North Ferriby were the opposition today as The Villagers travelled south to a foggy Hallamshire in our final home game of 2025.

Before the game Brandon Bradbury was presented with a celebratory 200th appearance kit. After five years with the club the former Chesterfield man would go on to score one of his best at Sandygate.

A nervy opening ten minutes saw few chances for either side. Ollie Russon had Hallam’s only real attempt, but his effort was ballooned over the bar.

And the Countrymen only had to wait 12 minutes before taking the lead. A corner was swung into captain Danny South whose header was then flicked into the box, and it was that man Bradbury whose overhead kick gave Hallam an advantage.

The lead only lasted four minutes. Another spectacular effort this time from Lewis Dennison who levelled the contest. Ferriby’s number nine received the ball on the edge of the box and blasted his strike goalward; Hugo Warhurst stood no chance as the ball cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar.

On the stroke of half-time Bradbury doubled his goal tally for the afternoon. Once again, a great delivery to the front post meant Bradbury could nod home himself to send Hallam ahead at the break.

Hallam made an enforced change at half-time which saw goalkeeper Warhurst taken off through concussion protocols. Thankfully Hallam’s keeper is now home and on the mend. That meant jack-of-all-trades South replaced him between the sticks.

Holding firm, Hallam stood tall and defended their new keeper well, with South not having to make a save for 30 minutes. With 15 to play a free kick was given to North Ferriby in front of The Shed End. South was up to the challenge; after parrying a first save he leapt forwards to block a second effort, keeping Hallam’s advantage.

However, it wasn’t to be for Hallam or South, as with five minutes to play Joshua Thacker bundled home from close range following a long throw.

Through difficult circumstances, Hallam held on despite the outfielder in goal as The Countrymen drew a third match on the bounce.

Next up is a long trip to second bottom Blyth Town.

Match Report by: Josh Howard