Under 18 Team Match Reports for Season
2005-2006
Thursday 2nd February 2006-
Ridgeons League Plate (2nd Round)
Framlingham Town 2 - 2 Felixstowe & Walton United (aet)
Framlingham won 5-4 on penalties
Squad:-
Jack Foster, Daryl Fry (Walsh), Byron Downs, Louis Elliston, Tom Donnelly
(Woods), Joe Willett, Michael Tomiak, Owen Nunn, Callum Beecroft (Wright), Ben
Grimwade, Ashley Phillips. Subs:- Joe Walsh, Aiden Woods, Sean Wright.
Well our roller coaster season
continues as we crashed out of the plate and we finally got off of tonight’s
ride at 10.30pm.
Although we went
out this was a game we totally dominated but some dogged defending, poor
finishing and the woodwork all denied us. Jack Foster in goal was a virtual
spectator in the first half but for all our possession and dominance the wheels
seem to come off in the final third. With Danny Spencer ill, we used two able
substitute attackers in Callum Beecroft and Ashley Phillips, although they are
predominantly mid-fielders. Having said that Ashley has always scored as many as
most strikers over a season from mid-field, but the final ball was poor tonight
and both Callum and Ash were thinking more like mid-fielders so consequently we
went into the break 0-0.
We spoke about it
at half time and although Fram had a little more of the play in the second
half surely
there was only going to be one side that was going to win. We had lost Tom
Donnelly early on to injury which meant dropping Ben Grimwade to centre half and
Aiden Woods came on in mid-field. Woodsy is a skilful player and he had a
terrific game tonight and it was his good pass that put
Ashley Phillips in to open the scoring. Now the thing I have learnt about
this year’s bunch is we can beat the top sides, but cannot kill off the weaker
sides, and if anything we switch off against them. Sure enough in Fram’s third
attack of the night a few moments later they were level. Our hosts finished
stronger as we went to pieces for a while, and had to defend a series of corners
FT 1-1.
We regrouped and
for the first half of extra time we absolutely pummelled the home side and got a
deserved second once again through Ashley Phillips.
The second period of extra time and we took our foot off the gas but still
looked in control of the game, until with 3 minutes remaining we gave a ware a
needless foul. The free kick was swung in and a Fram striker rose highest
heading onto the bar with the rebound falling kindly for his team mate to tap
in.
The penalties even
went our way with Fram going first and at 4-4 they missed their 5th,
but yes and why am I not surprised, we missed ours. They scored the first sudden
death pen and then at 10.27pm we missed ours. Good luck to Framlingham in the
next round.
Thursday 26th January
2006 - Ridgeons Youth League
Soham Town Rangers 2 - 2 Felixstowe & Walton United (0-1)
Squad:-
Jack Foster, Joe Walsh (Roberts), Byron Down, Louis Elliston, Tom Donnelly, Joe
Willett, Daryl Fry, Owen Nunn (Grimwade), Callum Beecroft, Michael Tomiak
(Woods), Ashley Phillips.
Subs:- Jimmy Roberts, Aiden Woods, Ben Grimwade, Matt Oxborrow.
If I got the tactics right last
week, then this week a big mistake changing the back four at half time did for
us. The change was made to try
and introduce Tom Donnelly’s pace onto the right hand side, more of that later,
as once again the lads threw away a comfortable 3 points with two moments of
madness.
The fantastic
facilities at Julius Martins lane were only let down by the pitch which was
literally a peat bog, with both sets of lads finding it hard to keep their feet.
We started well and took control of the game, with the home side not showing too
much in attack. We took the lead when a goal bound effort from Louis Elliston
took a deflection, it went high and a good leap above the keeper from Ash
Phillips saw him nod it goal-wards where, Daryl (cant stop
scoring at the moment) Fry stabbed it home. HT-1-0.
We spoke at the
break about one more goal being enough and with what the Soham lads had showed
offensively we would pull Tom out of defence, and expose what we thought was a
lot of space down the right. We got number 2 when Aiden
Woods finished off a good move, and we were looking good.
Now two things happened, our game dropped off and the two lad’s now playing
centre halves got it totally wrong. Lack of communication, and poor, poor
defending gifted Soham two goals and gained them a point that should never have
been. I do not just want to point the finger at those two lads, because up until
our hosts equalised, we were just going through the motions thinking we had won
at 2-0. From then on our play was more urgent, we competed and played good
attacking football. We couldn’t find the winner, but this side will only seem to
play when they want to, which is very frustrating from the side-line.
Sunday 22nd January 2006 -
Eastern Junior Alliance
Heybridge Swifts 1 - 0 Felixstowe & Walton United (1-0)
Squad:- Jack
Foster, Joe Walsh, Daryl Fry, Owen Nunn, Louis Elliston, Matty Oxborrow
(Hadley), Ashley Hollis, Michael Tomiak, Ashley Phillips, Jack Colson, Lyndon
Alexander Subs:- Jamie Hadley.
We had an early start for this 11am kick off, with some of the lads who have
turned 18 looking like they hadn’t had much sleep. That said I am just grateful
they came at all, with no less than 6 first choice players telling me over the
last 4 weeks they are no longer available Sunday’s, for various reasons, it has
become a bit of a nightmare to organise.
We didn’t have the best of starts with, Michael Tomiak breaking down on the way,
Matty Oxborrow leaving late and getting lost, and with a breakdown in
communication Jamie Hadley leaving late, meaning all three arrived after kick
off. A fairly even first half saw both sides creating chances, but either a poor
finish or final ball meant not too much goal mouth action. The Swifts had one
big strong lad who ran the show, and he scored the only goal of the game, with a
powerful, if free header from a corner.
