Under 18 Team Match Reports for Season 2003-2004

Sunday 9th May 2004 - ISYFL Open Cup Final
Thurston 1,   Felixstowe & Walton Utd.  2 (1-0)
The Seasiders successfully retained the ISYFL open cup after a tight encounter against an organised Thurston side whose game plan nearly paid dividends.
From the off our opponents were keeping plenty of bodies behind the ball, with a lone striker and quick players joining him on the break. Fortunately our back line of Will Burton, Mark Anderson, Lee Parry and Ben Wyard were in mean mood and very strong in the tackle. However Thurston did take the lead, but it was of our own making. Goalkeeper Steven Pitts cleared a through ball but his kick went straight to a Thurston player, who sent it back over Pittsy, everyone stopped as it looked a goal all the way, only for it to hit the post where their striker reacted quickest to slot home.
Skipper Matty Morgan and Liam Jacobs were working hard against their three central midfielders, and with Richard Fiddy and Shaun Pugh providing the width we were creating plenty of chances for the front pairing of Andy Leeson and Mark Cooper. We were camped in the Thurston half as they continued to soak up the pressure, and with some desperate defending and an inspired performance from their keeper were keeping us out. One save from a Mark Cooper strike was as good as you will see anywhere. As hard as we tried it ended 1-0 to Thurston at half time.

More of the same was the instruction at half time, and in fact we played some lovely passing football in the second half. Ten minutes in and the equaliser came when Andy Leeson picked the ball up 20 yards out and powered his way through the defenders, with good control and blasted the ball passed the keeper.
Thurston still looked dangerous on the break, and late on had two good chances, one that went inches past the post. It would have been a travesty for the lads, as again we were dominating the game. With a few minutes to go Thurston got their first corner of the match, and good defending saw them get two more. With lots of boys committed forward for the corner, finally we found the space and when Pittsy gathered the third corner his quick throw out to Ollie Donnelly, three passes and the ball was in the back of Thurston’s net. Ollie played it in field to Ashlee Ellwood, Ash slipped Andy in who got to the by line and squared it across the goal where Mark Cooper thumped it home. Thurston kicked off and the ref blew the final whistle.
Ollie Donnelly replaced Richard Fiddy who had run his socks off, Ashlee came on for the injured Mark Anderson and Tom Fowkes for Ben Wyard. Also a mention for goalkeeper Kai Algar who did not get on in this game but has had a fantastic season.    
Pictures     

Thursday 15th April 2004 - ISYFL Open Cup Semi-final
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 4,  Woodbridge Town 2 (2-2)
It was a repeat of last seasons Ipswich & Suffolk Youth League open cup semi-final, which saw us defeat Woodbridge and go on to win the cup beating Whitton 2-0 in the final.
They are always good competitive, close games between us and both sides love to play football, added to the mix is the fact that a lot of these boy’s have been playing against each other since they were eight years of age.
The Woodpeckers looked as though they were really out for revenge in the first half, and were the better side, and on chances created deserved to be ahead at the break. Against the run of play we took the lead through a free kick awarded five yards outside the box. Shaun Pugh struck an unstoppable shot into the top corner, a good as strike as you will see at any level. Woodbridge replied when Daniel Hemming-Smith whipped in a low cross, another quality goal. The visitors took the lead when the skilful Jerome Laidlaw broke from deep, waltzed through our ranks and slid the ball under Pitts’y. We drew level thanks to Shaun’s trusty left foot again as he delivered a perfect corner with pace, Andy Leeson attacked it well and his bullet header found the back of the net. HT 2-2.

Mark Cooper was back from injury and he and Andy Leeson’s running up front was the key to this game, and we took control of the game in the second half, with Andy in particular in outstanding form. Everyone looked up for it now and skipper Matty Morgan gave us the lead with a header from yet another Shaun Pugh cross. Andy went on a mazy run turned the defender inside out and curled a peach of shot, only to see it come back off the post. Shaun wrapped the game up capitalising on some hesitancy from the keeper and nicking the ball to slot home. Shaun was instrumental in everything, but under 17 Andy Leeson was our MOM and will be a great player for next season.

Thanks to Woodbridge for once again a close tough game, where honours must be even amongst us. We will meet Thurston in the final on May 8^th at Gainsborough in Ipswich, KO TBC.     

Sunday 22nd February 2004 - EJA
Ipswich Wanderers 2,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 2 (0-0)
We took a short trip to Humberdoucy lane for our first ever meeting with Ipswich Wanderers in the Eastern Junior Alliance. We only had twelve players due to injury and unavailability, with Phil Demir returning to the bench after a long absence.
Wanderers started the better, as it took time for the new lads in to gel, but we soon got up to speed and started to dominate the game. The half finished 0-0 but we were disappointed not to have our noses in front.

Phil Demir came on for the injured Ben Wyard and we started the second half very strongly, and were winning the all important mid-field battle, but against the run of play the home side took the lead. This made us more determined and we were quickly level when Shaun Pugh headed home from a corner. Ten minutes later Ashlee Ellwood slipped the perfect pass for Richard Fiddy who blasted an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to give us the lead.
We went in search of a third to kill the game off, but could not find it as Wanderers defended in depth. The last 15 minutes was disappointing from our point of view, as we seemed to stop competing and we looked very tired. That said there were four lads playing their fourth game of the week, and several their third. Wanderers sensed this and started to win more of the ball and during this period found the equaliser. On reflection we should have won the game but we needed to score a third when we were on top.

