First Team Match Reports for Season 2009-2010

Seasiders name new Management Team:
Felixstowe & Walton United have announced the appointment of Kevin Witchalls and Andy Clarke as joint managers of the club for the forthcoming season 2010/2011 following the resignation of Glen Driver and his backroom staff.
Both have been involved with the club for many years, Witchalls began as a manager at junior level with the under 9's and has worked his way through the junior system over the last decade to last season’s position where he was in charge of the successful reserve team.
Clarke has been involved with the club for over 20 years making his Eastern Counties League debut as a 16 year old and was latterly the manager of the clubs Ridgeons League under 18 side.

Chairman Tony Barnes said......."I am absolutely delighted to make this appointment, the club has great aspirations for the future and has long term plans for further development of the club including a new ground. The club will now have a Management Team in place that share those aspirations which can only be good for all concerned and for the community as a whole.
In recent seasons we have made great strides forward and began to see the benefit of our massive Junior and Youth set up, several players have now made the journey from junior mini soccer right through to the Senior team and it is testament to our development policies that the same can now be said about the Coaches and Management.

Kevin and Andy bring an abundance of footballing knowledge and coaching skills to the table, and they will be supported by additional well qualified FA coaches running the Reserves and Under 18's.
I have nothing but praise and thanks for the sterling work done by Glen and Tony and wish them both every success in any new position they may be offered.

There is a great sense of optimism around the club and already an air of excitement for the season ahead, we are as ambitious as always and the committee will be working hard during the close season to rally support from the local business community and the local population to strengthen the club finances and also to increase match-day attendances and income."

Witchalls ended his reign as reserve team manager on Saturday with a 6-0 win but has no illusions about the size of the task ahead. Speaking on Sunday Kevin said  "Both Andy and I are grateful to be given the opportunity by the club and are excited by the challenge ahead. We have some excellent young talent that we have been working with over the past couple of seasons and believe some of them are now ready to be given a chance at first team level".

Saturday 1st May 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Wisbech Town  1 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
The last game of the league season for both sides and the last game for the Fen Men at their temporary home in Outwell as they look forward to playing at their new ground in Wisbech at the start of next season. They flew 'The Nest' with a win thanks to Curtis Knight's goal on fifteen minutes.

Fen Men: Alex Street, Billy Smith, Jason Pease, Lewis Thompson, Anthony Reeve, Kevin Leggett, Robbie Harris, Darren Jimson, Tommy Treacher (Max Mattless 69), Rory Harper (Steve Appleby 89), Curtis Knight (Scott Cubberley 61).

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Martin Calver, Craig Stuart, Sheridan Driver, Bradley Barber (Stuart Ainsley 62) , Duane Wright, Lee Norfolk (Keith Hetherington 60), Ben Cranfield, Paul Berry (Luke Read 69).

Officials: M Blackledge, C Wesley, H Fulcher,
Att: 120

The Seasiders enjoyed the early running but the first clear opportunity Harper for the home side on ten minutes  but he put his shot over following a good run. Smith also went close before Treacher's ball from the right found Knight at the far post Norfolk did well to block his shot before Knight cleverly back heeled the ball from close range into the net. Street in the home goal saved headers from Calver and Cranfield as the visitors went in search of a reply and Calver blasted over from close range with the goal at his mercy from Cranfields cross after he had been picked out by Barber's Bekham style pass from mid-field.

On the stroke of half Barber's corner was header on by Calver but Cranfield free at the post could only tap the ball into the grateful arms of Street for the home side to maintain the lead at the break.

Berry went close and Calver's dipping shot just cleared the home bar early in the second period, but the half belonged to Wisbech and they should have extended their lead with Harper squandering a number of chances and Smith having rounded Jones in the visitors goal placed his shot against a post with Harper blasting over from Harris' follow up pass.

When Reeve fired wide after Jimson had created the opening and the home side failed to secure the second goal the Seasiders were thrown a life-line. Wright was bundled over by Leggett just inside the area with 12 minutes remaining and Cranfield stepped up to take the resulting penalty.  Street guessed correctly and saved Cranfield's tame shot shot low to his left.

It was to be last Felixstowe's last opportunity on Street's goal, with the home side comfortably seeing out time to record a deserved win.

The game and season ended on a sad note with Sheridan Driver stretched from the field with a ruptured achilles tendon, we wish Sheri a speedy recovery.

Despite the defeat The Seasiders finish an excellent season in 7th place in the table, the highest position for over a decade. Well done and congratulations to Glen, TK, Stuart and all the players and back room staff.

Tuesday 27th April 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 0  Haverhill Rovers  (0-0)
The Seasiders gained victory in their final home game of the season with the only goal coming in the 64th minute when Morrison palmed Duane Wright's goal bound shot onto the foot of his left hand post only for the ball to rebound back off the Haverhill keeper into the goal.
Both sides played neat football box to box without finding the crucial final ball but as the game progressed the Seasiders looked most likely to break the deadlock as the pressure on the visitors goal increased in the second half with Morrison saving from Berry and  getting a strong hand to Cranfield's shot to tip the ball over the bar.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Stuart Ainsley, Lee Norfolk, Craig Stuart, Sheridan Driver,Paul Berry, Duane Wright,  Matt Mackenzie (Allicion Blake 58), Ben Cranfield, Keith Hetherington (Luke Read 58).
Unused Sub: Ben Tawell.

Rovers: Matthew Morison, Harry Halls, Danny Shipton, Sam Holmes, Jamie Challis (Paul Hunt 13), Stuart Kingham, Marc Abbott, Marcus Hunt, Louis Harper, Shaun Banham, Martin Wescott (Ben Fisher 11).

Officials: J Steel, A Rayner, P Howard.
Att: 71

Saturday 24th April 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
CRC  1 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United   (0-1)
The Seasiders dented the Scholars Championship hopes as they maintained their unbeaten record against CRC with a well deserved draw at the Abbey Stadium. Both sides provided an attractive passing game on an excellent surface with the Felixstowe defence dealing well with the agile and skilful CRC forwards.  The home side led the corner count 7-1 at the interval but importantly were behind to Duane Wright's headed goal in the final action of the half with Blake and Saker prominent in the build up to the goal. Christy Finch equalised ten minutes into the second half with a well taken left foot shot inside Jones' right hand post. Both sides create openings that could have provided a winner but in a game without a foul worthy of the name both sides would have been disappointed to have finished the game without reward.

Scholars: Laurie Walker, Jonathan Thorpe, Darryl Coakley (Jack Igglesden 72), Alex Bevan, Blaine Hudson, Sam Ives, Jack Eades (Chris Tonks 78), Luke Berry, Liam Hughes, Remi Garrett (Christy Finch 14), James Brighton.
Unused Subs: Josh England, Luke Allen.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Lee Norfolk, Craig Stuart, Sheridan Driver, Stuart Ainsley (Paul Berry 51), Duane Wright, Allicion Blake (Matt Mackenzie 78), Bradley Barber, Martin Calver.
Unused Sub: Ben Tawell.

Officials: J Turner, J Thorold, P Goodacre.
Att: 98

Wright and Barber replaced Cranfield and Hetherington in the starting eleven for the visit to the Abby Stadium as we reached the sharp end of the season with top of the table CRC needing points in their battle for the championship and the Seasiders still with a chance of fifth place in the table, which would be their highest ever placing.

On a sunny warm afternoon the sprinklers were on as we arrived and the visitors obviously enjoyed passing the ball around on a good surface as they kept the ball in the early stages, without advancing too far but forcing the scholars to chase the ball. Norfolk's deep cross provided Walker in the home goal with an early touch as he claimed a deep ball.

Gradually CRC gained momentum earning the first corner of the game on eight minutes with Brighton's shot deflected for the first of a succession of corners for the home side. Sheridan Driver and Stuart Crawford at the heart of the Felixstowe defence rose to the challenge as the mobile home forwards steadily increased pressure on the Seasider's goal. Driver cleared shots from Coakley and Finch for corners and was first to intercept a cross from the ever dangerous Luke Berry. 

A spell of attacking pressure from the visitors saw Calver go close with a shot from distance. Walker saved at the expense of a corner to deny Blake and from the flag kick Barber struck the bar with the ball eventually scrambled away by the home defence.

A fine save from Jones pictured from Hughes following Coakley's run and cross and Berry headed over the Felixstowe bar from Brighton's cross and Hughes failed to take full advantage after making a good break into the area with Jones clearing the danger.

With half time fast approaching Saker played in Blake who turned well on the by line to link again with Saker and his cross from the right was headed home by Duane Wright for the opening goal pictured.

CRC Manager Jez George taking a break from his 410 mile walk pointed the way after the break pictured and ten minutes into the second period the equaliser came with the ever dangerous Christy Finch placing his left foot shot just inside Jones' right hand post in a crowded area.

Both sides, playing flowing football with a good tempo, went for the win with Blake forcing Hudson to block his shot for a corner and Calver and Berry, on for Ainsley, both saw shots go close. Craig Stuart made an excellently timed tackle to deny Berry at the expense of a corner. Jones collected Hughes shot with ease and the final opportunity fell to Igglesden who fired his shot over deep into injury time.
With both sides working hard to the final whistle a winning goal for either side would have been cruel with the draw a fair result.

The point saw CRC slip to second as Needham collected all three points from their fixture today and must hope that Needham loose points in their last two games at Kirkley and Dereham.

The Seasiders stay 7th and will need Mildenhall and Stanway to slip up in their final games to climb higher.

Final home game of the season is this coming Tuesday when we entertain Haverhill Rovers, hope to see you there. k.o. 7.45pm

Wednesday 21st April 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Histon Res.  1 - 2  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-2)
Two goals in the five minutes before half time saw the Seasiders collect all three points after Histon had taken the lead on seventeen minutes.

Sutes: Sean Greygoose, Jay Dowie, Sam Pearkinson, May York, Joe Stroud, Seb Baxter, Sam Mason-Smith, James Stevenson (Ross Woolford 57), Dulton O'Brien (Tom Howard 75), Lewis Taaffe (Zak Mills 45), Yacine Relizani.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Sheridan Driver, Craig Stuart, Lee Norfolk, Stuart Ainsley (Paul Berry 55), Martin Calver, Keith Hetherington (Matt Mackenzie 70), Ben Cranfield (Ben Tawell 63), Allicion Blake.

Officials: D Appleby, M Taylor, A Wilson.
Att: 64

A young, skilful and fast moving home side had enjoyed the better of the opening half hour and took the lead when Yacine Relizani's free kick from wide on the right defeated everyone to find it's way into the visitors goal. Felixstowe switched to 4-4-2 and gained more of the ball in midfield resulting in a good move through the centre and an equalising goal from Martin Calver on 41 minutes as he steered the ball over the advanced Greygoose from 25 yards.
With seconds remaining before the break Allicion Blake met Ainsley's corner to head home, what proved to be the winner, at the near post.
After a quiet second period the Seasider's goal came under late pressure with Berry clearing off the line and Stuart clearing Baxter's shot at the expense of a corner but Jones was not tested as the visitors saw out time, if a little uncomfortably.

Saturday 17th April 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Newmarket Town  2 -0  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
A goal in each half saw the Jockeys earn all three points from a game that produced few scoring opportunities on a warm sunny afternoon. The only change to the Seasider's starting line-up from Thursday was Wark for the injured Stuart and it was the unfortunate Wark who had the final touch to divert Bell's cross past the stranded Jones for the opening goal on 25 minutes. The visitors best opening of the first half was created by Ryland with his cross headed just over the home bar by Cranfield. Paul Jones placed his well struck shot from 25 yards just inside Jones' left hand post for the second and despite Felixstowe pressure the points were secure with Eady and Vowden effectively managing the home defence to prevent any clear site on goal.

Jockeys: Lee Hulyer, Shaun Avis, Louise Baille, Colin Vowden, Andy Eady, Paul Betson, Jamie Crawley (Oliver Drake 80), Paul Jones, Adam Mudday (David Grainger 78), Steve Bugg, Steve Bell.
Unused Subs: Jonathan Olive, James Lane.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Sheridan Driver, Martin Calver, Scott Wark (Lee Norfolk 46), Stuart Ainsley, Duane Wright (Bradley Barber 44), Matt Mackenzie (Allicion Blake 59), Ben Cranfield, Paul Berry.
Unused Subs: Keith Hetherington, Ben Tawell.

Officials: Brian O'Sullivan, P Dobbs, N Evans.
Att: 70

Scott Wark starting in place of the injured Craig Stuart was the only change to the starting line-up from Thursday evenings convincing win against Wroxham. The most notable change was in the weather  with Thursday's bitterly cold east coast  wind replaced by warm sunshine. As usual a good number of supporters had travelled along the A14 to support the Seasiders.
Felixstowe, with only one defeat in eleven travelled with a degree of confidence as Newmarket had not recorded a win in their last ten matches but the joy of the game is the unpredictability and the Jockeys were good value for their win.

The home side started brightly winning a corner in the first minute which Jones claimed with confidence. Mackenzie pictured  closed quickly on Hullyer in the home goal following Eady's back pass with Hullyer off his line quickly to deny Mackenzie once again as the visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure and Cranfield saw his shot pictured right go narrowly wide.

Steve Bell made a number of telling runs down the Newmarket left and on 25 minutes his low drive into the area was turned into his own goal by the unfortunate Wark to open the scoring for the Jockeys.
The Seasiders were at their most dangerous when playing the ball to feet with long balls easily dealt with by the experienced Eady and Vowden at the heart of the home defence.

The best opportunity for the visitors was created by Ryland finishing positive build up play with an accurate cross which Cranfield headed just over the home bar on 38 minutes.

Wright limped off just before the break to be replaced by Barber with Wark replaced moments into the second half with Norfolk joining the action.

Berry's influence left increased with Eady clearing his cross early in the second half at the expense of a corner. Driver went close to gaining the vital touch at the far post from Barber's free kick and Baille was on hand to clear the danger from Ryland's cross for another corner but the break through failed to come.

Blake replaced Mackenzie on the hour with Berry's shot on the turn mid way through the half, comfortably held by Hullyer, the Seasiders last serious threat on goal. With twenty minutes remaining Paul Jones pictured right struck from 25 yards and the ball flew low inside Liam Jones' left hand post to double the home side's lead.

The visitors continued to toil away but without troubling home keeper Hullyer and the Jockeys saw out time to claim all three points.

Thursday 15th April 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   3 - 0  Wroxham   (2-0)
FA Vase Finalists Wroxham may have had one eye on Wembley Stadium but this should not detract from a very positive team performance from the Seasiders which saw them record a win against the Yachtsmen for the first time since October 1998. Ten league and one cup game have been won by Wroxham since then, making this a very notable win indeed.
Matt Ryland opened the scoring on 28 minutes heading home from Saker's cross with Ben Cranfield steering the ball over the advanced Howie, for the Seasiders second, six minutes before the break.  Wroxham pressed for a reply with Jones saving from Cook and Durrant going close before Martin Calver secured the win with a well taken headed goal on seventy minutes.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Martin Calver, Sheridan Driver, Craig Stuart (Scott Wark 45), Duane Wright (Lee Norfolk 75), Stuart Ainsley, Matt Mackenzie, Ben Cranfield (Adam Hampson 81), Paul Berry.
Unused Subs: Allicion Blake, Keith Hetherington.

Yachtsmen: Scott Howie, Dan Self, Shaun Howes, Graham Challen (Karl Fox 80), Gavin Pauling, Dan White (Colin Wines 61), Steve Spriggs, Gavin Lemmon, Paul Cook, Ross Durrant, Paul Timm.
Unused Subs: Olly King, Andy Easthaugh.

Officials: Carl Fitch, Julian Gibbons, Mark Potkins.
Att: 81

Ryland came into the starting eleven for the absent Barber with Cranfield and Mackenzie replacing Hetherington and Blake in attack, as the Seasiders welcomed FA Finalists Wroxham for a rare Thursday evening fixture at Dellwood Avenue.

Spriggs posed the first threat on goal firing over the home cross bar on nine minutes with Howie in the Wroxham goal well behind Mackenzie's shot on 15 minutes, with the young Felixstowe forward going on to produce an excellent 90 minutes. Driver produced a timely tackle to deny Cook as the home defence  responded well to the expected pressure from Wroxham. Cranfield's run on goal was well intercepted by Howie in the Wroxham goal with Felixstowe earning the first corner of the game on 25 minutes.

The Seasider's measured approach play was rewarded on 28 minutes when Blake's cross was headed home by the busy Matt Ryland who's deep runs down the left were a feature of the game.
Calver intercepted White's dangerous cross on 34 minutes at the expense of a corner with Wroxham coming close to equalising before Howes' flag kick was eventually scrambled away to safety.