More of the same
in the second period, but yours truly missed the last third of the match. Not
only do we have lack of players on a Sunday now, we also have less help, but let
me at this point thank those that do come and provide the transport. This meant
I had to run the line, and to complete a miserable morning, on 70 minutes, a
turn and sprint and bang, my hamstring went. A few expletives and yelps saw me
stretchered off to the changing room, many thanks to the Heybridge guys, much
appreciated. I then apparently missed our best period of the game where we
pummelled our hosts but could not find the equaliser.
A visit to the
hospital revealed it was not a full rupture but enough to keep me on crutches
for a couple of weeks at least.
Thursday 19th January
2006 - Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton United 1 - 0 Newmarket Town (1-0)
Squad:-
Jack Foster, Joe Walsh (Woods), Byron Down, Louis Elliston, Tom Donnelly, Joe
Willett, Daryl Fry, Owen Nunn, Callum Beecroft, Danny Spencer, Ashley
Phillips.
Subs:- Jimmy Roberts, Aiden Woods, Sean Wright.
Tonight saw the visit of the
league leaders, and the lads showed they really should be up there in the top
two. Although we tinkered with the formation for the first time this season,
which meant a lone role up front for Danny Spencer, we got the tactics spot on
and the side stuck to it for the whole 90 minutes this week.
With some great
players on the ball and pace and strength all over the park you could see why
the young jockey’s are in with a shout this season, although Mildenhall and
Woodbridge will have something to say about I’m sure. We are not short of one or
two gifted lads ourselves, but I went for a more solid line up tonight, with
three across the middle and two wingers with good engines, who got up and down
all night. We also had Joe Willett back in the heart of defence, and he and Tom
Donnelly are beginning to click now. This resulted in only our second clean
sheet of the season, against the league leaders, If only we had been that stingy
early on. Mind you Jack Foster pulled off one terrific save in the first half,
low down to his left, and was commanding all game. We scored the only goal of
the game in the first half, and what was pleasing about it was the amount of
lads prepared to get forward and support Danny. After one move this caused
confusion in the visitor’s box and it was Danny Spencer
who lashed home a loose ball. HT-1-0.
The early
bombardment from Newmarket didn’t materialise, but the lads were working their
socks off to frustrate them brilliantly, as we restricted them to very few
sights of goal. They made a late rally but we held on to take a very impressive
3 points from a terrific youth football game.
Well done to the
under 17’s last Sunday who with a little help from a couple of the older lads
did what they couldn’t do and beat Woolverstone 2-1.
Thursday 12th January
2006 - Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton United 4 - 5 Diss Town (3-1)
Squad:-
Jack Foster, Joe Walsh (Oxborrow), Byron Downs, Owen Nunn, Tom Donnelly, Jimmy
Roberts, Daryl Fry, Callum Beecroft (Grimwade), Ashley Phillips, Danny Spencer,
Aiden Woods (Hollis).
Subs:-
Ben Grimwade, Matty Oxborrow, Ashley Hollis.
This game just about sums
our season up, 3-1 up at half time and cruising, even with two key players
missing, a totally different side emerged after the break to snatch defeat from
the jaws of victory.
Diss started
brightly as we were finding our feet, with centre half Joe Willett missing and
our playmaker Michael Tomiak missing from mid-field. In fact the visitors took
an early lead, but once we got into our stride some of the one and two touch
football was great to watch. As I told the lads at half time, when they play as
they can they are technically better than last seasons championship winning
side. What they lack is that consistency, all successful sides have.
Danny Spencer made it 1-1, quickly followed by his
second, an exquisite lob from the edge of the box. Daryl
Fry playing a more advanced role tonight, obviously thought anything
Danny can do I can do, and when put through he lobbed the keeper from 22 yards,
just before the break. HT-3-1.
More of the same
was the instruction in the changing room, and in fact we started very well and
Danny had two more good chances before he finally
completed his hat-trick to make it 4-1. The
visitors pulled one back quickly, and form that point on what can only be called
chaos ensued. Two woeful pieces of defending, and complete lack of
communication, saw us concede two of the most embarrassing goals ever, to bring
the scores level. Give Diss their due they were going for the juggler now. Some
players had disappeared and when the visiting winger attacked down the right,
our lad went to ground and the linesman spotted a hand ball. The penalty was put
away to give Diss a memorable evening, and us a forgettable one.
By the way I’m up
and running on line, firmly tucked away in my new office (under the stairs), so
reports will be regular now as will programme notes.
Sunday 8th January
2006 - Ipswich & Suffolk Open Cup
Woolverstone 3 - 3 Felixstowe & Walton United (aet)
Woolverstone won
4-2 on penalties
Squad:-
Kieron Real, Daryl Fry, Byron Downs Owen Nunn, Joe Willett, Stacey Dickerson (Oxborrow),
Lyndon Alexander (Walsh), Louis Elliston, Callum Beecroft,, Ashley Phillips,
Aiden Woods (Colson).
Subs:-
Matt Oxborrow, Joe Walsh, Jack Colson.
We capped a miserable weekend for the club and showed that anything the first
team can do we can do. We also went out of a cup competition on penalties to a
team from a lower division, and it has to go down as the lowest point so far for
me.
