Reserve Team Match Reports for Season 2009-2010

Saturday 1st May 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Cornard United  Res.  0 - 6  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (0-2)
The Reserves completed their season in style with a comfortable 6-0 win at Cornard which, secured fourth place in the league table. Well done guys, enjoy the summer break.

Team: Waters, Haighton, Powell (capt), Willett, Towell, Hopkins, Glencastle, Hampson, Phillips, Driver, Lewis.
Subs: McCallum, Dawson, Butcher, Mackenzie, Ellwood.

Having played well in the last couple of weeks with little reward we needed to finish with a win to secure a fourth place finish.

We started on the front keeping the ball well and creating several half chances early on. Phillips was causing them problems on the left and provided the first goal for Lewis who shot home from close range. The home side keeper was playing well and made good saves from Hampson & Hopkins. We continued to press and when Phillips's corner was swung in from the right for Powell to head home it was no more than we deserved. Powell had another chance soon after from another Phillips corner but this time he headed over.  HT 2-0.

So the last forty five minutes of the season.  Powell took a knock to the elbow which swelled up quickly so was replaced by Ellwood. We were pushing for the third which would see us over the line it came courtesy of Lewis who was picked out in the area by a neat pass from Hopkins and he stabbed home after his first effort was parried by the keeper.  Hampson reacted quickest to poke home the fourth from another Hopkins cross. McCallum replaced Phillips & Mackenzie replaced Driver. We were now looking like scoring with every attack. Hampson got his second and the Seasiders fifth following a great cross to the back post by Haighton. Another great ball out of the centre of the park by McCollum to find Lewis who’s first attempt was well saved but he gave the keeper no chance with the rebound to complete his hat trick. Hampson had his third ruled out for off side.

A good win considering three quarters of the team were partying at the clubs sportsman dinner Friday evening, which was an excellent night’s entertainment.

Good all round performance my  Mom on the last day of the season goes to Nathan Glencastle he battled hard in midfield right to end even when it was clear midway through the second half that we would run out winners.

It turned out to be my last reserve team game as manager. I would just like to say that it has been a pleasure to work with Colin & Lol this season and between us have enjoyed working with a set of young players that are a credit to the club. Back in August 2009 after 2 games we were bottom had scored none and conceded 11 and thought we were in for a long uncomfortable season. But to the boy’s credit they learnt quickly knuckled down and following a 9 game consecutive winning run did reach second spot in early April. A final fourth place position finishing behind a well experienced Hadleigh, blue square Braintree & Ryman league Witham, was in my eyes an excellent achievement.

As you know Andy Clarke & I are taking over the first team next year .So I would just like to send thanks to the parents for the use of their cars and support. The spectators & committee members who have travelled to support us throughout the season. Most of all for all the hard work Colin Lol and the players put in week in week out to make an enjoyable season.

Kevin W

Saturday 24th April 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Hadleigh United  Res.  2 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res. 
The Seasiders were disappointed to return home without at least a point from a game they dominated for long periods. Lewis Driver scored from the penalty spot to bring the sides level but the experienced  home side secured all three points and maintained their unbeaten home record.

Team: Waters, Haighton, Ellwood (capt), Willett, Phillips, Hopkins, Glencastle, Hampson, Butcher, Driver, Lewis.
Subs: Mccallum, Witchalls.

After a difficult night on Tuesday at Sudbury a trip to Hadleigh, who have got their sights on the title, was going to be another challenge for the Seasiders. A good crowd had assembled and it was good to see Tommy Jordy & Miles who were injured or suspended turning up to support their team mates.

We started with a traditional 4-4-2 for the first time in a while hoping to press an experienced looking Hadleigh back four. An early chance for the home side was brilliantly defended with a last minute toe away for a corner by Ellwood. The resulting corner came to nothing. Although the pitch had a good covering of grass it was still hard and when a long bouncing back pass to Waters wasn’t cleared properly Hadleigh took the lead with a low shot into an empty net. The Seasiders responded well and settled into their rhythm and on a couple of occasions got in behind but the final pass or decision wasn’t quite right. Long periods of the game were contested in the middle of the park with neither goalkeeper’s having a lot to worry them.

The best first half chance fell to Andy Lewis who brought a good save out of the home side keeper just before the break with the rebound to Hopkins resulting in an offside decision. HT 0-1

The mood was still positive in the changing room which was becoming the norm over the last couple of months.

We started the second half really brightly and enjoyed good possession for long periods but were unable to create any clear cut opportunities. But when Kristiain Haighton’s cross in from the right was punched by the home side centre half and a penalty awarded a lucky break was just what we needed. Lewis Driver stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. It was now all Felixstowe. A great cross field pass from Ash Phillips picked out Hopkins at the back post his control was sharp but his shot was pushed over by the keeper.  We were  awarded free kick just outside the area Andy Lewis couldn’t have struck it any sweater but it rattled off the inside of the post and flew across the goal with the keeper beat all ends up. May be it wasn’t to be our day. When Lewis Driver went clear we were hopeful of a second his shot was only parried to Hopkins who’s shot again could only be blocked by the keeper and he was to get up and stop a third effort from Andy Lewis with his legs chance gone. It was looking like a point a piece which would have been no more then we deserved. Not to be a long ball on a counter attack fell kindly for the striker who’s speculative lob come shot bounced into the roof of our net we had given everything on hot day and unfortunately left with nothing. Final score 1-2

With Braintree losing at Halstead this result put Hadleigh in the box seat with only 1 game to play.

A difficult 8 days for the young Seasiders reserves. After winning 27 out of 27 points prior to last Saturday.  It has been 1 from 9 this week. Anyone who has travelled to see them this week would agree that we certainly didn’t deserve to lose any of them. That’s football as they say.

Solid performances for Ellwood & Willett.  Glencastle, Hampson and Butcher worked hard in midfield but my Mom this week goes to Kristrain Haighton who put a great performance.

The final game of the campaign is at Cornard next Saturday

Tuesday 20th April 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
AFC Sudbury Res.  2 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (0-0)
Two goals in the last fifteen minutes saw the Seasiders ten game unbeaten run come to an end after playing a man short from the 36th minute. On a good surface the visitors created a number of scoring opportunities with Driver and Hampson going close without testing the home keeper. Ellwood brought down Bennett on the edge of the area and as the last defender saw red ten minutes before the break but the Seasiders could have been ahead at the interval had Driver's shot failed to hit the target after creating an excellent chance moments before the break. With the game looking to be drifting to a goal-less draw Luke Bennett produced a dipping shot from 30 yards worthy of winning any game to break the deadlock on 75 minutes. Felixstowe pressed for a reply and on the break substitute James Skipper confirmed the win with three minutes remaining.

Team: Waters, Haighton, Ellwood (Capt), Willett, Phillips, Hopkins, Glencastle, Hampson, Matthews, Wake, Driver.
Subs: McCallum, Dawson

Sudbury were looking to avenge the defeat they suffered at Dellwood back in September, when we managed to overcome the odds with 10 men. Ironically it was to be the same scenario this time round as Ellwood was deemed to commit the professional foul and was dismissed after 35 minutes.

We started extremely well with good tempo playing some very neat football. Back four looked solid again and the midfield was working hard creating openings for lone striker Driver.

Haighton & Hopkins were combining well down the right. Phillips & Wake down the left. But the first couple of chances fell to Driver who was sent clear first by Matthews & then Hampson but unfortunately on both occasions his couldn’t find the target. A good cross by Haighton found Hopkins unmarked 6 yards out but his header went straight at the keeper. Another through ball was chased down by Hampy but by the time he had it he was pushed a little wide and chipped over. When Ellwood was dismissed it was to be a difficult hour on a big pitch. Still we pressed and the best chance before the break again fell to Driver but one on one just pulled his shot past the post. HT 0-0

The second half was always going to be difficult but with everyone working hard Sudbury wwere finding it hard to break us down and create any clear cut openings. Glencastle had dropped in to centre back following the dismissal and with Willett seemed to have everything under control.  Our only real chance of the half was a half chance that Driver had created for himself with his pace but his excellent cross shot from the left beat the keeper and the far post. With 75 minutes on the clock it took a quiet exceptional 35 yard strike by the Sudbury left back to break the deadlock. No one expected that and there was little that could have been done to avoid it to be honest. McCallum replaced Wake and Matthews went up front to try and chase the equaliser. It wasn’t to be and with only 3 minutes left a counter attacker resulted in a home side second.

