Reserve Team Match Reports for Season
2007-2008
Wednesday
19th March 2008 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res. 0 - 1 Stowmarket Town Res. (0-1)
SQUAD
:- Matt Morgan, Kieron Jones, Chris Kyle, Liam Scopes, Chris Howlett,
Jake Hollis, Ali Brett, Jimmy Andrews, Tommy Childs, Ashley Childs, Ashley Phillips
( Kristian Haighton 73).
Unused
Subs :- Kevin Hudson, Alex Ellwood, Jordan Butcher
A single goal from Michael Butcher 21
minutes into the first half pocketed the points for the visitors in a game that
Felixstowe dominated but found Fleming in the Stowmarket goal in excellent form.
Felixstowe will be wondering how they managed to lose their last home fixture of
the season, on a good night for football, having created numerous scoring
opportunities throughout the game.
Bernard fired wide in the opening minutes as Stowmarket started brightly with
both sides looking to play football on a good surface. Lockwood produced a good
tackle to deny Brett a clear site of goal and Ashley Childs was wide from
distance as Felixstowe enjoyed a good spell of pressure with Fleming down well
at his right hand post to save Scope's shot at the expense of a corner.
Simon Bernard pounced on a wayward pass in the
Felixstowe defence on 21 minutes and made the best of his opportunity to drill
the ball past Morgan in the home goal. From the restart Felixstowe went close to
an immediate response as Tommy Childs run and shot was deflected away for a
corner.
Fleming was quickly off his line to deny Tommy Childs and then saved with his
feet to ensure that the visitors maintained their lead at the interval.
Felixstowe maintained the upper hand after the break but again found Fleming in
excellent form producing a flying acrobatic save to deny Ashley Childs on the
hour and saved from Brett at the expense of corner minutes later. Morgan
continued to be a virtual spectator in the home goal but Felixstowe's attacking
threat diminished as the half progressed with Stowmarket battling hard to
maintain a clean sheet and were rewarded with all three points.
Wednesday 20th
February 2008 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res 1 - 0 Walsham le Willows Res (1-0)
SQUAD
:- Matt Morgan, Darcy Dea’th (Ellwood), Chris Kyle, Ashley Childs, Jake
Hollis, Kevin Hudson (Capt), Ali Brett, Jimmy Andrews, Tommy Childs, Ben
Goddard, Ashley Phillips.
Subs :- Kieron Jones, Carl
Matthews, Alex Ellwood, Jordan Butcher, Kristian Haighton.
What a difference four days make, tonight’s performance is exactly the way I
like and expect my teams to play. Walsham are a free scoring side and well up
there competing for the title, but the lads tonight restricted them to a couple
of long range efforts.
We
set our stall out early pinning the visitors back, with neat fast flowing
football, also we were sharp and tough in the tackle, closing down their players
and denying them any space. Eventually our pressure told and a fine through ball
from Jimmy Andrews released Ash Childs who finished superbly
giving us a deserved lead. It was an entertaining game with both sides very
competitive, without being dirty or cynical, it must have been a dream game for
Peter Hart to referee particularly as he was being assessed. We continued
playing well for the rest of the half. HT 1-0.
We
carried on where we left off second half, but Walsham upped their game, and this
made for a very entertaining open game, with lots of football being played from
box to box, but once both sides got there they found the defences in determined
mood. If I have one slight criticism is we tried to walk it in on a couple of
occasions when maybe a strike or pass was called for. Ashley Child’s put in a
man of the match performance proving to me I should not have left him out on
Saturday, he and Jimmy were superb in the centre of midfield. Matty Morgan, who
used to play in goal for me at under 18’s, gave it a go between the sticks, and
proved his versatility once again. Surprisingly, no more goals were scored as we
took a great 3 points. Someone said after maybe a draw would have been a fair
result, but that first 20 minutes when we dominated and scored meant we just
shaded it and probably did deserve the
win.
AP
Saturday 16th February 2008 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res 2 - 5 Hadleigh United Res (0-2)
SQUAD :- Joe
Miller, Ali Brett, Jordan Butcher(Kyle), Matty Morgan (Childs), Jake Hollis,
Kevin Hudson (Capt) , Kristian Haighton, Jimmy Andrews, Tommy Childs, Ben
Goddard, Ashley Phillips (Matthews).
Subs :-
Kieron Jones, Carl Matthews, Chris Kyle, Ashley Childs.
What a difference a week makes, yes I’ve started this report the same as the
last as it really was after the lord mayor’s show. You would not believe it was
virtually the same side that beat Woodbridge so comprehensively took to the
field today. Ash Childs was the unfortunate lad that made way for Matt Morgan,
but with Matt’s huge lack of match practise saw him put in a rusty performance,
which did draw some unfair criticism from less than regular persons on the
sideline.
Not
just Matt though, the whole team were lack lustre in the first half, from front
to back with the two under 18’s Kris Haighton and Jake Hollis being the
exceptions. Hadleigh wanted it more and were well worth their half time lead as
time after time they went through us like a knife through butter. At one point I
was counting up to make sure I had put 11 players out. HT 2-0.
When experienced players are not doing they know it so no need for the hair
dryer approach, just point out a few home truths, and at 2-0 we were still
somehow in it, but we needed to get our acts together, the next goal would be
important, or so I thought. We started the second half with much more purpose,
and when Tom Childs made it 2-1, I was hopeful as we began to get on top.
