Reserve Team Match Reports for Season 2009-2010

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.