 The ISYFL defeated Hadleigh 2-0 at Dellwood in the afternoon.
 

Thursday 19th February 2004- AFEYL
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 7, Clacton Town 3  (4-0)
A superb attacking display saw us blow the visitors away by half time, where we had built up a 4-0 lead.
We played a positive formation playing 3-4-1-2, with Ashlee Elwood  playing in the hole behind a front pairing of Ross Gabriel and Liam Hunn, with Shaun Pugh raiding down the left and Richard Fiddy down the right Clacton were struggling to cope with our powerful running.
We set our stall out right from the off and had four good chances in the first ten minutes, but ironically our first goal came from a poor goalkeeper kick, which went straight to Liam who slid it back into an empty net. We scored three more by half time to virtually make it game over.

The second half saw Clacton score early and gave themselves a lift, but we soon made it 5-1. Clacton then got a penalty through our only mistake at the back all game, we then scored two more before the visitors scored again late on. Skipper Matty Morgan was outstanding in mid-field and he chipped in with a couple of goals as well, but everyone played well.
Goal-scorer’s were Matty Morgan 2, Liam Hunn, Ashlee Ellwood, Ross Gabriel, Shaun Pugh and Andy Leeson. 

Sunday 15th February 2004 - ISYFL - Open Cup
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 5, Framlingham 1  (3-1)
The first game in defence of the cup we won last season, and a good win against a very hard working and organised Fram side. With Mark Cooper away skiing in Austria Shaun Pugh moved up front alongside Ashlee Ellwood, and returned with two goals, with Ashlee scoring one, Matty Morgan and Richard Fiddy getting the others.
The first fifteen minutes and the lad’s were leading the visitor’s a merry dance with great possession, but we created four good chances and failed to convert them all. Finally on twenty minutes Matty’s  good strike was deflected past the unlucky Fram keeper who was having a good game. Richard then made it two after some Ashlee Ellwood brilliance to put him in. We then took our foot off a bit and when Fram’s big number 9 pulled one back it looked like game on. But Shaun had other ideas as just before half time he hit an unstoppable shot into the far corner to give us a commanding lead at the break.
The second half and the visitor’s made a real game of it, but found Mark Anderson, Lee parry, Tom Fowkes and Ben Wyard in defence giving nothing away. Ashlee made it 4-1 and Shaun sealed it with his second and set us up for a semi-final against Woodbridge, assuming they got passed Hadleigh. If they did it will be a repeat of last season and in a thrilling game we defeated Woodbridge 3-1 and went on to win the cup. Everyone played well, but a special mention for skipper Matty Morgan, Ashlee Ellwood, Richard Fiddy and Tom Fowkes who were all outstanding. 

Sunday 15th February 2004 - ISYFL
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3, Grundisburgh 1  (1-0)
Another win for the under 17’s but they made hard work against a side they really should have beaten comfortably.
That said when teams are pushed back they get lot’s of bodies behind the ball and to be fair the visitor’s battled well, but the boy’s got there in the end and on the balance of play deserved it.

Thursday 12th February 2004- AFEYL
Whitton United 1,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1  (1-0)
This was a game we totally dominated but only came away with the one point, to once again prove it’s a funny old game.
The first half saw us with plenty of possession but not too much creativity in the final third and the final ball was poor. Whitton on the other hand were defending very well, but did not trouble Kai Algar in our goal too much. That was until just before the half time whistle when our hosts broke and showed us what can happen when you don’t make the most of your dominance.

The second half and we laid siege on the Whitton goal, but once again good defending, us not getting the run of the ball and poor finishing, kept us out. Chance after chance went begging and when Mark Cooper’s fine effort hit the post we thought the worst. With two minutes to go Shaun Pugh powered his way down the left wing, leaving the right back for dead, once at the by-line he drilled the ball across and Matty Morgan got a head to it to glance in the equaliser. Whitton were praying for the final whistle now, which came leaving us grateful for a point but disappointed we didn’t get all three, as I said funny old game.    

Sunday 1st February 2004 - Colchester Open Cup - Quarter Final
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 8,  Colchester Villa 2 (5-1)
We swept into the semi-final of the Colchester Youth League open cup, with a finishing display of high quality. Ashlee Ellwood banged in four, skipper Matty Morgan bagged a brace whilst Mark Cooper and Shaun Pugh got one apiece.
It remained goal-less for fifteen minutes but once Ashlee opened the scoring it was a case of how many. It turned out to be five by half time as villa struggled to contain the powerful running of Mark Cooper, and the guile of Ashlee. The pick of the first half goals was Matty’s first. Detrmined running saw Mark race to the by-line holding off the defender he pulled back to Matt who thumped an unstoppable shot into the net. Sandwiched between our goals the visitor’s were awarded a dubious penalty, as Lee Parry tussled with the Villa striker, as it looked six of one, but the ref came down on the side of the attacker. What Lee has to realise is he will not change his mind, and to stop talking himself into needless bookings.

The second half was a quieter affair with some good highlights which saw us enjoy long periods of quality possession, but credit to the visitors who worked right to the end and never gave up. They scored again, but we hit with three more, the pick being Shaun’s. Young Russell Donnelly, making his debut in the Alliance side coming on as a second half substitute, showed lightening pace to outstrip Villa’s left back to square the ball across the box, Shaun made up all of forty yards to get in front of the defender and smash it in – with his right foot as well.

