North Ferriby 2-1 Rainworth MW

North Ferriby FC beat Rainworth Miners Welfare 2-1 at a cold Dransfield stadium. The Villagers weren’t at their best but managed to grind out a victory. A Richard Medcalf goal and a Danny Emerton goal were enough for Chris Bolder’s side.

The Villagers made two changes from last week’s victory over Selby. Joel Shortland returned for the suspended Adam Bolder and Richard Medcalf came in for Tom Corner.

It was a slow-burning first half with neither side making a fast start. The first shot of the game didn’t come until the fourteenth minute when Rainworth captain Kieran Couple shot from distance and his ambitious effort was deflected and dealt with.

The visitors continued to pressure and had a couple of consecutive corners. First, a long throw into the box was put behind by Jordan Douglas. The corner was blocked by the Villagers’ defence. Secondly, the next corner was dealt with by Ferriby.

Chris Bolder’s side went in search of the opener and had an opportunity when a Danny East cross found Danny Emerton but his header was straight at Lewis Scott in the Rainworth goal.

The first goal of the game came in the 34th minute. Louis Kirk had the ball in the middle of the field. Kirk played a ball over out wide and found Danny East in space. East sent in a low powerful cross which was aimed at Richard Medcalf. The ball hit Kieran Coupe who watched on as his touch was going towards the goal. Ferriby attacker Richard Medcalf tapped the ball home to ensure the goal was certain.

The second half began with an early chance for Rainworth. A low fizzed effort from Curtis Williamson just went wide.

The Villagers doubled their lead through Danny Emerton. Good, patient build-up from Ferriby allowed the ball to get out wide. A Josh Whiteley cross found Richard Medcalf who guided a header into the box. Poor Rainworth defending allowed Medcalf another opportunity to put the ball into the box and Danny Emerton time and space in the box and he fired home.

The Villagers went on the offensive and tried to put the game away from their visitors. Bolder’s side produced a couple of half chances. Josh Whiteley had an effort blocked and Oli Donald saw a header saved and held by Scott. Josh Dennett went close with a goal-bound header. Visiting keeper Scott produced a great save to deny the substitute.

The visitors were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty. A ball over in search of Morgan Boyle saw the striker fouled by Ferriby goalkeeper Jordan Douglas. Up stepped George Simpson, who sent Douglas the wrong way and placed his corner well in the top corner.

It was a nervy last few moments for the Villagers but they managed to grind the result out and win the three points.

North Ferriby assistant manager Paul Robson was asked his thoughts on the game. “We have our standards that we usually expect. Our decisions on the ball when in possession, our movement to create angles for a pass and our decisions around the box when we created an overload were not of our standards. It’s all about three points at this stage of the season and credit to the lads because that’s what we got.

North Ferriby: 1. Douglas 2. Tarbotton 3. Start 4. Shortland 5. Tilsley 6. Donald 7. Emerton 8. Kirk 9. Medcalf (14. Dennett) 10. East (12. Forrester) 11. Whiteley (15. Buttle)
Subs not used: 13. Exall 16. Kemp

Report kindly provided by North Ferriby