Ben Cranfield doubled the lead six minutes before the interval with persistence winning the ball on the edge of the Wroxham and with Howie advanced the Seasiders' top scorer guided the ball into the unguarded net.

Craig Stuart who had put in an excellent shift was replaced at the interval by Wark due to injury.

Both sides continued to play neat possession football to feet with Felixstowe certainly on top of their game against well respected opposition. Howie saved from Cranfield and Jones was well behind Cook's shot as the game flowed from end to end. Pauling headed away Ryland's deep cross for a corner before Martin Calver confirmed the win with a well taken headed goal twenty minutes from time.

An excellent all round team performance from the Seasiders and a rare victory against quality opposition.
We wish Wroxham every success in their Vase Final on May 9th.

Congratulation also to Referee Carl Fitch on his appointment to the Football League line for next season.

Saturday 10th April 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 1  Dereham Town   (0-0)
A Stuart Ainsley penalty goal five minutes into time added on at the end of the game earned a point for the Seasiders from a close match. Until the 77th minute, when Dan Beaumont pounced on a defensive mistake to claim the lead for the visitors with a well struck shot, neither keeper had needed to make a save of note and the game looked to be heading for a goal-less draw but following the goal the game livened up with a number of players going into the notebook.
Felixstowe pressed forward for a reply but Dereham looked to be heading home with all three points until a hand ball decision provided the home side with a get out of jail card which they gladly took.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Stuart Ainsley, Sheridan Driver, Martin Calver, Craig Stuart, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Allicion Blake, Keith Hetherington (Matt Mackenzie 68), Paul Berry (Matt Ryland 68).
Unused Subs: Lee Norfolk, Adam Hampson.

Dereham: John Higgs, Oliver Willis, Dan Buhlemann, Jay Eastoe-Smith, Adam Gusterson, Dan Beamont (Dave Hinton 89), Nick Howell, Adam Smith, Sam Willis Scott Roberts 76), Stuart King, Craig Terrington, (Craig Barrett 65).

Officials: J Marin, N Phillips, T McReadie.
Att: 89

Ainsley returned from suspension and Barber was in the starting eleven as Manager Driver made two changes to the side defeated at Woodbridge on Monday for the visit of in-form Dereham to Dellwood on a sunny afternoon.

The first half saw both sides play neat build up play box to box but both defences were on top of their game and restricted scoring opportunities to a minimum. Dereham went closest to breaking the deadlock on 33 minutes when following a corner Stuart cleared a well struck shot off the Felixstowe goal line.
A bright start for the Seasiders with Berry clearing the Dereham bar with an early effort and his shot was blocked for the first corner of the game on five minutes with Barber's flag kick headed over by Wright. Smith fired over the Felixstowe bar and Jones held the ball comfortably from Terrington as Dereham enjoyed a good spell of pressure mid-way through the half.
Driver headed over the Dereham bar when well placed from Barber's deep cross as half time approached, but at the break there was little to choose between the two sides.

Smith's shot was blocked for a corner to Dereham shortly after the restart and in reply Blake's shot was turned away for a corner by Dereham's Buhlemann as the game followed the pattern set in the first period.
Higgs was quickly off his line pictured left to deny Wright who found himself one on one with the visiting keeper and when Wright headed over the bar shortly after a blank score sheet was looking the likely outcome.
On 77 minutes the game moved up a couple of gears as the dangerous Dan Beamont pictured right seized on an uncharacteristic lapse of concentration in the home defence to claim the ball 25 yards out and run on to coolly slide the ball past Jones .

Felixstowe pressed forward with greater purpose and Ainsley brought a good save from Higgs as the Dereham defence was put under pressure and Blake pictured left was narrowly wide from Mackenzie's pass.
With time running down Dereham looked to have negotiated the late surge from the home side and about to inflict on the Seasiders only their second home defeat in the league this season but a hand ball decision gave Felixstowe a life-line which Stuart Ainsley took with confidence to record his opening goal for the Seasiders below.

Easter Monday 5th April 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Woodbridge Town  1 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
A single goal from David Kempson pictured on the ball three minutes before the interval saw the Woodpeckers gain a valuable three points as they made it three wins from five to pull further away from the threat of relegation. The Seasiders had scored five against Woodbridge only six days ago but failed to test Rhodes in the home goal despite dominating the possession and saw their eight game unbeaten run come to an end.

Woodpeckers: Lewis Rhodes, Robbie Smythe, Grand Monaghan, Gavin Frost, Ben Miller, Aaron Churchyard, Tom Trevivian (Dan Morphew 86), Liam Scopes, Josh Mayhew, James Churchill (Marcus Josiah 70), David Kempson.
Unused Subs: James Fulker, Jordan Seaman, Adam Wilson.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Luke Read, Sheridan Driver, Craig Stuart (Bradley Barber 58), Martin Calver, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington, Allicion Blake (Lee Norfolk 85), Paul Berry (Matt Mackenzie 70).
Unused Subs: Matt Ryland, Scott Wark.

Officials: Nick Cooper, Paul Quick, Chris Dale.
Att: 158

A week may be a long time in politics but six days may not be long enough to play the same opposition again. After defeating the Woodpeckers 5-0 last Saturday the Seasiders brought in another forward for the Easter Monday visit to Notcutts Park for the return match but the home side were determined to be much tighter and more competitive than in the trip to Dellwood Avenue.
For the Seasiders, top scorer Cranfield came back into the starting line up with Wark nursing an injury named on the bench. Four changes to the Woodbridge line up from last week's encounter with Rhodes, Smythe, Trevivian and Kempson replacing Wilson, Fulker, Josiah and Pratt in the starting eleven.

A cold dry afternoon with a strengthening wind blowing down the pitch to the backs of the home side in the first half with a good number of supporters making the trip from Felixstowe fully expecting the Seasiders to make it nine undefeated on the bounce, but the beauty of the game is that nothing can be taken for granted.

Against the wind Felixstowe built steadily through midfield winning half a dozen first half corners but failing to test Rhodes in the home goal with Calver nearest shooting over the bar from Blake's cross.
For Woodbridge Scopes shot wide from distance and there were strong appeals for a penalty when Churchill went over Jones' outstretched arms. Jones was penalised for picking up the ball again after releasing it but Frost from the resulting free kick placed his shot well wide.

Felixstowe increased the pressure on the home goal as the interval approached with Woodbridge looking to defend in depth and strike on the break which they did decisively two minutes before the half time whistle when a speculative cross come shot from David Kempson deceived Jones to come off the underside of the bar for the only goal of the game pictured right.

With the wind to their backs in the second half Felixstowe continued to enjoy the greater possession without getting past the home back line and all too often were caught off-side. Woodbridge went close to doubling their lead after wining their first corner of the game on 64 minutes with Churchyard just clearing the Felixstowe bar at the far post.

Wright, Hetherington and Cranfield with a shot on the turn all went close without forcing a save from Rhodes as the waves of possession continued. Jones produced a good save at the expense of a corner to deny Mayhew, pictured above with Sheridan Driver, as the home side threatened on the break.

Manager Glenn Driver introduced Mackenzie, Barber and Norfolk as Felixstowe went in search of a reply but Woodbridge defended with determination to the final whistle to gain three valuable and deserved points.

Determined defending from Monaghan as he tackles Hetherington

Tuesday 30th March 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   5 - 0  Woodbridge Town   (3-0)
The Seasiders moved into sixth place in the table following a comfortable home win against the Woodpeckers.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Luke Read, Craig Stuart, Sheridan Driver, Scott Wark (Lee Norfolk 45), Martin Calver, Duane Wright (Ben Tawell 70), Keith Hetherington (Adam Hampson 70), Allicion Blake, Paul Berry.
Unused Subs: Joe Bloomfield, James Waters.

Woodpeckers: Adam Wilson, James Fulker (David Kempson 73), Grand Monaghan, Gavin Frost, Chris Pratt, Ben Miller, Marcus Josiah (Tom Trevivian 66), Liam Scopes, Josh Mayhew, James Churchill (Dan Morphew 72), Aaron Churchyard.
Unused Subs: Lewis Rhodes.

Officials: Adrian Sannerude, Mark Potkins, Alan Dale.
Att: 91

 The visitors earned their fair share of possession and moved the ball well in mid-field but lacked the vital finish with Jones' save from Churchyard at the expense of a corner midway through the first half the only serious threat on the home goal.
In contrast the Seasiders threatened with every attack and after Blake bundled home the ball at the far post following a good run and cross from Read the result was never seriously in question.
Calver's sweeping cross from the right was rifled home by Hetherington on 19 minutes and three minutes later the unfortunate Fulker turned the ball into his own net from Hetherington's dangerous ball across the six yard area.
On the hour Blake scored the fourth drilling home his shot inside Wilson's right hand post with Berry completing the scoring with the goal of the game ten minutes from time with a blistering volley into the top corner of the net from 22 yards.

Saturday 27th March 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   2 - 0  Ely City   (0-0)
With the game goal-less after 65 minutes Manager Glenn Driver's double substitution turned the game in favour of the home side. Hetherington on the pitch for three minutes stooped to head the home side into the lead after Cranfield's shot had cannoned back off the Robin's bar and fellow substitute Blake secured the win two minutes from time from Calver's cross.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Luke Read (Joe Bloomfield 84), Craig Stuart, Scott Wark, Bradley Barber (Keith Hetherington 65), Duane Wright, Martin Calver, Ben Cranfield, Lee Norfolk (Allicion Blake 65).
Unused Subs: Paul Berry, James Waters.

Robins: Lee Pacey, Adam Dalby, Jamie Alsop, Simon Warren, Lee Dixon, James Wallis (Chris Sterecki 16), Nick Impey, Dave Smith, Scott Fielding, Tony Beck, Owen Kesack.
Unused Subs: Ben Lawrence, Brady Stone.

Officials: S Artis, J Mitchell, P Quick.
Att: 100

Martin Calver pictured above with Ely's Tony Beck returned for the Seasiders following his broken nose at Needham Market and Lee Norfolk replaced the suspended Ainsley for the visit of Ely City. The sides had met at the Unwin Ground less than two weeks ago with the Seasiders edging a close game 2-1 and another close encounter was fully expected today.

Jones was quickly off his line to fist Impey's cross away pictured as the Robins started brightly with Impey pictured below with Matt Ryland and Kesack pictured right with Craig Stuart making ground quickly down the flanks but the home defence dealt effectively with balls into the area.

Alsop placed his free kick wide and Jones made comfortable saves from Smith and Beck as the visitors continued to earn good possession in the opening period without the telling execution in front of goal and as the half continued the home side began to threaten.

Cranfield was denied twice by Pacey in the Ely goal as he headed goal-ward from Read's cross and then saw a low shot well saved. Impey went close for Ely with the best chance of the half falling to Felixstowe's Read as the interval approached following a good move by the Seasiders but Pacey collected his shot with ease to keep the sides level at the break.

After the half time interval both sides continued play neat football on the ground but without threatening until Kesack brought an excellent save from Jones at his right hand post at the expense of a corner.

Felixstowe's Manager Glenn Driver made a double substitution on 65 minutes with forwards Hetherington and Blake replacing Barber and Norfolk as he went in search of a breakthrough and he did not have to wait long. Three minutes later Cranfield's shot from the edge of the area pictured left cannoned back off the Ely cross bar and first to react was Keith Hetherington as he stooped to head the ball home pictured right.

Jones saved from Smith as Ely went in search of a reply before Allicion Blake confirmed the win for the Seasiders two minutes from time as he met Calver's cross at the far post to volley home from close range pictured below.

After two close games Ely will be disappointed not to have obtained any reward for their efforts but the win makes it three in row for the first time this season as the Seasiders look to finish strongly having extended their unbeaten run to seven games.

Saturday 20th March 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Debenham L.C.   1 - 2  Felixstowe & Walton United   (0-1)
Back to back away wins for the Seasiders as two goals from Ben Cranfield secured all three points at Debenham Leisure Centre to extend the unbeaten run to six games. Cranfield scored his first on 20 minutes after the visitors had dominated the early play with the Hornets working hard for a reply. Ian Gedny rifled home the equaliser on 64 minutes from 25 yards with Cranfield netting his second ten minutes from time. 

Hornets: Louis Johnson, Mark Powling, Jon Ince, Neil Gooderham, Shaun French (Shaun Thorrold 89), Rob Kemp, Warren Taylor-Holt, Dave Cannon (Danny allen 15), Stuart Jopling, Ian Gedny, Dale Vince (Tom Hughes 89)

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Luke Read, Matt Ryland, Blake Saker, Craig Stuart, Scott Wark, Bradley Barber (Matt Mackenzie 75), Duane Wright, Allicion Blake (Keith Hetherington 75), Ben Cranfield, Stuart Ainsley (Lee Norfolk 75).
Unused Subs: Ben Tawell, Joe Bloomfield.

Officials: Glen Sandell, Stuart Nunn, Gary High.
Att: 60

Paul Berry was sidelined for the trip to Debenham due to injury with Barber and Ryland returning to the starting line up. A good following had made their way from the coast on a mild but grey afternoon with the wind blowing down the pitch, behind the Seasiders in the first half.

Felixstowe started strongly forcing early corners with Johnson in the home goal dealing well with the balls into the area. Blake failed to test Johnson, firing wide of his right hand post, having created a good opening and Vince cleared Barber's deep free kick at the expense of a corner as the pressure built on the home goal.

Despite being pegged back into their own half the Hornets were closest to scoring the first goal when they broke quickly through Taylor-Holt on eleven minutes with Jopling and Vince seeing efforts blocked in a scramble in the Felixstowe six yard area.
Felixstowe continued to impress with Johnson saving from Blake and Wright seeing his shot drift wide of the home goal before the Seasiders took the lead on twenty minutes. Barber's flag kick was helped on by Blake with Ben Cranfield pictured volleying home from eight yards in a crowded area.

Debenham enjoyed a good spell as they increased their share of possession with Jopling testing Jones in the Seasiders goal and the reliable Stuart quick to deny Gedny at the expense of a corner. Allen's shot was blocked by Read for another corner but Felixstowe finished the half on the attack with Wright heading wide.

The home side continued to work hard for a reply after the break with Kemp's influence increasing and Ince standing out in defence for Debenham and on 63 minutes they were rewarded with an equaliser. Ian Gedny claimed a loose ball in midfield and with the wind behind him produced an unstoppable rising shot from 25 yards.

With fifteen minutes remaining and in need of a change Glen Driver introduced all three Felixstowe subs with Mackenzie, Hetherington and Norfolk replacing Blake, Ainsley and Barber.
With fresh impetus the visitors pushed forward and when Norfolk's free kick from wide on the left was not cleared Ben Cranfield was on hand to rifle home his second for what proved to be the winner - pictured below No. 10.

Jones claimed the ball well from successive corners under pressure as the home side pressed for a late reply but the Seasiders defence held firm once again to see out time and claim the three points which sees them retain seventh spot in the table.

Next Saturday Ely City visit Dellwood Avenue.

Tuesday 16th March 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Ely City  1 - 2  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-1)
Liam Jones' injury time save from Robbie Mason's fierce strike secured all three points for the Seasiders at the Unwin ground. Ben Cranfield had fired Felixstowe into the lead on the half hour off the underside of the bar after Saker's goal bound shot had been cleared off the home goal line.
A blistering free kick from Jamie Alsop had brought the sides level on 43 minutes with Paul Berry regaining the lead for the visitors with a low left foot shot eleven minutes into the second half. Felixstowe came under pressure as the game came to a close defending in strength and with great determination to retain the lead to the final whistle.

Robins: Lee Pacey, Adam Dalby, Jamie Alsop, Brady Stone, Ben Lawrence, James Wallis, Chris Sterecki (Nick Impey 75), Simon Warren (Tony Beck 90), Scott Fielding, Richard Chadwick, Owen Kessack (Robbie Mason 70).
Unused subs: Lee Dixon, David Smith.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Luke Read, Blake Saker (Keith Hetherington 29 (Adam Hampson 85), Lee Norfolk, Craig Stuart, Scott Wark, Stuart Ainsley (Capt), Duane Wright, Allicion Blake ( Lewis Driver 65), Ben Cranfield, Paul Berry.
Unused Subs: Ben Tawell, James Waters.

Officials: Mr N Hair, Mr A Rayner, Mr C Warn.
Att: 60

The match had previously been postponed on arrival at the ground, but no problems with the pitch this evening on a near perfect night for football with the Seasiders looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games.