An interesting semi-final draw sees us away at Lawford Lads, and we will have to be at our best if we are to get to the final. As of yet the date has not been set. 

Sunday 18th January 2004 - EJA
Halstead Town 6,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1 (4-0)
Having beaten Halstead at home 3-0 back in October, we went to Rosemary lane with high hopes, but a combination of a much improved home side and a bad day at the office for our defence, we came home with one of our heaviest defeats of the season and our tails firmly between our legs.
We opted to play down the slope first half and started well, but Halstead were breaking in numbers and suddenly we were caught on the right flank where the attacker cut inside to finish well, as we looked all over the place at the back. This did prompt us into our best spell of the game, as we pushed the ball around well. A deep cross to the back post saw Mark Anderson rise the highest to firmly plant his header against the base of the post and away. This was followed by a well struck free kick from Liam Jacob’s which was superbly tipped over by the home keeper.
We then decided to commit suicide at the back, as defenders went AWOL, and complete lack of communication saw us go 4-0 down by the break. We have never played the off-side trap but thought we would try it today, not sanctioned by the management, I hasten to add. Now the first rule must be communication if you are going to play it, that did not happen and we paid the price.

The second half was a bit better but some players do not seem to be doing it at the moment, and we may have to freshen things up a bit. We did manage to score a goal, but the home sides sixth summed up the day, as Will Burton’s casual clearance was charged down. Enough said.

  Sunday 18th January 2004 - ISYFL
Wetherden & Haughley 1,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 6  (0-0)
The younger lads reversed the EJA score-line with a 6-1 away win at Wetherden & Haughley. MOM Russell Donnelly scored four goals; he is in fine form at the moment and is pushing for a chance at the higher level. Rob Kerr and Luke Thurston got the other two goals.

Sunday 11th January 2004 - Colchester Open Cup
Great Bradfords Bulls 1,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 7   (1-4)
With just six league games left in the Alliance we took the opportunity to enter the Colchester open cup competition for the first time ever.
With a bye in the first round this second round tie saw us go into the unknown, with a trip to Braintree to take on Great Bradfords Blues. They sat second in their division in the Colchester league, and saw off Woodham Athletic 8-1 in the last round, so when our hosts went 1-0 up inside a minute we thought we were in for a tough old game. Fortunately we were level within two minutes when the emerging Richard Fiddy pounced on a goalkeeper error. From then on we stamped our authority on the game, and even on a very slippery pitch with a strong wind blowing we managed to produce some good football. Ashlee Ellwood struck twice to make it 3-1, and strong running from Richard saw him upended in the box twice, and on the second occasion the ref pointed to the spot. Skipper Matty Morgan stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and give us a commanding lead at the break.

The second half saw the home side step it up as we took our foot off the accelerator, but the defence was restricting them to long shots, which saw Kye Algar in goal untroubled.
A tactical change and we upped our game again, with Ashlee spraying the ball around superbly from his now deeper role.
Shaun Pugh broke his duck with his new boots, much to his parent’s delight, after an Ashlee pass, and he quickly doubled it. Will Burton burst out of defence to run from one box to the other, committing the last defender before slipping the ball to Shaun. John Perry then rounded off an excellent performance from the lads, making up a lot of ground to slide in Shaun’s left wing cross.

 Sunday 10th January 2004 - ISYFL
Fornham Youths 6,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 0  (0-0)
Not so good for the younger lads as they travelled to league leaders and defending champions Fornham.
We gave a good account of ourselves in the first half as it turned around goal-less, but three quick goals against, early in the second half and some heads visibly went down. Another learning curve, but invaluable experience for the youngsters, against older players. 

 Sunday 4th January 2004 - EJA (Ingilby Cup)
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1,  Witham Town 2  (1-1)
A good first twenty minutes saw us take a deserved 1-0 lead, when Mark Anderson pounced on a mistake from a corner. After the initial twenty minutes though we seemed to run out of steam, and certainly looked like a team with a Christmas hangover. This allowed a very young Witham side to take the initiative. They worked harder than us and had more desire to progress in the competition. The game never rose to any great heights, but Witham deservedly equalised before the break.
The second period saw us compete a little better, but we did not create anywhere near enough chances to win this game. The next goal looked like it would be the winner, Witham scored it, and for the second year in a row we went out of the Ingilby cup to a 2-1 score-line. We did have one gilt edged chance near the end when John Perry delivered a sweet cross from the left and Andy Leeson’s looping header went over the bar. Thanks once again to Chris Ryan who donned his referees kit at the last minute to save the day

  Sunday 4th January 2004 - ISYFL
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 5,  Trimley Red Devils 3  (2-1)
In the morning the younger Seasiders were playing in the local derby where Trimley were the visitors to Dellwood Avenue.

Although, as expected Trimley made a competitive game of it, it was a more comfortable win than the score-line suggests. Russell Donnelly was showing some great ability on the ball, and Rob Kerr was raiding well down the left. Eddie Phillips was commanding at the back, whilst Andrew Leeson looked unstoppable at times.

Credit to Trimley who pushed all the way and with a couple of ex Seasiders playing it all added to the spice that said the game was played in the right spirit.

