I had no idea this game was on when I came up today, but checking the post there’s the latest edition of the local free rag, the Ferryhill Ferret. (It’s not called that, but it should be.) And there it is, an advert for said final. It’s on Wednesday 15th. What’s today’s date? I’ve been in Italy the last few days, but I know it’s roughly around the 15th. It IS the 15th. 6:45pm kick-off. I can make that. A few hours in the garden, then Bob’s your uncle.
I could have walked, it’s 20 mins or so away, but the buyers have unexpectedly popped round with the estate agent, so I’m chatting to them, explaining a few things. That gives me just enough time to shower and drive up. My arrival at Dean Bank Rec (recreational ground) is bittersweet. What used to be the finest tennis courts in town are now a car park. What a waste. The surrounding fence has been pulled down, though the floodlight pylons remain. The old bowling green is no longer there either. It’s now the kiddie’s play area, while the old pavilion is boarded up and left to neglect. Only a couple of tarmac spaces suggest where the old swings were, while the wooden fort was burnt down years ago. Of course it was.
However, the park appears to be in rude health. The sky-high council tax is justified by beautiful flower displays, while an old coal tub on a chunk of rail displays a tribute to those lives lost in one of the local mines (the same one the artist Norman Cornish hewed. A new changing room has been built (originally for Ferryhill Town Youth) and where there was one football pitch, there are now three. The old pitch, containing a worrying dip which had you stumbling if you weren’t aware, has been turned 90 degrees, moved along a bit, and a second pitch squeezed in adjacent. Above that, up a small bank, is where a re-formed Ferryhill Athletic play.
The old Athletic, prior to going bust, used to play on a pitch the other side of the two pitches, at Darlington Road. A proud brick wall announced ‘Ferryhill Ath.’ in black writing on a white background. You couldn’t miss it as you drove through Ferryhill on the old A1 (now A167). Now, the wall has been replaced by a ubiquitous mesh fence and the old terracing and rickety old stand gone. The old mud and occasional blade of grass pitch has been turned 90 degrees and replaced with a beautiful mat of green which I’ve never seen anybody use. That’s progress for you.
Proud members of the Northern League from 1923 to 1997 (thrice winners), once the rot set in, it was difficult to stop. Losing Darlington Road, groundsharing at the likes of a leisure centre 5 miles away, dropping to the Wearside League...the club went bust in 2006. Unloved and unmissed (by the vast majority). However, another local Ferryhill club (Durham FC), playing out of Mainsforth on the other side of town, re-named themselves Ferryhill Athletic in 2021 and re-located to Dean Bank. The old black and amber colours were resurrected and plans announced for an eventual return to the Northern League, 3 promotions away.
They’ve a fair way to go yet. There’s no seating and no cover, though the pitch is fairly well enclosed. Trees line two sides, and behind that, farmer’s fields. There are the other pitches down one side, while the changing room block (also containing a café and toilets) is in one corner, at the entrance. Behind the near goal is a mesh fence which allows unfettered view of the pitch. The odd dogwalker (very odd, looking at one of them) occasionally stopped for a watch. The rest of the spectators were funnelled down the side of the pavilion in order to pay the 3 quid entry (£1 concessions), all proceeds to charity.
Yes, tonite was a bit of history, Ferryhill Athletic’s first final in over 50 years. Well, I never said my local side were successful. Someone has to prop up the league, etc. It is the Clem Smith Bowl Final, a competition open to Wearside 1st and 2nd Division clubs (12th and 13th tier of the English football pyramid). Athletic, 3rd in the 1st division, are hosting 9th placed Durham City AFC, so are heavy favourites. There’s an excellent turnout too, around 150 including several visitors.
The pitch is surrounded by a handrail. Oddly, the dugouts are behind the rail, presumably later additions. I said the ground had no cover, even the dugouts don’t, smashed up as they are. Luckily, it’s a pleasant evening...is it late Spring, or early Summer? I wander around the perimeter to find a pew and overhear a few Durham lads talking. They’ve never been to Ferryhill before, so I wish them luck getting out alive (true).
It’s an open game. Athletic miss several early chances before Durham gain a foothold and eventually go ahead when the home keeper comes out, punches, and slips. The visiting forward controls it well before sending it back into an empty net. Half-time, nil one. Not what the majority of the crowd were hoping for. I check out the facilities before standing behind the old bowling green end second half, the end the Latics are attacking.
More chances come and go. The Athletic #8 needs to put his foot through it less and concentrate on getting it on target. Durham’s keeper can’t be much more than 5ft 8, but his height is rarely tested save for a couple of corners headed off target (of course). Then, finally, the goal everyone’s waiting for. Athletic attack from the left and the keeper pulls off a decent save. Unfortunately, with his defence outnumbered, the ball loops up for an open goal header.
The hosts break continuously but can’t find a winner. The visitors meantime test the home keeper with a couple of long rangers, one of them as they were down to 10 men. With 5 mins left, a Durham player goes down injured. He’s fallen badly and for a time I was worried the ambulance would be called, game cancelled, but after a long delay he’s up and staggers off in pain. Dislocated shoulder?
The whistle blows for full-time. I asked a bloke at half-time if extra time would be played, and he didn’t know either. Eventually it becomes clear it’d be penalties. Makes sense. Despite the 6:45pm kick-off, light is fading and there’s no floodlights. The shootout would be at the far end. Of course it will. I slowly head round and watch from the touchline. Athletic are up 1st. Don’t those who go 1st win 60% of the time?
The opener is drilled in, before Durham’s grey-haired fox launches one into orbit. Athletic don’t miss, and it’s virtually decided when Durham’s 3rd taker stutters before his hit. He’s been watching too much Premiership. The kick is weak and at a nice height for the keeper. It’s saved and the hosts 4th is despatched for an improbable 4-1 scoreline. It’s been 50 years but Athletic have won a trophy at last!
I head round for the trophy ceremony. The Durham lads are discussing whether to have a post-match drink. ‘Win or lose, on the booze….besides, I’ve got tomorra off work’ says one. I later hear 2 home players discussing how many pizzas will be ordered for their celebration. Welcome to grassroots football.
The Damage:
£3 ent
= £3