Both sides earned early corners with both keepers getting an early touch of the ball, Blake looked lively in attack and Pacey in the home goal made a good save at a post from Read as the Seasiders enjoyed the better of the early stages and just before the half hour mark were ahead. Saker's shot beat Pacey but was blocked on the line before Ben Cranfield rifled home the rebound off the underside of the bar. Appeals that the ball had not crossed the line were more in hope than with any conviction and the goal duly stood.

The Felixstowe goal came under pressure as the half came to a close with Jones quickly off his line to block Chadwick's shot and Wark cleared off the line from Kessack before the equaliser arrived two minutes from the half time break. Wright was booked for hand-ball just outside the area and Jamie Alsop produced an unstoppable shot inside the angle of bar and post from the free-kick.

Ten minutes after the restart Paul Berry restored the lead for the visitors with a low left foot shot, following a good run down the right from Read, and Dalby produced a timely and important tackle to stop Blake's run on goal and an excellent opportunity for the third.

Ely pressed forward with Lawrence's 'Delap style' long throws a feature of the second half putting the Felixstowe defence under pressure with Jones making saves from Stone and Impey to keep the Seasiders ahead. Stuart once again was outstanding in defence with the whole side showing great determination to defend the lead and also looking dangerous on the break.

A spectacular diving save from Jones to deny Mason's rising drive following another long throw from Lawrence deep into time added-on sealed the win and cap an excellent team performance.

Saturday 13th March 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   2 - 2  Mildenhall Town   (0-0)
The Seasiders had to come from behind twice to share the points against a slick passing Mildenhall side who were looking to extend a four match winning run. There was plenty of action in the opening 20 minutes before the game settled into a game where both defences were dominant. There was also late controversy when the visitors were awarded what looked a match winning penalty with ten minutes left, but Glenn Driver has instilled resilience into his side and they recovered to earn a point for the third game in a row.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Luke Read, Craig Stuart, Scott Wark, Bradley Barber, Stuart Ainsley (Capt), Allicion Blake (Duane Wright 77), Ben Cranfield (Matt McKenzie 77), Paul Berry (Keith Hetherington 80)
Unused Subs: Lee Norfolk, Adam Hampson.

Hall: Josh Pope, Kyle Parish, Aaron Cusack, James Patterson, Sean Hefferon, Dave Werthman (Capt), Scott Wilby (Dave Cooper 51), Ryan Foster, Alan Ross (Alan Turner 51), John Sands, James Thurlbourne (Mike Harvey 68).
Unused Sub: James McCabe.

Officials: Mr A Crysell, Mr Pope, Mr Richardson.
Att: 87

Both sides went close in the opening minutes with Hefferon clearing off the line to deny Paul Berry and Mildenhall’s James Patterson driving a low shot wide of Liam Jones left hand post before the clock had reached the five minute mark.

A sweeping four man move from the home side in the 8th minute ended with Luke Read playing the ball into Stuart Ainsley, 20 yards out, who hit a rasping rising volley that just cleared Pope’s crossbar and ten minutes later it was the visitors who put together a well worked opening that ended with Ross heading over Jones' bar from a central position.

The best opening of the half fell to Allicion Blake 2 minutes later as he was left unmarked to lob the ball over the advancing Mildenhall keeper but saw the ball drop agonisingly inches wide of the post.

The ever dangerous Sands was tightly marked by the home defence to deny him space as the game settled into a tight affair with neither side creating any further openings before the break.

It took Mildenhall manager Simon Charlton just six second half minutes to ring the changes as the game began to look like a stalemate with Wilby & Ross withdrawn to be replaced by Cooper & Turner with the latter making an almost immediate impact.
The opening goal came four minutes after the substitution when for the first time in the game the home defence were caught up-field as an attack broke down. John Sands broke away down the right as the Seasiders chased back but the Hall's front man picked his pass superbly to lay the ball into Turner's path who fired under Jones from 12 yards.

The new found resilience showed immediately as The Seasiders pulled level seven minutes later when Blake, spotting Pope off his line, sent a 30 yard looping volley over him to nestle in the empty net.

Mildenhall were enjoying the better of the possession with Thurlbourne firing wide before being replaced by Harvey as Simon Charlton used up his full complement of subs but the home defence looked in control and with 13 minutes left Duane Wright & Matt McKenzie replaced Cranfield and Blake to increase pressure on the visitors defence.

Having seen two late efforts ruled out in midweek that would have brought three points instead of one The Seasiders luck seemed to be at a low when Referee Mr Crysell pointed to the spot ten minutes from time after Luke Read looked to have made a clean challenge on the edge of the area as he cleared the ball off Patterson’s toes. Substitute Dave Cooper stepped up to drill the spot kick past Liam Jones for what looked three likely points and Mildenhall’s winning run extended to five games.

Glenn Driver quickly replaced Berry with another striker as Keith Hetherington joining the fray and  the home side went in search of a second equaliser. He tested Pope almost immediately with a low drive and Mackenzie saw an effort cleared off the line as the home side pressed forward and they drew their reward as the clock moved past the 90 minute mark when Scott Wark popped up to get the final touch in the area for his first goal in the Seasiders colours and a share of the spoils.

A hard fought but entertaining close encounter between two well matched sides deservedly ended all square and was an excellent advertisement for Premier Division football.

Tuesday 9th March 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Hadleigh United   1 - 1   Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
Ben Cranfield earned the Seasiders a point seven minutes from time and an off-side flag denied Felixstowe's star player Luke Read a last minute winner after a close and at times tetchy game with both benches spoken to by the Referee.
After Felixstowe had controlled the opening half hour, with Hetherington and Wright going close and Harewood clearing Stuart's goal-bound header off the Hadleigh line, Darius Laws netted from all of 40 yards to change the whole pattern of the game.
Hadleigh maintained a high defensive line frustrating the Felixstowe forwarded line who saw two goals ruled out for off-side. Jones saved from Payne, Wright and Haywood before a triple substitution on 66 minutes saw the visitors increase the pressure on the home goal, resulting in Cranfield's equaliser.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Sadler, Ben Wake Matt Ryland 66), Luke Read, Craig Stuart, Scott Wark, Stuart Ainsley, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington ( Matt Mackenzie 66), Allicion Blake, Paul Berry (Ben Cranfield 66). 

Brettsiders: Aaron Benstead, Chris Sadler, Kris Rose, Liam Jennings, Mark Roper, Chris Leys, Darius Laws, Michael Fitzgibbon, Craig Payne, Ronaldo Wright, Jermaine Harewood.

Ref: John Magill
Att: 77 

Following five goals in the last two Reserve games Allicion Blake was named in the starting line up along with Jones, Wake and Read for the short trip to Hadleigh on a cold night which did not deter a good following of supporters from the coast. 

Blake was prominent from the start winning a corner in the first minute which Wright headed just wide from Read’s flag kick. Stuart made a timely challenge to block Laws at the expense of a corner but the opening half hour belonged to the visitors as Hetherington and Wright both went close from a succession of corners and when Harewood cleared Stuart’s header off the Hadleigh line from Berry’s corner it seemed only a matter of time before the opening goal would come. 

The breakthrough came on 36 minutes and it was to change the whole pattern of the game. Felixstowe keeper Jones came to the edge of his area to fist the ball away but it fell to Darius Laws in midfield and from almost forty yards he picked his spot and steered the ball over the advanced Jones and defensive back line into the vacant net. 

The goal took the wind out of the Seasiders sails and they could have gone further behind as Hadleigh gained momentum. Read outstanding for the visitors placed his shot just wide of Benstead’s left hand post on the stroke of half time but it was the visitors who were pleased to hear the interval whistle and a chance to regroup. 

Felixstowe earned the first corner of the second half but Hadleigh were soon back on the front foot with Jones making saves from Payne, Harewood, Wright and Laws to prevent the Seasiders going further behind. On 66 minutes Manager Glen Driver made a triple substitution and they gained a greater share of possession but were frustrated by Hadleigh’s high defensive line which brought a number of off-side decisions. 

Following a goal ruled out for off-side Felixstowe equalised on 83 minutes when Ben Cranfield made a strong run down the left and produced an excellent left foot strike which flew inside Benstead’s right hand upright.

Roper made a decisive tackle to stop Cranfield as he looked to repeat his run on goal and in a frantic final few minutes Ainsley, who had made a number of long range shots, saw his goal-bound strike come back off Benstead.  Read pounced on the loose ball firing the ball home, for what looked like a dramatic winner, but not for the first time the goal was ruled out for off-side.

Saturday 6th March 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Needham Market  1 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
With a broken nose and a bloodied shirt Martin Calver (pictured celebrating the equaliser) inspired the team to dig deep and gain a point from Championship chasing Needham Market after conceding an early goal. Danny Smy scored with a shot on the turn from the edge of the area with just a minute on the watch to put the home side ahead with the visitors responding well to create a number of first half openings without finding the final touch and Waters produced a good save to prevent Harrop extending the home sides lead before the break.
An open game continued at high tempo in the second half with both sides creating opportunities and the Seasiders persistence was rewarded on 78 minutes when Paul Berry rose to head home the equaliser from Barber's right wing cross. Waters made a low save from Parker as both sides went for the win with Gay in the home goal kept busy in the closing minutes as the Seasiders finished strongly and going close to snatching a late winner through Calver and Mackenzie.

Needham Market: Danny Gay, Phil Boyland, Kevin Horlock, Angelo Harrop, Richard Butler (Lewis Pemberton 85), Rhys Barber, Matt Buckle (James Evans 68), Craig Parker, Danny Phillips, Danny Smy, Danny Thrower.
Unused sub: Tom Aggricole.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Scott Wark, Craig Stuart, Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington (Matt Mackenzie 74), Stuart Ainsley, Paul Berry (Luke Read 92). 
Unused subs: Ben Wake, Lee Norfolk.

Referee: Stuart Franklin
Att: 184

One change to last Saturday's line up for the Seasiders with James Waters in for his first game for over two months following injury as Liam Jones was unable to play against his former club.

Felixstowe do not travel well and with Needham unbeaten at home in the league and having won their last five league games the faithful travelled in hope rather than expectation to Bloomfields on a cold but dry afternoon.
The game could not have have got off to a worse start for the visitors as with the first attack of the game Needham were ahead thanks to a well struck shot from Danny Smy on the edge of the area pictured, firing the ball low past Waters' outstretched left arm into the bottom corner of the net.
Waters' tipped Buckle's deep cross over the bar and following the corner held Barber's header under the cross bar as Needham continued to enjoy the early running.

On ten minutes a strong run down the left by Ryland heralded a good spell for the visitors with Calver heading over from Berry's corner and Hetherington bringing a diving save from Gay following good link up play between Ainsley and Berry. Waters saved from Phillips with his feet as Needham continued to look dangerous but the Felixstowe defence showed great resolve and commitment with Calver suffering a broken nose in one challenge, but bravely carrying on, and Stuart alert to the danger posed by Phillips and Thrower. Berry, Ainsley and Barber won an increasing share of possession with Calver's shot held by Gay when well placed and then Gay was quickly off his line to clear with Wright favourite for the ball on the edge of the home area. Despite creating a number of openings Felixstowe failed to find the decisive finish and were relieved not to fall further behind thanks to Waters save from Harrop to keep the deficit to one goal at the interval.

A strong start to the second half from Felixstowe with Wright's shot pictured defeating Gay who was pleased to see Barber clear off the line at the expense of a corner. The game flowed from end to end with Buckle going close for Needham and Waters making a low save to keep out Smy while Gay in the home goal miss-hit a clearance which Hetherington went close to converting.

A concerted spell of pressure, as they went for the equaliser, saw Ainsley and Berry prominent with Hetherington heading wide, Mackenzie going close and Ainsley's shot cleared for a corner before Paul Berry deservedly brought the sides level on 78 minutes with a well flighted header pictured from Barber's cross.

As expected the response from Needham was immediate as they moved up a gear with Thrower coming more into the game and Parker bringing a good save from Waters, but the Seasiders determination not to concede further was obvious as everyone put bodies on the line and with time running down it was the Seasiders who went closest to snatching the win, but they had to be content with a share of spoils from an entertaining and hard fought game.

Saturday 27th February 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 0  Hadleigh United   (1-0)
Keith Hetherington's well taken goal on 33 minutes for the Seasiders was all that separated the sides on a sunny afternoon at Dellwood Avenue. Home keeper Jones saved Roper's spot kick on the stroke of half-time after blocking Wright's progress and the final action of the game saw Roper fire over the home cross-bar when well placed to score. Hadleigh will be disappointed not to have gained a point from the game having created a number of scoring opportunities.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Scott Wark, Craig Stuart, Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington (Matt Mackenzie 72), Stuart Ainsley, Paul Berry (Luke Read 80). 
Unused subs: Ben Tawell, Lee Norfolk, James Waters.

Hadleigh United: Aarom Benstead, Mark Roper, Daniel Oakes, Liam Jennings, Kris Rose, Chris Leys, Darius Laws, Ben Garnham (Jermaine Harewood 80), Ronaldo Wright, Chris Cowans (Matthew Chinnery 68), Michael Fitzgerald (Robert Bethell 76).
Unused sub: Chris Sadler.

Referee: Glen Sandell
Att: 98

After a two week enforced lay-off everyone was pleased to see the pitch in such good condition after several days of heavy rain. Hetherington led the home attack from the start and was the only change to the last team sheet as the game kicked off in bright sunshine.

Hadleigh started brightly and forced an early corner, which Jones claimed, and the influential Fitzgerald saw a crisp shot blocked by Wark.  Duane Wright forced the ball into the Hadleigh net following a free kick which was ruled out for off-side but it was the visitors who were the more dangerous at this stage with Fitzgerald and Ronaldo Wright causing a scramble in the home goal right with Stuart clearing the danger for one of a succession of corners.

Garnham was narrowly wide following a free kick for the visitors before a strong run from Ryland brought a save from Benstead in the Hadleigh goal as the Seasiders produce a spell of pressure on the Hadleigh goal. A cross from Calver from wide on the right was headed over by Duane Wright, with Calver sending over another high looping cross on 33 minutes which was well controlled by Keith Hetherington on his chest before firing home what proved to be the winning goal.

Hadleigh looked to have earned a deserved equaliser just before the interval when Jones failed to hold Cowans' shot and did enough to prevent Ronaldo Wright from pouncing on the loose ball.
Roper's spot kick was well struck but Jones made amends saving the penalty kick and the follow up shot to keep his side ahead at the break.

Successive corners from Hadleigh early in the second period but it was Hetherington who came closet to scoring with Benstead athletically tipping over his goal bound-header following a corner.
Hadleigh introduced all three substitutes with Chinnery and Bethell progressing positively down the flanks but found the home defence in determined mood and clear openings were few and far between.

Mackenzie replacing Hetherington went close with a header close to full time as Hadleigh pushed forward to claim something from the game and in the closing seconds Harewood had a fierce shot blocked and Roper was left with head in hands as the last kick of the game flew over the home cross-bar.

Next Saturday the Seasiders are at Needham Market.

Saturday 13th February 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Kirkley & Pakefield  4 - 0 Felixstowe & Walton United   (2-0)
The Royals superior fire power saw them through to a comfortable win, with the contest evenly contested until the first goal on 37 minutes when Stock's shot was diverted home off a post by the unfortunate Stuart.
Three minutes before the break home keeper Woodcock brought down Allicion Blake, on his Seasider's debut, but after Referee Stobbart pointed to the penalty spot play was brought back for an off-side decision. With seconds remaining in the half Russell Stock headed home the second to give the home side a two goal lead at the break. 
Ryan De-Cotea fired home an unstoppable shot on 65 minutes and after striking a post Nathan Stone completed the scoring on full time.

Royals: Robert Woodcock, Tarren Grint, Andrew Key, Joe Jefford, James Cole, Ryan De-Cotea, Liam Harvey-Cooper (Alistair McKenna 73), Ian Dawson (Scott Manning 78), Nathan Stone, Russell Stock, Chris Henderson.
Unused sub: Scott Martin.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Matt Ryland, Blake Saker, Craig Stuart, Scott Wark (Luke Read 70), Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Keith Hetherington 53), Allicion Blake (Matt Mackenzie 55), Stuart Ainsley, Paul Berry. 
Unused sub: Adam Hampson.

Referee: D Stobbart
Att: 152

On a grey afternoon the lights were on from the start at Walmer Road as the Seasider's welcomed new signing Allicion Blake pictured right into the starting line up following his signing from Leiston.