Our long unbeaten run comes to end in unfortunate circumstances. But the spirit and commitment shown couldn’t be faulted. There were lots of good performances all over the park again but my Mom goes to Joe Willett.

Saturday 17th April 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  1 - 1  Stanway Rovers Res.  (0-0)
The Seasiders winning run of nine games, which has seen them rise to 3rd in the table, was halted on Saturday with Fleming's second half goal earning Rovers a share of the spoils in a closely contested game. Adam Hampson scored the opener for the home side in their last home game of the season as they extended their unbeaten run to ten games.

Team : Waters, Haighton, Willett, Ellwood (Capt), Phillips, Hopkins, Glencastle, Matthews, Hampson, Wake, Lewis.
Subs : Butcher, McCallum, Dawson.

It was the last home game of the season and we were looking to make it 10 straight victories. On a bone hard dry pitch controlling the ball was going to be difficult. Stanway only had 11 players named on their team sheet and with the Manager reduced to running their line it looked as though it could be one of those afternoons.

We started extremely brightly enjoying good possession and looking dangerous. The Stanway keeper was to be kept busy early from a series of Wakey corners . First Jordy Matthews hit the bar with header, Luke Hopkins was foiled by a good stop under his bar and followed up to keep out a left footed drive from Joe Willett at his near post.  It looked as though it was only a matter of time before we took the lead and when Hampy released Andy Lewis in the left side channel he raced on with only the keeper to beat but unfortunately dragged his shot wide of the far post. Lewis then spun the centre half and raced clear for which was almost a carbon copy chance but again he shot wide when possibly the best option was to square it to Hampy who made a fantastic run to get in the box. HT 0-0.

Were we to rue the missed opportunities.  Stanway were growing in confidence and longer the game went on they believed there was something in the game for them.

We were finally rewarded for our dominance and persistence when a neat move down the left involving Wake & Phillips he found the supporting Hampy in the area he controlled and shot across the keeper into the bottom corner. With little over 10 minutes remaining and with Waters having had nothing to do we thought we had to just keep our discipline and run down the clock.

It wasn’t to be Stanway found the energy to pressure our box winning a corner which we struggled to clear and when Waters was unable to hold a shot coming through a collection of bodies from the edge of the area Fleming reacted quickest and stabbed home from 6 yards in injury time. FS 1-1

No complaints, all good things come to end. Understandably the lads were disappointed that the winning run had come to an end especially in a game we defiantly deserved to win.  As they say you need a little luck in football and maybe ours deserted us today.

Solid games right across the team. But my Mom this week for his hard work and goal is Adam Hampson.

Saturday 3rd April 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  1 - 0  Braintree United Res.  (0-0)
A single second half goal from Jordan Mathews separated the sides after a very close encounter at Dellwood Avenue, extending the Seasiders winning run to nine games.

Team: Waters, Bloomfield, Willett, Powell, Wake, Driver, Glencastle, Hampson, Mathews, Barber, Mackenzie.
Subs: Dawson, Haighton, Phillips, Lewis, Hopkins. 

The Seasiders played host to a Braintree side that dealt them their worst defeat of the season to date. So given the current excellent run it would be interesting to see how well we had progressed.
With the first team having a Saturday off the squad was bulging which made team selection and shape difficult.

The opening exchanges were even with both defences looking well organised reducing both attacks to very little. The first chance fell to Joe Bloomfield who had created himself an opening with some neat one two's and should have scored but unfortunately his shot was saved.

Soon after a similar chance fell to a Braintree winger but he was unable to capitalise as he shot wide. There were a couple of corners for each side but the defences were on top. A Mackenzie effort on the turn whistled over the bar and Waters had to turn one round the post at the other end. Barber hit a free kick high but there was no score at half time.

The second half was to be similar with both teams playing good football but unable to create clear goal scoring opportunities. Lewis replaced Mackenzie and Phillips replaced Driver with 20 minutes left. 

The one only goal came after 80 minutes. A corner from the right seemed to have been dealt with but the ball was returned back into Mathews on the edge of the area he shifted it sideways and poked it in to the bottom corner.
We finished the game slightly the better keeping the ball well for the final few minutes.

We thought this would be a difficult game and so it proved. A good contest and an excellent result. This was the last team that could do the double on us.
Everyone played their part in this win notably Powell & Willett who gave outstanding performances in defence but this week’s man of the match goes to Glencastle whose midfield holding role was a superb disciplined performance. 

The next reserve team fixture is the last remaining home game against Stanway on April 17th.

Tuesday 23rd March 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Halstead Town Res.  0 - 4  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.   (0-2)
An entertaining game between two good foot-balling sides with decisive finishing and solid defending seeing the Seasiders extend their unbeaten run to eight games with a hat-trick from Andy Lewis and the fourth from Nathan Glencastle.
Halstead started strongly winning successive corners but from Felixstowe's first attack Lewis took advantage of a defensive mistake to guide the ball into an empty net from outside the area. Halstead continued to dominate the first half creating good possession but only had Bartlett's strike, well saved by Waters at the expense of a corner, to show for the pressure.
Lewis struck a post on the half hour as the visitors continued to look dangerous on the break and added his second following a decisive through ball from midfield by Smith and Hopkins' cross from the left.
Lewis completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes firing home after the ball had initially been cleared off the line following a free kick and six minutes later Nathan Glencastle confirmed the win when his cross  from the right found the back of the net.

Team: Waters, Haighton, Norfolk, Willett, Phillips, Driver, Smith, Matthews, Hampson, Hopkins, Lewis.
Subs: Glencastle, Wainwright, Dawson. 

The Seasiders travelled to Halstead looking for their 8th straight victory and to avenge their 3-1 defeat at home in February. With the centre back pairing of Ellwood and Powell unavailable due to suspension and college it was Willett and Norfolk who had the responsibility of keeping the impressive recent defensive record intact.

A young Halstead side started brightly and had the best of the early exchanges. But against the run of play we took the lead. A mix up between keeper and defender resulted in a loose ball which Lewis reacted quickest too and his lofted half volley bounced into the empty net.
The pattern of the game continued in similar vein but the away defence was restricting the home side to long range efforts. Waters was alert and made a terrific full length save from a goal bound effort following a Willett challenge on the edge of the area which rebounded goalwards. Lewis had a chance to double his tally but his powerful drive was pushed onto the post and bounced clear. The second came from a quiet exquisite pass out of midfield by Smith into the path of Hopkins who had got in behind the full back looked up and squared for Lewis to hit home. The unfortunate Smith had to leave the field with a twisted knee and was replaced by Glencastle HT 2 0.

The Seasiders began the second half positively and were playing some good football but there were few chances being created. A Felixstowe free kick was awarded on the edge of the area but Norfolk’s effort was straight at the keeper. The all important third came midway through the half a Driver corner was met with a Hopkins volley which was blocked the rebound fell to Lewis who completed his hat trick with a first time low drive. Glencastle got the fourth, he exchanged passes with Driver and Haighton down the right but his misplaced cross deceived the keeper and went straight in at the back post. Matthews should have had a penalty when he was bundled over close to the goal line but nothing doing. Dawson replaced Hampson late on. FS 4 0.

The score line suggests that this was an easy victory but that's not the case. The defence was solid with excellent performances from Haighton and Willett. With Norfolk’s experience and calming influence they frustrated the Halstead side and offered them very few opportunities. 

The midfield worked hard. Lewis took his chances well but my man of the match this week goes to Matthews who worked tirelessly box to box.
This win moves us into second.
  No game Saturday 27th.
    Next game away to Sudbury Wed 31st.

Saturday 20th March 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.   1 - 0  Witham Town  Res.  (1-0)
A first half goal from Andy Lewis saw the Seasiders record their seventh win in succession and secure fourth place in the table.

Team: Waters, Haighton, Powell, Ellwood (capt), Phillips, Hampson, Glencastle, Smith, Wake, Matthews, Lewis.
Subs: Willett, Hopkins, Dawson, Butcher. 

Given the recent good form the Seasiders were look to avenge the 3-1 defeat they suffered away at Witham earlier in the season.
There were two changes from the side that had beaten Wivenhoe. Ben Wake returned from illness and Adam Hampson dropping down from the first team following an ankle injury.

