AFC Telford analysis: Bucks a bridge too far for North Ferriby

That statement applies not only to the mighty Humber Estuary, but also the Bucks and the villagers of North Ferriby.

A goal in each half, sandwiching an incident that had most of those present befuddled, meant the Bucks edged up to 11th in the table.

For a club and supporters accustomed to looking down rather than looking up, it’s easy to understand a growing sense of excitement. One third of the season played, in the top half and still in the FA Cup? Most Bucks’ fans would have taken that back in August.

Ultimately, the measure of how successful Rob Edwards’ side are will come after 42 matches.

However, it’s for certain that not taking games like Saturday’s seriously can limit your ambitions.

The Bucks didn’t fall into that trap and took time to feel their way into the game but were aided by a home side low on confidence and lacking purpose.

Anthony Dwyer had swapped left flank for right in a switch with Elliot Newby, and Edwards’ tactical move created opportunities for his side to test both Ferriby full-backs.

John Marsden, captain in Shane Sutton’s absence, was as tenacious as ever and sought to find his range from outside of the penalty area.

Ferriby did ask some questions of Jaz Singh but it was Storm Brian who caused him the most problems, forcing the Bucks’ keeper to punch clear on a couple of occasions in the awkward, blowy conditions.

As the half-hour mark approached, the Bucks started to move up through their gears.

Marcus Dinanga, not at his incisive best, couldn’t get on the end of his team-mates’ work, and when the Bucks did find room Ross Durrant, the home side’s man of the match, was equal to it, making a miraculous reaction stop with his legs to deny Newby’s close-range effort.

On the stroke of 45 minutes the Bucks finally carved them open.

Switching the ball rapidly from right flank to left, they played Aaron Simpson in on the right and his dangerous cross was touched over Durrant at his near-post by Jordan Lussey.

That made it two goals in two games for the young Merseysider who took his chance to impress Edwards after being selected ahead of Henry Cowans.

Behind at the break, Ferriby stirred themselves early in the second half.

Singh made a solid save from Curtis Bateson’s turn and shot but they rarely got any closer than that, especially when Kuda Muskwe headed wastefully wide.

From a 56th minute corner, Connor Johnson’s late run into the box wasn’t tracked and he thumped in a header that struck a Ferriby player on the line.

Cue mass confusion as referee Dean Hulme consulted his assistant and ruled out Johnson’s claims by awarding a penalty and dismissing home defender Mason Warren for handling to prevent the goal.

Marsden slipped a little taking the penalty kick Durrant was able to push his effort into the path of Newby who netted.

Cue more confusion. The referee ruled out Newby’s ‘goal’ for encroachment, consulting both assistants first, but the winger was to be avenged on 78 minutes.

With 10 men, Ferriby found it even harder to contain the Bucks and from Dwyer’s cross Newby controlled and drilled a shot across Durrant to seal the points.

The Bucks saw the game out played in what coach Gavin Cowan later referred to as “training ground stuff”, including one lengthy passing and possession sequence. The final score perhaps suggests a routine win – and when was the last time you read that?