Robins Go Down in High Scoring Game

Report by David Robinson.

North Ferriby deservedly got the better of a high scoring encounter which belied their league position. Star striker Gary Bradshaw returned for the home team and soon made inroads towards his 3rd century of goals for the club by bagging a hat trick.

Bradshaw was on the scoresheet as early as the fourth minute when he easily converted Clarke's pull back from the byline to continue Ashton's unfortunate habit of conceding early goals. After 10 minutes Wright made progress from full back before hitting a left foot shot straight at Terry Smith, who shortly afterwards fluffed a clearance and was grateful to see the ball scrambled away from the goal line.

The home team were certainly on top and Alex Davidson played a neat pass to Brooksby whose effort was weak but immediately Chris Rimmer was caught in possession by Clarke whose shot was also too straight.

Approaching the half hour Kosylo played a ball down the right to Bathurst who cut inside a defender before hammering home an impressive left foot shot to equalise. As the action switched to the other end a vital touch by Frost prevented Bradshaw's cross reaching the unmarked Davidson. Play was switching quickly as half time approached and Bathurst put a great chance past the near post before Dawson's cross was knocked back by Kosylo for Bathurst to put the visitors ahead from close range.

All Ashton's good work in fighting back into the game was undone straightaway as Smith was unable to hold Davidson's effort from distance leaving Bradshaw the simplest of equalisers.

Ferriby started the second period as they had the first and Melling was adjudged to have fouled Davidson in the area but Smith made a good save from Bradshaw's weak effort. The home side would not be denied, however and Davidson drew Rimmer into a challenge which yielded another spot kick, this time converted by Harsley. Davidson was then set free down the left and cut inside Frost before producing a confident finish and Bradshaw then played a delightful ball to split the Ashton defence allowing Davidson to register his second.

A rare breakaway saw Amadi's cross volleyed wide by Madeley but with 10 minutes left Harrop's fine long pass put Madeley in the clear for an easy finish. There was still time for Smith to mis-control a long clearance allowing Bradshaw to register the hat trick he had been threatening all evening and Davison curled an effort just wide as he sought to complete his own treble.

Team; T. Smith, Frost, Roberts, Harrop, Melling, Rimmer (Swirad), Kosylo (Madeley). , Bennett, Bathurst(Amadi), Wright, Dawson SNU B. Smith, Lambert