A minutes silence was observed before kick- off for Jamie Perry who tragically lost his life playing football last weekend.

It was a frantic start to the game with a lot of hopeful balls being hit long by both sides. Hampson was busy on the right looking as though he had the measure of the fullback. The game settled down and the Seasiders began to get on top. Powell stepped out of defence created himself a shooting opportunity but his shot went wide. That set the tone for the rest of the half a Wake cross was hit on the volley from the edge of the area by Lewis but he was denied by the upright.
Lewis was finding lots of space in behind a clearance from Waters beat the defence Lewis raced onto the bouncing ball  lifted it over the advancing keeper but also just over the bar. His next chance was brilliantly saved by the keeper but it had to be Lewis who put us in front. Matthews put Hampson in behind down the right his low cross picked out Lewis who side footed home. 

Still we pressed and continued to create. Hampson drove one across the area but unfortunately no one on hand to tap in. Wake had one cleared of the line. Lewis had the best chance to double the lead before half time one on one but somehow missed the target completely. We had reduced Witham to a couple of half chances in the first half but had only managed a 1-0 lead at half time. The concern was would we live to regret the missed opportunities.

Lewis went home at half time feeling unwell so we started the second half with Hopkins on the right and Hampson up front.

It was to be a lot closer in the second half but the game was to a large extent contested in the middle of the park with both defences playing well. Witham pressed for an equaliser and won a succession of corners but the home defence denied them any clear cut opportunities. But when the Witham striker got in behind for the first time it looked like a golden opportunity but Powell recovered to make a well timed last ditch sliding tackle to rob him of a shooting chance. 

Waters had to be replaced by Dawson in goal following a reoccurrence of his Achilles injury.

  Wake had a chance to secure us a two nil lead following a neat one two with Matthews but like Lewis in the first half lobbed it over the keeper and the crossbar. Matthews was provider again a few minutes later when his superb cross cleared the keeper but Hampson headed against the post from six yards out when it looked easier to score.

The last chance of the game fell to Witham a powerful shot from 25 yards rattled the crossbar but fortunately the ball bounced down and the striker was offside for the rebound. It was a nail biting 5 minutes of added time but we held out for a well deserved victory. FS 1-0.

A game we expected to be difficult could have been all over by half time but missed chances meant we had to show resolution and a fighting spirit in a tight second half. Good performances from Hapmson and Matthews who both worked tirelessly up front. Likewise Glencastle and Smith in midfield. The defence stood solid notably Powell and my man of the match Ellwood.

Our next match is a trip to Halstead on Tuesday night.

Saturday 13th March 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Wivenhoe Town Res.   1 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res. 
The Reserves travelled to Harwich & Parkeston F.C. (Royal Oak), as Wivenhoe were having problems with staging the fixture at their Broad Lane Ground. A brace from Andy Lewis and another goal from Miles Powell saw the Seasiders claim all three points and record their sixth win in succession.

Team: Waters, Haighton, Ellwood, Willett, Tawell, Hopkins, Smith, Glencastle, Powell, Phillips, Lewis.
Subs: McCallum, Dawson. 

On a day we played Wivenhoe at Harwich we were without five players due to illness so the squad was a little stretched for the first time in a while. That gave Andy Lewis and Joe Willett a chance to get 90 minutes under their belt. Jimmy Waters dropped down from the first team in goal.

We started a little lack lustre looking nothing like the side who had won 5 on the bounce. Wivenhoe looked lively playing three up front which should have given us the edge in midfield. We did settle a little following a couple of dodgy moments and took the lead when Tommy Smith's excellent through ball found Andy Lewis in space through the middle drew keeper and finished well. The lead was short lived the ref giving a corner which was clearly a goal kick and their centre back headed home the equaliser, no more than they deserved all be it from a poor decision. We finished the half on top Miles Powell who was playing in midfield slotted a neat ball inside the full back for Andy Lewis but he rushed his shot and hit it well wide.
We should have gone two one up just before the break when Tommy Smith put Andy Lewis in again and as he went round the keeper we were waiting for the net to bulge only for him to take an extra touch and the ball to run away from him and the chance was lost. 

   Ht 1-1

We looked a lot sharper in the second half and began to keep the ball on the deck and play the passing game as we have been in our recent good run. We deservedly took the lead, Alex Ellwood made a crucial tackle on the edge of our area played the ball to Miles Powell in the centre circle he played a brilliant ball in front of Luke Hopkins on the right wing who swung a beautiful cross to the back post and Andy Lewis volleyed home his second.

Soon after we won a corner on the left which Andy Lewis took and turned provider for a superb header from Miles Powell. Andy Lewis had 2 or 3 half chances to get his hat trick but it wasn't to be. The last real chance fell to Miles Powell following a 50 yard run from his own half but his shot went high and wide. FS 3-1 

A much improved performance in the second half resulted in the Seasiders completing 6 consecutive wins which moves us into 4th. Tommy Smith is in a rich vein of form and gets the man of the match vote again this week.

Next week we are at home to Witham Town.

Tuesday 9th March 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  7 - 1  Ipswich Wanderers  Res.  (2-0)
A magnificent seven for the Seasiders as they recorded their fifth successive league win, Lewis Driver scoring a well deserved hat-trick and Luke Hopkins, Miles Powell, Jordan Matthews and Tommy Smith also on the team sheet. The visitors gained a late consolation from the penalty spot.

Team: Dawson, Haighton, Ellwood (capt), Powell, Tawell, Hopkins, Smith, Glencastle, Phillips, Matthews, Driver.
Subs: Willett, Lewis, English.

Following a great result at the weekend the mood in the dressing room was one of confidence. With Jones & Blake returning to the first team Adam Dawson returned in goal and there was a first start since his return to the club for Nathan Glencastle.

Both teams started brightly and it looked as though we were in for a well balanced match. The Seasiders soon gained the upper hand but were unable to capitalise on the first couple of chances one being cleared off the line in bizarre fashion. We took the lead soon after with a neat move down the right Luke Hopkins cut inside from the right wing and his pass into the channel released Lewis Driver and with his pace he beat the keeper to ball and he finished in some style. It was Luke Hopkins who was to double the home side lead with a similar move inside but this time as the ball sat up he hit an unstoppable left foot half volley over the keeper from 25 yards out. The Wanderers defence were struggling with the pace of Lewis Driver and the movement and work rate of Jordan Matthews.

The Wanderers keeper did make a fantastic save to stop Miles Powell’s header from making it three from an Ash Phillips corner. Another Phillips corner but this time Powell’s header was easily collected in. The defence was working hard and reducing the Wanderers attack to very few chances.

They did win a corner and when the second ball fell loose the striker couldn’t believe the save Adam Dawson had made from point blank range. The Seasider’s went in at the break 2-0 up. Colin commented that even with all the good results recently that was the best 45 minutes we had played all season.

If the first half was good the best was yet to come. Our third came from a corner which was not cleared properly Jordan Matthews chased the loose ball rounded the full back his low cross was deflected to Miles Powell just inside the penalty box who controlled and smashed it high into the net. Soon after Nathan exchanged passes with Tommy Smith and Ash Phillips clipped in a delightful cross that cleared the defender and Jordan Matthews pounced and hit home over the despairing keeper.

Joe Willett replaced Alex Ellwood & Andy Lewis Jordan Matthews. We were now playing some fast attacking one touch football which was pretty to watch for the diehard reserve team supporters. Glencastle’s diagonal run into the left channel was picked out by Tommy Smith and his first time cross was met with a glancing header at the near post by Lewis Driver giving the keeper no chance. There was a flag but it over ruled by the Ref and the goal stood.
Lewis Driver was still giving the defence all sorts of problems with his pace and he completed his hat trick when his put clear by Tommy Smith and slotted past the advancing keeper. There was still 5 minutes to go when Lewis Driver raced clear down the left he looked up and drove low cross to the near post for Tommy Smith to slide in and force home following a 30 yard burst from midfield.

There was still time for a Wanderers Consolation penalty which was the first goal that the Seasiders had conceded in nearly 450 minutes of play.

It's not often in management that you stand on the side line and can say that every player was on their game and gave outstanding performances. This was the case tonight and it would be unfair to single out a man of the match. For those that were there I think they’ll agree it really was a good night for the Felixstowe reserve team.