Stock fired over the Felixstowe bar following a precision pass from Key as the home side enjoyed a good spell of pressure forcing a number of corners. Calver cleared the danger at the expense of a corner as Harvey-Cooper threatened and Jones produced a good save from Henderson as the home side created the better openings.
Building  through mid-field the Seasiders enjoyed a good spell of pressure mid-way through the half with Key intercepting Blake's cross at the expense of a corner and following a scramble in the home area Woodcock was please to gather the ball from Barber's shot on goal pictured left. Ainsley linked well with Berry and his shot deceived Woodcock and narrowly missed the far post a Felixstowe enjoyed their best period of the game. Eight minutes before the break Stone made ground down the centre finding Stone and his shot across the Felixstowe goal found the unfortunate Stuart, stretching to clear, and guiding the ball off a post into the net.
Felixstowe responded quickly and looked to have earned the opportunity to equalise from the spot when Blake, homing in on goal, was brought down by keeper Woodcock who must have feared the worst for his continued involvement in the game. Fortunately for him an off-side flag brought play back and as often happens what could have been 1-1 was very quickly 2-0 as Harvey-Cooper's deep cross from the right was met by Russell Stock to head powerfully home.

Berry went close from Ryland's pass as the visitors started the second half brightly and Mackenzie, replacing the injured Blake turned well but saw his shot pass wide of Woodcock's right hand post.
As a contest the game was over on 65 minutes when Ryan De-Cota produced an excellent shot which flew inside the unsighted Jones' left hand post. And with seconds remaining Nathan Stone  scored the fourth to confirm the win.

Saturday 30th January 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Mildenhall Town  0 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  
Level on points at start of play this was expected to be a closely contested game and despite a blank score-line both sides produced an entertaining game with a number of openings without finding a telling finish. Best scoring opportunities in the first half saw Hall's keeper Pope saved from Wright and Sands brought a fine save from Jones as the home side finished the half strongly.
Jones was down quickly to keep out Thurlbourne's low strike early in the second period and Mackenzie went close to converting Saker's cross for the Seasiders as both sides went for the win but with defences determined clear chances were limited and both recorded a clean sheet.

Mildenhall Town: Josh Pope, James McCabe, James Paterson, Luke Thurlbourne, Michael Harvey, David Werthman, Carl Murkin, Ryan Foster, Aaron Turner, John Sands (David Cooper 77), Jamie Thurlbourne (Chris Barratt 70)
Unused sub: Kyle Parish.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Blake Saker, Ben Wake (Matt Ryland 80), Craig Stuart, Martin Calver, Scott Wark, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Stuart Ainsley, Matt Mackenzie (Luke Read 63), Paul Berry (Keith Hetherington 60).
Unused sub: James Waters.

Referee: W Hardy
Att: 112

Glen Driver named one change to the starting eleven for the visit to Recreation Way with Saker returning and Ryland making way to join Hetherington, Read and Waters on the bench.

Sands showed his attacking intentions from the start with a shot wide of the target in the opening seconds with the Felixstowe defence heeding the danger and keeping a close eye on the Hall danger man. Felixstowe keeper Jones collected McCabe's deep cross from the right and Pope in the home goal was quickly out of his area pictured to clear the danger as Felixstowe threatened.

Turner shot wide from McCabe's cross and Sands struck a Felixstowe post as Hall went close to breaking the deadlock with Pope at the other end saving from Wright's shot pictured left at the expense of a corner as the Seasiders won a number of corners with Pope's agility keeping them at bay.

With half time approaching a flowing move from the home side saw Murkin and Foster link well with Jones saving well to deny Sands.
Calver's deep cross deceived Pope before passing wide of Hall's far post and Turner went just wide for Hall as nearly ten minutes of added time came to a close with the sides all square.

Attacking down the slope in the second period Hall create a number of openings but apart from a save from Thurlbourne on 50 minutes Jones was well protected by the Felixstowe back line of Calver, Stewart and Wark.  Saker and Wake pushed forward down the flanks with Barber and Ainsley battling in midfield and probing forwards but the Hall defence were tight on Mackenzie, Wright and Berry to keep scoring opportunities to a premium.

Mackenzie sliding in at the far post went close to converting Saker's cross on 61 minutes and Turner was wide of Felixstowe's goal from Murkin's cross as both sides went for the win. Thurlbourne cleared the danger pictured as Felixstowe pressed with Wark blocking McCabe's shot at the expense of a corner to deny Hall.

Substitutions were made by both sides as they went for the win with Pope collecting the ball under pressure from Hetherington pictured left  and Ryland providing a fresh attacking outlet down the left for the Seasiders.

Barratt and Cooper provided fresh legs for Hall and made good ground down the flanks with Werthman heading over the Felixstowe bar from Cooper's cross just before the final whistle.

The match may have finished goal-less but both Managers will be pleased with the performance of their teams in a what was far from a dull goal-less draw.

The result saw the sides remain 6th and 7th in the table with the Seasiders ending a run of three away games with trip to top of the table CRC next Saturday.

"That's a big one"

Saturday 23rd January 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Walsham le Willows  1 - 2  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
With four players on debut the Seasiders gradually built a firm understanding and increasingly dominated as the game progressed. Clarke opened the scoring for the home side on 12 minutes with a low drive following a corner and although Felixstowe produced good approach play McAnaly in the home goal was not unduly tested in the first period.
After the break Walsham defended deeper looking for opportunities on the break and with Ainsley's influence increasing pressure built on the home goal. Wake's cross, having been released by Ainsley, was met by Mackenzie on 53 minutes with the unfortunate Simon Head getting the final touch for the equaliser. The visitors continued to press and another slide rule pass from Ainsley found Wright who maintained composure to steer the ball past McAnaly and the post for the winner with ten minutes remaining.

Walsham le Willows: Duncan McAnaly, James Atwood, Trevor Newman, Simon Head, Nath Clarke, Lee Sim, Will Brown (Jack Brame 83), Paul Musgrove, Ben Soanes, James Tatham (Andrew Cusack 74), Steve Holder.
Unused sub: Matt Duffy.

Seasiders: Liam Jones, Matt Ryland, Ben Wake, Craig Stuart, Scott Wark, Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Stuart Ainsley (Gavin Frost 83), Duane Wright (Adam Hampson 88), Matt Mackenzie (Keith Hetherington 74), Paul Berry.
Unused sub: Lee Norfolk.

Referee: B O'Sullivan
Att: 74

The Seasiders welcomed Liam Jones (Needham Market), Craig Stuart (Woodbridge Town), Scott Walk (Hadleigh United and Stuart Ainsley (AFC Sudbury), who pulled on the Captains arm band, into the Felixstowe line up and also Paul Berry on his return on loan from Leiston for the visit to Summer Road.
After an enforced rest due to the weather both sides were looking forward to this game with five places and six points separating them at start of play.

The busy Holder earned the first corner of the game for Walsham  with Stuart stretching to block his shot and from the resultant corner the ball fell to Nath Clarke who fired the ball low past Jones' right hand.

The Seasiders built from defence through midfield with Barber and Berry linking well and Mackenzie brought a comfortable save from McAnaly as Felixstowe enjoyed good possession without finding the telling finish. A strong penalty appeal was turned down as Berry went down in the area following a strong run and as the game switched from end to end a positive run and shot from Walsham's Lee Sim was blocked for a corner by Scott Wark. Ainsley shot wide from distance as the half drew to a close with the home side ahead at the break.

Felixstowe's level of possession continued to increase  after the interval but the home defence kept them at arms length and looked dangerous on the break with Holder and Sim looking to gain advantage from Felixstowe pushing forward. Increasingly Felixstowe pressure penetrated the home defence with McAnaly alert at his near post after Wark headed on from Berry's free kick and Mackenzie's shot on the turn was close to McAnaly's right hand post.

Pressure told on 73 minutes when Ainsley's pass from midfield enabled Wake to advance down the left and his cross was headed into the danger area by Mackenzie with Simon Head making the final touch to defeat McAnaly for the equaliser.

Substitutions were made by both sides as they went for the win and it was the Seasiders who found the decisive opening with the influential Ainsley splitting the home defence with a telling pass through to Duane Wright who showed composure to place the ball past the onrushing McAnaly with eleven minutes remaining.

A high tempo was maintained by both sides with Felixstowe going close to increasing the lead through Hetherington before the final whistle which confirmed the win for the visitors and moved them to sixth in the table.

Saturday 2nd January 2010 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 5  Woodbridge Town  (1-2)
The Woodpeckers recorded their third win of the season in some style going Nap at Dellwood Avenue as the Seasiders were defeated at home in the league for only the second time this season.
This looked a home banker on paper but the young Woodbridge side had not read the script with their mobile forwards finding space behind a changed Felixstowe defence.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake (Matt Mackenzie 51), Luke Read (Joe Bloomfield 61), Gavin Frost, Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Miles Powell 45), Keith Hetherington, Ben Cranfield, Matt Ryland.
Unused subs: Adam Hampson, Ben Tawell.

Woodpeckers: Adam Wilson, Robbie Smythe, Grant Monghan, Sean Rea, Ben Miller, Aaron Chrurchfield, Sebastien Brimstead, Daniel Morphew (Glenn Snell 45), Josh Mayhew (Tom Trevivian 80), David Kempson (Marcus Josiah 65).
Unused subs: James Churchill, Ben Goddard.

Referee: Darren Stobbart
Att: 176

Morning sunshine on the pitch allowed the match to go ahead, when most local games had been postponed due to frost, providing a good attendance. The sunshine gave way to sleet and snow showers during the game which saw Felixstowe make two enforced changes in defence following the departure of Matt Stace and Sheridan Driver.

Felixstowe forced two early corners as they took the game to the visitors but after an opening period which saw a number off-side decisions against both forward lines Woodbridge gained confidence with Waters in the home goal forced to make two good saves to deny Kempson and Mayhew.

Ben Seaman opened the scoring on 26 minutes from the penalty spot (pictured right) having dusted himself down after being bundled over in the area.
Four minutes later Duane Wright equalised with a headed goal Pictured from Read's free kick and the Seasiders pressed for a second winning an increased level of possession without threatening the Woodbridge goal.
The visitors were ahead at the break after Josh Mayhew found himself free on the edge of the area to fire low under the diving Waters.

Three minutes after the restart Mayhew scored his second in similar fashion to his first from the edge of the area and despite increased pressure from the Seasiders the Woodbridge defence held firm and were presented with a fourth following a defence mix-up in the Felixstowe six yard area thirteen minutes from time which Mayhew may claim.
Mayhew confirmed his hat-trick a minute later guiding the ball over Waters from all of 25 yards and securing three valuable points for the Woodpeckers.

Monday 28th December - Ridgeons League Premier Division
 Leiston  2 - 2  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
An equaliser from Duane Wright (pictured right) deep into injury time at the end of the game saw the Seasiders gain a deserved point from a very competitive game against championship contenders Leiston. After an evenly contested opening half hour the home side took the lead through Paul Hart rising high to head Boardley's precision cross from the left under the Felixstowe bar. An athletic save from Waters denied Hart his second on 52 minutes and ten minutes later it was all square as Keith Hetherington met Wake's cross, heading onto the home bar before heading the rebound past Stannard. Both sides went for the win and fourteen minutes from time Shane Wardley beat the off side trap to net what looked like the winner, but Felixstowe had not read the script and poured forward as the clock ran down with Wright sliding home the equaliser at the post.

Leiston: Jamie Stannard, Brett Girling, Shane Wardley, David Head, Mark Goldfinch, Leon Otleygooch, Justyn Chenery, Stuart Boardley, Paul Hart, Lee McGlone, Paul Berry (Kelsie Trotter 84).
Unused subs: Joe Button, Mark Lowe, Chris Sillett, Daniel Block.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Sheridan Driver, Martin Calver, Matt Stace, Bradley Barber (Luke Read 82), Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington (Lewis Driver 80) Adam Hampson (Matt Mackenzie 70), Gavin Frost.
Unused subs: Ben Tawell, Miles Powell.

Referee: Nick Cooper
Att: 177

Captain Matt Stace returned for the visit to Victory Road as the Seasiders looked to avenge the 5-0 defeat handed out by Leiston at Dellwood Avenue in early November with both sides listing two changes from that game, Gavin Frost & Sheridan Driver in for Read and Cranfield in the Felixstowe side with Otleygooch and Chenery replacing Calver and Cunningham for Leiston.

Having inflicting the only League defeat Felixstowe have suffered at home many considered Leiston to be the best team faced this year and despite Leiston recording three successive defeats the Seasiders knew they would have to radically improve their away form and work hard as a team to gain any reward from today's fixture and on a cold day they produced such a performance.

The Seasiders forced the first corner of the game after three minutes with Otleygooch clearing under pressure from Wright and Calver heading away the danger at the other end three minutes later at the expense of a corner as the action flowed from end end. Waters saved with his feet to deny McGlone and the influential Barber brought a low save from Leiston's keeper Stannard as the high tempo of the game continued. On 31 minutes the deadlock was broken when Boardley made ground down the left and his cross, delivered with pace, was firmly met by Paul Hart (pictured right) to head over Waters and under the Felixstowe bar.

The Seasiders responded well with Hampson, Wright and Hetherington continuing to press the Leiston defence when in possession of the ball and overall Felixstowe were competing well without creating  a clear opening. An injury time save low at a post by Waters from Boardley following a corner maintained the deficit to one goal at the interval.

Berry, McGlone and Hart switched the direction of attack repeatedly after the break to find a way past a determined Felixstowe defence well marshalled by Stace,  and Waters had to be at his best to produce an excellent save diving to his left to keep out Hart's drive. An indirect free-kick for a high boot ten yards from Waters right hand post saw McGlone's shot blocked in a crowded area and the danger cleared as Felixstowe put bodies on the line to defend their goal.

With Stace, Driver and Calver providing a sound defensive platform Wake and Saker were released to make ground down the flanks and Wake's run down the left on  61 minutes produced the equaliser. Keith Hetherington (pictured left) met Wake's deep cross and after his initial header came back off the bar he dived to head home and bring the sides level.

With fourteen minutes remaining Shane Wardley (pictured right) found himself in space six yards from goal, following a long ball, and despite strong appeals for off-side he coolly slotted the ball under Waters to regain the lead.

As the ground temperature fell the temperature on the pitch rose with Wright and Wake going into the book and Read, Mackenzie and Lewis Driver introduced into the action to provide fresh legs as the Seasiders pressed for a reply with the clock running down. With seconds remaining Captain Stace delivered a telling ball into the area and when the ball fell to Duane Wright he slid the ball home inside Stannard's right hand post to the joy of the travelling support.

An excellent all round team performance made even sweeter as it was against quality opposition and away from home!!  Well done lads.

Saturday 12th December - Ridgeons League Premier Division
 Felixstowe & Walton United    2 - 1   Norwich United  (1-1)
Substitute Matt Mackenzie's long range strike deep into injury at the end of the game claimed all three points for the Seasiders as the game looked to be heading for a draw. Wright opened the scoring for the home side on six minutes and a good spell from the Planters saw them equalise on 23 minutes through Blyth. An even second period with both sides enjoying spells of pressure but neither keeper was unduly troubled until Mackenzie struck.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Gavin Frost, Martin Calver, Sheridan Driver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington (Ben Tawell 95), Adam Hampson (Joe Bloomfield 70), Luke Read (Matt Mackenzie 77).

Referee: A. Sanerude
Att: 74

A consistent line up has been significant in the recent good run of results and Glen Driver only had to make one change to last week's successful starting line up with the dependable Hampson replacing the absent Crawford for the visit of Norwich United. Introductions were not required as many players have had recent spells at both clubs and a sporting game enabled Mr Sanerude to keep his cards in his pocket.
The opening game of the season at Plantation Park had seen the home side claim all three points with an injury time goal and the Seasiders avenged that defeat with an injury time winner of their own today.

The home side started brightly and were ahead after six minutes when Duane Wright collected Hampson's ball from the right and had time to take a touch before firing the ball past Nower.
Sheridan Driver cleared with Norwich gaining their first corner as they went in search of a quick reply and Waters was down well to collect from the busy Hunter after a good through ball from Claydon.
A good spell from the Planters saw Robinson head over the Felixstowe bar from from Jeal's cross on 20 minutes and three minutes later the visitors were level.
Jeal ran unchallenged deep into the home half feeding Furlong on the far left and his cross was placed past Water's diving left hand by Jordan Blyth for a well worked goal.

Felixstowe ended the half strongly winning successive corners with goal-line clearances and Nower's save from Barber's free kick maintaining parity at the break.