No disrespect to
Woolverstone who had a great day, and worked and worked to deny us, the lads did
not give them enough credit, in the first half in particular. We were lax in
certain areas and although we were the more organised side and played the better
football all game if you give any team time and space, especially if they are
battling for everything, they will hump it forward and put you on the back foot.
For the record our goal scorers were, Owen Nunn, Callum
Beecroft and an own goal. Woolverstone also got the luck on the day
including in the penalties, where we hit the woodwork twice. Good luck to them
in the next round, where they will meet another Alliance side, Woodbridge.
Back to Alliance
duty next week, and the next three weeks sees us on the road, with two visits to
Hertfordshire, Buntingford and Stotfold, and into deepest Essex to Heybridge
Swifts, if we get enough willing drivers that is.
Thursday 5th January
2006 - Ridgeons Youth League Plate
Felixstowe & Walton United 3 - 0 Debenham LC (2-0)
Squad:-
Jack Foster, Daryl Fry, Byron Down (Fry), Louis Elliston (Nunn), Tom Donnelly,
Joe Willett, Sean Wright (Woods), Michael Tomiak, Callum Beecroft, Danny
Spencer, Ashley Phillips.
Subs:- Owen Nunn, Jimmy Roberts, Joe Walsh, Aiden Woods
Our Jekyll and Hyde season continued over the last three games, we lost both our
games in the run up to Christmas, my computer was down so I will give a brief
report now. At the beginning of December we went to lowly Framlingham, a team we
had put 6 past two weeks previous, and contrived to lose the game 2-1. Whilst I
cannot fault the Fram lads work ethic it really was the sort of game we should
be winning, and although we created the better chances we failed to take them,
and our host’s hard work paid off for them.
Mid-December and an away trip to league leaders Newmarket Town, saw another
defeat but we did give a good account of ourselves, against the side I feel will
win the league. They deserved to be 1-0 ahead at the break, and if not for Jack
Foster in goal may have had the game sown up. The first 25 minutes of the second
half, and we really took the game to them, we attacked with pace and purpose,
but three guilt edged chances were missed. Danny Spencer missed two that he
would normally stick away, and when Aiden Woods’s close range volley skimmed the
wrong side of the post, Newmarket immediately went up the other end and made it
2-0. The lads continued to battle, but it was a real sucker punch, they scored
another late on which was harsh on the lads.
The first game
after the holiday’s and we were at home to Debenham in the Plate. My
instruction was to get on the front foot and get at them. This the lads did
well, and some neat football saw us pin the visitor’s back. They did take it too
literally sometimes and hooked the ball on when maybe a foot on it would have
been better. Debenham were getting lots of bodies behind the ball, but we were
getting in behind them on the flanks, but every attempt saw an away shirt block
or last ditch tackle. At last we broke the deadlock, when
Ash Phillips received the ball in the box, he calmly put it onto his left
foot and stroked it into the net. Soon after, Callum
Beecroft made it 2-0, racing onto a loose ball and stabbing it home.
HT-2-0.
The second period
was a scrappy affair as the effects of the Xmas pud (and beer) set in for both
sides. Michael Tomiak scored the only goal of the
half to see us through to the second round away at Framlingham on February 2nd.
Sunday 27th November 2005
- ISYFL
Felixstowe & Walton United 4 - 3 Ipswich Exiles
(2-3)
Squad:-
Kieron Real, Daryl Fry, Marcus Millar, Adam Robinson, Ashley Hollis, Joe Walsh,
James Mayhew, Martin Shemming (Damant), Ashley Phillips, Jack Colson, Aaron
Pearce,
Subs:- Charlton Damant, Steven Case.
I do not get to see the first years in action too often, but with two free weeks
in the Alliance I managed to get to the second half last week away at Achilles,
and caught 
most of
this game at home. This also means reports will be sporadic, but I will keep
them up to date as often as possible. I do get to see them when we train and
pre-season I saw enough to know there are some lads who have a bit about them.
They are mostly under 17’s playing in an under 18’s league, with one or two
second years and one or two under 16’s also.
Last week against
Achilles, a side they had lost 8-0 to earlier in the season, a supreme team
effort, with just three Alliance players in they held a 1-0 lead for 70 minutes.
Achilles equalised, and that would have been the right result on the day. A
corner in injury time saw the hosts grab a late winner, but the younger lads
came of age as far as I am concerned and would hopefully go on from there.
This they did the
following week at home to a skilful Ipswich Exiles side. That said we played
neat football ourselves and deservedly went 2-0 up, with under 16
Jack Colson getting both with the first being a
spectacular diving header at the far post. The
inexperience showed from then on and we were second best for the rest of the
half, which saw Exiles turn it around and we found ourselves 3-2 down at the
break.
The second half saw the visitors on
the offensive and Kieron Real, another under 16, in goal was outstanding to keep
us in the game. We clawed our way back into it and once
Jack completed his hat-trick there was a
real feeling the lads were going to do it. Jack scored his
fourth and the winner with a great strike from 20 yards, to put himself
well and truly in the frame for a try at the higher level. That said the whole
team deserve full credit for the way they turned it around, and there were some
good performances out there.
Thursday 10th November 2005
- Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton United 6 - 3 FramlinghamTown
(4-2)
Squad:-
Jack Foster, Joe Walsh, Byron Downs, Owen Nunn, Tom Donnelly, Jimmy Roberts,
Sean Wright, Michael Tomiak, Ashley Phillips, Danny Spencer, Matt Oxborrow
Subs:-
Callum Beecroft, Louis Elliston, Ben Grimwade (Tomiak), Joe Wiillett
(Donnelly), Aiden Woods (Wright).
