Paul Bryant the American Football coach once said; ‘there is no substitute for guts. That quote succinctly sums up the attitude of the Mill Lane United girls on Saturday, who faced with an older and physically stronger side on a pitch resembling a ploughed field in freezing conditions with driving rain, produced a performance of guts, determination and heart.
It was clear from the kick-off that Ferriby were up for the challenge and struck first when a powerful clearance bounced wickedly in the area to give Kimberley Mason in the home goal no chance as it dipped just under the bar to give the visitors the lead. The blues were then dealt a second blow when Amy Dodds left the field with an injured back, being replaced by Caitlin Purcell in attack.
Ferriby were now in control of the game and only some desperate defending from Madeleine Wells and Lauren Hartley prevented them extending their lead. However, a tactical switch after fifteen minutes, with Olivia Nassau and Jessica Wright trading positions, paid immediate dividends as Olivia broke up a Ferriby attack inside her own half before powering her way through to the edge of the opposite area, where she coolly played Millie Sharp in on goal for her 201st goal in only four seasons.
The goal lifted the home side and with Demi Watson becoming more involved in midfield, Mill Lane enjoyed their best period of the game, forcing Ferriby back into their half as they looked for a second. However, full credit to the visitors who defended resolutely and for the final five minutes of the half looked the more likely to score. The whistle went with the scores tied at one a piece.
The second half saw Ferriby fly out the blocks and look far the most dangerous side; however, with Hannah Gray running tirelessly in midfield, the home side weathered the initial storm and created the occasional chance at the other end.
However, after a sustained spell of pressure, Ferriby finally broke down their resilient opponents and regained the lead with a well-taken goal from the edge of the area. To make matters worse Captain Olivia Nassau was carried off with a twisted knee sustained in a desperate attempt to stop the goal, things then went from bad to worse when Jessica Wright also had to leave the pitch with a twisted ankle, thankfully as Jessica was being carried off, Olivia re-entered the fray.
Down to ten men, freezing cold, soaking wet and a goal behind, the home side showed their incredible fighting spirit as driven forward by the irrepressible Abbie Longley they fought for every ball and were rewarded for their Herculean effort when Abbie’s persistence paid off when she won the ball inside the Ferriby area before slipping the ball back to Millie Sharp who showed great nerve to coolly slot the ball across the keeper into the far side of the net.
It was now anyone’s game and although Ferriby forced numerous corners in the dying minutes, Skie Wyatt was in imperious form clearing everything played into the box and in the process protecting her goal.
At the final whistle, North Ferriby were arguably unlucky not to take three points as they enjoyed the majority of possession and territory, however, for sheer heart and refusal to give in, Mill Lane United fully deserved their point.
Man of the match was an impossible decision as there were eleven hero’s on the pitch for the home side, so the award was given to the entire team.