By Alexander Fynn
North Ferriby Utd 1 v 0 Bridlington Town
Bridlington Town suffered another blow to their Northern Premier League East status last night at the Dransfield stadium, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to North Ferriby.
After the loss at the weekend agaisnt Cleethorpes, Bridlington headed into a triple run of away matches, this beginning at North Ferriby.
The seasiders welcomed striker Danny Earl back to the squad, with fellow striker Cam Connelly starting on the bench.
Bolton Makwedza missed out on the short trip, but Dan Hartley returned to the starting line-up after being on the bench on Saturday.
Pete Davidson added to the starting eleven
Youngsters Coby Scotter, Billy Ripley were also added to the seasider’s bench with Sam Leverett taking a break from the squad.
A difficult task ensued for the Bridlington men, with the Ferriby side brimming with confidence and searching for their seventh game unbeaten.
The seasiders though were not fazed and frustrated the Villagers for periods with some excellent passages of play and strength in defence.
Early in the first half Earl was lucky to only receive a yellow card after a rash challenge om Sam Aynsley and a stern word in his ear.
Michael Coulson had an opportunity to open the scoring as he was one on one with Ferriby keeper, but the ball was easily saved.
Bridlington continued to push with frantic periods of play from both sides, Charlie Winfield played a through ball to Bridlington No.9 and was clearly pulled down in the Ferriby challenge, appeals for a penalty were waived away by the referee much to annoyance of the traveling Bridlington fans.
Both sides were battling to find an opening goal. Ahmed Salem struck a shot from range with the ball swinging in, however the Ferriby shot stopper pulled off a spectacular save to deny the visitors the lead.
As the first half was ending, what can only be described as a moment of madness from Danny Earl, saw him receive a straight red card, with the ball heading out of play. Earl punched the ball way into the crowd. The referee deemed it as a professional foul and the Seasiders were down to 10 ten men.
More drama was to be played out though before the referee’s whistle, Dennison and Malkowski scrambled on the goal line only to see the polish keeper hit the floor and receive a yellow card.
As the second half began, the Villagers took control for a sustained period keeping Bridlington from possession with clinical passing, but the Seasiders back line held firm and frustrated the Ferriby side. Malkowski was called into action as the Villagers launched an attack with a flurry of shots at the Bridlington ‘keeper. After a melee in the goalmouth, Ferriby thought they had taken the lead but it was disallowed by the referee with the Polish keeper receiving attention from the physio.
With around 20 minutes to go, the Villagers broke the deadlock as Josh Thacker was one on one with Malkowski, but his shot went rolling beyond the diving keeper. Concerns though were for the Seasiders, as Pete Davidson had to come off with an injured knee and replaced by Cam Connelly. Ahmed Salam was replaced by Nathan Dyer in the midfield.
With the game entering stoppage time and with the Bridlington side still down a goal, Ferriby had a chance to put the game well and truly out of reach, the visitors stayed strong and were able to clear the danger.
After the match Bridlington Manager Mike Thompson said:
“Put it this way, I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but its individual decision making that crippled us once more I think. The decisions have really hampered us and we’ve had to change the way we play. I think before that we’ve looked solid and kept the same shape as in the Cleethorpes game.”
Bridlington head to Dunston this Saturday in another vital match and they will be looking to pick up points on the road, as the seasiders fight for survival in the NPL East division.