Saturday 6th March 2010 -  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Long Melford  Res.   0 - 5   Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (0-1)
An Allicion Blake hat trick and two goals for Jordan Mathews saw the Reserves complete a quick league double over Long Melford and record their fourth win in succession without conceding a goal.

Team: Jones, Haighton, Powell, Ellwood(capt), Tawell, Hopkins, Smith, Mathews, Phillips, Blake, Driver.
Subs: Glencastle, Willett, McCallum, Dawson. 

With Liam Jones unable to play against his old team Needham, it was a forced change in goal. The unlucky Adam Dawson having to drop to bench following 3 clean sheets. Tawell replaced Wake and Driver for Hampson were the only other changes as Glen was continuing to rotate his first team squad.

On a bright afternoon on a bobbly pitch the Seasiders were looking to follow on where they left off last time. Our last game was against Melford a fortnight ago. We started a little sloppy at the back but with Jones's calming influence and talking we settled down and began to move the ball about in the style we have become accustomed to. We took the lead with our first real chance, Mathews found himself in space in the middle of the park picked out Lewis Driver who first time pass over the retreating defender found Allicion Blake just inside the penalty area his first time left foot volley fired past the keeper without him moving a muscle.
We continued to look the more threatening but with Melford turning defence into attack quickly our defence had to be alert. Melford fired a shot wide on one of those breakaways before the hard working Mathews had joined the attack was found by a through ball his close control in the area made it difficult for the home defence to get a challenge in and when his shot wasn't held by the keeper he reacted quickest and tapped the ball into the empty net.

Still we pressurised the home defence and Lewis Driver was unlucky not to make it three when his pace see him race clear his low shot was excellently saved by the keeper. Luke Hopkins had his superb header headed off the line from an Ash Philips corner. Jones had a couple of Melford corners to collect but the Seasiders went in two up half time which was no more than they deserved.

The next goal was the all important one and when a neat move ended with Ash Phillips picking out Allicion Blake there was only one outcome his low first time drive nestled in the bottom corner. Ash Phillips had a couple of chances to add to the scoring before he was replaced by Nathan Glencastle but his shots were just off target. Glencastle was soon involved playing in uncustomary left wing position his neat interchange and first time passes put Jordon Mathews into the box he side stepped the defender and shot across the keeper into the bottom corner. George McCallum and Joe Willett replaced Luke Hopkins and Miles Powell respectively. McCallum who has been impressing in the under 18's was soon involved finding Jordy Mathews who's shot was spilt only for Blake to complete his hat-trick.

Felixstowe were now looking likely to score with every attack and when McCallum's excellent low cross found Blake at the back post you thought it was the sixth but for the first time he looked to take a touch it bobbled up and bounced off his knee and went to the keeper. 

Blake still hungry for goals fired a fierce low drive just the wrong side of the post from the edge of the area and when the tireless Tommy Smith found Mathews clear one on one you thought it was a certain hat trick but his low shot was well saved by the keeper. The luckless Driver had the ball in the net only to be judged off side. Final score 5-0.

Another excellent day at the office with our fourth clean sheet in a row. 

Superb performances from Ellwood, Smith & Mathews. Great attitude from the first team players dropping down good contributions from the substitutes but my man of the match this week goes to the impressive Allicion Blake.

Saturday 20th February 2010 - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  4 - 0  Long Melford   (1-0)
Two goals each for Jordan Mathews and Allicion Blake as the Reserves made it three wins in a row.

Team: Dawson, Haighton, Powell, Ellwood (Capt), Phillips, Hopkins, Mathews, Hampson, Smith, Wake, Blake.        
Subs: Glencastle, Lewis, Wainwright, McCallum.

With only one defeat since the turn of the year the Seasiders were looking to keep up the recent good run. It was more or less the same team as the one that beat Harwich last week. The only changes were Hampson & Blake coming in for Driver & Norfolk who had returned to the first team squad.

Felixstowe were soon on top and were enjoying good possession. Some of the movement and creative play was good to watch.  Although we were well on top we had little to show for our efforts. Miles Powell was the first to test the keeper deep into the first half with a clever chip from the edge the area following a corner. Hopkins hit the post with a good header from a superb Wake cross. Hopkins then tested the keeper with another good header this time from a Wake corner.

The breakthrough came with a slick move. Smith slid the ball to Hampson who split the defence with a superb ball in the channel for Mathews, who opened his body and shot across the keeper. Mathews could have doubled his tally a few minutes later when he was picked out by Tommy Smith and went clear only for his shot to hit the keepers legs. Another Wake corner was on target by Ellwood but the keeper turned it over. 1-0 at half time didn’t do us justice for what was a very good dominant first half display.

We knew that the all important second goal was key and it soon came. Allicion Blake found himself one on one with the keeper following a Mathews through ball. His first effort was saved, his second effort bounced into space and Mathews was following up and tapped into the net.

Blake was leading the line well and got his reward when Powell travelling out of defence picked him out with a 30 yard through pass just outside the area, Blake took it first time and his shot across the keeper nestled into the bottom corner. Lewis replaced Hopkins . We continued to create chances Hampson brought a good save out the keeper but had to leave the pitch soon after with an ankle injury. Glencastle replaced him. The fourth came from another Wake corner which the defence failed to clear and Blake shot home with a low left footed drive. Wainwright replaced Haighton. The game became  scrappy and ended on a sour note for the Seasiders when Ellwood was shown a straight red for a rash tackle and Powell also got a yellow although the reason was less certain.

This was the third clean sheet in a row and another good team performance with everyone contributing.  There were many good individual performances but man of the match for me this week was Tommy Smith.
After a trip to Cornard on Tuesday night we are away to Sudbury next Saturday.

Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 13th February 2010 - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Harwich & Parkeston Res.  0 - 4  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res. 
The Reserves visited the Royal Oak and returned with three points thanks to two goals from Lewis Drive, one from Ben Wake and an o/g.

Team: Dawson, Haighton, Powell, Ellwood(Capt), Phillips, Hopkins, Norfolk, Smith, Wake, Mathews, Driver.
Subs: Tawell, Willett, Glencastle.

With Harwich first team having to withdraw from the premier division in midweek we were unsure as to what sort of side we would face. On arrival it was made clear that all first team squad had been released and that it would be their normal reserve side.

With four first team squad players with us again this week it was a strong Seasider’s team taking the field. With a good result against Haverhill last week Colin and I were looking forward to game following our winter breaks.

We started extremely brightly Mathews causing Harwich all sorts of problems and creating early chances for Driver which their keeper manage to keep out. Mathews then created an opening for himself but again the keeper was equal to it. It was soon after that the move of the match did result in Felixstowe taking the lead. Mathews had a big involvement interchanging passes from just inside there half and delivering the final pass from inside the penalty box for Driver to volley in from 10 yards. There was little to trouble the Seasiders defence but with only one goal to show for our possession and dominating performance it wasn't a comfortable situation.
But we did get our second just before the break when Norfolk delivered a free kick from the right hand side, Driver beat the off side but his header was going wide before Wake tapped in from close range. HT 2-0.

We kept the momentum going in the second half creating further chances without reward until a corner from the left from Norfolk resulted in an og.  Tawell replaced Phillips and Hopkins was replaced by Glencastle who was making his returning debut. Driver completed the scoring with a glancing near post header from a well delivered Norfolk corner. 

Willett replaced mom Mathews who had received a gash on his ankle. Powell played the last 10 minutes up top and was unlucky not to score with a well struck cross shot that had beat the keeper but was just the wrong side of the post.

Saturday 6th February 2010 - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  2 - 0 Haverhill Rovers   (1-0)
Jordan Matthews gave the home side a first half lead and Adam Hampson confirmed the win close to full time.

Team: A Dawson, L Driver, A Ellwood, K Haighton, A Hampson, A Lewis, M Mackenzie, J Matthews, G McCallum, L Norfolk, M Powell, T Smith, E Trevaskis, L Wainwright.

The result was in the balance right up until the final minute when Adam Hampson slotted the ball home as the Seasiders broke out quickly with a sweeping move that split the visitors defence.
Lee Norfolk got another 90 minutes under his belt after his prolonged absence through injury as did Kristian Haighton and Andy Lewis and the home side should have had the points in the bag before the half time break but failed to put away the chances they created.
Jordan Mathews put his side ahead in the 28^th minute as he met Norfolk’s corner with a perfect volley from just inside the area with both Driver and Lewis having good opportunities to extend that lead before the break.
It was a half dominated by the home side but Haverhill had a bigger share of the play in the second period, forcing young Adam Dawson into a couple of fine saves but Lewis rattled the Haverhill woodwork and volleyed just over before Adam Hampson calmed the late nerves with a clinical finish.

