First Team Match Reports for Season 2007-2008

Reserve Team
 Reports 07-08
1st Team
Reports 06-07
Under 18 Team Reports 07-08

* End of season Dinner Dance & Presentation Night - Friday 23rd May.
An evening enjoyed by all. Many Thanks to Julie and Helen for all the hard work that went into organising the event.

End of season awards went to:
Under 18's - Manager's Player Kristian Haighton and Player's Player Jake Hollis.
Reserves - Both Manager's Player and Player's Player was awarded to Jake Hollis.
First Team - Manager's Player Danny Phillips and Player's Player Sean Bell.
Danny Phillips collected the Club's Golden Boot award and was also presented with the Ridgeons League Premier Division Golden Boot Award for 30 goals this season, a tremendous achievement at any level of football.
The supporters player of the year trophy was deservedly won by the skipper Gavin Frost, with the fans recognising his effort and contribution throughout the season.
The Henry Page Memorial Cup is awarded to the player who the Committee feels has best represented the club both on and off the field, with the award going to Chris Howlett.
The Clubman of the year awarded by the Chairman was won jointly by Sheila and Martin Egelton in recognition of their contribution to the Club this year.
Others were recognised for their contributions behind the scenes for which the Club is very appreciative.


*  FA Vase Final Sunday 11th May 2008    Lowestoft Town 1 - 2 Kirkham & Wesham  Att: 19,537
Two goals in the closing minutes of the game from substitute Walwyn snatched the Vase from the Trawler boys who had led from the 10th Minute.
Suffolk non-league football fans turned out in force for Lowestoft Town's big day at Wembley and though disappointed with the result every one associated with Lowestoft Town can be justifiably proud of their magnificent achievement in not only reaching the final but also playing so well on the day.
With both sides playing open expansive football the game was a fantastic advertisement for this level of non-league football.  Lowestoft made an excellent start  with Stock's pressure on the Kirkham defence resulting in an own goal after ten minutes  with the Blues obviously settling best to the conditions in the impressive stadium. Kirkham hit the bar, post and had a shot cleared off the line but with time running down it looked like it would be Lowestoft's day until Walwyn joined the attack with twelve minutes remaining as Kirkham were forced to increase their attacking options.
Stock went close to doubling the lead heading wide McGee's cross on 86 minutes and moments later it was all square as Walwyn's fresh legs outpaced the tiring Lowestoft defence to bring the sides level.
In the fourth and final minute of normal play with extra time looming Kirkham broke from the half way line with Lowestoft looking for a flag that did not come and Walwyn fired home the winner.


Saturday 3rd May 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Kirkley & Pakefield  3 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United  (1-2)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Joe Bloomfield, Paul Betson, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, Dwayne Edwards (Alan Mills 90), Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Andy Claydon, Liam Scopes.
Unused sub:  Darcy De'ath, Chris Howlett, Paddy Turley

A very open game to finish the season as in glorious summer sunshine the Seasiders came from a goal down to lead by two but in the end were hanging on to claim a point and finish the campaign six games undefeated.
Claydon scored twice either side of half time to put the Seasiders in the box seat at 3-1 after Frost had equalised Highfield's 30th minute opener for the home side. Second half substitutions proved crucial for Kirkley with Henderson and Blyth both coming off the bench to score and see the points deservedly shared over the ninety minutes.

Danny Ebanks came in alongside Bell at the heart of the defence with Howlett still feeling the effect of last weeks head injury and Claydon came in to spear head the attack as the Seasiders looked to maintain their current run of good form and finish the season on a high note.

The visitors made a positive start to the game committing numbers forward but it was Stone on the break for Kirkley that came closest to opening the scoring, only denied by the agility of Danny Crump who saved his first shot at the expense of a corner and was then quickly off his line to clear the danger a second time pictured.
Edwards produced a number of telling runs down both flanks and Bloomfield saw his shot beaten away by the home keeper Pauling before Paul Highfield pictured left rounded off a spell of good pressure from Kirkley heading home at the far post from Manning's deep cross from the left.
Phillips went close to a quick response placing his shot on the turn over Pauling's cross bar after good build up play from Calver. Pauling did well to save Calver's shot after a flowing move involving Edwards and Phillips but he could do little to prevent Gavin Frost's equaliser from thirty yards four minutes before the interval as the Felixstowe skipper placed a dipping volley over the home keeper.

Two minutes later the Seasiders were ahead as Calver's through ball found Porky Claydon to calmly round the keeper and strike the ball home pictured.

Two minutes after the restart Claydon doubled his tally with a well struck shot pictured from just inside the area as the Seasiders looked to be on their way to three points.
The introduction of Blyth and Henderson saw the home sides tempo increase with the Felixstowe defence coming under increasing pressure and on the hour they failed to clear their lines following a corner with Chris Henderson pouncing on the loose ball to reduce the deficit.

Frost pictured right rattled the home cross bar after persistence from Phillips as play moved from end to end but it was the home side that finished the stronger and from another corner Jordan Blyth forced home the equaliser with ten minutes remaining.
Blyth went close from distance and Hunter headed over the Felixstowe bar as the home side pressed for the winner but Felixstowe held on for the draw which over the ninety minutes was a fair result to complete a successful season for both clubs
 


Saturday 26th April 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   3 - 2  CRC  (1-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Darcy De'ath (Andy Claydon), Paul Betson, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett (Danny Ebanks), Joe Bloomfield, Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Liam Scopes, Dwayne Edwards.
Unused sub: Alan Mills

A warm sunny afternoon for the visit of Cambridge Regional College to Dellwood Avenue with the Seasiders conceding their first goal in 448 minutes of football when John Yambasu came off the bench to score for the visitors to make it 2-1 with twelve minutes of the game remaining.
The game took a while to gain any momentum with Edwards and Howlett both suffering facial injuries early in the game which saw several shirt changes. Howlett required a visit to the local hospital for a deep cut and when Mills showed his frustration he was dismissed from the dugout. Back on the pitch Gavin Frost pictured right produced one of his trademark goals scoring from the edge of the area to put the Seasiders ahead at the break.
When Liam Scopes headed home Felixstowe's second midway through the second half the game looked beyond CRC until Yambasu's shot under the diving Crump saw spirits rise as they enjoyed their best spell of the game. Andy Claydon came off the bench and with his first touch of the ball headed past Beagle to restore the two goal advantage pictured below but it was to be short lived as two minutes later Brad Hunter netted CRCs second to set up an exciting last five minutes.
Felixstowe resisted CRCs late charge to record their fifth win on the spin and secure eighth place in the table.


