Report

Consett were the victims of a smash and grab raid at Belle View Stadium today as they lost 2-1 to play-off hopefuls North Ferriby.

The Steelmen dominated possession and created several good chances, but a goal in each half secured the visitors’ second away win in five days to take them up to fourth.

The Villagers, who won at leaders Belper in midweek, were grateful to their goalkeeper Ben Bottomley for a string of fine saves.

Jason Miller’s side started brightly, and had chances through Isaac Walker and David Allasan inside the first 25 minutes.

But they fell behind on 29 minutes when left-back Jack Walters opened the scoring with Ferriby’s first attempt on goal, going past two challenges and firing past Harry Moss at his near post.

Bottomley saved at point-blank range from Walker then made further stops from Donny Holdsworth and Charlie Exley to help his side get to half-time 1-0 up.

Consett dominated possession after the break, but couldn’t force a clear-cut chance, and Ferriby almost doubled their lead on 71 minutes when Moss got down well to save from Kieron Ceesay.

Five minutes later Bottomley made the save of the game, plunging to his right to keep out Holdsworth’s header.

Consett found an equaliser with nine minutes to go when Wil Shaw’s 20-yarder was deflected to Isaac Walker, who claimed a tap-in for his 10th goal of the season.

But Ferriby grabbed an 87th-minute winner when Jack Walters ghosted into the box at a free-kick to finish from close range.

• Full match report, stats, pictures and video to follow.