Saturday 30th January 2010 - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  1 - 3  Halstead Town Res.  (1-0)
The Seasiders were ahead at the break thanks to a goal from Andy Lewis with the visitors moving up a gear after the interval to claim all three points.

Saturday 23rd January 2010  Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  5 - 2 Wivenhoe Town  (2-2)
Despite conceding an early goal the Seasiders went on to gain all three points thanks to a hat-trick from Luke read and goals from Miles Hopkins and Andy Lewis.

Team: Waters, Ellwood (capt), Powell, Willett (Wainwright), Butcher ( Hopkins), Reid, Smith ( Lewis), Haighton, Phillips, Matthews, Driver.

The reserves first outing since 5^th December was very welcome to players and management alike, with Big Kev cruising in the Far East Andy Clarke stepped up from the u18s to assist with the events of the day.
A sloppy start from all our defence caught square and still dreaming of the snow allowed a Wivenhoe player to nip in and lob the ball over Jamie’s head to give our visitors a 3 minute lead. 

We knuckled down and soon after Lewis Diver blazed over from close range, we got back on terms as Luke Reid coming inside from the right let go a cracking shot that fairly ripped into the net. This put us on the right track and we began to dominate, changes had to be made when Liam came off injured, Hopkins to right mid and Reid to centre with Kristian stepping to right back and Joe going to left back.
The move of Luke to central midfield seemed to work and he was in the right place to finish well as the ball was played into the Wivenhoe area to give us the lead.
Just as it seemed we would be going into half time with a well deserved comeback a couple of passes that put the ball back into our area finished with Alex playing the ball back to Waters, it struck a bump and bobbled over Jamie’s foot  into our net with Ellwood getting his name on  the score sheet. which was very unfortunate as both players had had very solid first half performances.

The game was very even for a period after half time, until Luke Hopkins drove in from the right and with his left peg sent a fizziler of a shot that found the back of the net, the Wivenhoe keeper must have wondered what was going on after Reid’s first half strike as well. From here on in we controlled the game Andy Lewis replaced the hard working Smith and as he does stuck away our 4^th as he placed the ball into the net from just inside the area and the result was complete when man of the match Luke Reid grabbed his hat trick with a cool finish after a good move.

It could have been more as Wivenhoe where reduced to 10 after a sending off with Lewis Driver finding great positions but just unable to finish a couple of one on ones with the opposing keeper, but you feel once they start going in for him there will be a barrow load.
So a good result with all our boys putting in strong performances, especially Matthews after he moved back to central midfield and the captain Ellwood strong throughout with his partner Powell at the heart of our defence. 

A big thank you to Jed Mcmanus who stepped in to referee when the appointed man did not show, and for a 17 year old had a great match.    

See you Saturday Rgds Colin

Saturday 5th December - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Brantham Athletic   3 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United   
Brantham maintained their unbeaten record with a win against the Seasiders, Joe Willett scoring for the visitors.

Saturday 28th November - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  3 - 3   Hadleigh United   (2-1)
Two goals for Matt Mackenzie and the third goal in three games for Luke Hopkins as the Reserves came from behind to record their fourth drawn game of the season.

Team: Dawson, English, Ellwood, Willett, Phillip, Hopkins, Smith, Powell, Taylor, Mathews, Mackenzie
Subs: Milbourne, Trevaskis, Wainwright, Noon.

The Seasiders welcomed back Phillips & Mackenzie who had been on 1^st team duty for a few weeks plus available again Powell & Taylor. With Tawell going up to the first team and injuries to Haighton & Potter plus a 2 week suspension for Butcher it was very much 4 for 4.

The Seasiders soon found themselves behind when Miles Powell lost possession in midfield their forward pass split our defence and unfortunately Ellwood’s slide tackle was seen as a penalty kick.

We responded positively. Hopkins and Taylor were causing them all sorts of problems down the flanks. The equaliser came from a combination of the two wide men. Taylor was put clear on the left and his run and cross was headed in at the back post by Hopkins. We continued to create with Hopkins finding plenty of space to cut in but on a couple of occasions his shots were too high. 
Miles picked out Mathews with an exquisite pass, but Jordy’s volley went wide.  Mackenzie then shot wide following a neat move and pass from the impressive Taylor.  It was Mackenzie however that gave us the lead. Miles went a run down the left out of midfield beat the fullback got to by line played a perfect pass to Matt Mackenzie who opened his body and hit a high shot across the keeper and into the top corner. We went in at half time 2-1 up which was well deserved.

The early stages of the second half were a lot more even and few chances were created. The next goal was the all important one and it was Hadleigh who was to get it. It started with a corner which was cleared initially but the clearance fell to their full back he hit a descent strike which Dawson had covered but a ricochet off the strikers back diverted the ball wide off the helpless keeper.
That gave the away side the belief and they took the lead soon after when a good strike could only be pushed away by Dawson but it fell straight to the oncoming striker who slotted home from close in.

We showed great character and finished the game the stronger and when a dubious free kick was given for a back pass we had the chance to equalise. Unfortunately it was that close in that Miles could only hit a body with his goal bound effort. We were to equalise though this time the back pass was a little more obvious and their keeper was unable to compose himself in time to clear and the quick thinking Mackenzie who hadn’t given it up managed to stab it through the keeper’s legs for his second.

There was still time for us to win it and when Miles put Tommy Smith clear one on one I thought we were going to nick it but unfortunately Tommy’s shot just crept the wrong side of the far post.

FS 3-3

In summary 2 good sides playing attractive football. The feeling in the bar after by some of the supporters a draw was a fair result. I just thought we edged it enough in the first half and based on chances could of have won it.

Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 21st November - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Witham Town Res.   3 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (2-0)
The Seasiders travelled into Essex with Witham retaining their unbeaten home record. Luke Hopkins was on target for the Seasiders.

Team: Dawson, English, Willett, Ellwood, Tawell, Haighton, Potter, Smith, Butcher, Hopkins, Mathews.
Subs: Milbourne, Trevaskis

The Seasiders travelled to Essex hoping to improve on their previous weeks exploits. Although the result ended in defeat, there was a lot to be pleased about.

It was a splendid game of football between two young sides. The game ebbed and flowed end to end and our first real mistake was punished from the following play. A miss placed pass was picked up on their right swung in and their striker lost his marker and volleyed in from close range.
We continued to create chance after chance without reward. Liam Butcher was seeing plenty of the ball down the left and Kristain Haighton down the right.

Tommy Smith had a goal disallowed for off side, James Potter hit a good free kick from 30 yards which the keeper was equal too.  But perhaps the best chance of the half fell to Jordy Mathews at the back stick following a great cross in from Haighton but unfortunately his side foot volley just went the wrong side of the post. With us doing all the attacking and creating it was a real killer blow to go 2-0 nil down right on half time. A throw was awarded the wrong way and the long delivery was headed on and an easy header from close in gave them a 2 goal cushion. The seasiders went in at half time feeling a little hard done by as the score didn’t really reflect  on the balance of play.

We started the second half brightly and continued to have the better of the possession. There were fewer chances at both ends but when Jordy Mathews  was sent clear one on one we thought there would only be one outcome but again his shot just went the wrong side of the post.
We did get the next goal Liam Butcher was sent down the left wing by Ben Tawell his touch and cross was top draw and Luke Hopkins was at the back post to hit home.
Milboune returned to the side coming on for the injured English. Several other chances came and went for Hopkins but Witham were to finish the scoring when their substitute beat the offside trap raced clear and slotted past the versatile Dawson who was playing his first senior game in goal.

In summary a good Witham side and although a defeat a good performance by everyone and much better display than that of the previous week.

Next week we have a rare home game verses Hadleigh

Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 14th November - Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup 3rd Round
Brandon Town Res.  6 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (5-2
With a number of players injured and cup tied the Reserves travelled with a very young side and despite a good performance Brandon deservedly progressed to the fourth round.