What can only be described as a rush of blood saw Kev Hudson take a ride on the
back of a Hadleigh striker, a penalty and 3-1 down, then a howler from Joe saw
them get a 4th game well and truly over. Kevin Hudson pulled
one back, but another soft goal rounded off a good day for the visitor’s, and
leaving me completely frustrated.
If
any of you are unaware, Colin Egerton has resigned from the club for personal
reasons, so I am desperate for an assistant, it’s a lonely place on that
touchline especially on days like
this.
AP
Saturday 9th February 2008 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United Res. 2 - 0
Woodbridge Town Res. (1-0)
SQUAD :- Joe Miller, Alex
Elwood (Jones), Jordan Butcher(Matthews), Ashley Childs, Jake Hollis, Kevin
Hudson (Capt) , Kristian Haighton, Jimmy Andrews, Tommy Childs, Ben Goddard,
Ashley Phillips.
Subs :- Kieron Jones, Carl
Matthews.
What a difference a week makes, not just in terms of team performance but also 3
points in this very tight league, and probably a good time to put in one of our
best performances of the season, against the league leaders, as we out fought,
and as an attacking force out played the visitors. 
The
return of Jimmy Andrews to the club was a big boost, and his experience in
mid-field nullified Woodbridge’s play maker, but also it was good for the young
lads around him. Kevin Hudson marshalled the defence superbly, with the ever
improving Jake Hollis alongside him, and Tommy Childs up front, the balance
looked right today, in terms of youth and experience, but also the shape of the
side. The inclusion of Ben Goddard was another big bonus.
We
all know how Woodbridge play, the right way, and that is why they are top. The
instructions were to deny them the room to play, when they have the ball, and
play ourselves when we have it. I have to say everyone to a man worked their
proverbial's off for this win.
A superb through
ball from Jimmy Andrews released Ben Goddard who made no mistake inside
the first 5 minutes. Plenty of time for Woodbridge to come back, but the lads
were so determined not to let that happen, and a special mention for Ash Childs,
Kristian Haighton and Jake Hollis who were the pick of the youngsters, although
everyone played well. Joe in goal was a virtual spectator as we defended
brilliantly to deny the visitors. HT 1-0.
A
dream start to the second half, saw Ashley Phillips release Tommy Childs who
raced through outpacing the defender, he squared across the goal to the far post
where Ben Goddard slotted home his and our second. Again we worked and
worked to keep it, and once again Joe did not have a save of note to make. 2
goals for, but importantly a clean sheet against the league leaders, is a real
boost. But we have been simmering on the edge of a performance like this for a
while; we must take it into our next game now. AP
Saturday 2nd February 2008 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Stowmarket Town Res. 3 - 2 Felixstowe & Walton United
Res (1-1)
SQUAD :- Joe Miller,
Kieron Jones, Jordan Butcher, Kristian
Haighton, Jake Hollis, Kevin Hudson (Capt), Ricardo Phillips (Ellwood), Ashley
Childs, Carl Matthews, Tommy Childs, Ashley Phillips.
Subs :- Alex Ellwood.
Last minute call up’s left us with the bear 11, so with some frantic phone calls
we did manage to find a 12th man for this away fixture at Stowmarket.
Unfortunately another late goal denied us anything from the game, albeit a poor
game but we did deserve something from it.
We
started brightly taking the game to our hosts but didn’t capitalise on our early
domination, and when Stowmarket were awarded a very soft free kick on the edge
of our box, while our players all looked bewildered a quick kick into the was
headed onto the post where it fell nicely to Stow’s striker for a tap in.
Obviously the lads felt aggrieved and we were soon level, Tommy Child’s
equalising. The rest of the half was a scrappy affair, with not much goal mouth
action. HT 1-1.
Again lack of concentration allowed Stow to take a 2-1 lead early in the second
half, and the game was not good to watch, with both sides guilty of giving the
ball away cheaply, and the passing was dreadful. Tommy Child’s picked up his
first booking stupidly for decent, as the home side were awarded an even softer
free kick again in a dangerous position. It was swung in eluding everyone
including our goalkeeper and bounced in at the far post. Soon after Tommy was
alleged to have gone in dangerously, which earned him a second yellow card? Now
if I feel a ref is wrong I have to say, it was one of those situations where
feet were going in everywhere , Tommy came in and the ref said he stamped, maybe
but the only thing is foot caught was the ball. This was apparent as it bounced
away, but more significantly, no Stow player reacted no one was hurt and they
just played on, until the ref blew up.
This did galvanise the lads and we threw everything at Stowmarket, Carl
Matthews pulled one back, but soon after the final whistle went. I think a
valuable lesson for all, especially Tommy, keep it shut and do not put yourself
in the referee’s sights. AP
Saturday 26th January 2008 -
Chell Trophy quarter final
Harwich & Parkeston Res. 2 - 1 Felixstowe & Walton United
Res.
SQUAD :- Craig Bedford, Kieron
Jones, Jordan Butcher (Millbourne), Kristian Haighton, Jake Hollis (Hudson),
Chris Kyle (Capt), Alex Ellwood, Ashley Childs, Carl Matthew, Ricardo Phillips,
Ashley Phillips.
Subs :- Kevin Hudson, Matt
Millbourne, Joe Miller.