 Thursday 18th December 2003 - AFEYL
Clacton Town 2,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3  (1-0)
In an incredible game at the Rush Green Bowl the young Seasiders showed real character and never say die attitude to turn this game around. Unbelievably we were 2-0 down with five minutes left on the referees watch but we ran out 3-2 winners.
Clacton started the better determined to get their first win against us as they took the game to us. Gradually we got a foot hold on the game and after twenty or so minutes were having the better of the exchanges. Against the run of play Clacton took the lead just before the break after some poor defending, and shortly after Kye Algar pulled off a stunning save to keep us in the game. HT 0-1.

The second half saw the boys totally dominate the game with some excellent football being played, and all under the gaze of both senior managers. We battered our hosts as they struggled to contain our very positive play, but beyond belief on a rare breakaway they went 2-0 up.
We changed the formation to 3-5-2 and brought Ashlee Ellwood on into the centre of midfield, with the instruction to get hold of the ball and open them up. This he did and had a superb game, but still chance after chance went begging. With five minutes to go the ever willing Mark Cooper, was shielding the ball in the box and the defender decided to throw him to the ground. Mark got up and despatched the spot kick, but surely it was too little too late. The lads had other ideas and two minutes later a throw in and Mark Cooper connected and somehow squeezed the ball in at the far post to bring us level. Poor Clacton were all at sea now and with less than a minute to go, a ball into Ashlee in the Clacton box was laid back to the edge where Matty Morgan hit a powerful shot that the keeper could only parry. Richard Fiddy gambled and was the first to the rebound and slotted it past the despairing keeper to give us a thoroughly deserved victory, which looked unlikely at one point.

Thursday 4th December 2003 - AFEYL
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1,  Harwich & Parkeston 4  (1-2)
Difficult to believe we lost this game at all let alone by four goals to one. We easily had twice as many chances as the visitors but failed to convert them, and Harwich must have thought Christmas had come early as we gifted them all four of their goals, but it shows why they are top as they did not miss their chances.

We started the game well playing good controlled attacking football, and with Mark Cooper and Shaun Pugh back in the side Harwich could not cope with our play. It was no surprise when we took the lead after a good move Mark Cooper thumped home from the edge of the box. We then took our foot off the accelerator which you cannot do against Harwich, and this saw them enjoy their best spell in the game with lots of possession. We were still keeping them at bay, but then just before the break two defensive lapses saw the visitors strike twice. HT-1-2.

The second half saw us totally dominate the game and a mixture of good defending, poor shooting and lady luck somehow kept us out. Disaster struck mid-way through the half when a sliced clearance from Shaun turned out to be the perfect cross for the Harwich striker to head in at the far post, to unbelievably put us 3-1 down. Still we were creating chance after chance but failing to convert them, and with five minutes to go a mix up between Mark Anderson and young Kai Algar in goal gave the visiting forward a tap in.

To quote Kevin Keegan, “sometimes you don’t get what you deserve in football” and this was certainly the case tonight. The positives from it were the fact for long periods of the game we totally dominated a quality side, and know that on another night the goals would have gone in.

  Sunday 23rd November 2003 - EJA
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 2,  Cornard United 2  (1-1)
Conditions and one or two other factors resulted in us only getting a point in a game we should have won comfortably.
Our football was good in the first half, and although slightly different personnel from Thursday night, all the lads are now playing free flowing pass and move football. It was not a surprise when we took the lead, after a well worked move the ball was pulled back to the edge of the box, and John Perry was on hand to thump it in via the inside of the left post.
We were looking very comfortable and solid at the back, but on one of the rare occasions when the visitors got into our box, the ref harshly awarded a penalty to Cornard for what was no more than a slip. So we turned around 1-1.
The second half saw the conditions worsen and we found ourselves playing into the driving rain. We were still playing the better football, but unfortunately we needed the ref to be a little stronger with our opponents. Ash Ellwood put us ahead again and we never really looked like losing the game until a farcical situation saw the ref give a drop ball in our half, Richard Fiddy tried to kick it back to Cornard’s keeper, his miss-kick was pounced upon and before we re-grouped it was in the back of Kai Algar’s net, in a very unsporting manner.
We had chances to win the game from then on but to be honest the final whistle could not come quick enough. Watch out for the away fixture in the new year, I predict a big win for the young Seasiders.    
 

Thursday 20th November 2003 - AFEYL
Whitton United 1, Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 7  (1-3)
This is probably the best we have played for many a game. It was a stunning result, but the way it was obtained was the pleasing aspect, as we played some scintillating football.
We did our usual and went a goal behind early on, a ball over the top catching us out. It was totally against the run of play however, as it was obvious the pre-match chat had worked and the lads were really going for it.
We had three free kicks in succession, and it was third time lucky for Ross Gabriel, curling in the equaliser from  20 yards. Whitton just could not cope with our play as time and again we opened them up with superb passing and movement. The two up front, Ashlee Ellwood and Ross Gabriel were in sparkling form, with good first touches and hold up play. Ash finished off a sweeping move to put us ahead. Rob Kerr then made it three, as once again we got round the back and put in a cross which Rob attacked at the back post. HT-3-1.
The second half saw us produce some of the best football in the two seasons we have been running. We had five under 17’s playing, Kai Algar in goal, Richard Fiddy right midfield, Rob Kerr left midfield, Andrew Leeson  centre half and Liam Jacobs in the centre of midfield, and all were superb. Richard really impressed, with strong powerful running down the right hand side, where he linked up well with Brad Capon at right back. 
It was no surprise when both front men scored again to put us 5-1 up. The sixth goal however was the pick of the bunch. It started with Kai who threw it out to the right back, and after five passes it was in the back of the Whitton net. The finish was every bit as good as the build up play, as Ben Wyard raced up from left back to hit an unstoppable left foot shot from 25 yards. Matty Morgan finished off the scoring, poaching in the box from a corner to round off a fantastic night for the young Seasiders.