Wednesday 23rd April 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Ipswich Wanderers  0 - 2 Felixstowe & Walton United  (0-1)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Darcy De'ath (Alan Mills 86), Paul Betson , Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Keith Hetherington,  Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Liam Scopes, Dwayne Edwards.
Unused subs: Andy Claydon, Danny Ebanks, Joe Bloomfield

A strong all-round performance from the Seasiders in this local derby against a side battling for Premier Division survival.  Ipswich started brightly with Betson making a telling tackle on McGlone as the home side earned the first corner of the game in the ninth minute but when Felixstowe cleared the corner Edwards made a positive run down the left ending in a penalty kick after he was tripped in the area. Hammond produced an excellent save at his left hand post to deny Phillips from the spot kick but seven minutes later he could not prevent Danny Phillips heading home from close range after Hetherington had headed Edward's cross from the right into the danger area.
Wanderers' best spell came before the break as pressure resulted in a number of corners and Crump made an important reflex save to deny Barber from close range to maintain the lead going into the half time interval.
Crump palmed away Barber's in swinging corner and Bell denied Buckle at the expense of a corner as the home side went in search of a reply after the restart. Philips struck a post and Calver placed the rebound over as Felixstowe moved the ball and made their passes tell. Smyth impressed for Wanderers but had to drop deeper in search of the ball with Howlett and Bell denying the home forwards any clear site on goal. Neil Calver confirmed the points for the Seasiders when he fired home Phillip's cross from the right in the 64th minute.


Saturday 19th April 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  3 - 0  Dereham Town  (2-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Darcy De'ath, Paul Betson (Alan Mills 84), Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Keith Hetherington,  Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Liam Scopes, Dwayne Edwards.
Unused sub: Andy Claydon, Paddy Turley, Danny Ebanks

Three wins and three clean sheets on the bounce for the Seasiders as they recorded an impressive win against fifth in the table Dereham Town.
Keith Hetherington opened the scoring after only three minutes with a near post header from Frost's corner kick. Crump in the Felixstowe goals saved well to push Willis' shot on to a post before Neil Calver extended the lead moments later steering the ball over the advanced Marshall from all of 30 yards.
Dereham stepped up the pace after the break with Crump making a good save to deny Terrington but the Felixstowe defence held firm and on the stroke of full time Danny Phillips stroked the ball home from the penalty spot wide to Marshall's right after Edwards had been brought down to complete a good afternoon for the Seasiders.


Saturday 12th April 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Newmarket Town  0 - 2  Felixstowe & Walton United   (0-1)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Darcy De'ath, Paul Betson, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Keith Hetherington (Joe Bloomfield 86),  Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Liam Scopes, Dwayne Edwards.
Unused sub: Paddy Turley, Alan Mills, Danny Ebanks

A hard working performance from relegation threatened Newmarket Town but the Jockeys were to rue missed chances as Danny Phillips and Gavin Frost scored to record the Seasiders third consecutive win on the road.
Danny Crump made a number of fine saves including two double saves to deny the home side any reward for their considerable effort, but with better finishing the Jockeys could have gained something from the game.

Just one change to the Seasiders starting line up with Keith Hetherington replacing Paddy Turley and Joe Bloomfield on the bench following Suffolk Under 18 representation on Thursday evening.
Only three names in the Newmarket squad remained from the side that came to Dellwood Avenue on the 27th of October, Paynter Olive and Bell, as they looked to build on their recent good form with a further win to help their fight against relegation.

Both sides took time to settle on a hard bumpy pitch with the first chance falling to Phillips, but his uncharacteristic wayward shot from Calver's cross from the left did not test Paynter in the home goal.
Angel fired over Crump's cross bar as he outpaced the visiting defence to meet a long ball and Olive headed over following a long throw as opportunities were created at both ends of the pitch. A long throw from De'Ath near the half way opened up the home defence and Edwards' cross from the right was steered home from close range by Danny Phillips pictured (no. 9).

Olive shot across the Felixstowe goal following a long ball and Bell fired over the bar as Newmarket exerted pressure and Felixstowe were relieved to clear their lines following a succession of corners.

Phillips went close to increasing the lead shortly after the break but it was the home side that looked likely to score at any moment as Bell produced a number of good runs and telling crosses from the left, with Olive firing an excellent opportunity into the side netting. Goddard's shot was scrambled away for a corner and Eady saw his downward header bounce wide of the target.
Crump produced a double save to deny Angel from Bell's cross from the left and reacted quickly to get a strong hand to Olive's follow up as pressure mounted.
From going so close to an equaliser the Jockeys went further behind as the Seasiders broke out of defence and Gavin Frost met Phillips' cross from the right to double the lead from six yards. Rough justice for the home team and they could have gone further behind but for an athletic save from Paynter as he parried Frost's shot from outside the area.

Newmarket continued to press but found Crump in excellent form as he produced another double save this time to deny Grainger at his left hand post, as he maintained another clean sheet and made a major contribution to the Seasider's win.


Wednesday 9th April 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
King's Lynn Reserves  0 -  2 Felixstowe & Walton United   (0-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Darcy De'ath, Paul Betson, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Paddy Turley (Keith Hetherington 55),  Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Liam Scopes, Dwayne Edwards (Andy Claydon 75).
Unused sub: Danny Ebanks

Producing one of their best all-round performances of the season the Seasiders deservedly collected all three points from their mid-week trip to The Walks.
Both teams produced attractive flowing football but with defences on top of their game scoring opportunities were at a premium. Felixstowe, with five in midfield supporting front runner Phillips well, made the decisive breakthrough on the hour when Scope's telling pass down the right was turned across the area by Phillips from the goal line for Neil Calver to fire home from ten yards. The lead was doubled with twelve minutes remaining after Scopes was bundled over in the area and Danny Phillips made no mistake from the penalty spot.
The Linnets pressed hard for a reply but Bell and Howlett ensured they had little sight of the Felixstowe goal with Crump dealing well with any crosses into the area.


Saturday 5th April 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  0 - 1  Lowestoft Town  (0-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Joe Bloomfield, Paul Betson, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Dwayne Edwards,  Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Andy Claydon,  Liam Scopes.
Unused subs: Alan Mills, Paddy Turley, Danny Ebanks,  Keith Hetherington, Darcy De'ath. 

The Seasiders welcomed FA Vase Finalists Lowestoft Town to Dellwood Avenue on a cold and windy but dry afternoon. Substitute Alastair McKennan scored the only goal of the game ten minutes from time for the visitors heading home from Poppy's deep free kick.

Howlett returned to partner Bell in the heart of the Felixstowe defence, with Betson moving deeper to full back and Scopes named in midfield.

Both teams produced neat attractive build up play with the defences keeping scoring opportunities to a minimum but with the wind to their backs Lowestoft had the better of the first half with Crump's agility preventing the visitors from obtaining an interval lead.
The Trawler boys forced a first minute corner as Crump palmed away Plaskett's early strike with Godbold firing wide wide moments later as the game proceeded at a good pace. Bloomfield cleared off the Felixstowe line pictured as the visitors searched for the breakthrough and McGee headed wide when well placed from Poppy's cross.
The first clear opportunity for the Seasiders fell to Edwards but he placed his shot wide of Rix's goal after cutting in from the right flank.  Crump made a spectacular save to deny King before the break and from the resultant corner Cockrill saw his header cannon back off a Felixstowe post. Betson produced a telling tackle pictured to block Godbold's progress as Lowestoft continued to test the Felixstowe defence.
Rix was smartly down to hold Frost's shot moments before the half time whistle but it was Lowestoft who held the upper hand at the break.