With first team call ups it was a very youthful side that took to the field at
the Royal Oak for this semi-final. We then lost Jake Hollis, complaining of
dizziness half way through the first half, so on came Kevin Hudson, who
dramatically increased the average age. We gave a debut to goalkeeper Craig
Bedford, who has been playing in the SIL, and he had a fantastic debut, and
certainly looks the part. Unfortunately, Craig’s shift patterns mean he is not
available all the time.
The
first half was a scrappy affair on a sticky pitch, which restricts the pacey
players and makes it very difficult for anyone to get the ball under control. As
one player put it to me it’s like trying to run in lead boots. That said we had
plenty of effort from the side, good defending but as an attacking force we were
non-existence and did not test the home keeper once in the first half. Harwich
bundled the ball over the line in a rare attack to give them a lead at the
break. HT-1-0.
I
strongly suggested at half time that we perhaps have a go second half, and to be
fair we went out and took the game to our hosts. The game opened up and we had
to be aware at the back, and Craig had to pull of some good saves, but we were
looking the more likely, and finally we got our reward when an over the top ball
saw Carl Matthews toe it past the keeper. Soon after the best move of the
game saw Carl pull the ball back to the edge of the box where Kristian
Haighton’s good strike just shaved the post. Extra time was looming and we
fancied it, but right at the death, a through ball got stuck somewhere between
Kevin’s feet and the mud, Kevin slipped the Shrimper’s striker had a second
Christmas and with 30 seconds to go we were 2-1 down. A real shame as the lads
worked so hard second half to get back into it but it happens. And perhaps we
should have tried harder in the first period.
AP
Wednesday 23rd January 2008 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res 1 - 4 Whitton United Res.
(0-1)
SQUAD :- Joe
Miller, Ali Brett, Chris Kyle (Capt), Ashley Childs, Jake Hollis, Darcy De'ath,
Ricardo Phillips ( Alex Ellwood 73), Matt Morgan, Tom Childs, Carl Matthews (Kristian
Haighton 70), Ashley Phillips
Unused
Subs :- Jordan Butcher,
Kristian Jones, Joe Willett
Tommy Childs volleyed home the goal of the game in injury time from
25 yards for the Seasiders but it was only a consolation as the visitors
finished comfortable winners.
Leon Ottley-Gooch's headed goal on eleven minutes,
following a flowing move down the left flank involving Beech and Douglas,
was all that separated the sides at the interval with Matthews having fired the
home sides best chance over the Whitton cross-bar.
Ross Beech's goal direct from a free kick straight
after the restart put the all greens fully in charge and a third scored by
Zhen Young from Jackson's well placed through ball
on 57 minutes settled the destiny of the points. Felixstowe battled on and a
double substitution by the home side produced a good spell of pressure with
Haighton forcing Waters, in the Whitton goal, into action before Haighton and
Ellwood combined to produce an opening for Phillips who fired into side netting
from an acute angle.
Brett saw his shot from distance just miss the target before
Zhens Youngs' deep cross from the right touch line
deceived the Felixstowe keeper to find it's way into the net for the fourth.
The Seasiders saved the best for last with Tommy Childs
firing his well struck 25 yard volley into the roof of the net for a late
consolation.
Saturday 22nd December 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res 2 - 3 Ipswich Wanderers Res. (1-2)
SQUAD :- Danny
Crump, Ali Brett, Chris Kyle (Capt), Alan Mills, Sean Bell, Jake Hollis, Ricardo
Phillips, Liam Scopes, Kevin Hudson (Matthews 45), Ashley Childs, Ashley
Phillips (Ellwood 75).
Subs :- Alex Ellwood,
Carl Matthews.
A second goal from Callum Moran two
minutes from the final whistle saw Wanderers claim all three points from the
local derby at Dellwood Avenue.
Sean Bell
and Liam Scopes coming back from injury came through the game well for the
Seasiders and will hope to be lining up against the Wanderer's first team on
Boxing day.
The Local derby started at pace with Wanderers enjoying the early advantage,
Lewis Culf pictured left
opening the scoring after seven minutes bundling home the ball at the far
post after the ball was whipped in from the left. Danny Crump saved from Cooke
at the expense of
a corner
and it was 25 minutes before the Seasiders produced their first strike on goal
as Stephens saved well to deny Scopes.
Childs saw his shot slide past Wanderers' far post as Felixstowe enjoyed a good
spell and the pressure told on 28 minutes, Ashley Childs
pictured right scoring the equaliser with a shot off a post following an
excellent through ball from Hudson.
Callum Moran impressed for Wanderers producing a
save from Crump before securing a half time lead with a well taken strike
following a long through ball from defence, and Taylor shot wide from Moran's
pass as the visitors finished the half strongly.
Ricardo
Phillips fired over the bar, pictured left, as Felixstowe moved up a gear
after the break and Matthews, replacing Hudson at the interval, saw his shot
narrowly pass wide of Stephen's left hand upright.
Scopes' header, from Matthew's corner, was cleared off the line by Moore and as
Wanderers sprung from defence through Dunne and Moran, Mills had to be alert to
tackle Taylor and force a corner.
From the edge of the Felixstowe area Cooke steered his shot over the advanced
Crump but the ball cannoned back off the bar and within a minute Felixstowe were
level. Alex Ellwood, off the bench for a only a minute produced a telling run
down the right and his low cross was turned home by Carl
Matthews.
