SUB BUTTLE SEALS IT AS VILLAGERS SOLDIER ON
A FOUR-STAR performance from North Ferriby saw them power through to the FA Vase fifth round with a comprehensive ictory over West Auckland.
Two goals in each half clinched a dominant display for the Northern Counties League Villagers with Jamie Forrester’s penalty and a Tom Corner effort wrapped up by a late double from substitute Danny Buttle.
“The boys were top drawer and came out thoroughly deserved winners, said proud Ferriby manager Chris Bolder, whose side now face a trip to Warrington Rylands in the last 16 on Saturday.
“They put it on us a little bit in the second half and we got through a period where we did get a little bit jaded but on the balance of play and chances created.
“We are confident with the group of players we have got with a fantastic team spirit and mindset of them all being in it together and all pulling in the same direction.
“We were tremendous in every department even after they threw everything at us just after half-time and 2-0 down so it was important we stayed strong and were resilient and we were.”
Ferriby hit the ground running and took the game to their Northern League opponents early. Danny Emerton’s shot was parried away by Auckland keeper Jonathan Ball before Forrester sent a 25-yard shot wide.
Indeed, it was no surprise when the home side took the lead on 12 minutes. Danny Clarke, who was causing Auckland early problems with his robust play, turned in the box before he was upended by Auckland full back Andre Bennett and up stepped Forrester to fire the resulting penalty a low shot into the bottom corner.
Seven minutes later, Ferriby thought they had doubled their lead when Forrester netted again only for referee Matthew Wright to give a free-kick against Clarke.
But the home side did make it 2-0 when a superb Forrester ball over the top saw Corner control and fire the ball past Ball.
Auckland almost pounced on an error of judgment by Ferriby keeper Lewis Exall – and they started strongly in the second half in a bid to get back into the game.
Exall was forced to deny David Dowson for a second time as the visitors upped the ante.
Ferriby, however, never looked like flailing and it was only a matter of time before they scored again.
Buttle came on Forrester with 15 minutes to go and he could have had a hat-trick as Ferriby went for the jugular late on.
The winger picked up on a massive defensive error to plant the ball in the net for 3-0 and capped a fine display with a fourth in stoppage time, latching onto Exall’s punt up field before rifling the ball into the net for his second and Ferriby’s fourth to seal an impressive win.