From the restart Phillip's went close from the edge of the area with Felixstowe now having wind advantage. Loud appeals for handball, as Claydon's ball into the area was blocked by Pike, were turned down and on 66 minutes Frost looked to have scored directly from a corner pictured, but the goal was ruled out for an infringement.
Alastair McKenna replaced McGee and with ten minutes remaining headed home the winner from Poppy's deep free kick from the right.
McKenna running through on the left went close to doubling his tally five minutes later but Crump was quickly off his line to close the angle and produce a good save.
Felixstowe pressed for an equaliser without testing Rix again and Lowestoft travelled back up the A12 with all three points.
We wish Lowestoft every success in the FA Vase Final.


Frost and Poppy battle for the ball


Howlett and Godbold in front of the Lowestoft Supporters

 


Danny Crump gets a good fist to the ball to clear the danger.


Saturday 29th March 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  0 - 1  Wroxham  (0-0) 
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Joe Bloomfield, Alan Mills (Darcy De'ath 84), Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, Dwayne Edwards,  Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Andy Claydon, Paul Betson (Liam Scopes 64).
Unused subs: Chris Howlett

The Yachtsmen completed the double over the Seasiders thanks to a single goal from Danny White just after the hour mark in a game of few scoring opportunities.
Woodcock saved Phillips' penalty kick shortly before the interval after the Wroxham keeper had brought down Edwards and the save was to prove crucial as Felixstowe failed to create a clear opening in the second half.

Following two postponements at Ipswich Wanderers and King's Lynn due to the weather it was great relief to see the rain clear overnight to allow the game to take place on a good surface. The home team remained unchanged from the previous outing at Haverhill which had resulted in a 2-1 win.

Both teams created spells of pressure in the opening period with Wroxham forcing a free kick in the second minute pictured. Lemmon's curling shot made it round the Felixstowe wall but it was a comfortable low save for Danny Crump in the home goal.
Bloomfield, who impressed throughout the game with his runs from deep, produced a telling cross with Phillips' shot on the turn deflected wide for a corner. Betson shot wide from Claydon's cross and Crump was down well to save from Notman as the the game flowed end to end.
Early promise failed to develop and the game looked to be heading to a scoreless half time break before Felixstowe were awarded a penalty three minutes before the interval whistle.

Edwards, who had produced a number of good runs down the right flank, cut inside and as Wroxham keeper Woodcock came to meet him he pushed the ball past him pictured but was felled by Woodcock's outstretched arms.
Phillips stroked the spot kick to Woodcock's left with the keeper guessing correctly to make a comfortable save and ensure parity at the break.

 

After the interval Wroxham maintained their passing game with White and Gilmore increasing their presence on the game and Crump produced an excellent save from White's header to tip the ball over the bar ten minutes after the restart.
Calver and Bloomfield produced the home sides best moments of football but the final ball was lacking as defences dominated with scoring opportunities at a premium.

The decisive moment came on 62 minutes when following a cleared corner the ball was played back to Danny White to slot the ball home from six yards pictured.

White again from close range went close to a second when he struck a post but that apart goal mouth incidents were few.
Ten minutes from time Wroxham were reduced to ten players when Gilmore saw red after raising an arm following a clash with Scopes who received a yellow card for his contribution to a rather innocuous incident.
This proved to be the last action of note as Wroxham saw out time to claim three points and second place in the league table.


Saturday 15th March 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Haverhill Rovers  1 - 2 Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-1) 
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Joe Bloomfield, Alan Mills, Neil Calver, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, Dwayne Edwards, Gavin Frost, Danny Phillips, Andy Claydon, Paul Betson (Liam Scopes 78)
Unused subs:

The first away win since November was recorded at Hamlet Croft thanks to goals from Andy Claydon and Danny Phillips. Haverhill were level at the break through Adam Ben-Saud, after Claydon had put Felixstowe ahead from close range, but Rovers were left to rue missed chances with Phillips the league's top goal scorer firing home the second half winner for the visitors.

Steve Potts named one change from Tuesday's home fixture with Mills starting for the injured Turley in defence on a good afternoon for football.
Haverhill who had seen a number of personnel changes during the week kicked off and created the first of many clear openings after five minutes but Westcott headed over the bar when well placed. Impey fired wide under pressure from the dependable Ebanks as the home side enjoyed a good opening spell.
Felixstowe's first opportunity came on 26 minutes when Edwards played a good through ball to Phillips who fired wide from the edge of the area. Impey headed wide from Ben-Saud's cross as the chances came and went for the home side and they found themselves behind ten minutes before the interval after Betson found Andy Claydon with a pass across the Haverhill penalty area for Porky to open his goal account for the Seasiders from five yards pictured.

Crump made an excellent save to deny Westcott from close range and Felixstowe were looking to the half time whistle when Adam Ben-Saud allowed time on the edge of the area picked his spot and steered the ball over the Felixstowe defence and Crump to see the sides level at the interval pictured (no.7).

Ben-Saud went close after the restart and Smith in the home goal was quickly down to smother Frost's rasping free kick as both sides enjoyed attacking spells. Claydon produced a strong run down the left with his cross finding Danny Phillips on the Haverhill penalty spot and he drilled the ball home for what proved to be the winner pictured below, despite strong appeals for hand ball.

Westcott had an excellent opportunity to equalise moments later but from two yards out failed to direct his header on goal.  Haverhill poured forward with Hunt heading over from Ben-Saud's well delivered free kick and the Felixstowe goal enjoyed a charmed life as Haverhill failed to get the vital touch as the ball passed close to the goal line on a number of occasions.

Felixstowe showed a defensive resolve which had been lacking in some away games but were also grateful to a slice of good fortune to record a confidence boosting win on the road.

Seasiders skipper Gavin Frost & Marc Abbott

Joe Bloomfield & Jamie Thurlbourne


Tuesday 11th March 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  1  -  1  Stanway Rovers  (0-0) 
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Patrick Turley (Darcy De'ath 77), Joe Bloomfield, Neil Calver, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, Dwayne Edwards (Liam Scopes 83), Gavin Frost, Danny Phillips, Andy Claydon, Paul Betson (Alan Mills 54)
Unused subs: Keith Hetherington

The strong wind threatened to spoil the game but both sides overcame the conditions to produce an entertaining and flowing encounter. Numerous scoring opportunities were created at both ends of the field but misplaced finishing and impressive keeping from Church and Crump kept the scoreline surprisingly blank until Phillips netted from a long ball with just ten minutes remaining to put the home side ahead.
A penalty for hand-ball was awarded to Stanway three minutes from the final whistle with Harrop netting from the spot kick at the second attempt after encroachment had resulted in a re-take.
Both teams will consider they created enough chances to win the game but the draw was a fair and deserved result.