The
winning streak continued, with a good attacking performance from the lads, but
we are still conceding soft goals, which took the shine off of the display.
That said going forward some of our build up play was a joy to watch. The first
goal 
saw eight or
nine passes strung together including three inside the visitor’s penalty area,
and a fine finish from the in form Ashley Phillips.
Danny Spencer then made it 2-0 with another fine
team goal before Fram pulled one back on their first attack. The ever improving
Owen Nunn then made it 3-1 to us, but that was not
the end of the scoring in an entertaining first half from a neutrals point of
view. Disappointingly a ball over the top caught us square and the Fram striker
finished with his second attempt after Jack Foster had saved well initially,
before Danny grabbed his second to restore our two
goal advantage at the break. H-T-4-2.
A scrappy second
half resulted in Ashley and
Owen scoring a second apiece before Framlingham once again caught us out
over the top, to make the final score 6-3. We must tighten up at the back,
getting caught over the top once is bad enough but twice is criminal. We do not
have a game next week, and no fixture for three weeks in the EJA, so we will get
out on the training field, and try to shut up shop. At least we are getting
positive results now, which is breeding confidence right throughout the squad.
Sunday 6th November 2005 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Felixstowe & Walton United 4 - 0 Stotfold Town (3-0)
Squad:-
J.Foster, J.Walsh, B.Downs, O.Nunn, T.Donnelly,, M.Oxborrow L.Alexander
(Dickerson), M.Tomiak, C.Beecroft (Elliston), A.Phillips, D.Fry Subs:-
S.Dickerson, L.Elliston, J.Hadley.
After the fine win in
mid-week against Mildenhall we took our good form into today’s game, when
Stotfold were the visitors to Dellwood Avenue.
On a really windy
day with it blowing down the pitch, it could easily have been a game of two
halves. We were with the wind first half and used it to our advantage well.
Callum Beecroft put us 1-0 up, as we created plenty
of chances. The visitors were lively in attack themselves, but the new central
defensive partnership of Tom Donnelly and Matt Oxborrow, assisted by full backs
Byron Downs and the emerging Joe Walsh were superb, denying the visitors attack
any clear sight of goal. The whole team was working very hard, and
Ash Phillips made it 2-0, making it four goals in
two games in his new found role up front. Just before the break
Daryl Fry headed home a third. (HT-3-0).
It was very
important we got it right defensively against the wind, we spoke about keeping a
high line, and Jack being on the edge of his box, so any wind assisted balls
over the top would run on to him. We also spoke about restricting their shooting
opportunities, and closing them down quickly. This the lads did well, as we
weathered the expected early storm, which saw Stotfold win a succession of
corners. As time went on and we continued to frustrate them, we started to get
on top of the game again, and with 20 minutes left Lyndon
Alexander turned the full back inside out cut inside and finished well to
make it 4-0.
After our 3 week
hiccup, where we had stopped working hard and confidence was low, the spark is
back in the side now, and we look like the team we should be once again.
Mid-Season Summary
RYL
13/10/05 Fxt & Walton 2 Woodbridge Town 6
19/10/05 Downham Town 3 Fxt & Walton 1
27/10/05 Walsham Le Willows 5 Fxt & Walton 2
03/11/05 Fxt & Walton 3 Mildenhall Town 2
EJA
16/10/05 Fxt & Walton 3 Bury Town 4
23/10/05 Fxt & Walton 2 Buntingford Town 5
30/10/05 Fxt & Walton 0 Heybridge Swifts 2
ISYFL
16/10/05 Fxt & Walton 0 Achilles 8
23/10/05 Fxt & Walton 2 Sicklesmere 2
Firstly let me
apologise to all you avid readers of these pages for the lack of reports on the
above games. This is due to my computer having being packed away whilst
extensive building work was and still is going on at my home. The builders have
moved upstairs now and I am up and running again, some cynics may say what a
coincidence that it has happened at a time when we have had the worst run of
results in the four seasons I have been under 18 manager, but I can assure you
that’s what it is, coincidence. I will do a summary of the last few weeks from
notes I have kept.
In the Ridgeons league after a superb win away at
Mildenhall, a disastrous run saw us lose the next three games heavily. At home
to Woodbridge we were given a real footballing lesson by the SETEC side, who I
thought were outstanding on the night. That said for every bit as good as they
were we were equally as poor, and this game sparked a downturn in a performances
over the next three weeks. We then made the long, long journey to Downham and in
atrocious conditions in what was a dire game came away with a 3-1 defeat.
Something was not quite right with the team, the spirit wasn’t there and some
niggling and ill discipline was creeping in. This culminated in an even worse
performance away at Walsham, and an incident after the game made me realise I
had to stamp some authority on the team, and restore some discipline. This we
did changes were made and this week we beat the league leaders Mildenhall 3-2
with a fantastic display at home, only their second defeat and both of them to
us, the spirit was back.
In the Eastern Junior Alliance, we entertained Bury
Town, another college side the Sunday after the Woodbridge game, and I thought
the lads redeemed themselves very well, and against a good side were so unlucky
to have lost by the odd goal in 7. But a not so good display saw us 2-0 down in
the first 5 minutes at home to Buntingford, a game we eventually lost 5-2. That
said we are not playing too badly on Sunday’s, but when you are losing lady luck
can give you a miss sometimes, and this proved to be the case when we
entertained Heybridge. We totally dominated the game from start to finish but
lost 2-0, proving football can be a cruel game. Two headed goals from free kicks
were our undoing, on the rare occasions the visitors threatened us, and it was
one of those days where we did everything but score.