The game looked to be heading for a draw until
Callum Moran found himself in space with two minutes remaining and placed
his shot on the turn home for the winner.
Saturday 15th December 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res 1 - 2 Thetford Town Res. (1-2)
SQUAD :- Joe Miller, Alex
Elwood (Jones), Jake Hollis, Kevin Hudson, Darcy Dea’th, Chris Kyle (Capt),
Ricardo Phillips, Ashley Veitch, Carl Matthews (Haighton), Ashley Childs, Ashley
Phillips.
Subs :- Jordan Butcher,
Christian Haighton, Kieron Jones.
We
started very well against the league leaders, and had them chasing shadows for
15 minutes or so, and when a fine move put Ash Childs through he made no
mistake, to put us 1-0 up which was a fair reflection on the game up until then.
However Thetford are an older side and can be quite intimidating, which made
some of the younger lads a bit nervous. Hence our normally solid looking defence
were a bit shaky, and Thetford capitalised on this firstly equalising, and then
a mistake in midfield, by one of our more experienced players, saw the visitors
go into the break 2-1 up. HT-1-2.
A chat at half time
about belief, and although the opposition had a lot to say in everybody’s ear,
especially the ref, they were not a dirty side and lets just get the ball down
and play. When we did do this we got some joy, and the lads went out and had a
good go second half. The visitors were strong in defence and determined in
midfield, but Ash Childs, Ash Phillips, Carl Matthews, Ash Veitch and Ricardo
Phillips all went close for us. Our defence looked much tighter now and
protected Joe well. Alas the equaliser didn’t come and for the last 10-15
minutes Thetford got back on top as we ran out of ideas, no more goals and the
visitors went home with all 3 points. We have given them two good games now but
lost both 2-1, so nothing to show. Our biggest problem now is not taking the
chances we make when we are on top.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 8th December 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Woodbridge Res. 3 - 0 Felixstowe & Walton United
Res. (0-0)
SQUAD :- Joe Miller, Alex
Elwood, Jake Hollis, Kevin Hudson ,Joe Willett, Chris Kyle (Capt), Kieron Jones
(Butcher), Christian Haighton, Carl Matthews, Jamie Perry (Egelton), Ashley
Childs.
Subs :- Jordan Butcher,
Matthew Egelton.
A
courteous e-mail from Dan Frost at Woodbridge in the week advising us that they
will be using some first team players in this fixture, as they were without a
game was appreciated, and gave me a challenge. The challenge grew bigger, when
shortly after a phone call from Scopse’y, revealed our first team would require
Darcy Dea’th, Ashley Phillips and Ricardo Phillips as well as retaining Matty
Morgan.
Don’t panic, not a problem lets call in more of the youth’s, this we did but
travelling to Notcutts there was a feeling of trepidation, this could go one of
two ways. This was all dispelled as the lads took to the field and really rose
to the occasion, and although finishing with a 3-0 defeat, this certainly did
not tell the story and flattered our hosts. Priority had to be stopping them
playing with grit and determination, and with the youngsters being marshalled
well by Chris Kyle and Kevin Hudson we certainly started very well indeed.
Paul Berry was at the hub of all the home sides good play, but our defence,
which included Joe Willett kept Joe Miller protected, particularly for 20
minutes when Woodbridge threw everything at us. Frustration crept into their
play and we could have gone in 1 or 2 up if we had taken our chances.
HT 0-0.
Again we played well
in the second half, with youngsters Alex Ellwood and Chris Haighton catching the
eye, in the end tiredness led to the mistakes that allowed our hosts to
capitalise, but I have no issues with this result, some boys who were thrown in
at the deep end came of age today, and will give me a selection headache next
week.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 1st December 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res. 2 - 3 Leiston (0-0)
SQUAD :- Joe Miller, Darcy
Dea’th, Jordan Butcher (Willett), Kevin Hudson (Haighton), Jake Hollis, Chris
Kyle (Capt), Ricardo Phillips, Ashley Childs, Carl Matthews, Jamie Perry, Ashley
Phillips.
Subs :- Christian Haighton,
Kieron Jones, Joe Willett.
A
diabolical first half which saw most of the watching few disappear at half time
never ! to return, which meant they missed the last 25 minutes which although
exciting was almost surreal the way the goal scoring went.
The
least said about the first half the better, with the visitors having better
possession but no threat in front of goal at all, but the way we were playing we
were no threat anywhere on the park, so apologies to the few men and their
dogs.
The
second half started the same for 20 minutes or so and then the game sparked into
life, the catalyst being Leiston's first strike on goal of the game, but what a
strike it was. From fully 25 yards the player turned and struck an unstoppable
dipping shot that beat Joe hands down. Now if the game continued its course that
would have won it and deservedly so, but it sparked us into life (too late
though lads) and we pinned the visitors back as we upped our game 100%.
Leiston were defending well, but from a corner Darcy Dea’th attacked the
ball with such power and purpose that his bullet header hit the inside of the
post, the keeper scooped it out but the ref adjudged it to have crossed the
line. Leiston were incensed, the linesman was frozen to the spot, but those
watching in the corner said the ref got it spot on, well played to him.