Five changes to the Felixstowe line up with Crump, Turley, Ebanks, Claydon and Betson all in the starting eleven for the visit of Stanway who started the game one place and two points above their hosts.
Stanway created early pressure on the home goal with Harewood turning the first clear chance over from close range after Newson had created the opening cutting in from the right and delivering the ball across the face of the Felixstowe goal.  The movement of Newson and Emmerson continued to produce openings for the visitors and Crump did well to turn Thorne's shot onto a post following a good run and pass from Emmerson.
Betson shot wide from Turley's through ball and Stanway keeper Church saved well to deny Frost as chances came and went at both ends in a entertaining and free flowing game between two sporting sides.
Church injured a finger making a save shortly before half time but was able to continue after a delay and made a flying save to keep out Bloomfield's  shot ,while at the other end Thorne headed wide from Harewood's cross.

The second half continued as the first with both sides creating chances and on the hour Gaisford cleared the visitors' lines after Church had parried Frost's rasping shot. Crump saved from Thorne as he met Harrop's pass with Phillips and Claydon both going close for the Seasiders.
The deadlock was finally broken with ten minutes remaining when Danny Phillips beat two defenders to a long through ball and calmly stroked the ball under the diving Church.
Crump saved from Turner as Stanway pressed for a reply and the pressure finally told with two minutes remaining with a penalty awarded for handball against Ebanks.
Angelo Harrop converted from the spot kick at the second attempt after the first had been ruled out for encroachment, to ensure a deserved share of the spoils.
An entertaining game well referred by Mike George and enjoyed by the die-hards who braved the bad weather to attend - many thanks.


Tuesday 4th March 2008 -  Ridgeons League Cup semi-final
Felixstowe & Walton United  1 - 4  Needham Market  (0-2) 
SEASIDERS: Paul Cudworth, Joe Bloomfield, Alan Mills, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett (Paul Betson 80), Dwayne Edwards, Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, Liam Scopes
Unused subs: Darcy De'ath, Danny Ebanks, Matt Morgan, Danny Crump

Needham Market's excellent season continued as they booked their place in the Ridgeons League Cup Final on 5th May following an impressive performance against the Seasiders. Tommy Smith opened the scoring with a neat finish following a defence splitting pass from Berry on fifteen minutes. Ten minutes later the lead was doubled as Berry fed the ball through to Parker who was fouled on the edge of the Felixstowe area. Berry's free kick crashed back off the bar with Matt Buckle responding quickest to head home from close range.
Felixstowe finished the half strongly as they searched for a reply with Frost going close twice and Pemberton cleared off the line but Needham deservedly held the advantage at the break.
The visitors looked comfortably in charge before Neil Calver bundled home the ball at the far from Frost's corner midway through the second half to provide hope of a comeback for the home side.
Phillips turned and fired his shot over Jones' cross bar before Needham restored their two goal advantage through Craig Parker as he rifled home home from the edge of the area with fifteen minutes remaining.  Five minutes from time Danny Thrower confirmed the win scoring directly from a 35 yard free kick which flew over Cudworth in the home goal and into the net.
Needham will play Gorleston in the Final at Diss Town F.C. on Monday 5th May.


Saturday 1st March 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Wisbech Town  3 -  0  Felixstowe & Walton United   (1-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Dwayne Edwards, Alan Mills, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, Liam Scopes, Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Andy Claydon (Keith Hetherington 50), Paul Betson.
Unused subs: Chris Howlett, Ashley Childs, Kristian Haighton
The Seasiders woeful away form continued this afternoon as a new month brought no change in fortune with still only one point since November on the road to record. Failing to score for the first time in twelve matches also reflected a display which saw the home keeper make one first half save and not tested at all in the second period.
Felixstowe did enjoy a large share of possession but created few chances while the Fenmen took full advantage of theirs. Darren Edey, unmarked, headed home the first from a corner on six minutes with a Jason Pease corner, fifteen minutes from time, squeezing in at the near post to double the lead. With the Seasiders pushing forward for a reply Scott Cubberley broke from the half way and slid home the final goal in injury time to complete a miserable afternoon for the visitors.


With Joe Bloomfield on County duty Dwayne Edwards moved to fullback with Sean Bell returning
from injury to replace Chris Howlett who failed a late fitness test and moved to the bench. It was good to see Ashley Childs and Kristian Haighton named on the first team sheet for the first time for the trip deep into the Fens on a sunny afternoon.

Felixstowe kicked off and showed early promise with Wisbech pegged back until they broke out on five minutes with Danny Crump saving from Jimson at the expense of a corner. From the flag kick Darren Edey rose to head home the opener pictured.  In reply Scopes saw his shot blocked and Betson's shot on target was easily collected by Horton at his right hand post before Phillip's and Claydon created Felixstowe's best opportunity ten minutes before the interval. Phillips broke down the right with his pass finding Claydon six yards out but as he fired low Horton made a good save with his legs pictured to see the Fenmen through to an interval lead,

Felixstowe pressed forward after the break with Phillips and frost both shooting wide but Horton's goal came closest to being breached when Jimson's clearance from Betson's cross flew past an upright on seventy minutes. Too often Felixstowe gave possession away when not under pressure and on 76 minutes the lead was doubled when Jason Pease whipped in a low corner kick  with the ball squeezing home at the near post.
The Seasiders play became ragged and as they pressed forward in search of a reply substitute Scott Cubberley took full advantage to break from the half way line to finish emphatically with a low shot under the diving Crump.


Saturday 23rd February 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  4 -  1  Leiston  (1-0)

SEASIDERS:
Crump, Turley (De'ath 31m), Bloomfield, Frost, Ebanks, Howlett, Edwards (Scopes 52m), Calver, Phillips, Claydon (Hetherington 80m), Betson.
Unused Sub: Mills

LEISTON: Stannard, Saker, Boyland, Smith, Lowe, Button (Crane 45m), George, Manning, J. Chennery, Allen, Eagle (Trotter 83m).

Unused Sub: Morphew

 

 Referee: Mr J.Steel.

 Att. 154 

A ghost was laid to rest this afternoon as the Seasiders collected their first win over Leiston in nine games spread over seven years, with just one F.A. Cup draw back in 2004 to our credit.

The visitors came into the game unbeaten in 7 games since the turn of the year with Jamie Stannard having kept a clean sheet in their last four matches.

Their record was matched against the Seasiders home record of just one defeat since the opening day of the season when they lost against current league leaders Soham back in October so there was plenty for both sides to play for at the start of the game.

 

It was Felixstowe who had the early initiative with Andy Claydon, making his home debut, having a chance in the openings seconds but he failed to get any power behind Danny Phillips' low cross to test Stannard.  A minute later Phillips dispossessed Boyland midway in the Leiston half and bore down on Stannard's goal but his effort was straight at the Leiston keeper who parried away his shot.
 