The under 17’s went down 8-0 to a stronger more
experienced Achilles side, although once they stopped showing them too much
respect began to play a little against them in the second half. They carried
this on the following week, when they met league leaders Sicklesmere, two older
lads in the side helped, and under 16 Jack Colson bagged a brace in a fine 2-2
draw.
So onwards and upwards, and from
this Sunday when we entertain Stotfold, hopefully we will be back to the match
reports.
Sunday 9th October 2005 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Wivenhoe Town 4 - 4 Felixstowe & Walton United (3-1)
Squad:-
P.Stephens, J.Walsh, D.Fry, A.Woods (Nunn), L.Elliston, J.Willett, L.Alexander,
M.Tomiak, C.Beecroft, A.Matthews, A.Phillips Subs:- O.Nunn.
What a comeback as the lads
showed great character to come back from an awful start to this game. I have to
hold my hand up and say I got the starting formation wrong, and disaster saw us
go 2-0 down inside 5 minutes and 3-0 down by the 15 minute mark. Aiden Woods
pulled up with an injury so Owen Nunn our only sub came on into the centre of
midfield. We dropped Louis Elliston back to centre half, and we immediately
looked more solid and the shape was better. From then on we took the game to
Wivenhoe and were camped in their half. The lads were working extremely hard on
the fine Broad Lane playing surface, and it was Callum Beecroft who pulled the
all important goal back before the break HT-3-1.
The talk in the
dressing room was that this game was definitely retrievable, so we went out with
even more purpose in the second half. Totally against the run of play, a
goalkeeping error from a back pass, enabled the home striker to nip in and put
us 4-1 down, unbelievable. This made the young Seasiders step it up even
further, Lyndon Alexander made it 4-2 with a header from a good cross from
Callum, and with constant pressure from the lads, a defender headed the ball
onto his cross bar where it rebounded hit the keeper and went in for 4-3. We
were winning every ball all over the park now and with 16 minutes remaining the
tireless Ashley Phillips, playing up front scored the equaliser. It would not
have been unjust if we had gone on to win the game, but we ran out of time and
how we rued that poor first 15 minutes.
Thursday 6th October 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton United 1 - 1 Debenham LC (0-1)
Squad:-
J.Foster, D.Fry, M.Oxborrow (Downs), O.Nunn (Elliston), B.Grimwade, T.Donnelly,
A.Woods, M.Tomiak, C.Beecroft (Willett), A.Matthews, A.Phillips Subs:-
L.Elliston, B.Downs, J.Willett, J.Roberts.
An injury time equaliser from
Joe Willett earned us a draw and continued our unbeaten run in the league, but I
have to say after last week’s superb performance this was a totally inept
display. Whether its nerves at home I do not know, but first touches were poor,
we reverted to the long ball and it was not pretty to watch.
It didn’t help that we went 1-0 down early on and we were chasing the game
thereafter, once again apart from the goal the opposition did not threaten us
too often, and on chances created we probably had more. Debenham’s two centre
halves were in fine form though as the visitors defended well in depth. HT-0-1.
As time went on and we hadn’t scored
we started to hump the ball long, but again we were asking all the questions,
but again Debenham defended well. In injury time we sent Joe Willett, in his
first appearance back after injury, up for a corner. A good corner to the back
post from Aiden Woods saw Joe header home a deserved equaliser. A frustrating
night as we know if we had played as we can we would have won this game.
Wednesday 28th September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League
Mildenhall Town 3 - 4 Felixstowe & Walton United (2-2)
Squad:-
J.Foster, S.Wright, M.Oxborrow, O.Nunn, M.Grimwade, T.Donnelly, A.Woods,
M.Tomiak, C.Beecroft(Matthews), D.Spencer, A.Phillips Subs:-
L.Alexander A.Matthews A.Hollis.
A trip to league leaders
Mildenhall was just the tonic after last weeks disappointing
display, as we put
in one of the best performances since I’ve been under 18 manager. With 3 of last
weeks starting 11 on holiday, and players still missing
through injury, it was all change this
week. A little bird told me Tom Donnelly used to play centre back, and with his
pace and heading ability, with 3 first choice centre backs out let’s try it I
thought, and what a game he had. In came Matt Oxborrow at left back, Owen Nunn
into centre midfield, and new boy Matt Grimwade started alongside Tom at the
back.
On what was a
superb playing surface the lads played terrific football against a very good
side. Mildenhall showed why they score so many goals however as they looked for
their two
fast front runners very quickly, and whilst we were playing the better football
Jack Foster had to pull off two
good saves to keep us in the game. That said, we were creating good chances
ourselves and could easily have taken the lead. Against the run of play our
hosts took the lead, but the inspirational Michael Tomiak
playing his best game to date drew us level. A great move finished with him
hooking a sweet strike into the top corner. A few minutes later and we were 2-1
up, a superb deep cross from Aiden Woods was pushed clear by the keeper, Ashley
Phillips was on hand to chest it down to Michael who scored his second. Danny
Spencer hit the bar with a superb effort from 20 yards and then Mildenhall
equalised with a fortunate goal, after a fantastic block from Matt Oxborrow
bounced kindly for the striker. After that they had their best spell of the game
but we defended well until the half time whistle. HT-2-2.
