North Ferriby 2 Vauxhall Motor 2

Oct 13 2010 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

FOR the neutral fan, this would have been an entertaining FA Cup clash but Motors fans were left frustrated after Vauxhalls surrendered a two-goal lead as North Ferriby fought back to take this tie to a replay that was due to be played last night.

Motors’ cause wasn’t helped after only 15 minutes when centre-back Tom Hannigan fell awkwardly and was eventually stretchered off with a knee injury.

George Mboa came on as substitute to play centre midfield and Josh Wilson had to drop back to play in defence.

Ferriby striker Gary Bradshaw twice nearly put the home side ahead in the opening 20 minutes, heading over from Russell Fry’s cross and half-volleying a loose ball against the post.

However it was the Motormen who took the lead after 24 minutes. The impressive Craig Mahon danced his way through the home defence and slotted the ball through to Obi Anoruo in the box who turned and fired past Steve Wilson from eight yards.

To their credit, North Ferriby were never out of this contest and continued to push forward with Chris Bolder going close just after the interval but his effort was smothered by Scott Tynan.

After 55 minutes, however, Motors went 2-0 up when Anoruo outpaced his marker on the right wing and tried to cross the ball into the danger area. Ben Turner handled the ball in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Captain and makeshift centre-half Wilson sent the keeper the wrong way with a well-taken penalty.

It looked like Motors were cruising into the next round – however Ferriby had other ideas.

On 60 minutes they pulled a goal back when Wayne Brooksby hit a deflected shot from 18 yards out beyond Tynan.

Paul Brown had a couple of efforts late on, one well-saved by Wilson on 75 minutes and Brown also hit a direct free-kick just over the crossbar.

But disaster struck for Vauxhalls on 77 minutes when Russell Fry took possession on the halfway line and went on a delightful solo run and finished by rounding Tynan and side-footing the ball into an empty net.

Chris White nearly won it for Ferriby late on but slid his effort wide much to the relief of the travelling Motors’ fans.

Vauxhall: Tynan, Noone, Dames, Hannigan (Mboa 16), Marsh-Evans, Smith, Mahon, Prince (Wright 85), Anoruo, Wilson, Brown. Subs (not used): Egerton, Macauley, Ritchie.

Attendance: 369

FOLLOWING last night’s replay, Vauxhall return to league action on Saturday when they take on 16th-placed Hinckley United at Rivacre Park (kick-off 3pm). Entry for all under 16s is free of charge.