Paddy Turley who joined the Seasiders in midweek from Debenham LC went straight into the starting line up and was next with an opportunity in the third minute  but he sent his effort over the Leiston bar from the edge of the area pictured.

Having missed the early chances the game settled down, Chris Allen shot straight at Danny Crump before Leiston won the game's first corner in the 9th minute which was cleared comfortably by the home side.

The Seasiders conceded a string of free kicks in the danger area in front of their own 18 yard line with Manning taking them and twice he found Allen but he failed to make the most of the chances.
 

With the game now evenly balanced a two minute spell turned it in the Seasiders favour. Allen curled his shot inches wide of Danny Crump's post in the 24th minute and two minutes later Mark Lowe powered a header past his own keeper pictured from a Paul Betson cross to put Felixstowe in front.

 

Lowe headed over at the other end and Luke Eagle saw his effort go wide of the mark before debutant Paddy Turley, who had impressed the home supporters limped out of the game in the 32nd minute.

The visitors finished the half strongly putting the Seasiders defence under pressure without finding a way through and they continued in the same vein after the break and for 15 minutes they were camped in the Seasiders half, but again Chris Howlett marshalled his defence superbly as they rode out the storm of attacks and almost inevitably they broke out with devastating effect in the 67th minute.

 

Danny Phillips was put away down the right and he pulled his cross back from the goal line for Neil Calver to head firmly past Stannard and double the lead picture below.
Leiston were still recovering 3 minutes when Andy Claydon in similar fashion was put away on the right, although looking well offside the assistant referee waived play on and he lifted the ball over the advancing Stannard for Gavin Frost to make it three by tapping into an empty net.

Former Seasider Gavin Crane who had replaced Button at half time saw a couple of half chances go wide before Leiston were given a lifeline in the 78th minute, Allen did manage to get a shot on target that Danny Crump failed to hold and as it fell loose Justyn Chennery blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

But having got a lifeline it was quickly dashed as the Seasiders saved the best till last in the 80th minute when some neat interplay got the ball into the Leiston area, defenders and attackers both tried to do something with it before it fell to Gavin Frost who rifled home an unstoppable shot past Jamie Stannard from 16yds to settle the points.
 

It was an all round good performance against a side above them in the table, now it is a matter of producing that home form on the road.

For Leiston Blake Saker had an outstanding game and from my view Joe Bloomfield was the pick of the home side’s players.

 


Saturday 16th February 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Mildenhall Town  5 -  1  Felixstowe & Walton United    (2-0)

SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Dwayne Edwards, Alan Mills, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell (Keith Hetherington 28), Chris Howlett (Danny Ebanks85), Darcy De'ath,  Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Andy Claydon, Paul Betson.
Unused sub: Joe Bloomfield
John Sands completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot on the stroke of full-time to round off a comprehensive win for fourth in the table Mildenhall as Felixstowe's poor form away from home continued.
Neil Calver scored his first goal for the Seasiders, since his return to the Club, but with two minutes to go it was only a consolation after a brace from Owen Paynter saw the home side go nap.

Only one change from last Saturday's starting line-up, Edwards returning and Bloomfield on the bench, for the trip to West Suffolk on a sunny but cold afternoon. Frost in one corner of the ground sheltered by a tall hedge caused the Referee some concern but the pitch was declared fit with the rest of the ground in good order.
With only one point on the road since November Felixstowe were looking for a change of form and with Claydon Pictured returning to the Club he left only ten days ago they impressed in the early stages taking advantage of the slope.

Claydon was in on goal in the first minute but was halted by a raised off-side flag and five minutes later what proved to be the visitors best chance on goal in the first half was placed wide by Phillips pictured after Claydon had created the opening with a good run and cross down the right.
Three corners from Betson followed after Nower made a fine save to deny Phillips as Felixstowe enjoyed their best spell of the game, but from this point Mildenhall gradually gained control.

The opening goal came on 21 minutes with the Felixstowe back line looking for an offside flag and John Sands reacting first as the ball cannoned back off a post to drill home past the diving Crump.
Bell left the field before the half hour due to injury with De'ath pictured moving into the back four as Hetherington took to the field.
Ten minutes later the lead was doubled as Owen Paynter scored his first after neat build up play from the influential Spriggs,
Felixstowe's shape and determination waned with Calver working hard in mid-field and Howlett, carrying an ankle injury, putting in a solid shift to keep the busy Mildenhall forwards at bay until half time.

Crump produced an excellent save to deny Paynter straight from the restart at the expense of a corner and Felixstowe showed greater application at the start of the second period as they went in search of a reply with Claydon producing a firm strike that cleared the home bar.
Crump made a good save on the hour to block Sands shot but he could do little to deny John Sands his second goal midway through the half as he followed up on the Felixstowe keeper's save from Spriggs' shot.

There was no way back for Felixstowe now and two minutes later, again after Crump had produced a save, Owen Paynter was first to the ball to score his second and the home sides fourth. Crump made another fine save to keep out Sands as Felixstowe were in danger of being over-run.
The hard working Neil Calver was rewarded for his efforts with a well struck consolation goal two minutes from time.
On the stroke of full-time an Assistant waved for a hand-ball in the area with John Sands despatching the resulting penalty kick for his hat-trick.

The Felixstowe side contains many excellent players, but a number will know that they need to increase their effort and application if we are to reach our potential.


 


Saturday 9th February 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Woodbridge Town  3 -  2  Felixstowe & Walton United    (1-1)

SEASIDERS: Crump, De'ath, Mills, Frost, Bell, Howlett (Ebanks 45m), Bloomfield (Brett 77m), Calver, Phillips (Hetherington 79m), Claydon, Betson.
Goals: Bell 17, De'ath 79.
Yellow Calver, De'ath. Red 0

WOODPECKERS: Garnham, Peddie, Scales (C), Hart (Read 56m), Roper, Miller, Read (Monaghan 17m), Nash, Blake (Jennings 69m), Seaman, Churchyard.
Goals: Seaman 25, OG 74, Nash 89.
Yellow 0: Red 0
Referee Simon Essex.

Andrew Claydon was named in Steve Potts starting line up following his mid-week transfer from Mildenhall replacing Keith Hetherington who was named as substitute despite hitting the winning goal the previous week. With Dwayne Edwards injured and Liam Scopes unavailable the Seasiders manager again had to shuffle his pack with Mills and Frost returning at the expense of Goddard and Ebanks who was named on the subs bench.

The Seasiders were under pressure from the start against a youthful home side who were willing to chase down every loose ball and Danny Crump had to turn away a Nash shot in the opening 30 seconds followed by Hart firing just over a minute later.
It was a hectic opening and in the 4th minute it was Felixstowe & Walton's turn as new boy Claydon combined with Betson on the left and the latter's superb cross flashed across the Woodbridge goal with Danny Phillips millimetres from getting a touch to turn it into the net.