Nower saved comfortably from Hetherington eight minutes after the restart and the Felixstowe goal survived a sustained attack minutes later, but the game looked to heading for a draw until five minutes into injury time. Following a scramble in the Norwich goal the ball was cleared as far as Matt Mackenzie, a good forty yards out, and with Nower and the Planters defence well advanced he took his chance to steer the ball over the visitors back line and into the unguarded goal for a spectacular late winner.
The win took the Seasiders to fifth in the table, nose bleed territory indeed.

Saturday 5th December - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United     5 - 1   Debenham LC   (3-1)
Manager Glen Driver was expecting a positive response from his players following last Saturday's lack lustre display and they did not disappoint as they went Nap against the Hornets. Cranfield & Hetherington fired the Seasiders into a two goal lead within 16 minutes with Jopling replying for the visitors on 23 minutes before Wright scored the goal of the game from 35 yards to restore the two goal lead five minutes later.
Debenham rang the changes and worked hard after the break to gain a foothold in the game but the Seasiders are a tough nut to crack at home and Hetherington's second and Cranfield's, from the penalty spot, saw the home side through to all three points and a rise to sixth in the table.

Seasiders: Waters, S. Driver, Wake, Frost, Read (Tawell 71), Calver, Barber, Wright (Hampson 68), Hetherington, Cranfield (L. Driver 72), Saker.

Referee: C. Fitch
Att: 96

The Jekyll & Hyde home and away form was evident again in this game. After getting a battering at Aldiss Park last week The Seasiders tore into The Hornets to establish a quick time two goal lead before being pegged back. But they were not to be denied as Duane Wright hit a stunning 35 yard third before the break.

Midweek signing Sheridan Driver went straight into the side at centre back replacing injured captain Matt Stace and gave a solid, composed performance alongside Martin Calver but it was at the other end where the side produced their best football. Ben Cranfield grabbed the early lead after Taylor-Holt had fouled Ben Wake in what looked an innocuous position wide on the Seasiders left flank but Bradley Barber produced a trademark pin point free kick to pick out Ben Cranfield who headed firmly past Johnson from eight yards with just four minutes on the clock.

The Seasiders were in control of the opening spell, building some fluid attacks down both flanks with The Hornets having to work hard to deny them an opening but they conceded another free kick in the 16^th minute and Bradley Barber again produced the perfect cross for Keith Hetherington to add the second with a diving header.

 Having been on the back foot for twenty minutes Debenham began to make some inroads into the home defence with French seeing his effort diverted for a corner and Cannon heading wide of the far post before the breakthrough came in the 23^rd minute when Taylor-Holt laid the ball in for Jopling to turn and fire past James Waters.

The Hornets continued to threaten from the restart but Driver & Calver snuffed out the attacks and 5 minutes later the ball rolled perfectly for Duanne Wright fully 35 yards out who unleashed a stunning volley that beat a static Johnson and crashed into the net off the underside of the bar. It was goal worthy of gracing any football match at any level and put The Seasiders back in control of the game through to the half time whistle.

Mel Aldiss’s side came out looking far more determined at the start of the second half and the home side had to work hard as a defensive unit with the inclusion of Ben Deacon and Keifer Bultititude for Kemp and Cannon giving The hornets added impetus but Deacon was wasteful when well placed in the 59^th minute firing wide of Waters goal from 12 yards out.

The miss proved more costly when Gooderham twice had opportunities to clear his lines but in the end was dispossessed by Keith Hetherington who finished clinically to add the 4^th with 66 minutes played and effectively kill off any hopes of a late revival from the visitors.

The Seasiders went nap 3 minutes later through Ben Cranfield who duly drilled the ball past Louis Johnson from the penalty spot after Bradley Barber, who had been a constant thorn in Debenham's side all afternoon, jinked his way into the Debenham area before being tripped by Gooderham.

Felixstowe used their full complement of substitutes in quick succession with Wright, Cranfield and Read being withdrawn  and were denied an elusive sixth goal when Hetherington's shot came back off the bar and away to safety 13 minutes from time.

A good all round performance from Glen’s team against a side that had picked up two good results in the past fortnight and regain the 6^th spot in the table which Debenham had taken the previous week.

Saturday 28th November - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Dereham Town   4  -  0   Felixstowe & Walton United    (2-0)
Many former Magpie players were at Aldiss Park to celebrate the Club's 125th Anniversary and they will have enjoyed the performance of the current players wearing the black and white as they comfortably defeated a Felixstowe side that were disappointing once again away from home.
The influential Smith opened the scoring on 20 minutes with Beaumont adding the second six minutes later and only an acrobatic fingertip save from Waters prevented Beaumont from increasing the lead further before the interval.
It was one way traffic again after the break as Beaumont scored his second and Howell headed home the fourth with ten minutes remaining. The scoreline flattered the Seasiders with Driver's effort, comfortably held by Higgs, five minutes from time the only shot on target for the visitors.

Magpies: John Higgs, Oliver Willis (Kenny Reeves 62), Daniel Buhlgmann, Sam Willis, Stuart Williams, Daniel Beaumont (James Hadley 75), Nicholas, Howell, Adam Smith, Joel Brien, Adam Gusterson, Craig Terrington.
Unused Subs: Ben Lattimer, Graham Barrett, Matt Powley.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Gavin Frost, Matt Stace, Ben Tawell 55), Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Lewis Driver 60), Keith Hetherington (Luke Read 48), Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson.

Ref: J Turner
Att: 201

Mid-week signing Gavin Frost, rejoining from Norwich United,  was the only change to Felixstowe's starting line up with Lewis Driver making way and starting on the bench. Heavy rain in the morning had relented and with the pitch in good condition a good sized crowd were anticipating a closely contested encounter with Dereham having mixed performances of late but appearing to be in a false league position at home to a Felixstowe side 6th in the table but having shown not to travel well.

A lively start from both sides with the Seasiders first on the attack as Barber delivered a telling ball into the home area for Wright and Williams to contest with the Dereham defender clearing well. Beaumont forced the first corner of the game as Calver cleared the danger after Terrington had created the opening. Waters in the Felixstowe was bravely down at the feet of Willis to claim the ball as the pressure increased on the Felixstowe goal and on twenty minutes the Magpies went ahead.

A defensive clearance from Dereham saw Beaumont win the ball on the half way and show Wake a clean pair of heels as he sprinted down the Felixstowe left and his cross found Adam Smith on the edge of the area Smith still had plenty to do shooting on the turn to finish well pictured.
Beaumont fired over the Felixstowe bar after the Magpies had produced excellent passing build up play and on 26 minutes Daniel Beaumont slotted home the second after winning the ball 30 yards out and making a decisive run into the area.

Higgs in the home goal saw little of the ball but on 31 minutes dealt well under pressure clearing with two fists from Barber's deep free kick pictured  with Stace following up seeing his shot clear the home bar.
Felixstowe needed a reply but it was the home side that dominated to the break with the impressive Smith shooting just wide, Gusterson firing over when well placed and Waters making a tremendous save to deny Beaumont. Stace produced a telling tackle at the expense of a corner to keep the deficit to two goals at the break with the visitors thankful for the half time whistle.

A reply from Felixstowe could have quickly changed the whole complexion of the game but after Stace limped from the game early in the second half the Seasiders looked resigned to defeat. On the hour Smith's run from deep was halted short of the penalty area and Daniel Beaumont placed his free-kick to the left of the diving Waters. Reeves should have added to the score but shots wide of the left and right posts and a Waters save denied the Dereham substitute. Willis struck the Felixstowe bar before Nicholas Howell headed home the fourth after Waters had saved his initial shot but the ball had not been cleared. Higgs made a comfortable save as Felixstowe had their first shot on target through Driver five minutes from time. Reeves thought he had added a fifth having beaten Waters but the hard working Frost cleared the ball off the line moments before the final whistle.
On this showing the Magpies will quickly rise up the table and the Seasiders will be pleased to see that their next three games are at home.

Saturday 21st November - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 1  Kirkley & Pakefield   (1-1)
With 6th playing 5th in this East Coast derby a close competitive encounter was anticipated, and so it proved with honours even following an entertaining game. Both goals came in a fast paced first half with Nathan Stone heading home for the visitors after 16 minutes and Duane Wright netting the equaliser eight minutes before the interval.
Kirkley enjoyed plenty of possession in the second period but it was the Seasiders that came closest to snatching victory with only a magnificent diving save from Woodcock denying Felixstowe's top scorer Hetherington.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Lewis Driver (Luke Read 70), Matt Stace, Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington, Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson.
Unused Subs: Ashley Phillips, Matt Mackenzie.

Royals: Robert Woodcock, Tarin Grint, Lewis Blois (Liam Harvey Cooper 80), Joe Jefford, Ryan DeCoteau, Ian Dawson, Scott Martin (Scott Manning 70), Justin Fox, Nathan Stone, Russell Stock, Chris Henderson.
Unused Subs: Daniel Tacon, James Cole.

Ref: S Franklin
Att: 82

Manager Glen Driver was able to name an unchanged side for the first time this season and the settled side now playing well as a team did not let him down against fancied Kirkley & Pakefield on a cloudy but dry afternoon

The game was open from the start with Barber and the busy Hampson linking well down the left to force the first corner of the afternoon for the Seasiders after two minutes.  Fox and Henderson combined well to create an opening for Dawson with his shot clearing the Felixstowe cross bar before Hampson produced a good shot on target following a good run but a comfortable claim for Woodcock.

Stock failed to get any power into his shot after Stone had created a good opening for him and on 16 minutes it was to be Darren Stone who opened the scoring. Fox's corner kick was headed into the six yard area by DeCoteau and the unmarked Stone made no mistake from four yards heading powerfully home.
Felixstowe responded well to the set back with Woodcock stretching to save from Calver's header at the expense of a corner and a good spell of pressure on the visiting goal saw shots from Hampson and Stace blocked and Woodcock again saving well to prevent an equaliser.

Waters denied Stone twice saving with his legs as the game continued to flow end to end with Kirkley conceding another corner from Cranfield before Felixstowe were finally rewarded for their considerable effort with a goal eight minutes before the interval. Barber's free kick found Cranfield at the far post and his header across goal was met by Duanne Wright who drove the ball home from close range.
Driver cleared Henderson's goal bound shot to keep the sides level at the end of a pulsating 45 minutes.

Kirkley enjoyed a good spell of pressure after the break with the Felixstowe back line of Saker, Stace, Calver and Wake defending well and ensuring the lively Kirkley forwards did not get a clean strike on goal. As the half progressed the Seasiders saw their attacking opportunities increase with Barber influential in opening the visiting defence. Woodcock had to be on his toes to gather Read's shot and produced the save of the game to save from Hetherington.
Fox for Kirkley and Hampson for Felixstowe both went close as the clock ran down but a late winner would have been cruel for either side and an entertaining game ended all square and the sides, following other results, still sitting 6th and 5th in the League table.

Saturday 14th November - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   2 - 0   Newmarket Town   (1-0)
The Seasiders responded well, following Tuesday's Cup defeat, to claim all three points at a very windy Dellwood Avenue. The heavy rain thankfully relented prior to the kick off but the strong gusty wind persisted keeping the 'ball boy' busy and ensured both sides concentrated on the keeping the ball on the ground as far as possible.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Lewis Driver (Matt Mackenzie 78), Matt Stace, Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Luke Read 53), Keith Hetherington (Ashley Phillips 86), Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson.
Unused Sub: Ben Tawell.

Jockeys: Lee Hulyer, Stuart Felgate, Paul Betson, Colin Vowden (John Olive 57), Andy Eady, David Grainger, Ollie Drake, Adam Murray, Stuart Claydon (Sean Avis 72), Steve Bugg (Ed Mcready 82), Steven Bell.

Ref: John Lodge
Att: 60

Felixstowe had the wind to their backs in the first half but it was the Jockeys who enjoyed early pressure with Bugg shooting over the bar and then firing into the side netting when Waters quickly closed him down. With Stace and Calver returning to the heart of the defence attacking opportunities reduced for the visitors with Barber, Driver and Hampson seeing an increasing amount of ball to test the Jockey's defence. Keith Hetherington opened the scoring six minutes before the interval heading home Calver's cross from close range.
Within a minute of the restart for the second half Ben Cranfield headed the Seasider's second goal from Barber's cross following a good run down the left from Hampson. Murray and Bell were the greatest threat to the Seasiders goal with Waters making a fine diving save to his left to push away Drake's low drive at the expense of a corner to record a clean sheet and deserved win for the Seasiders.

Tuesday 10th November - LB Group Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter Final
Felixstowe & Walton United   2 - 7  Needham Market  (0-4)
An empathic win for Needham Market as they progressed with ease to the semi-final draw with a magnificent seven at Dellwood Avenue this evening.

Seasiders: James Waters, Lee Norfolk, Ben Wake (Ben Tawell 70), Blake Saker, Duane Wright, Luke Read (Lewis Driver 45), Bradley Barber, Keith Hetherington, Adam Hampson, Ashley Phillips (Matt Mackenzie 45).
Unused Subs: Luke Hopkins, Jordan Matthews.

Needham Market: Liam Jones, Phil Boyland (Lewis Pemberton 63), Tom Agricole, Kevin Horlock, Richard Butler, Rhys Barber, Matt Buckle, Craig Parker, Danny Phillips (James Evans 67), Danny Smy (Tommy Smith 63), Darren Bethell.
Unused Subs: Jay Denniss, Danny Thrower.

Ref: Darren Stobbart
Att: 105

With the defensive pairing of Stace and Calver absent this was going to be a challenge and so it proved as early as the third minute as Parker ran through the home defence unchallenged to enable Danny Smy to slot home the opening goal.
Waters saved Bethell's header from Parker's cross before a good passage of play from Felixstowe culminated in Jones in the visitors goal palming Norfolk's shot from distance onto the bar and away for a corner.
On 21 minutes Needham increased their lead with Phillips intercepting a poor defensive pass his shot was saved by Waters but Craig Parker following up rattled home the third. Two minutes later and it was game over as Matt Buckle squeezed the ball home inside Water's right hand post.
A late surge to the half from Felixstowe with Hampson forcing a corner and Wright's shot cleared off the line with the visitors comfortably in control at the break.
Driver & Mackenzie came on at the break with Lewis Driver making an immediate impact to reduce the deficit with a well struck goal. Just after the hour Richard Butler drilled home from 12 yards to regain the four goal advantage with Lewis Driver reducing the lead once again four minutes later.
There was to be no late fight back though as goals in the last five minutes from substitutes James Evans and Tommy smith completed the route.

Saturday 7th November - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  2 - 1  Walsham le Willows  (2-0)
Two goals from Keith Hetherington in the opening eleven minutes saw the Seasiders record their 6th home win of the season and move into 6th place in the table. Nathan Clarke's goal midway through the second half for the visitors set up an exciting last quarter with the Felixstowe defence coming through a strong test to secure the points.

Seasiders: James Waters, George Blewer, Ben Wake, Luke Read (Lewis Driver 71), Matt Stace, Martin Calver (Lee Norfolk 73), Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington (Matt Mackenzie 71), Adam Hampson, Ashley Phillips.

Walsham: Duncan McAnnally, Lee Nocton (Stu Walker 46), Andrew Cusack, Nathan Clarke, Trev Newman, Richard Partridge, Lee Sim, Paul Musgraves, Steve Holder, James Tatham, Alan North (Simon head 60).
Unused Subs: Jack Brame, Carenton Turner.

Ref: Glen Sandell
Att: 95

Blewer and Phillips replaced the absent Saker and Cranfield in the Felixstowe starting line up  for the visit of Walsham le Willows on a sunny afternoon at Dellwood Avenue.

Early pressure from Walsham with Holder's goal-bound shout blocked at the expense of a corner in the second minute. North's corner was quickly cleared by the Felixstowe defence and from the home side's first attack Keith Hetherington (right of picture) converted Hampson's low cross from the right under the diving McAnnally.

Musgraves, Tatham and Holder linked well as Walsham went in search of a reply but they found themselves further behind on eleven minutes as Hetherington scored his sixth goal in four games squeezing the ball home at the far post after McAnnally had blocked the initial shot.

Both sides were producing good passing football in a competitive game and with Partridge pressing forward pressure grew on the home goal as the half progressed and Waters made a good save under pressure from Partridge pictured.  Read, Hampson and Phillips kept busy using their mobility to good effect and Read was unfortunate to see his shot strike a post and his follow up shot well blocked by McAnnally with North going close for the visitors as the half drew to a close.

The next goal was going to be all important as a third for Felixstowe would have secured a win but a reply from the visitors would change the whole complexion of the game.