Team: Noon, English, Trevaskis, Willett, Wainwright, Hopkins, Potter, Smith Butcher, Witchalls, Dawson.
Sub Sutton.

The Seasiders travelled across Suffolk without seven regular reserve team players and with 4 replacements unavailable it was a credit that we could put a side out at all. With many other fixtures lost to the weather it was a pity that ours went ahead. The opposition was also strengthened by their first team eligible players once their game had been postponed.

All that aside we settled the better and looked comfortable going forward without creating any clear cut opportunities. Midway through the first half Liam Butcher played the ball in behind the right full back and stand in striker Adam Dawson beat their keeper to the ball showed good skill before the keeper brought him down and we were awarded a penalty. Believe it not the keeper wasn’t even spoken too. Adam Dawson stepped up and converted the kick into the top corner.

To our disbelief 20 mins later we were 5-1 down as a result of some disappointing defending and goalkeeping. A fine solo run from Tommy Smith resulted in one back via an own goal HT 2 -5

We gave a much more spirited display in the second half Darryl Sutton made his reserve team debut stepping up from the under 18’s he replaced Lee Witchalls who was also playing his first reserve team game and his first game since April.  James Potter got his first for the club and our third midway through the half when a loose ball from a corner was slotted from close range.

They completed the scoring from a corner. FS 3-6.
In summary with a stretched squad and poor defending cost us a place in the last 8.
Anyway moving on we travel to Witham next week. 

Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 7th November - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Ipswich Wanderers  3 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (0-2)
Six league games unbeaten for the Reserves but they will consider this two points dropped after being ahead 3-1 at Humberdoucy Lane this afternoon. Felixstowe goals scored by Luke Hopkins, Andy Lewis and Miles Powell.

Team:  Noon, English, Powell, Trevaskis, Tawell, Hopkins, Smith, Haighton, Butcher, Lewis, Mathews.
Subs: Dawson, Potter, Ellwood, Willett, Taylor. 

Felixstowe started the brighter on a poor surface. Andy Lewis who was returning after eight weeks on the sidelines with a thigh injury had early chances. He was clearly a little rusty as he failed to hit the target on several occasions. The first clear cut chance fell to Tommy Smith who found himself one on one but his final touch ran away from him and the keeper made an easy save.
The game was fairly open and the pitch was making it difficult to defend for both sides. Noon made a good stop low down to keep it level. Felixstowe did take the lead when a Luke Hopkins corner was brilliantly volley home by captain for the day Miles Powell.
Still there were chances at both ends and when Mathews went clear it looked nailed on to be 2-0 only for Ebanks, a former Felixstowe defender, to some how make a last ditch tackle to deny Mathews. A few minutes later Ebanks again made a tackle on Lewis this time in the area however it wasn’t as well timed with the Referee giving a free kick outside the box! Lewis stepped up to hit a low free kick which the keeper could only parry and Luke Hopkins was on hand to drive home the second goal. There were no more chances for either side before half time.  

Wanderers came out the better in the second half but did not create any clear cut opportunities until they pulled one back courtesy of hesitant goalkeeping and defending. A fairly ordinary cross came in from the left which was allowed to bounce and travel a good 20 yards through our players into the net. This gave them the belief they were looking for and continued to press. Ellwood replaced Trevaskis & Potter made his Felixstowe debut coming on for the injured Haighton.

We thought we had done enough to secure the points when Butcher was played in on the left his excellent cross was met on the volley by Andy Lewis and we were 3-1 to good with only 12 minutes to go.
As wanderers continued to chase there were gaps appearing and when Luke Hopkins crossed in from the right and Andy Lewis volleyed from 10yds the busy Ebanks threw up a hand but again no penalty was awarded.  With that they were straight up the other end a cross from the left again was headed into his own net by the unfortunate Powell who should surely have received a call from the Keeper as there was no pressure at all from the attacking side. We were still hopeful of all 3 points with the clock running down but a final corner from the home side wasn’t dealt with in the air and the ball dropped to that man Ebanks who drove home the equaliser. 

In summary the refereeing decisions went against us for the second week running but reflecting on the play and chances a draw was a fair result.
Next week we travel to Brandon in the Suffolk Senior reserve team cup.  

Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 31st October - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  1 - 1   Harwich & Parkeston Res.  (0-1)
The Reserves extended their unbeaten run to five games with a goal from Kristian Haighton in the drawn game at home to the Shrimpers. 

Team: Noon, English, Ellwood, Willett, Tawell, Hopkins, Smith, Haighton, Butcher, Dawson, Mathews.
Subs: Trevaskis, Clover, Wainwright, Witchalls. 

On a dowdy afternoon the Seasiders welcomed back Noon from holiday Haighton from injury and there was a debut for Tawell at left back.

There was little to describe in the first half as both teams cancelled each other out in the centre of the park and there was little goal mouth action. Both teams were reduced to 10 men when English and a Harwich striker were dismissed for a set-to mid way through the half. I have to say that English seemed to be defending himself when putting his arms up which was the reason the referee gave for sending him off.

Harwich took the lead from a corner which we never dealt with and the loose ball was hit home. Dawson had a shot saved but the best chance of the half and an equaliser fell to Hopkins after good chasing by Mathews by Luke shot went wide. HT 0-1.

We seemed a lot more positive in the second half but were finding it difficult to create clear chances. Butcher had the first chance when a clever chip from Dawson put him clear one on one but he scuffed his shot and the goalkeeper made an easy save. We were awarded a penalty from a corner which no one seem to see or appeal for but Haighton stepped up and dispatched it in the bottom corner. We could have had a second penalty when Mathews sprinted clear rounded the keeper but he was too honest to go down having been clipped and the ball ran off for a goal kick.

There were no other chances for either side until the most contentious issue of the game five minutes from time. Hopkins went clear down the right played the ball across the area for Butcher to run onto and score only for an off-side flag to rule out the goal.

Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 24th October - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Stanway Rovers Res.  2 - 4   Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (1-2)
The Reserves made it a Seasider double with a win at the Hawthorns thanks to a hat-trick from Keith Hetherington and a goal from Lewis Driver.

Team: Rose, English, Powell, Ellwood, Butcher, Hopkins, Smith, Norfolk, Mathews, Hetherington, Driver.
Subs: Taylor, Trevaskis, Willett. 

With Tom Noon away on his holidays Sharkey was deputising in goal. We also had Lee Norfolk, Keith Hetherington & Lewis Driver in side from the first team.

We started extremely brightly with Norfolk bossing the early stages in the centre of the park. The Seasiders were soon in front when Luke Hopkins picked out Keith Hetherington all alone on the right side of the box and his control and low drive thundered into the bottom corner. With more or less the next attack Miles Powell’s ball out off the defence was nodded on by Hetherington and the fast reacting Lewis Driver pounced and slotted past the advancing keeper.
Unfortunately Norfolk only completed half hour when he was clattered from behind and had to be replaced by Joe Willett. For the remainder of the half it was obvious that the calm influence of Norfolk was being missed and we were conceding possession and given away unnecessary free kicks. One of those kicks lead to the home side pegging a goal back right on half time. HT 1 2.

We began the second half as we had the first with positive play and Hethers soon notched his second when his skill in a tight area was rewarded. There was some discrepancy as to whether it had crossed the line but an honest home side lino aided the referee with his decision. We continued to boss the game and a determined Lewis Driver broke down the right rounded the full back and played a perfect pass back to the screaming Hethers on the edge of the box  who completed his hat trick with a powerful shot giving the keeper no chance.

When Powell was dismissed for a second yellow 15 mins from time we needed to concentrate and see out the remainder. Trevaskis & Taylor replaced Ellwood & Hopkins for some fresh legs. We were unable to hold them out and they scored late into injury time final score 4 2.

In summary a good solid performance and a well deserved result. A thank you to the first team lads for showing great effort and discipline in a situation that I understand must be difficult. 
Next week we are at home to Harwich. 2 pm KO
Kevin Witchalls  

Saturday 17th October - Chell Trophy
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  2 - 3  Haverhill Rovers Res.  (1-2)
Rovers completed the double over the Seasiders with a win in the Chell Trophy at Dellwood Avenue, Matt Mackenzie and Jordan Matthews on target for the home side.

Team: Noon, English, Willett, Ellwood, Butcher, Hopkins, Smith, Powell, Taylor, Mackenzie, Mathews,
Subs: Dawson, Trevaskis, Clover, Wainwright. 