Thursday 13th November 2003 - AFEYL
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3,  Harwich & Parkeston 5  (1-2)
Another excellent night of football, in this exciting league. We welcomed league leaders Harwich & Parkston to Dellwood, and in what turned into a good game, we eventually lost to a technically better side than us, but our character and determination had them rocking at one point.
Again, with key players missing the lads that came in excelled themselves with sterling displays in a game that saw both sides have periods of domination, and at one point we were well on course to get something from the game.
It started with the young Seasider’s taking the game to the visitors, this saw us go ahead through a Ross Gabriel header. We were still looking the better side, but Harwich’s scintillating pace, and a lack of communication at the back and they were 2-1 up, and that’s how it ended at the break.
We spoke about character at half time, but shortly after the break a free kick to the visitor’s beat young Kai Algar in goal to put us 3-1 down. Lesser teams would have buckled under the pressure Harwich were now applying, but we dug in and reacted the right way. Ross pulled one back with his second, but back came the visitors to make it 4-2. The best bit of football of the game saw a six pass move from back to front where Ross Gabriel slipped the ball for Brad Capon on the right to fire home. We were really pressing for the equaliser now. Disaster struck when, Lee Parry and the Harwich striker were both jostling and pulling shirts, and in the assistant referee’s opinion Lee was the guilty party, and what’s more he said it was inside the box. The resultant penalty was put away and there was no way back for us, but the leaders knew they had been in a game.

 Sunday 9th November 2003 - EJA
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 0,  Ransomes Sports 1  (0-1)
We welcomed second placed Ransomes to the seaside, and without the risk of sounding boring, totally dominated the game and ended up losing. The visitors struck early in the first half, and a culmination of good defending and lady luck, they kept us out right until the end.
Ransomes probably felt justified, as the return fixture at the start of the season saw them outplay us at Sidegate Avenue and we came away with a 2-0 win.
Young Kai Algar was in goal for the injured Steven Pitts, and although he didn’t have much to do what he did do was with confidence. Once we had gone behind to the early goal, there really was only one team in it, but as much as we huffed and puffed we just could not get the break trough.

The second half and we continued to put the pressure on. Will Burton and John Perry filling in up front, both went close. Rob Kerr saw his terrific left foot volley fly inches wide. We were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box, and Lee Parry stepped up to strike a rasping drive that took a deflection and was certainly goal bound. Somehow young Callum Deacon in the Ransomes goal pulled off a fantastic save, and we knew then it was not to be.    

 Thursday 6th November 2003 - AFEYL YC
Diss Town 4  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3  (2-1) 
We travelled to Diss Town in the Authentic League youth cup second round, and once again a great away performance culminated in a defeat by the odd goal.
As seems to be the norm we conceded an early goal as we looked like being overwhelmed. Again we settled into the game quite nicely, and the emerging Richard Fiddy put us on terms with a delightful chip from 20 yards.
Diss then went into the break 2-1 up with a dubious second that looked suspiciously off-side.

We started the second half superbly and it was Ross Gabriel that deservedly equalised, from a great through ball from Liam Jacobs. If Ross is one on one with the keeper nine times out of ten he will score. We went 3-2 down, but once we equalised with Ross’s second we looked likely to go on and win the game. That said Matty Morgan in goal deputising for the injured Pittsy, pulled off two top draw saves.
 Diss broke and disaster struck as Will Burton, handled on the edge of the box and our hosts scored from the resultant free kick. As the fog descended we were pushing for the equaliser, and if it had come it surely would have been abandoned as you could not see the other side of the pitch now. Alas it didn’t come and we went out of the cup.

 Sunday 2nd November 2003 - EJACC
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1,  Ilford FC 5  (1-2) 
We welcomed old friends Ilford FC to Dellwood Avenue for the first round of the Eastern Junior Alliance Challenge Cup, and although we went down 5-1 the score-line does not tell the whole story. Ilford certainly deserved their win, but the eventual result, as they admitted did flatter them.
Once again we put out a side with plenty of under 17’s in, and once again they played lovely football against a very experienced Ilford side. The visitors raced to a 2-0 lead before we had settled. We then got to grips with the game and enjoyed some good possession, a free kick just inside Ilford’s half saw Liam Jacobs swing in a deep cross to the far post where Ben Wyard rose highest to head home and make the half time score 2-1.

Once again in the second period we enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but with mid-fielders filling in up front, and with no disrespect to them, there was no cutting edge to our play.
Ilford were playing on the break, but did look dangerous when they did break, where they made it 3-1. Pittsy’s attempt to save the goal resulted in him colliding with the post, and suffering a Knee injury, so Matty Morgan took over between the sticks. The longer it went on without us scoring, the more the visitors came into it, and with 10 minutes to go, we almost gave up, and a sloppy period of play saw them score twice more.   