Barber saw a free kick saved by McAnnally and on 67 minutes another blistering free-kick from Barber cannoned back off the Woodwork with McAnnally blocking Read's follow up shot at the expense of a corner. From the corner Walsham turned defence into attack gaining a free kick in the Felixstowe half. Cusack's deep free kick was converted by Nathan Clarke at the far post and with 22 minutes remaining the visitors certainly believed they could take something from the game.

Waters made saves from Musgraves, Tatham and Cusack as the visitors increased pressure on the home goal and Stace blocked Head's shot for a corner with Felixstowe defending a succession of corners as the clock ran down but the equaliser did not come with the Seasiders seeing out time to claim the points.

Tuesday 3rd November - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   0 - 5   Leiston   (0-2)
( on one of my Birthday cards today it said "For a moment we were in with a chance ... then the game started")
The highest attendance of the season at Dellwood Avenue (212) were treated to an excellent all round team performance from Leiston as they maintained top spot in the table going Nap against a hard working but out gunned home side.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Adam Hampson, Martin Calver (Kristian Haighton 27), Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington, Ben Cranfield (Lewis Driver 46), Luke Read (Ashley Phillips 60).
Unused Subs:  George Blewer, Gary Rose.

Leiston: Ben Vincent, Brett Girling, Shane Wardley, David Head, Mark Goldfinch, Neil Calver (Justyn Chennery 86), Daniel Cunningham (Alcion Blake 79), Stuart Boardley, Paul Hart Michael Brother 79), Lee McGlone, Paul Berry.
Unused Subs: Kelsie Trotter, Carl Chennery.

Ref: Nick Cooper
Att: 212

Cranfield returning with Driver starting on the bench was the only change to the Felixstowe line up from Saturday for the visit of in-form Leiston to Dellwood Avenue.
McGlone opened the visitor's account on seven minutes heading home from Cunningham's free kick with Waters saving from Boardley moments later as Leiston took charge. A spell of pressure from the Seasiders saw Vincent smother Hampson's shot and make a comfortable following Wright's low drive  before the visitors increased their lead ten minutes before the break as Cunningham fired home from the edge of the area. Boardley spurned the chance to increase the lead, following hand-ball decision, placing his penalty kick wide of Water's left hand post moments before the interval.
Leiston continued to dominate after the break with Hart heading home the third from Cunningham's corner kick nine minutes after the restart and Calver added the fourth against his previous club on 65 minutes. Hetherington and Hampson both went close before the Seasiders won their only corner of the game on 71 minutes which Vincent dealt with confidently. With four minutes remaining Blake made it five to complete a comfortable win for Leiston to remain top and take their wining run to eleven games.
 

Saturday 31st October - Ridgeons League Premier Division
King's Lynn Res.   1 - 3   Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-3)
Two Keith Hetherington goals in the opening 12 minutes at the Walks put the Seasiders on course to their third consecutive win with Bradley Barber's 36th Minute free kick completing the scoring after Lee Hyde had headed home for the Linnets on 18 minutes.
The win secured 7th place in the table in advance of the Seasider's defence of their unbeaten home record against top of the table Leiston this coming Tuesday.

Seasiders: James Waters (Gary Rose 45), Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Luke Read, Matt Stace, Martin Calver, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (George Blewer 58), Keith Hetherington, Adam Hampson (Ashley Phillips 63), Lewis Driver.
Unused Subs:  Glen Driver.
 

Att: 77

Glen Driver named two changes to Tuesday's line up with Calver returning from injury to partner Stace at the centre of defence with Blewer starting on the bench and Driver in for the absent Cranfield.

In sunshine following early rain the Seasiders made the best possible start to the game with Rix making a save to deny Driver in the opening minute and seconds later Keith Hetherington pictured above rose to head home the opening goal.
The Linnets responded with Rose forcing a corner off Wake in the fifth minutes and Waters in the Felixstowe goal cleared well under pressure. Rix in the home goal was down quickly to deny Hampson pictured below and repelled Hampson once again at the expense of a corner from Driver's cross as the pressure mounted and from the corner Keith Hetherington headed home his second pictured right.

Wilson placed a free kick wide before Lee Hyde completed a good spell from the Linnets with a headed goal on 18 minutes as the game continued to be very open with promise of further goals.
Waters in the home goal slipped on the edge of the area on the half hour with Harvey nipping into the area and his shot on goal from a tight angle was blocked by Wake to prevent the equaliser. The slip injured Waters who limped on to the break but was then replaced by Gary Rose.

Bradley Barber came increasingly into the game and ten minutes before the break he completed the scoring directly from a free kick on the left of the area pictured.

The Linnets pressed for an equaliser but Rose only had to produce one save, from Harvey, in the second half while Rix in the home goal was the busier and produced an excellent double save on his line to deny Calver and Hetherington to prevent the lead increasing.

There was a few minutes delay to the game on the hour when a fire alarm caused an evacuation of the main stand. But thankfully their was no fire and the game resumed with mist rolling in to give a very Halloween  atmosphere, but thankfully no late scares for the Seasiders who went on to record their third consecutive league win for the first time since April 2008.

Tuesday 27th October - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Wivenhoe Town  2 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United   (0-2)
Two goals in two minutes from the Dragons just before the hour mark took the wind out of the Seasiders sails, after they had taken a three goal lead, but despite failing to increase their lead the visitors went on to record their first league win on the road this season.

Seasiders: James Waters, Blake Saker, Ben Wake, Luke Read, George Blewer, Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Ashley Phillips 63), Keith Hetherington (Jordan Matthews 80), Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson.
Unused Subs:  Alex Ellwood, Luke Hopkins, Gary Rose.
 

Att: 119

Two enforced changes to the Seasiders starting line up for the visit to Broad Lane with Keith Hetherington, hot from a hat-trick for the Reserves on Saturday, and Adam Hampson in for the injured Calver and unavailable Mackenzie.

An early opening for the Dragons with Hawkins in on goal before Wake intercepted at the expense of a corner but Felixstowe were soon on the front foot with Jones in the home goal making the first of a number of fine saves to prevent Cranfield from increasing his goal tally for the season.
The opening goal came after ten minutes from Keith Hetherington as he turned home Read's cross from the right and Jones produced a double save to keep out Cranfield and Read as Felixstowe maintained pressure on the home goal.
Barber, Stace and Wright all saw shots clear the home cross bar when composure in the final third may have seen pressure converted into goals and a good interchange from Wivenhoe's Hawkins and Williams forced a save from Waters on 22 minutes as the home side produced their best opening of the half.

Felixstowe doubled their lead on 29 minutes after Jones made another save to block Wright's shot and Hetherington following up fired the ball home for his second.

When Saker's cross from the right was deflected past Jones seven minutes into the second half to give the visitors a three goal lead the first away league win looked secured for the Seasiders, but the Dragons despite their league position did not let their heads drop and were rewarded with two goals in two minutes to keep the game very much alive.
On 58 minutes Williamson's free kick into the area was not cleared and James Webb forced the ball home for what may have been a consolation but two minutes later Luke Rogers ran with the ball from the half way line to fire home the Dragon's second and provide a nervous last half-hour for the travelling faithful.
Felixstowe continued to pressure the home goal winning a succession of corners but without increasing the lead which they held to the final whistle.

Saturday 24th October - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   2 - 1  Stanway Rovers   (0-0)
The Seasiders maintained their unbeaten home record against 2nd placed Stanway Rovers thanks to an excellent all round team performance and second half goals from Duane Wright and Ben Wake. The visitors contributed to an entertaining game of football with Liam Bailey equalising after Wright's 77th minute opener but they were unable find their normal scoring form thanks in no small measure to Stace and Calver at the heart of the home defence.

Seasiders: Waters, Saker, Wake, Blewer, Stace, Calver (Phillips 67), Barber (G. Driver 88), Wright, Mackenzie (Hampson 77), Cranfield, Read.

Att: 109

The Seasiders unbeaten home tag remained firmly intact as they denied a Stanway side that arrived in second place in the table having scored 14 times in their last three league games. Following the previous weeks poor performance at Haverhill, manager Glen Driver wielded the axe, boosted by the return of Bradley Barber after a three match absence through injury Driver also included Matt Mackenzie in his starting line up with Adam Hampson relegated to the substitutes bench and Lewis Driver and Keith Hetherington travelling with the reserves to The Hawthorns.

With the pitch returning to normality following heavy rain through the week the home side knew they faced a real test if they were to preserve their unbeaten tag and at the end of ninety minutes both sides had produced a top class game to entertain the supporters as both got the ball down and played with confidence with the result in the balance right up to the final whistle despite their being few clear cut chances for either side.

The opening half produced few openings with Matt Stace at the heart of the Seasider's defence and his counterpart Kevin Hughes in the Stanway back four marshalling their sides well. The home side imposed themselves on the game from the first minute with Bradley Barber and Blake Saker pulling the midfield strings and it was the Seasiders who had the first real opening.

Barbers 17^th minute free kick found Calver in space 8 yards out but he placed his header wide of Mahoney’s goal while the first opening at the other end came from Luke Callender who beat George Blewer with a twisting run down the left before cutting inside in the 25^th minute but he drove his shot across Waters goal from a tight angle.

The home side had a good spell of pressure before the break but failed to find the telling cross to trouble the visitors defence while Callender saw his 25 yard free kick diverted for a corner and at half time there was little to choose between the sides with the home side probably having edged it with the greater share of possession.

Mahoney produced a finger tip save to turn Barbers 25yd free kick over in the 54^th minute as the home side continued to have the better of the possession and the first of three goals in a nine minute spell came on 68^th minute when Ashley Phillips, on for the injured Calver a minute earlier tried his luck from 30 yards with his first touch, the ball took a huge deflection off Duane Wright to wrong foot Mahoney and nestle in the corner of the net with the visitors keeper stranded.

Barber cleared hastily as Stanway searched for an equaliser but they were level in the 77^th minute when Liam Bailey's cross from the right to a huge swerve to catch out Waters and sail over him into the net. Two minutes later the Seasiders regained the lead with Ben Wake's shot from six yards pictured defeating Mahoney at his near post after substitute Phillips again produced the initial ball into the danger area.

Felixstowe had to see out a nervy final ten minutes as Stanway pushed forward in search of a second equaliser and Norfolk looked to have got it 3 minutes into time added on as the ball came to him at the far post but his header was into the side netting with the home supporters hearts in their mouth as it initially looked to have gone into the net.
 

Saturday 17th October - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Haverhill Rovers  3 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
A hat-trick from Brad Hickman as the home side recorded a comfortable victory over a lack lustre Felixstowe side with the Seasiders producing only one shot on target during the ninety minutes.

Rovers: Dave Walton, Paul Abbott (Neil Hammond 72), Paul Hunt, Stuart Wardley, Sam Holmes, Stuart Kingham, Jamie Challis, Marcus Hunt, Brad Hickman (Martin Wescott 75), Scott Wilby (Harry Halls 68), Louis Harper.

Seasiders: James Waters, George Blewer, Ben Wake, Luke Read, Matt Stace, Martin Calver, Blake Saker, Duane Wright, Lewis Driver (Lee Norfolk 57), Keith Hetherington (Ashley Phillips 75), Adam Hampson (Glen Driver 65).
Unused Sub: Gary Rose

Referee: Brian O'Sullivan
Att: 71

Two changes to the Felixstowe line up from Tuesday with Lewis Driver and Luke Read replacing injured leading goal scorer Ben Cranfield and Lee Norfolk starting on the bench.
The visitors were three points ahead of the home side at start of play but by quarter to five Haverhill had leap-frogged over the Seasiders into 13th place thanks to a very positive team performance as they closed down the Seasiders from the first whistle to prevent them getting into their stride.

Haverhill were rewarded for a strong opening spell as Wilby, Hunt and Hickman combined for the opening goal on six minutes. A powerful run from Wilby down the right defeated the tackle from Wake pictured and his cross was headed on by Captain Hunt pictured with Brad Hickman placing the ball past the diving Waters making his league debut for the Seasiders.

Felixstowe earned the first corner on ten minutes but failed to test Walton in the home goal and Haverhill continued to pressure the visiting defence with Stace and Calver working hard to keep the home forwards at distance, Water gathering a low shot from Harper and Hickman shooting over from distance.

Hetherington pictured saw his close range header following a corner clear the home bar and Walton was off his line quickly to claim a long ball at the feet of Driver as Felixstowe pressed for a reply and a gear shift may have put the home defence under pressure but the greater effort continued to come from the home side as they closed the half strongly with Calver making a good clearance header as Wilby produced another telling cross from the right.

With Felixstowe chasing the game after the interval they were vulnerable to a quick break with Brad Hickman producing a low shot following a long run four minutes into the second period to double the home sides lead. Norfolk replaced Driver just before the half hour and his first act was to place a free kick just wide of Walton's right hand post and tactical changes that saw Calver pushed forward and Blake seeing more of the ball produced promise but it was still Haverhill that posed the greater threat and on 66 minutes Brad Hickman completed his hat-trick and secured the points with a powerful drive from the edge of the area.

Walton saved comfortably from Read on 70 minutes as Felixstowe produced their only shot on target and Calver headed wide from Wright's cross as they produced a positive spell of play but it was too little too late and the home side coasted to a comfortable three points to go above the Seasiders on goal difference.

Tuesday 13th October - LB Group Suffolk FA Premier Cup
Hadleigh United  2 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United  (2-1)
The Seasiders progressed from a see-saw game to the quarterfinals where they will entertain Needham Market on Tuesday 10th November.

Hadleigh: Benstead, Buckle, Leys, Jennings, Crawford (Knott 51), Rose, Laws, Garnham (Cowan  68), Payne, Williams, Wright (Harewood 78).
Unused subs: Sadler, Licence

Referee: Carl Fitch
Att: 143

It looked like an old boys reunion at the start with no less than six former Seasiders in the home sides starting line with the latest, James Buckle, having made the move from Humber Doucy Lane at lunchtime. The Seasiders were also parading new signing James Waters who had also signed in the afternoon following his move from Needham Market, getting the call between the posts over an unfortunate Gary Rose.

On an excellent playing surface the Seasiders made the perfect start when Ben Cranfield headed wide of Benstead from Adam Hampson’s cross with just four minutes on the clock and they might well have extended their advantage in an opening twenty minutes that they controlled with the home side on the back foot.

The balance changed in the 25^th minute when a misplaced pass allowed Hadleigh to gain possession just outside the Seasiders area and Craig Payne pounced to fire a low shot across Waters for the equaliser and 4 minutes later Ronaldo Wright scored his first goal since his move from Dellwood Avenue to put the home side in front. Had Hadleigh made better use of their possession before the break they may well have secured a place in the next round, but some dogged defending from the visitors and squandered chances from the home side saw the sides turn round with just a single goal advantage.

As poor as the Seasiders had been in the 25 minutes before the break it was a different story in the second half as they got the ball on the ground and took control with Blake Saker pulling the midfield strings. Cranfied deservedly levelled the scores on 63 minutes with a fine finish and in the 79^th minutes Luke Read, on for Norfolk, ended the best move of the evening placing his low shot wide of Benstead for what proved to be the winner.

There was a late flurry from the home side as the Felixstowe defence conceded needless free kicks outside their own area, but they defended well and Waters produced a brilliant save deep into time added on to turn away Knott’s volley to ensure there was no extra time.

The Seasiders now have a quarter final home tie against Needham Market who knocked out Mildenhall Town with a 4-1 victory at Bloomfields.

Saturday 10th October - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 0  Wisbech Town  (0-0)
In a match that will not live long in the memory the Seasiders collected all three points thanks to Martin Calver's 77th minute goal with the side remaining unbeaten at Dellwood Avenue this season.

Seasiders: Rose, Norfolk, Wake, Driver (Read 74), Stace, Calver, Saker, Wright, Bramble (Hetherington 45), Cranfield, Hampson.
Unused subs: Haighton, Powell.

Referee: Mr George Sprague (Cambridge)
Att. 77

Three days rain had softened and greened the Dellwood playing surface although it was still firm underfoot after the six week drought that the Peninsula had suffered as the sides met equal on points but with the visitors above the Seasiders on goal difference.

There were three changes to the side that made its exit from the FA Vase on Tuesday. Bradley Barber was absent following an accident at work that is likely to keep him out for three weeks with Lewis Driver taking the No 4 shirt. Adam Hampson returned to the side at the expense of Luke Read who took his place on the bench and Tes Bramble returned wearing the No 9 shirt and playing in the strikers role alongside Cranfield.

