TOP FERRIBY SHOW WREX DRAGONS’ ROAD HOPES

N.FERRIBY 0 WREXHAM 0

NORTH FERRIBY UNITED ended their eight-game losing run in the league with a well-deserved point against Wrexham.

If anybody had been expecting fireworks in the first game between the two sides since they met at Wembley in March 2015, they were largely disappointed.

The game was entertaining but scoring chances were at a premium throughout the match.

There was little of note in the first 39 minutes. Wrexham started well with Callum Powell and Leo Smith looking threatening in attack.

However, Ferriby’s back four were not troubled, with Taron Hare and Ben Middleton performing particularly well.

Wrexham keeper Shwan Jalal had to be replaced by Chris Dunn and Dunn made the first save of the game.

He parried Simon Russell’s shot to Kyle Wootton, but his effort lacked power and was cleared in front of the line.

Gerry McDonagh should have scored for Wrexham just before half-time but was denied by Rory Watson’s superb reaction save.

Wrexham manager Dean Keates commented: “If Gerry had scored just before half-time it would probably have been a different game in the second half because Ferriby would have had to come out more. It was the one real chance that we had.”

The second half also featured few opportunities. Watson produced a onehanded save in the Wrexham goal to deny Powell. The game was fairly even and end-to-end but neither side could create clear openings as both defences were on top. Each team tried to use the flanks to get behind the defences but the final ball in from both sides lacked quality. This meant that both teams were left to try their luck from distance and the shooting was wayward. Keates added: “It was a frustrating game for us. We only created one clear-cut chance and other opportunities were limited. “Our tempo wasn’t high enough and we allowed Ferriby to slow it down and play the game at their pace. “We did not get enough players in the box to create pressure. The strikers were often receiving the ball out wide and not in the box.” Ferriby manager Steve Housham was more upbeat, saying: “I’m actually disappointed that we didn’t get all three points but the draw was important. “It’s stopped the rot and helps to break the mindset of losing. We know we can play without conceding a late goal and giving up a point. That’s a major plus for us. “I can’t fault the players for their performance. We had a game plan and we kept to it. “We now need to start converting our chances. The draw was a fair result for two teams that showed a lot of endeavour but lacked that little bit of skill to win the game.”