The Seasiders were looking for revenge following the defeat we suffered at their ground first game of the season. Going into the game unbeaten in five expectations were high. 

Haverhill kicked off and a long diagonal ball caught us knapping and Noon had to make a brilliant save. Unfortunately from the resulting corner they took the lead when the full back headed home. That woke us up and we had our fair share of the play. Jordy Mathews returning from injury was working extremely hard and given their defence a torrid time. His persistence leads to the equaliser when he never allowed the Haverhill defender to Sheppard out the ball for a goal kick. He robbed him and played back a pass to the on coming Mackenzie who slotted home. The play was then swinging end to end but it was another lapse in the Felixstowe defence failing to clear the ball on more than one occasion allowed their striker to finish from close in. There were chances for Matt & Jordy that their keeper was equal too so we went in at half time 2-1 down.

The second half began exactly as the first with the visitors extending their lead to 3-1 with the first attack. Their right winger turned two Felixstowe defenders inside out his cross was only half cleared and the loose ball was struck home from close range.

For the first time in several weeks the boys seemed to lose belief and didn’t compete for the next 20 25 mins. A 20 yd drive from Tommy Smith which brought a good save out of the keeper seemed to spark them into life and when Jordy Mathews volleyed home a Luke Hopkins corner the belief returned and for the last 10 minutes it was all Felixstowe. Liam Butcher had a shot cleared of the line and a fantastic volley from Hopkins was just too high. The period of play probably deserved and equaliser but it wasn’t to be.
In summary the game was a lot closer than in August so on positive note the team is moving in the right direction even if it was a disappointment on the day. FT 2-3   

Kevin Witchalls

Wednesday 14th October - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United Res. 1 - 1  Brantham Athletic Res.  (1-1)
Mackenzie equalised for the Seasiders, as the first half came to a close, following Deeny's 24th minute opener for the visitors. 

Seasiders Res: Noon, English, Butcher, Haighton, Ellwood, Powell, Hopkins, Smith, McKenzie, L. Driver (Taylor 58), Phillips.
Unused Subs: Dawson, Willets.

Referee: Wendy Townsend
Att 39

When the referee blew her whistle to end the game there was disappointment on the faces of the home side and relief in the visitors camp as they escaped with their unbeaten league record intact. Had the home side found their scoring boots each side of the break it might well have been a different story.

The visitors started the game well and were quickly in control with neat passing moves and interchanges that had the young Seasiders chasing shadows for 15 minutes, but they have become a resilient bunch and they increased their work rate to close down the visitors. Gaining more possession they began to pose their own threat on the Brantham defence but it cost them dearly when they conceded possession cheaply in the 24^th minute allowing the visitors to break at pace with Deeny adding the finishing touch with the aid of a deflection.

It was a credit to the Seasiders that instead of dropping their heads they again increased the work rate with Tommy Smith and Kristian Haighton winning the midfield battle  and they were deservedly level 5 minutes before the break when Luke Hopkins worked an opening on the right and crossed low and hard for Matt McKenzie to finish with confidence.

McKenzie. Hopkins and Ashley Phillips all had chances each side of the break to grab the lead without taking them and although they had a the Lion’s share of possession against a well organised visitors, Brantham always posed a threat on the break.

In the end it was another excellent game for the watching few as the side grow in confidence game on game with this result showing Kevin Witchells has a side capable of producing results with young players who look capable of taking the next step.

Man of the Match – Tommy Smith F&WU

Monday 28th September - Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup 2nd Round
Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  4 - 2  Woodbridge Town Res.  (2-2)
The Seasiders dominated the second half to progress to the third round as they finally overcame a determined defence, and numerous saves by the impressive Woodbridge keeper Ellis.
Stuart Bailie volleyed home after only two minutes to give the Woodpeckers an early lead and despite Felixstowe pressure and Mackenzie striking the bar the visitors doubled their advantage through James Churchill on twenty minutes. The third goal was all important and just before the half hour Miles Powell rose to head home from Hopkins' corner with Luke Hopkins equalising with a well struck shot three minutes before the break.
Ellis palmed Mackenzie's fierce strike onto the bar two minutes into the second period as the Woodbridge goal came under sustained attack but a combination of fine keeping and poor finishing kept the sides level. Matthews and Smith both placed the ball wide from four yards and Phillips struck the bar before, with ten minutes remaining and the visitors down to ten men after the dismissal of Nicholls, a cross-shot from wide on the left from Ashley Phillips finally defeated Ellis to put the home side ahead for the first time. With two minutes remaining Matt Mackenzie confirmed the win with a powerful drive to send Felixstowe into the third round.

Team: Tom Noon, Joe English, Alex Ellwood, Miles Powell, Liam Butcher, Luke Hopkins, Tommy Smith Kristain Haighton, Ash Phillips, Jordan Mathews Matt Mackenzie.
Subs Matt Milbourne, Alex Taylor, Adam Dawson. 

A cup tie that was brought forward from Sat 3^rd started with Felixstowe attacking from the off. There were early chances for Jordy Mathews and Ash Phillips without reward. Woodbridge took the lead with more or less their first attack. A cross was not dealt with by the defence and we were punished We continue to be the better side and when Matt Mackenzie cut in and let fly from 25 yds Jordy couldn’t convert the rebound off the bar. A silly free kick conceded which we switch off for and 2 passes later the striker ran clear and poked his shot under the advancing Noon. It was difficult to believe that we were two behind when we were creating all the chances. Tommy Smith & Krstain Haighton was working hard in midfield and the approach play from the left by Ash Phillips & Liam Butcher and on the right by Joe English & Luke Hopkins deserved more. It took an excellent corner from Hopkins to pick out Powell who headed home from close range. Mathews then hit the bar with a header which there was a suggestion had crossed the line. We still weren’t having a lot of luck; the keeper wiped Mathews out inside the area only for the referee to award a kick outside. We were to equalise though before half time when Phillips picked out Hopkins all alone on the right hand side of the penalty box and he finished well shooting low across the keeper. HT 2-2

The feeling at half time was that there should only be one winner now we had drawn  level providing we showed the same enthusiasm and commitment in the second half. We did just that picking up where we left off but chance after chance went begging. Woodbridge was reduced to 10 men when the referee spotted a deliberate elbow on Butcher. Some times playing 10 men can lead to complacency but the discipline and endeavour continued and we kept the upper hand. Still the chances were coming and going for Mackenzie and Mathews. Phillip’s struck the bar again but the keeper could do nothing with his next effort that flew into the roof of the net putting us in front for the first time. Mackenzie finished the scoring when he was put clear by tireless Smith and slotted into the bottom corner on another night he may well have had half dozen but to his credit he kept his head up and a sign of good striker kept trying until he was rewarded.
FS 4-2       

Kevin Witchalls

Felixstowe & Walton United Res.  8 - 2  Cornard United Res.  (5-0)
A first half hat-trick for Andy Lewis (right) as the young Seasiders dominated the game after a bright start from the visitors on a warm sunny afternoon at Dellwood Avenue.
Lewis fired home his first after 14 minutes following a strong run from 40 yards with Powell, well advanced from his back four position, showing a high level of skill to double the lead for the Seasiders seven minutes later. Alert to a poor back-pass Lewis was on hand to slot home the third and his hat-trick followed five minutes from half-time as he slid the ball home home following good work from Jordan on the right to create the opening. The Nap hand came from Matthews (left) three minutes later when he skipped past the visiting defence to steer the ball home after his first attempt came back off a post.

Mackenzie converted Lewis's cross one minute after the restart as Felixstowe continued to play the ball around well with Butcher volleying home the seventh and Mackenzie picking him self up to score the eighth, and his second, from the penalty spot with 17 minutes remaining. To their credit Cornard kept their heads up and were rewarded with two late goals from Crisell, the first an excellently struck free kick and the second from the penalty spot three minutes into injury time.

Team: Tom Noon, Alex Ellwood, Ed Trevaskis, Miles Powell, Liam Butcher, Matt Mackenzie, Tommy Smith, Kristain Haighton, Ash Phillips, Andy Lewis, Jordan Mathews.
Subs Alex Taylor, Matt Milbourne, Luke Hopkins. 

Following the excellent win against Sudbury the confidence was high.