The game was only five minutes old when Alex Street spent a nervous couple of minutes as Cranfield received attention after being upended by the Wisbech ‘keeper eight yards outside his area and was relieved when referee Mr Sprague finally produced a yellow card that on another day might well have been red.

Little was seen of Wisbech as an attacking force in the first half with the home side in control for long periods and a slick move on 15 minutes saw an interchange between Bramble and Cranfield create an opening but Street turned away Cranfield's rising shot with the help of a post as Hampson was unmarked in the middle of the goal. Saker then had probably the best chance of the game when Driver’s cross found him in a central position but he failed to test Woods.

It took until the 38^th minute before the visitors created their first opening when Jimson found space to test Rose who turned his shot away for a corner.

Hetherington replaced Bramble for the start of the second half with the visitors looking more positive in their approach play, Harper sent a rising shot over the home bar in the 50^th minute and brought a save from Rose on the hour, but the game had become scrappy as both managers made changes.

The points were decided in the 77^th minute when the home side were awarded a free kick just inside the Wisbech half. Blake Saker pumped the ball forward and Martin Calver’s attempt to help the ball on from the edge of the area flicked up and over Street but under the bar to settle in the back of the Wisbech net. There was an element of good fortune to Calver’s first goal for the Seasiders but it was the highlight of an otherwise mediocre second half and ensured that the Seasiders unbeaten home record remained intact.

Tuesday 6th  October - F.A. Vase First Round (Replay)
Long Buckby  5 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United   (2-1)
A master-class on goal-scoring from Dan Holman netting all five of the home sides goals as the Seasiders exited this season's vase competition at a rain swept Long Buckby this evening. Ben Cranfield gave the visitors hope from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time, before Holman completed his Nap hand with a second half hat-trick.
We wish the Bucks every success when they entertain Stansted  in the 2nd Round on Saturday November 14th.

The Bucks: Olly Urqhart, Matt Green, Craig Kelly, Jerry Moss, Dan Chilton (Sean Calcott 85), Scott Marshall, Ryan Nash, Dan Quigley, Vijay Sidhu (Lewis Pilgrim 78), Dan Holman, Glen Walker (Chris Davis 83).
Unused sub: Nark Hewitt, Matt Murphy.

The Seasiders: Gary Rose, Lee Norfolk, Ben Wake, Luke Read (Adam Hampson 60), Martin Calver, Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Glen Driver 65), Blake Saker, Ben Cranfield, Matt Ryland.

Referee: R Hodges
Att: 74

There was one change to the Bucks starting eleven with Ryan Nash in for the absent Greg Ling and for the Seasiders Lee Norfolk and Matt Ryland were in the starting line-up with Adam Hampson on the bench and Tes Bramble unavailable.  Twelve travelling fans had made the long journey through the rain and a three hour journey home thanks to delays and diversions, many thanks from the players for your support.

The playing surface was lovely and green with the day's rain producing a slippery surface on hard ground with the rain returning after a short break before the game kicked off.
Felixstowe applied early pressure on the home goal but Buckley's first attack on three minutes produced the opening goal with Walker's run and cross from the left met by Dan Holman to head home.
Read saw his shot cleared as Felixstowe earned the first corner of the game on six minutes followed by a fierce strike from Barber also blocked at the expense of a corner. Urquart saved from Stace as Felixstowe continued a good spell of pressure without finding a break through and on fourteen minutes they found themselves two goals behind.
After two successive corners Walker held the ball up well on the edge of the Felixstowe area to tee-up Holman for a powerful low strike past the diving Rose. Holman then brought a fine save from Rose after the speed of Walker had once again outstripped the visiting defence.

Felixstowe, with Barber's free kick on the half hour deflected narrowly wide, continued to search for a reply but it was the home side that continued to pose the greater threat in front of goal and Moss should have wrapped the game up but headed wide from Kelly's corner kick.
Felixstowe desperately needed a reply and they gained a life-line on the stroke of half-time when under pressure from a corner a Buckley hand played the ball and Ben Cranshaw made no mistake powering the ball home from the penalty spot.

Back in the hunt, but the Seasiders failed to test Urqhart in the second half with Cranfield's header over the bar from Driver's cross the closest Felixstowe came to scoring in the second period.
The Buck's continued to be highly dangerous on the break with Holman completing his hat-trick eight minutes after the restart with an excellent shot after a forceful run and made it four just before the hour. Felixstowe persisted but the tie was gone and with ten minutes remaining Holman scored his best of the night with a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

No complaints, with the best team going through and we wish them well in the next and future rounds.

Saturday 3rd October - F.A. Vase First Round Proper
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 1  Long Buckby   -  after extra time
120 minutes of football at a 'breezy' Dellwood Avenue could not separate the sides so it's map books out and off to Station Road Long Buckby on Tuesday night.
After an evenly contested first half the two goals were scored within five minutes of the restart with Ben Cranfield volleying home to put the Seasiders ahead and Greg Ling quickly restoring parity for the Bucks. As the game progressed the visitors looked the most likely to claim the tie with Rose in the home goal the busier of the two keepers but Buckby's Urqhart produced the save of the game to deny Cranfield and take the game to a replay.

The Seasiders: Gary Rose, Martin Calver, Ben Wake, Blake Saker, Tes Bramble (Keith Hetherington 82), Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Adam Hampson (Matt Mackenzie 80), Ben Cranfield, Luke Read (Lee Norfolk 72).
Unused sub: Lewis Driver.

the Bucks: Olly Urqhart, Matt Green, Craig Kelly, Jerry Moss, Dan Chilton, Dan Quigley, Greg Ling (Ryan Nash 65), Scott Marshall (Mark Hewitt 117), Vijay Sidhu (Matt Murphy), Dan Holman, Glen Walker.
Unused sub: Sean Calcott.

Referee: G Rambling
Att: 103

Ben Wake made his home debut for the Seasiders after joining the Club from Norwich United at full back for the visit of Long Buckby on a very windy afternoon at Dellwood Avenue, but still no sign of rain.
A lively start to the game with action at both ends with Felixstowe forcing the first corner of the game on four minutes and Bramble clearing from Holman at the expense of a corner as Buckby responded quickly. Barber, influential in midfield for the Seasiders, saw his free-kick saved by Urqhart before the impressive Walker produced a telling run into the Felixstowe area placing his shot wide. Cranfield's shot was blocked for a corner following an incisive move from defence involving Cranfield, Read and Barber as the game continued to flow despite the strong wind.
On the half hour the dangerous Walker's shot was blocked for a corner with with Chilton heading over the Felixstowe bar from Kelly's corner kick.
Walker cleared Wright's goal bound shot off the line after Barber's shot was saved by Urqhart and the ball ran loose with the Felixstowe forward first to the ball and looking to squeeze the ball home from  a tight angle.
Buckby finished the half winning successive corners but at the break there was nothing between the sides.

With many still making their way back from the prawn sandwiches Felixstowe were ahead as Ben Cranfield scored his 6th goal of the season within 30 seconds of the restart with a low volley from the right of the area, celebrating with a somersault (possibly a little more practice required).

The lead was short lived as less than four minutes later the home defence failed to clear following a free kick and Greg Ling was first to the loose ball to stab home from close range.
Bramble headed over from Saker's free kick just before the hour mark but the visitors enjoyed the better of the second period with Holman and Sidhu both going close without finding the telling strike.

Into extra-time and Wake came to the aid of his keeper clearing off the line to deny Holman one minute into overtime. Urqhart produced a good low save from Cranfield and Quigley headed wide as both sides looked to claim the result at the first time of asking, but the breakthrough did not come and we meet again on Tuesday.

Wednesday 30th  September - Ridgeons League Cup (Preliminary Round)
Walsham le Willows  3 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (1-0)
Walsham progressed to the first round of the competition, where they will travel to Ipswich Wanderers, following a comfortable win against a young Felixstowe side.

Walsham: Duncan McNally, James Attwood, Andrew Cusack, Lee Nocton, Trevor Newman, Stuart Walker (Richard partridge 77), Steve Harley (Charlie Robinson 77), Lee Sim, Will Brown, James Tatham, Steve Holder (Paul Musgrove 83)
Unused subs: Chris Rock, Tom Fenner.

Felixstowe: Gary Rose, Joe Bloomfield, Ben wake, Lee Norfolk, Miles Powell, Alex Ellwood, Kristian Haighton, Tommy Smith (Ashley Phillips 51), Matt Mackenzie, Keith Hetherington, Adam Hampson (Luke Hopkins 62).
Unused subs: Glen Driver.

Referee: Mike George
Att: 53

A good performance from the Seasiders with plenty of creative play in the first half without threatening the home goal. Steve Holder opened the scoring on 38 minutes with a header from Attwood's corner as the home side started to impose themselves on the game with Bloomfield closest to scoring for the Seasiders, following a good run into the area, with McNally making a comfortable save in the home goal.
Goal mouth incidents were rare despite good build up play from both sides but just before the hour Brown's run into the area resulted in an opportunity for Stuart Walker to force the ball home from close range. Rose made a double save to deny Partridge and Musgrove as the game drew to a close and on the stroke of full time Paul Musgrove tapped the ball home to confirm the win.

Tuesday 22nd September - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  0 - 0  Needham Market 
The Seasiders defence marshalled by Captain Matt Stace resisted Needham Market's trademark late surge to earn a deserved point against the Championship contenders at Dellwood Avenue this evening.

Felixstowe: Gary Rose, George Blewer, Joe Bloomfield, Matt Stace, Martin Calver (Ashley Phillips 53), Blake Saker, Bradley Barber, Luke Read, Duane Wright, Keith Hetherington (Andy Lewis 69), Adam Hampson.
Unused subs: Matt Mackenzie, Kristian Haighton.

Needham: Liam Jones, Pip Boyland, Kevin Horlock, Anglo Harrop, Richard Butler, Rhys Barber, James Evans (Mike Fitzgibbon) Craig Parker, Danny Phillips, Tommy Smith (Danny Smy 63), Donny Thrower.
Unused subs: Matt Buckle, Jay Denniss, Tom Agricole.

Referee: Darren Stobbart
Att: 185

Saturday 19th September - F.A. Vase 2nd Qualifying Round
Felixstowe & Walton United  2 - 1  Yaxley   (1-1)
A minutes silence was held before the game in Memory of  Graham Beaumont who died suddenly on Wednesday. Graham was a regular visitor to Dellwood Avenue and was at the match on Tuesday night. Graham will be sorely missed by all his friends at the Club.  Our condolences go to all Graham's Family and friends.

The Seasiders progressed in the FA Vase with a 2-1 win over Yaxley in warm sunshine at Dellwood Avenue and will entertain Long Buckby in the 1st Round proper on Saturday October 3rd.
Seasiders: Gary Rose, George Blewer, Joe Bloomfield, Blake Saker, Tes Bramble, Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Luke Hammond, Duane Wright (Luke Read 80), Ben Cranfield (Ben Connell 90), Martin Calver (Keith Hetherington 64)
Unused sub: Adam Hampson

Cuckoos: Aaron Bellaires. Aaron Ridout, Matt Holland, Tony Thomas, Chris Lenton, Ted Rimmell, Mike Calvin (Ondre Odane 70), Richard Challinor, Ben Stainsby, Rick Hailstone, Jamie Darlow.
Unused subs: Dan Drane, Scott Quinney, Lewis Stone, Marc Day.

Referee: M Kuruder
Att: 81

Felixstowe were gifted the opening goal on seven minutes when the the Yaxley keeper Bellaires, unable to pick up a back pass, fired the ball at the onrushing Duane Wright, Wright pouncing on the loose ball to tap into an open goal pictured. Despite gaining the upper hand and putting the visiting defence on the back foot the Seasiders failed to build on their advantage, with Saker shooting wide and Barber producing a number of good crosses which could not be converted. Bellaires produced a low save to deny Cranfield and cleared well under pressure from Stace as Felixstowe threatened but failed to find the second goal. Yaxley enjoyed a good spell as the half time interval approached with Darlow seeing his low free kick strike Rose's right hand post and on 40 minutes the Cuckoos were level. Rimell's cross from wide on the right met the head of Darlow at the far post with Ben Stainsby converting from close range in the centre of the goal.

The visitors were quickly onto the attack after the break but it was Bellaires in the Yaxley goal who was first to make a save as he stretched to palm Wright's header over the bar at the expense of a corner. On 53 minutes Felixstowe regained the lead with Blake Saker's pictured left deep cross from the right beating everyone and striking the far post before nestling in the visitors goal.
Yaxley pushed forward in search of the goal that would take the game into extra time and Rose was at full stretch to palm Hailstone's free kick over the bar. Hetherington returning to the Seasiders this week from Norwich United came off the bench and had a goal ruled out for off side as Felixstowe saw out time to progress to the next round.

Tuesday 15th September - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  2 - 0  Wivenhoe Town  (1-0)
A goal from Duane Wright on 12 minutes and a second from Ben Cranfield 16 minutes from time saw the Seasiders claim all three points on a wet night that saw both sides work hard box to box but with goal mouth incidents at a premium. Rogers and Meadows were lively for the visitors with Meadows going closest for the Dragons but despite their persistence they failed to test home keeper Rose while Reid was pleased to see Barber's dipping free kick strike the bar in injury time.

Seasiders: Gary Rose, George Blewer, Joe Bloomfield, Blake Saker, Tes Bramble, Matt Stace (Ashley Phillips 80), Bradley Barber, Luke Hammond (Ben Connell 69), Duane Wright (Matt Mackenzie 84), Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson
Unused sub: Kristian Haighton.

Dragons: Aaron Reid, Ben Pudney, James Raby, Jack Sibbons, Josh Gould, Sam Holman, Ricky Griggs, Harry Schofield, Jake Holman, Luke Rogers, Ritchie Meadows.
Subs: Josh Vaughan, Wilf Hall, Ben Lampon, Jon Carr.

Referee: J Turner
Att: 45

Saturday 4th September - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Wroxham  2 - 0   Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
Paynter's spot kick, five minutes before the interval, and Spriggs' twenty yard volley on the hour saw the Yachtsmen comfortably collect the points with numerous saves from Rose in the Felixstowe goal preventing the margin of victory from being even greater.

Yachtsmen: Scott Howie, Gavin Pauling, Josh Carus, Graham Challen, Martin McNial, Gavin Lemmon, Steve Spriggs, Daniel White, Paul Cook, Owen Paynter, Gary Gilmore.
Unused Subs: Gareth Simpson, Matt daniels, John Eldridge, Karl Fox.

Seasiders: Gary Rose, Blake Saker, Bradley Barber (Matt Mackenzie 80), Tes Bramble, Matt Stace, George Blewer, Luke Hammond, Duane Wright, Adam Hampson (Ashley Phillips 58), Ben Cranfield, Martin Calver.
Unused sub: Glen Driver.

Referee: N A Smith
Att: 71

Martin Calver, pictured left recently signed from Harwich & Parkeston, was named in the starting eleven for the trip to Trafford Park and with Tes Bramble fit to play hopes were high for a competitive game.
The Seasiders enjoyed a bright opening fifteen minutes with Hammond striking a free-kick just wide of the home goal, Wright shot wide when well placed in front of goal and Saker's drive was narrowly over following a quick break and neat inter-passing with Barber. Following the first corner of the game taken by Spriggs on 16 minutes Rose saved from Paynter with the aid of a post and from that point Wroxham were on top.
With a higher work rate the home side pressed forward with Rose again denying Spriggs and Paynter before the pressure finally told and five minutes before the break Blewer tripped Gilmore as he raced into the area with Owen Paynter making no mistake placing the spot kick wide of Rose's right hand.
After the break Rose collected a low drive from White before Steven Spriggs extended the lead with a volley from all of 20 yards which even Rose could not keep out.
Phillips replaced Hammond with Bramble joining the attack but with little to work on the home defence was not threatened with Howie a virtual spectator in the home goal. Rose saved from White, Spriggs and Cook to keep Felixstowe in the game but little was seen in attack until the last few minutes when three corners were won in quick succession but it was all too little too late with Wroxham finishing comfortable winners.

Penny for your thoughts !!

Tuesday 1st September - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Harwich & Parkeston  1 - 1   Felixstowe & Walton United  (0-1)
Terry Rymer's 53rd minute headed goal from Warren's free kick saw the Shrimpers deservedly collect their first point of the season and they may well have claimed all three as they worked hard to close down and hurry the visitors in their work.

Shrimpers: Lee Mahoney, Luke Randall, James King, Ben Warren, Jordan Franklin, Sam Eldridge, Nicky Palmer, Aaron Skeggs, Terry Rymer, Zac Manning, Daniel Beeson.
Unused Subs: Joss Neale, Darren Cook, Scott Hiskey.