At this point I really believed we would go on and win the game as we piled the
pressure on but a pass back to Joe in goal saw him dither on the ball,
indecision saw the striker nick the ball and we were 2-1 down, unbelievable ! We
continued to attack but the visitors were defending like Trojans, until the
centre half decided to haul Jamie Perry down in the box. Ashley Phillips
stepped up to the mark to equalise. Now let’s go and win it surely, but with
minutes to go a rare foray into our box saw a ball bounce and strike a hand,
penalty to Leiston, was it harsh, well the ref hadn’t got much else wrong, so we
ended up losing a game we should be winning. T
he
lesson is we play from the start for 90 minutes not for the last 25, and
certainly do not wait to go behind before we have a go.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 24th November 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Needham Market Res. 1 - 5
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res. (1-1)
SQUAD :- Joe Miller, Alex
Elwood, Jordan Butcher, Kevin Hudson (Childs), Jake Hollis, Chris Kyle (Capt),
Ricardo Phillips, Darcy Dea’th, Carl Matthews, Jamie Perry (Haighton), Ashley
Phillips.
Subs :- Christian Haighton,
Ashley Childs.
A
not so good first half followed by a cracking second from our point of view saw
us come away from Bloomfields with all three points and 5 goals.
Needham reserves are a very young side but we went there with 7 of our current
under 18 squad, including Joe Miller in goal, after Crumpy’s elevation to the
first team. Joe set his stall out when Needham were awarded a penalty in the
first minute for hand ball. Joe guessed the right way and it remained 0-0. It’s
fair to say our hosts had the better of the first half, starting very brightly,
and looked like a side that play together week in week out. We couldn’t get our
game going at all, however we did take the lead when the unmarked Ricardo
Phillips was picked out in the penalty box and he made no mistake. It
didn’t take Needham long to get back on level terms, and they certainly deserved
to. Both sides had chances to extend the lead but the half ended all square. HT
1-1.
A bit of whinge at
half time, and an explanation that they are far better than what they produced
in the first half seemed to do the trick. We came out much livelier in the
second half, particularly Jamie and Carl up front who were holding it up for us
and battling well. We were also getting the ball out to the flanks a lot quicker
now, and ‘Johnny on the spot’ Ricardo Phillips completed his hat-trick,
as we turned the screw on our hosts. A fine pass and run saw Carl Matthews
rifle in number 4, before Ash Childs came off the bench to seal it with
number 5. Needham brought on some experience, and Joe Miller had to pull off a
fine save near the end, a brave save also which saw him wind himself clattering
into the post. A good second half performance, not our prettiest football, but
good tempo, and at last the finishing that a lot of our play deserves.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 17th November 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res. 0 - 0 Debenham LC
SQUAD :- Danny Crump, Darcy
Dea'th, Chris Kyle, Kevin Hudson (Haighton), Jake Hollis (Ellwood), Danny Ebanks,
Ricardo Phillips, Matt Morgan (Capt), Ashley Childs (Butcher), Jamie Perry
Ashley Phillips.
Subs :- Jordan Butcher,
Christian Haighton, Alex Ellwood.
A
boring 0-0 is probably a harsh description of this one, but it certainly didn’t
light up the world, with not too many goal scoring opportunities created by
either side.
Our
best shout in the first half was an Ashley Child’s strike that the keeper was at
full stretch to turn round the post, whilst Debenham’s biggest threat was from
the large amount of corners they won in the first 45 minutes. HT 0-0.
Again, not too much to shout about after the break, with a lot of the game being
played in mid-field. Ashley Phillips went closest for us when his lob bounced
off the top of the bar, but from our point of view we have got to sharpen up in
the final third, it’s there that the game should speed up not slow down, and we
need to be more clinical, instead of trying to walk it in. While both keepers
were not that busy this afternoon, what they had to do they both did very well,
and I have been very impressed with the standard of goalkeeping this season,
with most clubs well covered in that area. I think it also proves that there is
a lot of coaching going on out there which must bode well for the future.
Finally, a minutes
silence was excellently observed for Alex Craig and our thoughts go out to his
family.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 10th November 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Walsham - le - Willows Res. 3 - 1
Felixstowe & Walton United
Res. (2-0)
SQUAD :- Danny Crump, Ali
Brett, Sam Osbourne , Kevin Hudson, Jake Hollis, Danny Ebanks, Matty Stanbridge
(Perry), James Buckle (Capt), Ashley Childs, Carl Matthews Jordan Butcher.
Subs :- Jamie Perry.
All
change again, but such is reserve team football, and Walsham has never been a
happy hunting ground for me with any team I have taken there over the years,
even years ago when Sumner Road was a ploughed field and I used to take the
juniors there.
We
started poorly as it was obvious our hosts were up for it, and very lively going
forward, and we soon found ourselves 1-0 down as we failed to deal with a cross
into the box, Crumpy made a good save from the initial header, but a second
Walsham striker reacted quickest to head home.
We huffed and puffed for a while but gradually began to make a game of it, and
had a couple of good opportunities to pull level, but our hosts still looked
like they wanted it more. Just as the break was approaching mistake number two
allowed the home side to increase their lead. Under 18 Jake Hollis, who is
turning into a fine centre half, did everything right as he was marshalling an
over the top pass, he beat the striker to the ball, controlled it well but then
under hit his pass back to Crumpy who did his best to close it down, but the
striker just toed it under him and the recovering Jake, as it just had enough
legs to cross the line.