We started extremely brightly with early chances all falling to Andy Lewis. It was obvious that it wouldn’t belong before he netted. Andy opened the scoring when he was put through by Tommy Smith his thunderous drive gave the keeper no chance.

It was soon the two nil when the impressive Miles Powell picked the ball up in his own half ghosted past at least four Cornard players before dispatching the ball in the bottom right hand corner. The outstanding Tommy Smith continued to create chances for the front men and it was his pass that resulted in Lewis getting the third. Jordy Mathews was working hard as usual and was rewarded when he followed his first shot that rebounded off the post to hit home the fourth. Lewis completed his first half hat trick when he pounced on a poor goalkeeper clearance. HT 5-0.

Within a minute of the restart a neat move down the left released Lewis in the channel he a fired a cross goal and Mackenzie was on hand at the post to score the sixth. Unfortunately that was the last piece at action Lewis was to be involved in as he had to leave the field with a thigh strain. Hopkins replaced him and went on the right which released Mackenzie to his more familiar striking role. That soon reaped rewards has his clever run into to box earned him a penalty which duly stepped up and converted for the seventh. Ed Trevaskis who was making his Felixstowe debut was replaced by Matt Milbourne. Liam Butcher got the eighth with a sweat left foot volley which he thoroughly deserved following a luckless Wednesday night against Needham in the under 18’s. Alex Taylor replaced Liam Butcher. With more and more chances presenting themselves in could have easily been double figures. However it was Cornard to their credit that finished with the last two goals one a well struck free kick and an injury time penalty. All in all another outstanding performance for the ever improving young Felixstowe reserves.
FS 8-2.  

Kevin Witchalls.

Saturday 12th September - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United Res.  3 - 0  AFC Sudbury Res.  (0-0)
Reduced to ten men after only sixteen minutes the Reserves dug deep to record their first league win of the season with second half goals from Andy Lewis, Jordan Matthews and Tommy Smith.

Seasiders: Noone, Bloomfield, Butcher, Ellwood, Powell, Smith, Haighton, Mackenzie, Matthews, Connell (Lewis 66), Phillips.  
Att 69

The Seasiders second string produced an excellent all round performance to dispatch a strong AFC Sudbury side, despite playing for 74 minutes with ten men. The youngsters struck the woodwork three times before finally finding the breakthrough in the 74^th minute.

The home side started brightly, closing the visitors down quickly and denying them space to play the ball and were in control when young Liam Butcher received a straight red card from the referee for his 16^th minute challenge on Bennett.

Despite being reduced to ten men the Seasiders continued to work hard and were always a threat while Powell and Ellwood at the heart of the defence denied Sudbury any clear openings. The hard working Connell rattled the visitors bar twice as did Ashley Phillips as the afternoon looked like becoming a frustrating one in the warm sunshine in front of a healthy crowd.

The game changed in the 66^th minute when Andy Lewis making a return to the Seasiders replaced the unfortunate Connell who had led the line well for his side, but within 8 minutes Lewis had broken the deadlock as he turned inside the area and slid the ball under the advancing ‘keeper.

The goal spurred the youngsters on and Jordan Mathews got his reward for a tireless display of running as he bulged the Sudbury net with a crashing volley pictured with ten minutes left and Tommy Smith saved the best till last as he rounded off a good afternoon for his side with a magnificent dipping 20 yard volley.

Saturday 5th September - Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup 1st Round
Bungay Town  Res.  4 - 6   Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (2-3)
A goal-fest at Bungay this afternoon with the Reserves progressing to the 2nd Round of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup, where they will be at home to Woodbridge Town, thanks to a hat-trick from Ben Connell and further goals from Jordan Matthews, Joe Bloomfield and Luke Hopkins.

Team: Tom Noon, Joe Bloomfield, Joe English, Alan Murray, Liam Butcher, Luke Hopkins, Tom Smith, Kristian Haighton, Alex Taylor, Ben Connell, Jordan Mathews
Subs: Liam Wainwright, Sam Stopher, Joe Willet 

Our third away trip in as many weeks resulted in our first competitive win of the season with the youngest ever senior side to take the field for Felixstowe the average ate was under 18.

On a superb playing surface we started with confidence playing the ball around well creating early pressure on the home team goal. But it was Bungay who took the lead when a counter attack split our defence and their striker raced cleared and slotted home. We continued to play the better football and were rewarded with an equaliser. Debutant 17 year old Alex Taylor went clear down the left following an exchange with Liam Butcher and his low shot could only be parried by the keeper and Ben Connell fired home from close range.
We had not learnt from our earlier mistakes and a replica second goal found us behind again. 

The heads didn't drop and we continued to play good football. Our second equaliser came when a through ball from Tommy Smith found Luke Hopkins and he drove past the on coming keeper. Joe Bloomfield then put us in front for the first time when his forward run and interchange with Tommy and Luke, finished with a low cross shot went in off the inside of the post. 
Long range shots from Kristian and a couple from the hard working Jordan Mathews see us finish the first half on top. 3 2 HT.

We continued the second half as we finished the first, Jordan Matthews was rewarded for his work rate and persistence and scored our fourth from a narrow angle. We seem to take our foot of the gas thinking we had done enough and was punished when we failed to close down on the edge of the area and a good strike flew past Tom Noon. We then conceded several corners and found ourselves level again after a close in volley got them back in it. I feared the worse with 10 minutes left but our young team showed great character and when Jordan Mathews reacted first to a defensive clearance skipped over potential crunching tackle, looked up and hit a 50yd cross field pass behind the defence for Ben Connell to stride on and finish in style. Ben then completed his hat-trick soon after when he pounced on a loose ball at the back post and squeezed home his shot. He also scored again which, was disallowed. The ref then found 9 mins of injury time but there was nothing left from the home team FS 6 4.

Next week we kick off for our first home game against Sudbury.
Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 29th August - Ridgeons Reserve League (South)
Felixstowe & Walton United Res. 0 - 7  Braintree Town Res. 
A tough day at the office for the Reserves against a strong Braintree side.

Team: Tom Noon, Joe English, Alex Ellwood, Matt Milbourne. Liam Butcher. Joe Bloomfield, Adam Dawson, Tom Smith, Jordan Mathews, Ash Phillips. Ben Connell.
Subs: Alan Murray, Liam Wainwright, Joe Willett

There is little to be said about the Felixstowe performance. We never competed in the first half at all and were 5 0 down at the interval. We were reduced to 2 headed chances from corners which both fell to Matt Milbourne but he was unable to convert them.

The second half was a better effort all round, although we were still unable to score our first goal of the season. Jordy Mathews hit the post with a cross shot following a good through ball from Joe English and Ben Connell also had a couple of chances that just wouldn't fall for him. Tom Noon made several good stops again in goals. Alan Murray made his debut replacing the injured Adam Dawson and Liam Wainwright came on for Matt Milbourne. With the game clearly won at half time the home side did add 2 more to their tally making the final score 7 0.

I can only hope that this young side doesn't get to down hearted and they can only benefit from their experiences.

Next week we travel to Bungay in the Suffolk senior reserve team cup.

Kevin Witchalls

Saturday 22nd August - Ridgeons Reserve League
Haverhill Rovers Res.  4 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  Res.  (2-0)
Seasider: Tom Noon, Joe English, Matt Milbourne, Alex Ellwood, Liam Butcher, Josh Smith, Scott Downing, Tom Smith, Ash Phillips, Ben Connell, Luke Hopkins.
Subs Sam Stopher, Liam Wainwright, Alan Murray. 

Felixstowe’s first game of their new campaign was a visit to last year’s south division winners Haverhill. Felixstowe started well and the first chance of the game fell to Luke Hopkins whose dipping half volley was well saved by the Haverhill keeper. The home keeper then saved Luke’s header from a good corner by Ash Phillips.
Haverhill took the lead though midway through the first half and doubled their lead from a corner. Tom Noon had made several good stops in the Felixstowe goal to keep the score at 2 0 at HT.

Felixstowe had the better of the play in the early stages of the second half but found it difficult to penetrate the home defence. A dead leg for Tommy Smith meant he had to be replaced by Sam Stopher. Liam Wainwright then replaced Joe English at full back. Tom Noon was having a good day in goal and kept the score respectable however he could do nothing about Haverhill’s 3rd and 4th.
It was clear that Haverhill will be challenging for honours again this season.

The young Felixstowe side move on to Braintree next week.