More of the same,
and you will get your just rewards was the instruction at the break, and I
cannot speak highly enough of how the lads went about their business. We were
playing a very good side tonight and we had to be first to everything. Michael
latched onto a poor goal kick and raced through the heart of the defence to
complete his hat-trick, and when Danny Spencer
scored with a strike to grace any level, we were looking like we could beat
anybody. Mildenhall were still lively in attack, and we had to defend with
everything. Jack raced out of his box and slid in on the wet surface, looking
for all intense and purposes he had won the ball, the assistant spotted
something, a free kick was awarded and Mildenhall pulled a goal back to set up a
tense last 19 minutes.
We saw it out to register what was a fantastic result against a quality side,
which saw us go top of the league, thanks to a fantastic team effort, with some
great football played.
Sunday 25th September 2005 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Felixstowe & Walton United 1 - 1 Bishops Stortford (0-0)
Squad:-
P.Stephens, D.Fry, B.Downs, O.Nunn, L.Elliston, M.Oxborrow, L.Alexander, M.Tomiak,
C.Beecroft(Walsh), T.Donnelly, A.Phillips Subs:- J.Walsh, J.Foster.
We did enough in
the first half to win this game, playing neat football and passing and keeping
it very well, and with two recognised strikers up front, it surely was a matter
of
time. It was
another boiling hot day, and that is the only explanation I can give as to why
we didn’t step it up in the visitors final third of the field. For all our good
play we were not positive enough where it counts thus the half ended goalless,
with Pete Stephens only having to make one save all half, as Bishops Stortford
didn’t show too much in attack either.
The second half saw the visitors
come more into it, although once again they didn’t trouble Pete too much. Our
defence were playing well, and it was good to see Matty Oxborrow back from
injury playing so well at the heart of it. When Tom
Donnelly went on a run into the box he was upended and the ref didn’t
hesitate at pointing to the spot. Tom despatched the penalty well, this looked
like being enough for all three points, but Stortford’s fast attacker had other
ideas, and with their only strike of the second half, he latched onto a through
ball, cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable drive past the stranded Pete, with
just a couple of minutes to go. That lad certainly deserved his goal, but I
regarded it as 2 points lost rather than a point gained
Thursday 22nd September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth Cup
Felixstowe & Walton United 1 - 2 Stanway Rovers (1-1)
Squad:-
J.Foster, D.Fry, B.Downs, B.Grimwade(Walsh), L.Elliston, J.Roberts(Beecroft),
A.Woods, M.Tomiak, T.Donnelly(Wright), D.Spencer, A.Phillips Subs:- J.Walsh,
S.Wright, L.Alexander, A.Matthews, C.Beecroft.
We crashed out of
the Ridgeons youth cup at the earliest possible time for the second year in a
row, but last season we went on to win the league and get to the semi-final of
the plate, which we now go into. That said we will not win a thing playing the
way we did tonight as another poor home performance saw us lose by the odd goal
in three. We started poorly and never really improved over the whole 90 minutes.
The visitors were hungrier for the game, first to everything, with some players
well below par tonight. They were told in no uncertain terms that it was not
good enough, and certainly not what is expected.
Stanway took a
deserved lead, but Danny Spencer gave us hope with
a perfect free kick from the edge of the box, up and over the wall into the top
corner leaving the keeper rooted to the spot. We were certainly lucky to go into
the break all square so we thought we would have given a better performance in
the second half. HT-1-1.
If anything we
were worse in the second half, with too many just seeming to go through the
motions at the moment, consequently some are not enjoying their football. It is
up to the lads to snap out of it because if they give 100% they will enjoy it
again. It does seem to be a hangover from last year’s success. Stanway got an
excellent winner when their lively front runner lost his marker and latched onto
a through ball where he beat Jack Foster with a fine overhead kick.
Thursday 15th September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton United 2 - 0 Soham Town Rangers (2-0)
Squad:-
J.Foster, D.Fry (Walsh), B.Downs, A.Woods, L.Elliston, J.Roberts, S.Wright
(Alexander), M.Tomiak, C.Beecroft, D.Spencer, A.Phillips Subs:- J.Walsh,
A.Matthews, L.Alexander
We moved into second place tonight courtesy of a 2-0 home win over Soham, and
Newmarket losing away at Walsham.
The first half saw the lads put in a terrific display and we scored both our
goals in that period. Aiden Woods scored directly from a corner, as we were
totally dominating the game, and a superb build up led to the second. After
several good probing passes a killer ball found Callum Beecroft who got to the
by-line and put a good ball back across the box where Ashley Phillips raced in
to slot home. We took our foot off the pedal for the last 15 minutes of the game
which was frustrating, so we needed to get them in the changing room for a chat.
HT-2-0.
Whilst we never
conceding a goal in the second half, mainly because of a MOM display by Louis
Elliston at the back, I can only apologise to those who paid £2 to watch, at our
poor second half display. Speaking to the officials they blamed the conditions
which did deteriorate, but I am not sure I have found the right mix yet. That
said with a huge squad for Thursday nights, and two more lads signing on the
night we will find it.
Number 1 supporter Karl Baldwin made me laugh and said to me afterwards, why did
you change the whole team at half time? I replied managerial mistake I will
learn from it. Still 3 points 2 goals 0 conceded and second place in the table,
can’t be bad.