It happens at all levels, but Jake did not drop his head and went on to have a
solid competent game. HT-2-0.
We
started the second half very well and came close on a couple of occasions, but
really needed to score at this point, we dominated for twenty minutes or so but
could not find the back of the net. We were punished when a Walsham player was
allowed to run from deep, as we backed off and he finished neatly to put the
game beyond us. We did have the consolation of scoring the best goal of the
game, Ali Brett went on a great run from full back a one two on the edge
of the box a shimmy and a drop of the shoulder beat the last defender and he
blasted in the goal we could have done with 30 minutes earlier.
We are at home to
Debenham next week, and a home game usually equals plenty of players, something
I need to address, but first team injuries and suspensions may limit us, however
it will give youngsters a chance to prove
themselves.
Andy Phillips
Saturday
3rd November 2007 - Ridgeons Group Cup
Felixstowe & Walton United Res. 3 - 1 Ipswich Wanderers Res.
(0-0)
SQUAD :- Danny
Crump, Jordan Butcher, Sam Osbourne (Hollis), Ashley Veitch, Darcy Dea’th
(Willett), Chris Kyle, Ricardo Phillips, Matty Morgan (Capt), Ashley Childs,
Carl Matthews (Haighton), Ashley Phillips.
Subs :- Jake Hollis, Joe Willett,
Christian Haighton.
Three second half
strikes and a single reply from Wanderers saw us finish runners up in the group
cup and go through to the next stage with Whitton United. At one stage this
looked highly unlikely, particularly with that hefty defeat at Whitton, but
“it’s a funny old game”.
With the luxury of a
squad containing 14 players there were options in abundance which makes things,
from mine and Colin’s point of view, much easier and more enjoyable but also I’m
sure for the players as well. Mind you it will be all change next week as 5 of
this squad are unavailable, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
The first half was a tight affair, but we definitely looked the more threatening
going forward, but without either keeper tested it was no surprise the half
ended goalless.
HT 0-0.
The second half and we
continued to create chances, and played some great football also, after a couple
of missed opportunities, a fine through ball saw Ashley
Veitch, home from university, run from deep to elude the
off side trap and calmly chipped the keeper to give us the lead.
No less than a win would do whereas a draw would be good enough to put Wanderers
through, so when their dangerous number 9 got the wrong side of his marker, a
terrific pass picked him out and he made no mistake, the visitors had what they
needed to hang onto. We kept playing however with neat pass and move stuff, and
a good battling display, and when the ball fell right in the midfield
Ashley Childs had no hesitation in hitting it,
another of what is fast becoming a trademark Childs’y strike put us back in
front.
All 14 got involved
and contributed to a good team performance, one change saw us push
Ricardo Phillips up front, and he nodded in number
3 after a good move and delivery. An unfortunate slip by the visiting keeper
aided the effort but Ricardo does have a knack of being in the right place at
the right time.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 27th
October 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League
Thetford Town 2 - 1 Felixstowe & Walton United Res. (1-0)
SQUAD :- Danny
Crump, Kieron Jones, Ashley Phillips, Darius Laws, Jake Hollis, Chris Kyle,
Matty Stanbridge, Matty Morgan (Capt), Ashley Childs, Jamie Perry.
Subs :-
It
is now becoming an all too familiar chorus, at Friday lunch time I had a good
squad of 13 to take to league leaders Thetford Town, by Saturday lunch time I
was down to 10, with late call offs and some questionable unavailability. I was
not a happy chappy at 1pm Saturday, and was beginning to feel I am wasting my
time, not just on a Saturday but getting the squad organised in the week, but
how the 10 lads that made the trip to Thetford altered my opinion and gave their
all for the club in this match, and if we had come away with all 3 points it
would not have been unjust.
My embarrassment with initially letting them know we only had 10 players turned
to sheer pride, but sorrow that they did not get anything from the game, by the
full time whistle.
We
played superb football throughout the game and never looked like we were a man
shy all game, this took huge effort but never has a bunch worked so hard for a
team I have managed as these lads did, right to the end.
We played 4-3-1-1 against Thetford’s 4-5-1, and neat one and two touch pass and
move saw us make all the early running. We carved out several good chances, but
the woodwork and a good goalkeeping display kept us out. Our hosts took the lead
when a free kick was swung into the box and the striker just got his head to it
before us, and for 10 minutes or so we looked a little shaky but the lads dug
deep and got to the break. HT 1-0.
We spoke about not
rolling over, we mustn’t feel sorry for ourselves, we are here lets do a job,
and they responded superbly in the second period. We were playing like the home
side, with Thetford playing on the break, but our young defence were battling
superbly. After some sustained pressure on the home goal they caught us with a
sucker punch and went 2-0 up, a real blow for the lads, but once again they
responded brilliantly, and after hitting the woodwork again and the keeper
thwarting us, finally Jamie Perry pulled a goal
back after Ashley Childs initial strike had been saved. Thetford hung on and
were relieved to here the final whistle and full of praise for our 10 players,
but fair play to Thetford who remain top and unbeaten.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 20th October 2007 -
Ridgeons Reserve League - Group Cup
Felixstowe & Walton United Res. 1 - 1 FC Clacton (1-1)
SQUAD :- Danny Crump, Kieron
Jones, Chris Kyle, Gareth Bolt, Jake Hollis, Darcy Dea’th (Egelton) , Matty
Stanbridge, Matty Morgan (Capt), Kevin Hudson, Jamie Perry, Ashley Phillips.
