Phoenix from the flames as North Ferriby FC win play-off final

North Ferriby FC, the village football club formed from the ashes of North Ferriby United, celebrated promotion on Saturday after winning a closely fought play-off final against Harrogate Railway Athletic.

A record crowd turned out for the Villagers' big game, which sees them promoted from Northern Counties Eastern League Division One to the NCEL Premier Division. Success comes three years after North Ferriby United - once one of the most successful clubs in non-league football - were liquidated following a court order.

The promotion was one of two for sporting sides in the region on Saturday. Hull RUFC were also celebrating as they went up to rugby union's National Division One.

While at their height, United played in the National League - the highest level of non-league football - and won the FA Trophy at Wembley, the phoenix club have been playing at the 10th level of the football pyramid.

In the 2021/22 regular season, North Ferriby FC wracked up 96 league points to finish as runners-up in the 21 team division and earnt a chance for promotion through the play-offs. In the play-off final they faced Harrogate Railway Athletic at home in front of 1,442 spectators, a record league attendance.

The Villagers took the lead twice only for Harrogate to equalise, before the match-winning goal was scored in the 85th minute. A nervy eight minutes of added time was to follow, but the Villagers held out for the 3-2 win, prompting jubilant scenes at the final whistle.

Fans and well-wishers of the club took to social media to celebrate the promotion. "Exceptional effort and thoroughly deserved. Congratulations to everyone at the club!" said James Richardson.

Zach Jim-Taylor said: "Words can't describe how happy I am right now, so