Sunday 11th September 2005 - ISYL
Felixstowe & Walton United 5 - 2 Bury town (2-1)
Squad:-
M.Shemming, J.Walsh (Fry), M.Millar, A.Robinson, A.Hollis, A.Brown, J.Mayhew,
O.Nunn, J.Murray, (Case) D.Crawford,(S.Robinson) A.Pearce, (Damant) Subs:-
D.Fry, S.Robinson, C.Damant, S.Case.
The younger lads got off to a
terrific start, with a 5-3 victory in their league cup
group game at home to
Bury Town ‘A’. The score-line although slightly flattering the win was
thoroughly deserved.
Aaron Pearce opened the scoring with a header, he
was probably the smallest player on the pitch, but what Aaron is tenacious,
skilful and not afraid to have a go. Joe Murray
made it 2-0 with the first of his brace, but Bury pulled one back before the
break. HT-2-1.
The lads played really well second half, but the visitors were certainly making
a game
of it.
Owen Nunn made it 3-1 with a peach of a strike from
the edge of the box, but Bury pegged it back once more. With 15 minutes on the
clock, Joe Murray finished well for his second, and
Daryl Fry wrapped it up with another fine strike
that was goal-bound but took a deflection on the way. A mention for
Ashley Hollis, who rose to his new found status as
captain and had a good game at the heart of the defence.
Thursday 8th September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League
Diss Town 1 - 3 Felixstowe & Walton United (0-2)
Squad:-
J.Foster, J.Roberts, B.Downs, A.Woods, L.Elliston, J.Willett (Dickerson /
Walsh), S.Wright(Fry), M.Tomiak, C.Beecroft, A.Matthews, A.Phillips Subs:-
S.Dickerson, D.Fry, J.Walsh.
Last time we went to Brewers Green Lane it was in the RYL cup and we lost by the
odd goal in 7. Two seasons later we met in a league match and two totally
different squads saw the young Seasiders put in a superb performance,
particularly in the first half to come away with a 3-1 victory.
We started the game in fine fashion, pushing the ball around well which left our
hosts chasing shadows for a while. That said Diss were getting numbers behind
the ball, and coupled with two fast lads up front and a tricky left winger, we
had to concentrate on our jobs. That said our football deserved an end product
and the breakthrough came after a fine cross field ball from Aiden Woods
released Ashley Phillips on the left wing, he drove a low cross across the box,
Shaun Wright played it back to the edge with a sweet first time pass, where 15
year old Callum Beecroft spun and rifled a shot in
off the far post. Ten minutes later we were 2-0 up, a corner saw a Diss defender
slice his clearance and Callum was on hand to steer
his and our second into the net. HT-2-0.
Jack Foster had to make a good save in the first half to keep the sheet clean,
but we started the second period strongly, with Callum showing terrific strength
and running for a lad playing above his age group. However he was benefiting
from some good team play, and his strike partner Alfie Matthews worked his socks
off. The Diss keeper was superb and he was certainly keeping the score down,
then against the run of play their winger got in behind and crossed for the
striker to finish well. Were we about to rue our missed chances?
Callum answered it when he completed his hat-trick,
he raced onto a through ball and bravely went up with the keeper, and it
squirmed loose where he picked it up, calmly rounded the incoming defender and
smashed it into the net.
The only downside
of the evening were injuries to Joe Willett and Stacey Dickerson, ankle and
hamstring respectively, but they are young and will recover quickly I’m sure.
Sunday 4th September 2005 - Eastern Junior Alliance
Ipswich Wanderers 1 - 2 Felixstowe & Walton United (1-1)
Squad:-
P.Stephens, J.Walsh, D.Fry, O.Nunn, L.Elliston, J.Willett, M.Oxborrow (Hollis),
M.Tomiak, C.Beecroft, A.Matthews, A.Phillips Subs:- A.Hollis.
We started with a
fine away win in the Eastern Junior Alliance, all the more satisfying, after a
late injury and call off left us with just 12 players. Inevitably, we suffered
an injury in the first 10 minutes, with Matt Oxborrow spraining his ankle, so on
came Ash Hollis, and the eleven on the field did not let anyone down in the
stifling heat.
Both sides worked extremely hard in testing conditions, and although a bit
scrappy never the less an entertaining game took place. We took the lead mid way
through the first half, after a spell of sustained pressure. Michael Tomiak
turned superbly in the box and his strike was parried out where
Louis Elliston followed up to steer home from a
tight angle. Ten minutes later Wanderers were awarded a free kick on the goal
line just outside the box, a header towards goal deceived Pete Stephens in goal
as it bounced over his hands to bring our hosts level. Ipswich had a period of
pressure up until the break, but we defended well and we went in all square.
HT-1-1.
The second half
again amazed all of us watching, how much effort both sets of lads put in, as
the second half was a real end to end affair. Our back line of Joe Walsh, Joe
Willett, Louis Elliston and Daryl Fry looked a good solid unit, and thwarted
most of the home sides attacks. Likewise, the two centre backs for Wanderers
played extremely well. The winner came courtesy of a poor clearance, which fell
to Ashley Hollis, who immediately put a cross back in, catching the home defence
out and Callum Beecroft was on hand to head home as
the under 16 opened his account for the under 18’s.
On clear chances
created I think we just about deserved the win, in what was an enjoyable opener,
in weather more suited to cricket than football.
Thursday 1st September 2005 - Ridgeons Youth League
Felixstowe & Walton United 3 - 3 Downham Town (1-1)
Squad:-
J.Foster, S.Dickerson (Wright), B.Downs, L.Elliston, J.Roberts, J.Willett,
A.Matthews (Beecroft), A.Woods, D.Spencer, T.Donnelly, A.Phillips Subs:-
S.Wright , D.Fry, C.Beecroft , J.Walsh, P.Stephens.