Subs :- Matthew Egelton.
Despite the lads creating more clear cut chances than the visitors, in terms of
possession and play, a draw was probably the fairest outcome of a game that will
not live too long in the memory. We signed two seasoned campaigners in the week,
Gareth Bolt and Kevin Hudson, and because of late call off’s, once again, and
injuries both had to play, despite Kevin having not played a game for 2 years.
We also welcomed Matty Morgan back to Captain the side after a few weeks on the
first team bench.
For the first 15 minutes
Clacton took the game to us, as the lads took time to settle into another
changed side, and I suppose it was inevitable that we would look like a bunch of
strangers thrown together. Clacton took the lead in their dominant period, but
gradually we started to get into the game, and although the visitors were
keeping good possession we looked the more dangerous going forward. Once again a
poor final ball or poor finishing was the problem. Eventually we got on level
terms when Jamie Perry opened his account for the
season, and despite getting in on several more occasions we didn’t work
Clacton’s keeper. HT 1-1.
The second half was a
bitty affair, but we have to take positives from all games as a reserve side,
and one was the defence with under 18 Jake Hollis partnering Darcy Dea’th at the
heart of it looked very solid and disciplined. Kieron Jones also an under 18 was
right back and Chris Kyle was at left back. Matty Morgan looked a bit rusty but
got a full 90 minutes under his belt, as did Kevin Hudson (well at least 70),
and Jamie Perry, who was top scorer for the reserves last season opened his
account. Clacton had a chance to win it right at the death when a cleared cross
fell nicely for a player to drill it back but Crumpy dived low to his right hand
side to push it round the post, a fine save to give the game a fair score
line.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 6th October - Ridgeons Reserve League - Group Cup
Whitton United Res. 8 - 1 Felixstowe & Walton United Res.
(4-1)
SQUAD :- Danny
Crump, Kieron Jones, Chris Kyle (Capt), James Heathcote, David Sutton, Darcy
Dea’th , Matty Stanbridge Sam Osborne (Hollis), Danny Spurling, Jordan Butcher,
Ashley Childs.
Subs :- Jake Hollis.
A bad day at the office
for us and a good one for Whitton, but with so many key players missing for one
reason or another, it was always going to be tough. I don’t mean it
disrespectfully to the lads that stepped in to help us out, and it was much
appreciated, but we did suffer with a bit of inexperience in vital areas.
We conceded 2 early
goals from very sloppy play, firstly giving the ball away cheaply and then not
making our tackles count. Then we seemed to steady the ship and pulled a goal
back with a fine move which Ash Childs finished off well. Just as we were
looking to make a game of it Whitton, who were really up for it, and possibly
still smarting from the league defeat we inflicted on them, scored a third. This
dropped the lad’s heads totally, and we were all over the place for the rest of
the half, and they scored a 4th. HT 4-1.
At half time I still
believed there was something in the game for us, however the next goal was going
to be crucial. We started the second half positively, and should have got that
next goal with Danny Spurling, Ash Childs and David Sutton all going close.
Whitton then scored and it was all down hill from there as we just wilted as a
team. A harsh lesson, made harder by some unnecessary whinging and bickering,
nobody likes losing games especially by a heavy defeat, but we must stay a team
and all take the blame collectively. Ironically, with Whitton already through
the group stage the second place is still up for grabs, between us Ipswich
Wanderers and Clacton. We have got to play them both at Dellwood.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 22nd September; Ridgeons Reserve League - Group Cup
Ipswich Wanderers Res. 1 - 1 Felixstowe & Walton United Res. (1-0)
SQUAD :- Danny
Crump, Kieron Jones (Osbourne), Chris Kyle, Matty Morgan (Capt), Danny Ebanks,
Darcy Dea’th (Butcher) , Matty Stanbridge, Darius Laws, Ashley Childs(Perry),
James Heathcote, Ash Phillips
Subs :- Jordan Butcher,
Kieron Jones, Jamie Perry.
Not the prettiest game
to watch compared to our recent exploits, with several players off the pace
today. One or two you can do something about but when several have a quiet day
it becomes more difficult.
Wanderers took the lead
early on when a free kick for obstruction, inside the box was deflected in. We
huffed and puffed and on chances created in the first half we probably deserved
to go to the break in front. However poor decision making in the attacking third
combined with poor finishing denied us. Matty Morgan slipped the perfect through
ball for James Heathcote for 1 on 1 with the keeper but Pete Stephens in the
home goal saved well. HT 1-0.
The second half was a
much more open and even game, with both goalkeepers performing well. We were
awarded a penalty which Heathy dispatched well only for the referee to order a
retake for encroachment. Somehow we just knew the retake would be missed, and it
was. Just as we resigning ourselves to a 1-0 defeat, Ashley Phillips took
a corner and aiming for Danny Ebanks at the back post it curled at the last
minute, struck the inside of the upright and in for the equaliser. Probably a
fair result on the day, but we must get our passing game going again for next
weeks home league match against Woodbridge.