Thursday 30th October 2003 - AFEYL
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1,  Whitton United 2  (1-1) 
A dour game played in dour conditions saw this local derby never hit any great heights.
We have been hit really hard with injury and suspension, coupled with some lethargic performances tonight, we lost to a Whitton side, and whilst certainly not better than us the desire was there, more than in our case.
That said we did take the lead with a really well worked goal, which Ross Gabriel finished off at the second attempt, after the visiting goalkeeper had saved his original effort. Whitton equalised at the perfect time from their point of view, just before half time.

The second half saw us camped in Whitton’s half, but for all our possession you could not see where a goal was going to come from. We are certainly missing the natural width that Shaun Pugh and Ollie Donnelly give us, both are a couple of weeks at least away from fitness. The powerful front running from the suspended Mark Cooper is also a big loss.
That said the younger lads that we bring in are not letting themselves down, and are learning very fast.
On a rare break-away from the visitors, the Whitton striker waltzed his way through our defence to slot home and send them home with all three points.  

Sunday 26th October 2003 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1,  Newmarket Town 3  (0-1) 
We welcomed the Jockey’s to Dellwood in the Alliance, and with just 25 boys available for two squads, the last thing we needed was early injuries to Shaun Pugh (thigh), and Andy Leeson (hamstring). We only had the two subs, but the biggest loss was Shaun’s pace up front. Combine this with several players out of sorts, and an over a lack lustre performance was the order of the day from the young Seasiders, but not so from our visitors. Newmarket took a 1-0 lead into the break, and were worthy of it.  
The second half was much of the same, and a needless penalty saw the visitors go further ahead. Matty Morgan gave us a lifeline with a good strike from the edge of the box, but then some inept defending and Newmarket were 3-1 up. We didn’t concede anymore, but never really looked like scoring either. Liam Jacobs, who is fast filling Craig Morton’s boots as the hard man in the middle, showed a lack of discipline to collect two yellow cards as we ended the game with ten men.

 Sunday 26th October 2003 - ISYFL
Hadleigh United 0,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3  (0-1)
The other squad consisting of just twelve players, returned from Hadleigh with three goals and three points.
A Kai Weaire brace and a Luke Thurston strike did the job, in a solid team performance.

Thursday 23rd October 2003 - Ridgeons Youth League
Clacton Town 0,   Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 2  (0-1) 
Another enjoyable night for everyone concerned and this time we got the result to go with it. A good atmosphere at Clacton’s Rush Green Bowl welcomed the lads, on a chilly but perfect night for football.
The first half saw us control the pace and dictate play, creating the better chances, and mid-way through the half Ross Gabriel converted one of them. A delightful chip from Liam Jacobs in midfield, saw Ross Gabriel just beat the defender to the ball, and as the keeper hesitated slightly it just gave him time to toe it over and into the net. Both players collided, and the Clacton  keeper, needed lengthy treatment but thankfully made a full recovery. We looked comfortable going into the break 1-0 to the good. 
The second half saw our hosts up the pace, and we responded in kind which provided a scintillating game of football, and great to watch. Clacton had a good chance to equalise, but first a Pittsy save and then a fantastic block on the line from Brad Capon kept the sheet clean.
We were still creating very good chances, but Clacton were giving it everything and we had to be at our best. With ten minutes to go a smart ball from Richard Fiddy down the right wing for Shaun Pugh to race onto, was brilliantly squared by Shaun, off the outside of his boot, and on the volley to Ross Gabriel who coolly wrong footed the keeper and rolled it in. 

Many thanks to Clacton for their hospitality, and the video in the clubhouse on the big screen, was a great way to end the night. 

Sunday 19th October 2003 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3,  Halstead Town 0  (2-0) 
We welcomed Tony Kinsella and his Halstead youth side to Dellwood Avenue for the first of six home games in a row.
We showed great character to bounce back after the trouncing at Bury last week, to deservedly win this game, against a good technical side.
Thin on the ground due to injury, suspension and senior call ups we had to draught in a couple of the younger lads who had played in the morning for cover on the bench. Thanks to Luke Thurston and Kai Algar who came back at the drop of a hat.
We also started five under 17’s, and all were superb, but Andy Leeson (centre half), playing just his second game at this level and Richard Fiddy (right midfield) had outstanding games. A new strike partnership of Shaun Pugh and Will Burton looked very impressive as they provided good movement, linking up well and holding the ball up when necessary.
It was Shaun Pugh who struck first, after a fine through ball saw him score with a trade-mark left foot strike. Our work-rate drooped for 15 minutes which saw the visitors with plenty of good possession, but we held firm at the back. Richard Fiddy scored our second with a strong run from mid-field, Chris Bore slipped the perfect ball for Richard to latch onto and finish well.
The second half saw 22 players determined to put on a good show for the watching few, and a thoroughly entertaining half of football was on show. With five minutes left on the clock, a fine ball from Liam Jacobs released Will Burton who raced onto it and lobbed the advancing keeper to seal the points.

 Sunday 19th October 2003 - ISYFL
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1, Forham Youth 4  (0-1) 
In the morning the other side entertained last season’s champions Fornham youth, and for 70 minutes of the game matched them all the way. Fornham scored first, but a Luke Thurston strike levelled it, as we began to get on top. Within five minutes the visitors had the advantage again after a clumsy challenge saw the ref point to the spot.

The last twenty minutes, saw Fornham in control and they scored twice more to seal the win.