A disappointing
start to the Ridgeons league, saw us draw at home to a very competent Downham
side. Disappointing in the way we conceded all three goals, and I believe
despite a poor first half display, if we had defended properly we would have won
the game comfortably.
The first half saw
the visitors play the better football, as our new faces in got to know
each other. We
were playing far too deep and inviting Downham onto us, consequently when the
ball was cleared we were failing to pick up the second and third balls in
midfield. That said there was not much goal threat from the visitors, until the
first of our defensive errors left it a tap in for the visiting striker. Within
minutes however Danny Spencer equalised with the
first of his hat-trick, to send us in luckily all square at the break. HT 1-1.
A robust half
time pep talk, saw us produce a much better second half performance, as the lads
decided to take the game to Downham and it was much more encouraging. With no
less than 9 new faces in the 16 man squad it will take a couple of games to
settle, also the influential Michael Tomiak was missing tonight.
The lethal Danny Spencer put us in the driving seat with his second strike, but
once again we failed to take control in our penalty box and in desperation a
soft penalty was given away to put the visitors on level terms. Then the goal of
the game put us 3-2 ahead, a powerful defence splitting header from Louis
Elliston released Danny again, he raced onto it and from the edge of the box
curled a pinpoint lob into the top corner. Downham responded well, and created
some good chances as again we failed to deal with them properly, that said we
had chances to extend our lead, and a terrific strike from 20 yards by Aiden
Woods brought the biggest applause of the night as it was brilliantly tipped
over by the Downham keeper.
With less than a
minute on the watch, a nothing ball bounced straight through the heart of
defence, and the visiting striker couldn’t miss. A draw was probably a fair
result on the night, but when you are seconds away from winning the game, it was
so disappointing to give such a soft goal away. Its early days and we didn’t
lose the game, and I believe there is enough quality in the squad to do well,
but not if we defend as we did tonight.
Sunday
21st August 2005 - Pre Season Friendly
Trimley Red Devils 4 - 3 Felixstowe & Walton United (3-0)
SQUAD:-
Peter Stephens, Dan Crawford, Marcus Millar, Jack Colson, Adrian Brown, Aaron
Pearce, Owen Nunn, Adam Robinson, Charlton Damant, Callum Beecroft, Joe Murray,
Steven Case, James Mayhew, Tom Donnelly, Ashley Phillips, Daryl Fry, Joe
Willett.
The younger lads
had their first run out of the season against local rivals Trimley, and despite
the loss there was plenty to take from the game. Trimley quickly raced to a 3-0
lead as the lads settled in, getting used to each other. That said they played
neat football playing from the back, with some good pass and move stuff. After
the break we brought four of the older lads on for 20 minutes to steady the ship
and immediately pulled 2 goals back, through Callum Beecroft and an own goal.
Trimley scored a 4th before James Mayhew went on a good run and was
upended in the box, where he dusted himself down and fired home well from the
spot.
Felixstowe & Walton United 5 - 3 Achilles (4-1)
SQUAD:-
Jack Foster, Daryl Fry, Byron Downs, Jimmy Roberts, Joe Willett, Louis Elliston,
Lyndon Alexander Michael Tomiak, Tom Donnelly, Alfie Matthews, Ashley Phillips,
Peter Stephens, Callum Beecroft, Joe Murray.
With Braintree calling off we
appreciated Achilles sending down their under 18s at short notice. We Took an
early lead through the superb Michael Tomiak, but Achilles soon equalised. After
that we took complete control of the first half going into the break 4-1 up, Tom
Donnelly grabbing a brace and Alfie Matthews getting off the mark. The second
period was less entertaining with a lot of players visibly wilting in what was a
very muggy day. Achilles scored 2 more before Joe Murray came off the bench to
open his account. We got a look at a couple more new players today, and there is
a real competition for places.
Sunday
14th August 2005 - Pre Season Friendly
Halstead Town 0 - 3 Felixstowe & Walton United
SQUAD:-
Peter Stephens, Sean .Wright, Joe Willett, Louis Elliston, Jimmy Roberts,
Stacey Dickerson, Alfie Matthews, Michael Tomiak, Tom Donnelly, Danny Spencer,
Ashley Phillips, Lyndon Alexander, Daryl Fry, Joe Walsh, Joe Murray, Callum
Beecroft, Ashley Hollis
Our first outing of the season and an away trip to Rosemary lane, Halstead to
take on the newly formed college side in a pre season friendly, saw us come away
with lots of positives as well as a 3-0 win. Danny Spencer opened his and our
accounts, a peach from debutant Lyndon Alexander and Danny’s second sealed the
victory.
We took a squad of
18 players, 9 of last years RYL squad and 9 new faces at this level. All 18
played a part, and all gave me a very optimistic feeling for the forthcoming
season, not to mention a huge headache come the first game when I have to pick
the starting 11.
The pluses were
the performance of last seasons U16s goalkeeper Pete Stephens, who impressed,
also young Callum Beecroft who is still an U16 for this season, but his manager
advised me he is ready for the challenge with the older lads, I agree. All the
new lads in showed well, some have moved up from last seasons ISYFL side, and
others like the impressive Lyndon Alexander have joined us from other clubs.
Last seasons
winners have started where they left off and still have that team spirit, but a
special mention for Danny Spencer and Michael Tomiak, who were class all game
ably assisted by the rest of the lads.