Andy Phillips
Tuesday 18th September 2007 - Ridgeons Reserve League
North
Whitton United Res. 2 - 4 Felixstowe & Walton United Res. (1-1)
SQUAD :- Danny
Crump, Ali Brett, Chris Kyle (Capt), James Heathcote, Danny Ebanks (Butcher),
Darcy Dea’th (Jones) , Matty Stanbridge Darius Laws, Jamie Perry(Matthews),
Danny Spurling, Ash Phillips
Subs :- Ash Childs, Jordan
Butcher, Carl Matthews, Kieron Jones.
A good game of football
was played at Whitton United when we visited for this league game. Our
hosts
started the brighter with their neat passing and were much the sharper on the
ball initially. We did look dangerous on the break however, and did take the
lead against the run of play. Danny Spurling broke the off-side line on
20 minutes and finished well. Whitton were soon level 6 minutes later through
Camillo Douglas, and at this point young Danny Crump kept us in the game
with a string of fine saves, one a point blank stop from Renee Swann was a fine
save indeed. We had a big shout for a penalty when Jamie Perry was caught very
late as he ventured into the box, but after hesitation the Ref said no. HT
1-1.
Now when you have a
strong shout for a penalty turned down, the times it seems, that a soft one is
then awarded against you. An innocuous challenge was adjudged to be a foul and
11 minutes into the second half
Douglas
again put the home side 2-1 up from the spot. The game had a good flow about it
now with both sides playing neat football with an attacking edge, the next goal
would be crucial. When we were awarded a free kick outside the box, Ashley
Phillips curled it with his trusty left foot around the wall and into the
far corner.
Ten minutes later another free kick, this time from the other side and up
stepped Ali Brett to curl an even better kick into the top corner. This seemed
to knock the stuffing out of Whiiton as we enjoyed a good spell and took control
of the game. We saved the best till last when a 6 man move was finished off by
Ashley Phillips getting his 2nd and our 4th to seal the
points. A cracking result against the best side we have played so far.
Andy Phillips
Saturday 15th September 2007 - Ridgeons Reserve
League
Hadleigh United 1 - 2 Felixstowe & Walton United Res.
Felixstowe :-
Danny Crump, Kieron
Jones, Jordan Butcher, James Heathcote, Danny Ebanks, Chris Kyle(Capt) , Matty
Stanbridge Darius Laws, Jamie Perry(Childs), Ash Veitch, Ash Phillips
Subs :- Ash Childs.
Ash Childs
came off of the bench and struck a stunning 35 yarder to give us a deserved
victory over a stubborn and hard working home side.
In
conditions more akin to Florida than Hadleigh in the first half, both sides
produced a high tempo very entertaining game, and all credit to them. Our first
chance came in the opening minutes when a fine delivery from an Ash Phillips
corner saw Danny Ebanks header just shave the top of the bar. The same
combination saw the exact same thing happen twice more in the first half.
Hadleigh were lively and both sides were carving out chances, but with both
defences looking solid the half ended 0-0.
We
started the 2nd half sluggishly, like we did last week, must talk
about that, and our hosts had their best spell where they took the lead. However
heads did not drop, and we gradually began to control the game. After a period
of sustained pressure it was no surprise when we equalised. A terrific move
involving 6 players saw Ash Phillips square it for James Heathcote to
pass it into the net, a fine goal. On 70 minutes Ash Childs replaced Jamie Perry
who had run his socks off. Ash was looking up for it and when he dropped deep to
pick up the ball he turned and unleashed an unstoppable shot worthy of winning
any game at any level.
With first team call ups I had no hesitation in dropping two of the under 18s in
at full backs, Kieron Jones right and Jordan butcher left, both were terrific
for us. Also thanks to Ash Veitch for coming along for his last game before
going to university, he had a great game leading the line, and good luck to him.
Andy Phillips
Ridgeons Reserve League - Group Cup
F.C. Clacton 1 -3 Felixstowe & Walton United Res.
SQUAD :- Danny Crump, David Ford, Sam Osbourne (Tomiak), James
Heathcote, Danny Ebanks, Darcy Dea’th, Matty Stanbridge (Fonseca), Matt Morgan
(Capt), Carl Matthews, Ash Childs (Jones), Ash Phillips
Subs :- Tony Fonseca, Kieron Jones, Matt Egelton, Michael Tomiak.
After the first game at home to Whitton where the club as a whole suffered from
mass player unavailability, and then the following week where the opposition
failed to show, it was nice to pick a decent squad for the group cup game away
at Clacton. Consequentially we got our season up and running with a convincing
win, which on chances created could and should have been more than 3-1.
Clacton were a young side, as are we, and they never stopped running, but we
were playing neat possession football that had them chasing for a lot of the
first half. We put early pressure on and got the start we wanted when a
clearance out of the Clacton box fell to James Heathcote
on the edge of the box who drilled it into the corner of the net.
We were looking to build on this, and created chance after chance but either a
poor final ball or poor finishing saw us just score one more before the break
through Carl Matthews.
Clacton pulled one back when a lack of communication at the back saw there big
number 10 have time to pick his spot. HT 1-2.
We started the second half sluggishly, and our hosts had their best spell of the
game, in this spell Crumpy had to make his only save of the game blocking well
with his feet. We gradually got back on top playing some neat football along the
way, and a terrific move down the right saw Heathy deliver the perfect cross for
Ash Childs to head home number three. Some things
to work on but the positives were both strikers scored, our passing game was a
joy to watch at times, four of the current under 18 squad were involved and all
in all a very satisfying performance.
Andy Phillips