Connors to rescue in see-saw clash

8:58pm Sunday 12th October 2008

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North Ferriby 2 Park Avenue 2

Avenue scored the only goal of the first half but had to come from behind to take a point from a very tricky away fixture.

The point they earned was a vital one because it saw them go joint fourth with neighbours Guiseley.

Avenue went into the tough fixture with two new loan signings. The pair they wanted from Valley Parade may have fallen through but Avenue boss Dave Cameron did not let the grass grow under his feet.

He moved quickly to get Kyle Lambert and Rafael Evans on loan from City’s League Two rivals Rochdale.

Lambert started in midfield and made an instant impact but faded after picking up an injury.

The visitors did not have the first half all their own way but they did create more in the final third and Chris Hall, Mark Bett, Roy Stamer and Chris Bettney were narrowly off target with chances.

On the stroke of half-time, Avenue finally broke the deadlock and the goal stemmed from a set-piece. A free-kick for a foul on Stamer was whipped into the area by Bettney and Bett converted with a near post header.

Lambert was already struggling by then after picking up a hamstring injury. His central midfield partner Steve Connors was still putting in his standard, powerhouse performance but Ferriby were beginning to dominate that crucial area.

Just after the hour they scored twice in a six-minute spell to edge in front.

It was Kevin Larvin, who had a spell with Leeds United, who equalised before Alex Davidson nipped in to fire home after Jon Worsnop could only parry a fierce shot.

Ferriby are a fluent side and their lead was justified at that stage – they were causing Avenue problems with crisp passing moves.

Cameron sent Tom Baker on to replace the limping Lambert and the substitution paid dividends. The onus began to sway back in the visitors’ favour and they mounted a late challenge.

With less than two minutes remaining, Connors rescued the point their efforts deserved by heading in a Bettney corner.

Cameron is waiting for his leading scorer Rory Patterson to recover from a knee injury but Tuesday's trip to Ilkeston Town may be a little bit too soon.

He is also still speaking with former City defender Richard Edghill but the free agent is unlikely to sign before the next game.