Claydon's through ball caused the home defence problems on the quarter hour but Phillips lifted the ball over Garnham and the bar under pressure from the Woodpeckers' keeper with calls for a penalty following the keepers challenge after the ball had gone but that would have been an extremely harsh decision and was rightly waived away by referee Simon Essex.
Three minutes later the Seasiders were in front after a prolonged stoppage that saw Luke Read replaced by Monaghan after a collision with Sean Bell, play continued after the initial challenge resulting in the home side conceding a corner under pressure but there was a 3 minute hold up before the kick was taken and when Betson finally took the flag kick it was Sean Bell at the far post who hit a diagonal shot into the top corner of the net.
The visitors then looked to be getting on top after Woodbridge had controlled the early play but the home side were level in the 25th min. as they broke quickly and a quick interchange followed by an excellent strike from 20 yds by Ben Seaman left Crump stranded as the ball flew past him into his top left hand corner.
The remainder of the 1st half was pretty much a stalemate, Crump collected a well struck shot from Blake in the 29th minute and Darcy De'ath headed a Betson corner wide of Garnham's right hand post in the 34th minute.
A minute later Calver found himself in the book as his reputation went before his challenge with referee Mr Essex racing to produce a card after an innocuous challenge in midfield and in the last minute of the half Chris Howlett saw his afternoon end as he was caught on the foot as he cleared the ball.

Daniel Ebanks replaced Howlett at half time and the home side enjoyed the better of the second half exchanges although new boy Claydon should have restored the Seasiders advantage in the 53rd minute as he was put through one on one with Garnham but he took an extra touch and Garnham blocked his effort to keep the scores level.
Seaman at one end and Frost at the other both saw their efforts wide of the target and Crump had to turn away Churchyards effort for a corner on the hour.
There was controversy with the 2nd Woodbridge goal in the 74th minute when substitute Craig Monaghan collected the ball wide on the left and clearly handled to control it as he cut inside the area but referee Mr Essex waived play on and Mills attempting to clear his low cross turned the ball into his own net.

The lead lasted just five minutes as Felixstowe & Walton won another corner with Betson's kick eluding everyone until it reached Darcy De'ath at the far post who stabbed home the equaliser from close range.
The visitors looked to have settled for a share of the point with Danny Phillips withdrawn to be replaced by Hetherington but Woodbridge had other ideas as they pushed forward in numbers and with the 90 minute mark rapidly approaching Gerrard Nash who had controlled much of the game from midfield was the home sides hero as he brushed off a challenge to run through and hit the winning goal as Crump failed to hold the initial effort.
A disappointing afternoon and result for Steve Potts side as they again failed to take anything from an away game with just one point gained from the last 18 available on the road.


Saturday 2nd February 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  2 - 1 Histon Reserves  (1-0)

SEASIDERS: Crump, Edwards (Morgan 51 m), Bloomfield, Calver, Ebanks, Howlettt, Goddard, De'ath, Phillips, Hetherington, Betson.
Unused Subs: Brett, Kyle, Bell.
Goals: Phillips 13 m (Pen), Hetherington 74 m.
Yellow: 0, Red: 0.


STUTES: Stone, Stewart (Murphy 22 m), Chick, Hipperson, Upcott, Andrews (Jones 71 m), Campbell (Brennan 79 m), Webster, Blandford, Midson, Sparks.
Goals: Blandford 56 m.
Yellow: 1 Midson (Dissent). Red: 0.

Referee: Lee Betts
Sometimes as they say on the telly you have to win ugly and this was one of those occasions where Steve Potts side had to dig in and dig out a result from a lackluster performance on a bitterly cold afternoon.
Once again the pitch was in top condition dispelling any chance of apportioning the performance to outside factors, but with Scopes and Bell sidelined through illness and Mills and Frost suspended the Seasiders manager had to shuffle the pack bolstered by the return of Joe Bloomfield from County duty and Neil Calver from suspension.

Danny Phillips looped an effort over in the 8th minute and Sparks cross shot in the 11th minute never troubled Danny Crump in the home goal but persistence from the leagues leading scorer in the 13th minute gave him the opportunity to add to his tally after being pulled back inside the area by Upcott. It was probably the only major decision referee My Betts had to make all afternoon and he got it right as he pointed to the spot for Danny Phillips to dispatch the penalty into the bottom right hand corner.
 

The remainder of the half was a nondescript affair, Crump had to be alert to deny Jack Midson pictured , a recent acquisition for the Stutes from Bishop Stortford and Tyler Campbell shot harmlessly across the Seasiders goal in the 22nd minute.
The home side forced their first corner in the 29th minute with Chris Howlett slicing wide from Paul Betson's flag kick and Danny Phillips saw a dangerous low cross cleared by Hipperson before the half time whistle gave everyone respite.

The second half started at a better tempo with the Histon defence under mounting pressure and a goal looked inevitable as the Seasiders began to force the pace and it duly came in the 56th minute but at the other end.
A Felixstowe & Walton attack broke down and a long clearance over the advanced home defence put Anthony Blandford through on a solo run and he kept his cool as he spotted Crump on the edge of the area to lift the ball over him from 35yds into the unguarded net.
From that point for 15 minutes it was Histon who looked likely to extend their winning run to four games rather than the home side who were also on a 3 match winning run.
An outstanding performance from veteran Chris Howlett steadied the home ship as Histon looked for a winner and the Seasiders finally put a move together to produce the winning goal in the 74th min. Having worked the ball out to the left side Phillips and Betson combined to open a gap and Keith Hetherington was on hand to receive Betson cross 12 yards out to steady himself before striking an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net.
Histon pressed forward looking for a second equaliser, Webster saw his effort hit the bar & Jones fired over but Howlett and his defence stood firm to collect the points.


Saturday 26th January 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United  4 -  2  Haverhill Rovers  (2-1)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Dwayne Edwards (Ben Goddard 77), Alan Mills, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Darcy De'Ath, Liam Scopes, Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, Paul Betson (Ben Goddard 87). 
Unused Subs: Danny Ebanks, Matt Morgan.

From first to last whistle you could not take your eyes off this game as both teams served up  entertaining football for the appreciative crowd.
Danny Phillips on six minutes and from the spot ten minutes before the interval put the home side in the box seat before the side fourth in the table pulled a goal back five minutes later, again from the penalty spot, through Marcus Hunt.
A minute after the restart it was all level as March Abbott pounced after Crump had saved Impey's shot with the visitors looking favourites at this point. A trade mark 25 yard strike from Captain Gavin Frost put the Seasiders back in front on fifty minutes but the result was on a knife edge until deep into in injury time when a defensive mistake enabled Keith Hetherington to confirm the win with a close range goal.

With Joe Bloomfield on Suffolk Under 18 duties and Neil Calver suspended, Darcy De'ath and Keith Hetherington were named in the starting line up for the visit of Haverhill Rovers.