 Thursday 16th October 2003 - Ridgeons Youth League
Maldon Town 2,   Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1  (0-0) 
With a two week break due to Wivenhoe pulling out of the league, we were due to play them in the league followed by the cup, we resumed action away at the impressive Wallace Binder ground at Maldon. The lads were very impressed with the playing surface and thoroughly enjoyed their night.
With Mark Cooper suspended, Liam Hunn on a trial at Rotherham and Kai Weaire ill we had to shuffle the pack slightly, and bring in three under 17’s on the bench. Our last fixture was at home to Maldon and we were very impressed with them, so we knew we had to be up for it.
What ensued was a very entertaining game, in which we were the better side but still managed to lose by the odd goal in three. It remained goalless for 70 minutes, but we had missed three good opportunities in the first half, which came back to haunt us. The defence were outstanding leaving Pittsy a virtual spectator for most of the game.
The breakthrough came when a well struck Ashlee Ellwood shot across the keeper who could only parry it out to Matty Morgan, who set it up for Shaun Pugh to drive firmly into the net.
Within in five minutes Maldon earned two corners and scored from both, the only two mistakes we had made defensively all game, but so costly, leaving Pittsy to claim the only thing he had to do was pick the ball out of the net twice.
Importantly, it was how well we played that pleased the management, and proved we can compete well at this level.

 Sunday 12th October 2003 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Bury Acadamy  6,   Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 0  (0-0) 
A visit to league leaders Bury saw us start with a containing formation, which saw Mark Cooper in the lone striker role.
For 45 minutes we frustrated the home side, and certainly matched them for effort, as we went in at the break goalless.
We started just as determined second half, but when Bury finally got the breakthrough, the strength visibly sapped from the lads. A couple of substitutions from Bury’s huge squad and superior fitness told in the end as last seasons champions romped to a 6 goals to 0 victory, inflicting our heaviest defeat in the Alliance.
Whilst its difficult to compete against Academy sides, with us training for just 90 minutes a week, it was the first time we have let our heads go down in a game, and something we must redress. 

Sunday 12th October 2003 - ISYFL
Grundisburgh  0,   Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 5  (0-1) 
A Daniel Alderson hat-trick, an own goal and a Chris Ryan strike saw the lads bring the points home from Grundisburgh. A tight first half saw a slender lead at the break, but a good attacking performance in the second half won the day. James Rodwell claimed MOM with a solid display at left back.

Sunday 28th September 2003 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Woodbridge Town  2,   Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 2  (1-1)
Sunday’s Alliance game should have seen us play Royston Town at home, but with Royston in the Herts county cup, the league rearranged our away game at Woodbridge.
We started Richard Fiddy at centre half alongside Lee Parry, after showing well on Thursday night, and he did very well. Rob Kerr is also showing he can play at the higher levels, either as left back or left mid-field. We also took Andy Leeson along on the bench and he made is debut in the second half.
We took the lead in the first five minutes, when Rob Kerr swung in a superb free kick to the far post, and Will Burton rose highest to head home. We had the better of the exchanges in the first half, and although created some good openings, did not take our chances and sure enough our hosts equalised before the break.
We were playing on the grassless small pitch at Notcutts, and with a stiff breeze the conditions were not ideal, but both sides put in plenty of endeavour. Immediately after the restart Will scored his second pouncing on a short back-pass and finishing well.
We looked like we could comfortably hold onto the lead and take the points, until with ten minutes to go a tangle of feet in the box saw the ref point to the spot, as the Woodbridge striker appeared to be tripped inside the box. They scored from the spot, to give what probably overall was a fair result on the day.

Thursday 25th September 2003 - Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3,  Maldon Town 4  (1-2)
We welcomed Maldon Town under 18’s to Dellwood this evening and what an excellent footballing side they are.
The visitors passing and movement off the ball was too much for us in the first half in particular, as we struggled to keep up with them. It was no surprise when they took a two goal lead. That said we put an inexperienced side out due to the lads that had played the night before for the reserves.
Even though under the cosh we created one or two chances ourselves, and Ross Gabriel pulled a goal back before the break.
The second half saw us more competitive, but Maldon were just that much sharper than us and went 3-1 up. Back we came and some pressure saw a Maldon defender put through his own goal. Yet again the visitors scored, and we brought Mark Cooper on for the last twenty minutes and he earned a penalty, after some stupidity from the Maldon keeper. Mark despatched the spot kick with such power that although the keeper got a hand to it there was nothing he could do about it.

Sunday 21st September 2003 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Newmarket Town 4,  Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 1  (2-0)
With a lot of players unavailable because of senior commitments and injury, five under 17’s started this game.
We started the game very well and were playing some very neat football indeed, with the youngsters slotting in quite nicely. We were completely in charge of the game for the first half and produced five or six gilt edged chances, but alas failed to take them. As is always the way the sucker punch came, when a free kick for Newmarket was put to the far post, a brilliant first touch from the Jockey’s striker saw him in to calmly slot it past Pitts’y. We didn’t panic but on another rare attack from our host’s they scored again, leaving everyone including the Newmarket management wondering how we were 2-0 down

 We spoke about an early goal in the second half and within ten minutes of the restart, Luke Thurston scored his first competitive goal for the club with a well struck shot. Almost immediately, due to some naivety at the back, and our enthusiasm to get forward a ball over the top saw us go 3-1 down, and that was killer, as the lads visibly wilted, and we could not get our game going again after that. Newmarket scored a fourth to rub salt into the wounds, but if we had taken two or three of our early chances, it would have been a very different outcome.
On the plus side the young ones, Luke Thurston, Liam Jacobs, John Perry, Rob Kerr and Chris Bore all looked comfortable at this level, which all bodes well for the future.   