Seasiders: Gary Rose, Blake Saker, Ashley Phillips, Luke Hammond ( Lewis Driver 45), George Blewer, Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Matt Mackenzie 54), Kristian Haighton, Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson (Glen Driver 76).
Unused sub: Ben Connell.

Referee: Lee Betts
Att: 89

Ben Cranfield headed Felixstowe into the lead on 19 minutes from Barber's corner after Mahoney had produced two finger tip saves in quick succession to deny Hammond and Cranfield as the visitors controlled the first half hour of the game. Harwich gradually  increased their tempo pressuring the visitors into mistakes and finished the half strongly with Rymer threatening and Eldridge heading over the Felixstowe bar from King's cross.
Cranfield struck the home bar within two minutes of the restart but Felixstowe failed to build on their advantage before Rymer struck to bring the sides level with Rose having to be alert to secure a point for the visitors.

Saturday 29th August - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 1  CRC  (0-0)
Honours even following a game played at a good tempo by two youthful sides in the warm sunshine at Dellwood Avenue. With defences on top goalmouth action was at a premium with the Bank Holiday crowd enjoying the passing game deployed by both sides.
Luke Berry's headed goal just after the hour mark for the visitors looked like being the decider until Ben Cranfield slid the ball past Davies with five minutes on the watch for a deserved equaliser.
With other teams in FA Cup action the point was enough to see CRC take top spot in the league for the first time.

Seasiders: Gary Rose, Blake Saker, George Blewer, Luke Hammond, Matt Stace, Tes Bramble, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright, Adam Hampson (Ronaldo Wright 63), Ben Cranfield, Lee Norfolk (Lewis Driver 69).
Unused subs: Matt Mackenzie, Kristian Haighton, Paul Cudworth.

CRC: Martin Davies, Rogan McGeorge, Owen Kessack, Lewis Carr, Alex Bevan, Luke Allan (Joe Bennett 59), Jack Eades (James Brighton 63), Luke Berry, Jack Bailey, Adam Marriott, Liam Hughes.
Unused Subs: Chris Tonks, Grant Wright.
Referee: Mark Patterson
Att: 89

Luke Hammond pictured left, signed in time to be in the starting line up for the visit of CRC along with Tes Bramble returning from injury. With Captain Matt Stace returning following a one match absence the back four had a very solid look about it, and it would need to be against a very skilful and mobile Cambridge side.

Felixstowe made a good start from the kick off with Barber shooting wide in the first minute and the busy Hampson seeing a shot blocked following a good move from defence to attack. A curling shot from Berry went close for the visitors but despite the high tempo and neat passing football from both sides the keepers were not tested until a minute before the break when Eades brought a save from Rose in the home goal after being released by Berry. Bailey headed over the home goal from a corner as the visitors finished the half strongly with Hammond volleying over the visitors bar as the game threatened to open up but at the interval it was goalless.

Felixstowe started the second half brightly with Hampson & Wright seeing shots blocked and Davies saving at the expense of a corner. Bramble met Barber's flag kick with his goal-bound header cleared off the line by Bevan. CRC gradually built momentum and on the hour the deadlock was broken. Blewer made a decisive tackle to block Bailey but from the resultant corner, taken by Kessack, Marriott flick the ball on at the near post for Luke Berry to head home unmarked from the centre of the goal pictured.

Two excellent saves from Gary Rose kept the Seasiders in the game as CRC looked to increase their advantage before Felixstowe regained their composure and pressed for an equaliser. Ronaldo Wright and Lewis Driver were introduced to inject pace into the forward line as the heat began to take it's toll and a through ball from Wright with five minutes to go split the visiting defence with Ben Cranfield one on one with Davies sliding the ball low to the keepers left for a well deserved equaliser.

Saturday 22nd August - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  4 - 1 Histon Res.  (1-1)
Two goals from Ben Cranfield on his home debut put the Seasiders ahead early in the second half after Doltan O'Brien had headed the visitors into a second minute lead. Adam Hampson added the third with Matt Mackenzie producing an excellent volley to complete the scoring with five minutes remaining.

Seasiders: Paul Cudworth, Blake Saker, Joe Bloomfield, Kevin Inglis (Kristiane Haighton 78), Miles Powell, George Blewer, Bradley Barber, Duane Wright (Lewis Driver 61), Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson (Matt Mackenzie 73), Lee Norfolk.
Unused subs: - Glen Driver

Stutes: Sean Greygoose, Jay Dowie, Seb Baxter, John Kennedy, Joe Stroud, Zac Mills, Kieron Leabon, Lee Brennan (Tyler Campbell 54), Lewis Taaffe (Eoin O'Herlehy 64), Doltan O'Brien Sam Mason-Smith 73), Daniel Spark

Referee: Jerry Kelly
Att: 78

A sunny and warm afternoon for the visit of a young Histon side to Dellwood Avenue. Glen Driver named himself on the bench with Miles Powell and Joe Bloomfield replacing the absent Stace and Ryland. Norfolk came back into the starting eleven with Lewis Driver starting on the the bench with Haighton and Mackenzie.

The visitors started brightly with Bloomfield blocking Leabon's shot in the second minute and from Spark's corner Doltan OBrien (no10) headed Histon into an early lead pictured. Felixstowe picked up the pace with Barber, Norfolk and Saker carrying the ball forward to create openings for Wright, Cranfield and Hampson. Greygoose saved well to keep out Hampson with Dowie clearing off the line as pressure mounted on the Histon goal. Hampson turned Sakers cross home but was ruled out for off side, Barber saw his dipping shot skim the cross bar before the equaliser finally came on 26 minutes with Ben Cranfield collecting Hampson's pass to run on and score pictured.

Kennedy fizzed a ball across the home goal and Cranfield saw his effort on the Histon goal scrambled away as both side continued to look more comfortable going forward than defending but at the break it was still one goal a-piece but with the promise of more to follow.

Within two minutes of the restart the Seasiders were ahead with Barber's long ball headed over the advanced Greygoose by Ben Cranfield. Six minutes later Adam Hampson pictured who had threatened all afternoon steered the ball home from the edge of the box for the home sides third. Histon continued to press forward in search of a reply playing neat passing football with Cudworth pictured right quickly off his line to block O'Brien on the hour and then saved well to deny Spark.

With five minutes remaining Matt Mackenzie confirmed the win with a well struck volley from the edge of the area as the Seasiders finished strongly.

Wednesday 19th August - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Stanway Rovers  5 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (2-0)
Following a goalless first 43 minutes with defences in charge the home side took control to win comfortably with a hat-trick from Callander and a brace for Newson.
Stanway Rovers: Michael Church, Martin Curtis, Liam Bailey (James Eales 45), Alex Brennan, Kevin Hughes, Joe Davis, Ben Newson, Arron Clark, Sam Newson, Luke Calander (Marley Spindler 81), Reece Harris (Michael Cheek 79).
Unused Subs: Chris Jones.

Seasiders: Paul Cudworth, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Kevin Inglis, Matt Stace, George Blewer, Bradley Barber (Lee Norfolk 62), Duane Wright, Lewis Driver, Ben Cranfield, Adam Hampson (Ben Connell 62).
Unused subs: - Kristiane Haighton, Joe Bloomfield, Gary Rose.

Referee: Adam Crysell
Att: 85
Three minutes before the half-time interval there was little to indicate the avalanche of goals that was to follow Callander's opener as his cross-come-shot deceived Cudworth to nestle in the back of the Felixstowe net. Up to that point the keepers had seen little of the ball with both defences firmly in control but within a minute the lead had been doubled as Sam Newson raced onto Brennan's long ball forward and through the static Felixstowe defence to give the hosts a comfortable half time lead.
Any hopes the visiting support had of a second half fight back was short lived as Stanway continued as they had finished the first half with Cudworth saving from Ben Newson and Barber clearing off the line before Luke Callander rifled home his second after 54 minutes.
Felixstowe pushed forward in search of a reply but failed to test Church in the home goal and looked vulnerable every time Stanway attacked. On 65 minutes Sam Newson scored his second turning home Davis' cross from the right after he had run through unchallenged and with 12 minutes remaining Luke Callander completed his hat-trick and Stanway's Nap hand after breaking from the half way line.

Saturday 15th August - F.A. Cup Extra Preliminary Round - sponsored by E.ON
Needham Market   1 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (0-0)
A single 79th minute goal from Needham's Danny Thrower was all that separated the two Ridgeons League sides at Bloomfields as this season's long road to Wembley began. An entertaining and open game with both sides creating numerous chances with Barber's strike against the underside of Jones' cross bar nine minutes into the second half the closest the Seasiders came to scoring.

Needham Market: Liam Jones, Lewis Pemberton, Tom Agricole, Kevin Horlock, Richard Butler, Rhys Barber, Oliver Canfer (Angelo Harrop 60), Matt Buckle (Jay Denniss 60), Danny Phillips (James Evans 76), Tommy Smith, Danny Thrower.
Unused Subs: Phil Boyland, Danny Smy, Jimmy Waters.

Seasiders: Paul Cudworth, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Lee Norfolk (Joe Bloomfield 80), George Blewer, Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Kristiane Haighton (Miles Powell 50), Duane Wright, Lewis Driver, Adam Hampson (Ben Connell 75)
Unused subs: -

Referee: Nick Cooper
Att: 130

Manager Glen Driver named one change to the Felixstowe starting line up from Tuesday with George Blewer replacing the injured Tes Bramble to partner Matt Stace in the middle of the back four. After a nervous start which saw former Seasider Danny Phillips closing in on the visitors goal twice in the opening two minutes the defence led by the impressive Stace hurried the Needham forward line into shots from distance. Felixstowe held their collective breath on two minutes as keeper Cudworth spread himself to block Phillips shot outside the area and were relieved to see the Yellow card raised.
After resisting early pressure Felixstowe began to develop their play through Norfolk and Barber with the first attempt on the home goal coming from the head of Wright as he met Norfolk's precision cross from the right with Jones collecting comfortably.

The strong Canfer created a number of openings down the right but failed to test Cudworth with shots going wide and when on target Blewer and Stace blocked the shots and cleared the danger. Phillips showed constant danger but was hurried into his work with efforts going wide.
The opportunities at both ends of the park continued with Hampson heading over from Ryland's cross from the left and Driver placing the best effort of the half for the Seasiders wide with just the keeper to beat. In reply Smith's fierce left foot shot was narrowly wide of Cudworth's goal with Canfer firing wide once again as half time approached.

Ten minutes into the second half Bradley Barber saw his free kick defeat the home keeper but strike the underside of the bar and scrambled away to safety. Felixstowe continued to defend well as the pressure from the home side gradually built with Phillips close and Cudworth saving well from Rhys Barber.  The breakthrough and deciding goal came on 79 minutes when a loose ball came to Danny Thrower who arrowed a well struck left foot shot wide of Cudworths right hand.
Saker cleared off the line after Cudworth blocked a Phillips shot as the home side looked to close out the game but the Felixstowe defence once again stood firm and with Felixstowe still looking dangerous on the break the home side settled for the single goal and saw out time to move into the next round.

We wish Needham success in the next round when they entertain Wisbech Town.

Tuesday 11th August - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 0 Harwich & Parkeston  (0-0)
In contrast to Saturday, an injury time goal saw the Seasiders collect all three points with the Shrimpers dealt a cruel blow having fought gallantly for an hour a player short.
The home side enjoyed the lions share of possession throughout, even more so after Harwich's Darren Bethell was dismissed for a second yellow on 35 minutes. But despite creating a host of chances the home side failed to unduly trouble Mahoney in the visitors goal with the exception of Brambles header that found the Harwich cross bar on the half hour.  Indeed Cudworth's save to deny Calver's excellent shot at his near post with three minutes to go was the best save of the game and denied Harwich a late and unexpected win.
With the Seasiders heading for their first goalless draw for over two seasons the tireless Adam Hampson slotted home the winner in the third minute of time added on.

Seasiders: Paul Cudworth, Blake Saker, Matt Ryland, Adam Hampson, Tes Bramble (Miles Powell 60), Matt Stace, Bradley Barber, Lee Norfolk (Ben Connell 60), Duane Wright, Lewis Driver, Kristiane Haighton.
Unused subs: Ashley Phillips, Jordan Matthews

Shrimpers: Lee Mahoney, Jordan Franklin, Zak Manning, Wayne Lamb (Nicky Palmer 50), Ben Warren, Aaron Skeggs, Martin Calver, Jamie Baker, Terry Rymer, Darren Bethel, Bobby Bethell.
Unused Subs: Sam Eldridge, Daryl Johnson, Daryl Heard.

Referee: Darren Stobbart
Att: 106

Saturday 8th August - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Norwich United   3 - 2  Felixstowe & Walton United  (1-1)
An injury time penalty denied the Seasiders a point at Plantation Park this afternoon after Adam Hampson had brought the sides level with ten minutes remaining. Captain Matt Stace had fired Felixstowe ahead on eight minutes with Tony Youngs equalising for the Planters two minutes before the break and Ricci Butler putting the home side ahead three minutes after the restart. The young Felixstowe side fought back well in the warn sun with Hampson looking have to earned them a point before, you guessed it, Porky Claydon fired home from the penalty spot with seconds remaining.

Planters: Ben Nower, Steve Shipley, Tom Jeal, Gavin Frost (c), James Wilson, Darren Cow, Lee Hunter (Matthew Robinson 45), John Bell, Andy Claydon, Tom Youngs, Ricci Butler (Ben Wak 70).
Unused subs: Keith Hetherington, Jordan Blyth, Nathan Pauling.

Seasiders: Paul Cudworth, Miles Powell, Matt Ryland, Lee Norfolk, Matt Stace, Tes Bramble, Duane Wright, Kristiane Haighton, Ronaldo Wright (Jordan Matthews 88), Matt Mackenzie, Adam Hampson.
Unused subs: Ashley Phillips, Garry Rose.

Referee: J Turner
Att: 92

Despite a number of players being unavailable for selection, for various reasons, for the opening game of the season Glen and Tony will have been happy with the performance and commitment from the players that took to the field. Three under 18 players went straight into the side, Matt Mackenzie pictured right, Kris Haighton and Miles Powell, all performing  well at the senior level. The experience of new Captain Matt Stace, Lee Norfolk, Matt Ryland and Tes Bramble provided the defence with a solid foundation that held firm for most of the first half.  Duane Wright and Adam Hampson were the only two players that had appeared in the last game of last season for the Seasiders with Paul Cudworth returning in goal and Ronaldo Wright in attack to complete the line up.

In sunny and warm conditions the game started brightly with Haighton forcing the first corner in favour of the visitors after four minutes. A low shot from Wright was comfortably held by Nower in the home game and the former Felixstowe keeper sprung defence into attack with Stace first to the ball to clear under pressure for Norwich's first corner of the game, as the game flowed from end to end.

Matt Stace opened the scoring for the Seasiders on eight minutes following a foul on Mackenzie. The free kick was not cleared by the home defence and the Seasiders Captain was on hand to fire the ball passed Nower and into the net pictured.

With Bramble and Stace keeping things tight in defence and clearing their lines quickly the midfield was able to build with neat passing moves and Mackenzie and Haighton linked well with Haighton firing over the home goal from distance. Both teams were moving the ball well without threatening until half time approached and pressure built on the Felixstowe goal. Cudworth did well to get a palm to Butler's corner pictured with Wilson placing the ball wide at the far post.
With Bell prompting from midfield Claydon and Youngs made ground into the Felixstowe area with two shouts for penalties turned down before Tom Youngs met a cross from the right to score with two minutes remaining to half time.

Three minutes after the break the ball was lost in mid-field and Claydon drew the defence before passing to Ricci Butler who calmly slotted the ball home. the Planters enjoyed a good spell with Robinson, Youngs and Claydon all going close to increasing the lead. the Seasiders persevered and made  positional changes which created a few openings in the home defence. Nower did well to deny Ronaldo Wright pictured before Adam Hampson produced the equaliser firing low under Nower and into the net pictured.

With time running down both sides went looking for the winner and it came to the Planters after pressure on the visitors goal forced a challenge from Bramble resulting a penalty kick.
Andy Claydon made no mistake firing the ball past Cudworth's right hand.

Having had the better of the second half the Planters may have deserved the points but it was cruel on Felixstowe who had worked so hard to gain a point only to be denied in injury time.
Many positives to take from the game and we look forward to Tuesday night when Harwich & Parkeston are the visitors to Dellwood Avenue.

Scorers of the first and last goals
Matt Stace & Andy Claydon.