Kearney (Tom Smythe 70), Kyle Armstrong, Wayne Riley, Michael Rodddy, Chris Budrys, Nathan Woolfe, Ryan Wade (Michael Clarke).Subs not used:Tony Evans, ,  Steve Abbott

Attendance: 118

Man of the Match: Wayne Brooksby (North Ferriby United)