The tempo of the game was set from the start as Pilcher fired over the Felixstowe bar in the first minutes with Benstead producing an excellent save to turn Phillip's low shot away for a corner at his near post. It didn't take long for Danny Phillips to get on the score sheet however as  Scope's through ball found the league's top goal-scorer in space after six minutes to lift the ball over the advanced Benstead from 25 yards for the opener.

Bell and Howlett were once again magnificent in defence for the Seasiders with Howlett and keeper Crump combining well to keep out the threat of Ben-Saud and Impey.
The game flowed from end to end with Impey heading wide for Haverhill when well placed from Thurlbourne's cross and Phillips, Frost and Betson both going close for the Seasiders before the lead was doubled on 35 minutes. Benstead was adjudged to have brought down Phillips as he stretched for a loose ball in the area with Danny Phillips picking himself up to drill home from the spot pictured.
Five minutes later Haverhill were awarded a penalty this time against the Felixstowe keeper with
Marcus Hunt making no mistake with his spot kick pictured.

Haverhill were level a minute after the restart as Danny Crump's excellent save from Impey saw the ball run to March Abbott who fired home from close range. The game could well have changed at that point but Gavin Frost's 25 yard pile driver restored the lead five minutes later to reduce fears of a dramatic reversal of fortunes. Benstead saved acrobatically to turn away Scopes shot on the turn and Edwards saw his skim the Haverhill bar but it was Haverhill who finished the game strongly as they searched for some reward. Impey placed his shot over when well placed and Crump made an excellent low save to keep out Farrington as the clock ran down.
Deep into injury time Phillip's ball into the Haverhill penalty area caused confusion allowing Keith Hetherington to pounce and convert from close range.


Tuesday 22nd January 2008 -  Ridgeons League Cup Quarter Final
Felixstowe & Walton United   3 - 1
 Dereham Town  (1-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Dwayne Edwards (Darcy De'Ath), Alan Mills, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Joe Bloomfield, Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Liam Scopes (Keith Hetherington 87), Paul Betson (Ben Goddard 87). 
The Seasiders progressed to the semi-finals of the League Cup thanks to a brace from Danny Phillips and a third from Paul Betson as he opened his account for Felixstowe.
Dereham enjoyed a good deal of early possession without troubling Crump in the home goal. Felixstowe took time to settle before Danny Phillips fired home a right foot shot from the left of the area to put the home side ahead after 13 minutes.
On a good surface, which was a credit to the ground-staff after recent rain, both sides played neat attacking football with Frost going close to extending the lead. Dereham finished the first half strongly with Terrington shooting over the Felixstowe bar and Beaumont created an excellent opportunity to level but placed his shot wide.

After the break Crump produced an excellent save to deny Terrington at the expense of a corner and just before the hour Dereham were deservedly level as Graham Barrett turned home Willis' cross from twelve yards for a well taken goal.
Felixstowe stepped up a gear and on 63 minutes regained the lead as Danny Phillips broke down the middle of the park to beat the off-side trap and accurately steer the ball home from the edge of the area past the advanced Marshall in the visiting goal. Two minutes later Paul Betson seized on Edward's cross from the right, took one touch to control the ball and struck an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net from the edge of the area to secure the tie.


Saturday 12th January 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Needham Market  2 - 1  Felixstowe & Walton United 
 (1-0)
SEASIDERS: Crump, Bloomfield, Mills (Ebanks 53), Frost, Bell, Howlett, Edwards, Calver, Phillips, Scopes (Hetherington 68), Betson.
Unused Subs: Goddard, De'Ath.
Top of the table Needham Market secured all three points, from a close and entertaining encounter on a heavy surface, thanks to a late goal from substitute Nathan Szyselyk.
Ben Cranfield had put the home side ahead after only three minutes and the Seasiders deservedly levelled six minutes into the second half through Danny Phillips. Both sides created opportunities to claim the win and with two minutes remaining Szyselyk provided the winner for the home side.

Liam Scopes pictured with Ben Cranfield returned from injury to join Calver with the midfield pairing producing a significant contribution against top of the table Needham Market. The pitch was heavy after recent rain but on a sunny dry afternoon both sides produced entertaining and attacking football with the Seasiders disappointed not to return home with some reward for their efforts.
Calver tested Jones pictured in the first minute as the Seasiders attacked from the off with Phillips producing a good run and cross from the left for Calver to force Jones into a good save at the expense of the first corner of the game.
Needham's first attack on three minutes brought the first goal as Thrower raced down the left wing and his accurate cross enabled Craig Parker to head home the opener.
Frost almost produced an immediate reply but his shot was blocked and Jones produced another telling save to deny Edwards pictured. The movement and pace of Cranfield and Parker always posed dangers but Howlett and Bell were impressive in defence for the Seasiders limiting the home sides opportunities although Parker did find space to strike the Felixstowe bar and shot over after a neat interchange with Thrower may have brought greater reward. Mills cleared off the line to deny Barber from Berry's free kick as Needham looked to increase their lead and Jones had to be on top form to save from Phillips and Calver at the other end as the game continued to flow.
With half time approaching Crump stood tall at his near post to keep out Berry's shot and keep his side very much in the game.

Needham enjoyed good pressure after the interval without a clear site of goal and six minutes after the restart the Seasiders drew level. Calver started the move in midfield linking with Bloomfield and after a good run down the right the young Suffolk Under 18 full back whipped the ball in for Calver to head goalwards, Jones blocked the header but the ball fell to the league's top goalscorer Danny Phillips who forced the ball home from close range.
Phillips went close to a second but was denied by Jones and then by Barber who produced a last ditch tackle to thwart the Felixstowe forward as he poised to strike. Berry looked most likely to score for the home side and Howlett produced an excellent tackle to deny the lively Needham forward as he danced into the Felixstowe area with time running down.
The game looked to be heading for a deserved draw but with two minutes on the watch a blocked shot ran to Nathan Szyselyk to settle the result and despite appeals for off side the goal stood.

We wish Needham Market good luck for their FA Vase fixture at VCD Athletic next Saturday.


Saturday 5th January 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United   1 - 1   Swaffham Town
 (1-0)
SEASIDERS: Crump, Bloomfield, Mills, Calver, Bell, Howlett, Edwards (Hetherington 72), Frost, Phillips, Goddard, Betson
Unused Subs: Hetherington, Morgan, De'Ath, Ebanks, Scopes
Red: 0,  Yellow: Calver

PEDLARS: Norris, Palmer, Spalding, Reeve, Setchell, King, Voutt, Butcher, Raspberry, St John (Polski 80), Symonds
Unused Subs: Rawlings, McNeil
Red: Butcher,  Yellow: 0

REFEREE: Richard Beevor
Att: 65

Swaffham worked hard to win a valuable away point despite playing with ten players for over half an hour. Chris Howlett pictured opened the scoring, with his first goal since returning to the Seasiders, on twenty minutes and the home side looked to be in the box seat at the half time interval.
Aarran Butcher restored parity with a well struck free kick from the edge of the area one minute into the second half but turned villain seven minutes later as he was dismissed for retaliation after he was fouled. Gary Setchell rallied his team and they showed great resilience to resist the Felixstowe forwards and when Danny Phillip's dipping drive struck the Swaffham cross bar two minutes from time the home side's last chance for a winner had passed.