Thursday 18th September 2003 - Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 3,  Clacton Town 1  (2-0)
Our first of three home games in the Ridgeons youth league saw us welcome a very young Clacton side to Dellwood Avenue.
The Essex Seasiders approached the game with enthusiasm and had some very capable players. They were certainly having the better of the early exchanges, but just lacked a cutting edge up front.
Mark Cooper put us 1-0 up, against the run of play, through sheer power and pace as he ran onto a through ball, and finished in usual fashion. A deep cross saw the visiting keeper get underneath the ball and unfortunately for him he fumbled and Ashlee Ellwood was on hand to put us 2-0 ahead.
The second half was a bit of a slog for both sides, on the dry hard pitch, and it was a disappointing performance, especially after last week’s corker at Harwich. We went further ahead through Liam Hunn, before Clacton got a deserved consolation. Not the best game for our home debut, as we gave the ball away far too much, but none the less three points on the board.

Sunday 14th September 2003 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 2  Woodbridge Town 0  (2-1)
We welcomed old friends Woodbridge Town to Dellwood Avenue in our first home game in the Alliance league. On a day more like mid-July the game never rose to anything spectacular due to the heat, but both sides put in plenty of effort in the scorching condititons.
We brought Brian Hallinan in at centre half, which enabled us to move Lee Parry to right back, and with Mark Anderson the other central defender and Tom Fowkes at left back, this experienced quartet were superb. Brian, making his Alliance debut, didn’t put a foot wrong and earned himself the MOM award.
Mark Cooper was unavailable, so James Toner joined Ashlee Ellwood up front, and once again we started young Liam Jacobs in midfield, where he did very well, and looks more than capable of filling Craig Morton’s boots.
The first goal came after half an hour, when Shaun Pugh put in the perfect cross for Will Burton who attacked it the keeper parried and Ashlee Ellwood was on hand to calmly place it into the empty net. Ten minutes later Will hit a corner to the edge of the box, Shaun headed it into the danger area and Ashlee sent in a looping header that went over the fully stretched keeper. HT 2-0. 

With the defence playing so well we never really looked like conceding our lead, but virtually on the final whistle we got caught trying to be too clever in our final third, which saw Woodbridge pull one back, the only blemish on an otherwise competent performance all round. Two games and six points on the board, we have to pleased so far.

Thursday 11th September 2003 - Ridgeons Youth League
Harwich & Parkeston 6, Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 5  (4-2)
Finishing of the highest order was on display in this our first ever game in the Ridgeons youth league. Whilst both defences made fundamental errors, they still played their part in this hugely entertaining game in front of a very impressive crowd at the Royal Oak. 

After five minutes of neat possession play by the young seasiders Harwich set their stall out and were 2-0 up in the first seven minutes and 3-0 up after twenty minutes. They were sharper to the knockdowns and a little more streetwise than us. The one thing you can say about our lads is we are quick learners, and Ollie Donnelly pulled a gaol back after some neat play. Once again Harwich took a three goal advantage, but we finished the half strongly, which saw Ross Gabriel make it 4-2, and on the stroke of half-time, Liam Hunn nearly made it 3.

 We spoke about belief at half-time and how we had given ourselves a chance, and the lads responded magnificently in the second period. Both sides were playing lovely football, and when Mark Cooper made it 4-3 our tails were up, but Harwich always dangerous in attack scored again. Back we came again through Mark for his second, but then the killer goal was the most disappointing, as a Harwich player was not tracked back and was completely free at the far post to restore a two goal advantage. We were still not finished as Liam Hunn made it 6-5, and despite a valiant effort we just could not find that deserved equaliser. 

After the game both sets of supporters were buzzing and full of praise for such a wonderful game that had everything, not least an array of very talented youth players. The only sour point was Mark Cooper’s red card, and although he should have not risen to the bait, I have a lot of sympathy for him, as the “adult” in the crowd should have known better. I don’t think I have ever seen Mark so upset. Ross Gabriel just pipped Mark for MOM, as both players worked their socks off, but all can hold their heads high.  

Sunday 7th September 2003 - Easter Junior Alliance
Ransomes 0, Felixstowe & Walton Utd. 2  (0-2)
We opened our season with an Eastern Junior Alliance fixture away at Ransomes, on yet another hot day.
The home side were much the brighter in the first half as we looked a little sluggish, and certainly not up to pace. Against the run of play our first attack saw Mark Cooper upended in the box, and the ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Mark dusted himself down and duly despatched the penalty. Amazingly we went 2-0 up when Ashlee Elwood was strong in holding off his defender and finished well. Certainly Ransomes must have been scratching their heads as they went in at half-time 2-0 down.
The second half saw a much more determined effort from the young seasiders, as we were competing for everything in the midfield, and the defence were outstanding. Both sides created chances but no more goals were scored. A good start, and three points on the board.
With suspension and unavailability, we blooded two of the new lads, bringing Chris Bore in at right back, and Liam Jacobs into the centre of midfield. Both were surprised at the pace of the game and took half an hour or so to catch their breaths, but second half in particular they were both outstanding. Three more youngsters were also on the bench, MOM was Ashlee Ellwood, who although tired towards the end, and came off, his movement off the ball and vision on it were superb.

Team Photo's  - Eastern Junior Alliance

Team Photo's  - Ipswich & Suffolk League