Howlett and Frost returned to the starting line up with Morgan and Ebanks on the bench for the visit of Swaffham Town, after the Pedlars previous visit ended prematurely at half time due to floodlight problems. Thankfully no such problems today, with bright sunshine welcoming the visitors, and having travelled twice to Felixstowe for the fixture who could begrudge them a point.

A lively start from Swaffham with Crump making an early save from Butcher and King shooting wide from distance following a Swaffham corner. Phillip's hit the side netting and Norris saved well to deny Frost as Felixstowe increased the pressure forcing a corner which lead to the opening goal on twenty minutes. With the corner kick only cleared to the edge of the area Calver whipped the ball in from the right and Chris Howlett, still advanced for the corner, fired the ball home from six yards to record his first goal since returning to the Seasiders. St John pictured increased his influence on the game as half time approached creating a number of openings and King forced a save from Crump low at his left hand post as the half came to a close.

Within a minute of the restart Aarran Butcher produced an excellent free kick to beat Crump, as he dived to his right, to bring the sides level. Seven minute later the visitors were reduced to ten after Butcher was brought down but his reaction left Mr Beevor no option but to show red.
Felixstowe produced plenty of pressure but resolute defending from Swaffham forced the Seasiders to make their strikes from distance and a combination of woodwork and Norris in the Pedlars goal prevented any further scoring. Hetherington hit the bar with a header Norris saved to deny Phillips, Goddard and Bloomfield with Phillip's producing an excellent swerving and dipping strike that beat Norris before cannoning back off the angle of bar and post.
The ten men battled throughout the second half and fully deserved their point.


Wednesday 2nd January 2008 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Harwich & Parkeston  3 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United 
 (2-1)
SEASIDERS: Crump, Bloomfield, Mills, Calver, Bell, Ebanks, Edwards, Morgan (Frost 54), Phillips, Goddard, Betson
Unused Subs: Hetherington, Howlett, Scopes

Shrimpers: Wootten, Brannon, May, Bloss, Calver, Murray, T Chatters, Morley, Carmichael, Eldridge (Mann 61), Jones (J Chatters 71)
Unused Subs: Randell

REFEREE: Carl Fitch (no cards shown)
Att: 87

Despite recovering from a two goal deficit Felixstowe will consider this two points lost as they shared six goals at The Royal Oak this evening. When Ben Goddard rifled home the Seasider's third goal with twenty minutes remaining to claim the lead there looked to be only one winner, but missed chances two excellent saves from Wootten and a clearance off the line by May kept the a game alive for the Shrimpers with Matt Charmichael snatching the equaliser with two minutes remaining. Plenty of action to keep the crowd entertained on a very cold night.

The Shrimpers were deservedly ahead at the interval having taken the lead after nine minutes through Sam Eldridge, as he converted Carmichaels low cross from the right, and Luke Jones doubled the home sides lead a minute before the break. Danny Phillips pulled a goal back for the visitors on the stroke of half time after good build up play down the left between Gooddard and Betson who produced an excellent cross for Phillips to strike.

Playing with the wind and down the slope in the second half Felixstowe moved up a gear with Wootten making an excellent save to palm Phillip's shot on the turn against a post before being cleared by Brannon. Just before the hour the visitors were level as again Danny Phillips struck from the edge of the area and despite Wootten getting finger tips to the ball he could not keep out the powerful strike low to his right hand post.
Following sustained pressure on the home goal Ben Goddard struck from 16 yards to move Felixstowe into the lead and Frost a minute later saw his dipping volley palmed over the bar by the athletic Wootten to keep his side in the game.
Felixstowe kept up the pressure without closing out the game and when May cleared off the line the Shrimpers gained in confidence and went in search of an equaliser which they duly obtained with Matt Carmichael converting from close range with two minutes remaining to claim a point.


Saturday 29th December 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Soham Town Rangers  2 - 1   Felixstowe & Walton United 
 (1-1)
SEASIDERS: Crump, Bloomfield (Hetherington 83), Mills, Calver, Bell, Howlett, Edwards, Scopes, Phillips, Goddard, Betson (Morgan 46).
Unused Subs: Ebanks

SOHAM: Jordan, Flanz, Bromwich, McNeil, Williams, Simpson (Kearns 80), Turner (Jimson 43), Carter, Furnell, Liban, Jones (Hinde 74)
Unused Subs: Coleman, Reeson

REFEREE: Paul McCaul (no cards shown)
Att: 131

An open and entertaining game at Julius Martin Lane ended in the home side's favour thanks to Andy Furnell's close range goal four minutes into the second half.
The unlucky Joe Bloomfield saw his attempted header back to the arms of his keeper carry on the wind over Danny Crump and into the net to provide a third minute opener for the home side, but the Seasiders recovered quickly from the early set back with Danny Phillips rounding Jordan in the home goal to equalise with 19 minutes on the watch.
Danny Crump made a number of excellent second half saves and Jordan in the home goal produced a decisive save from Ben Goddard with five minutes remaining to ensure the points went to Soham.

New signing Paul Betson pictured, formerly with AFC Sudbury, made an impressive debut for the Seasiders on the left wing before injury forced his replacement at the beginning of the second half.
The home side elected to take advantage of the wind and sunshine, which bore down the pitch into the eyes of the visiting keeper, with the Seasiders taking the kick off on a cold afternoon. The wind could have spoilt the game but with both teams determined to play flowing football to feet it did not have the impact it might have had.

Jones fired wide in the first minute as Soham applied early pressure and were ahead in the third minute when Bloomfield, looking to guide a ball on the edge of the area back to his keeper, could only look in horror as the ball passed over Danny Crump's outstretched grasp and into the net. The Suffolk County full-back showed his strength of character in quickly recovering from this early set-back.
Carter and Liban both went close to extending the home sides lead before Felixstowe impressed themselves on the game and equalised on 19 minutes with Danny Phillips completing a flowing move, rounding Jordan in the home goal to steer the ball home pictured.

Both sides were making full use of the pitch and the home side showed plenty of movement in the final third with Turner and Jones linking well to force one of many saves from Danny Crump. Edward's forced Carter to clear for a corner on the half hour with Soham scrambling the ball away as Felixstowe enjoyed a good spell of pressure.  
Turner saw his rising shot clear the Felixstowe cross bar but the visitors finished the half strongly with Neil Calver's deflected shot well saved by Jordan as the half time whistle approached.

Edwards cleared the Soham cross bar from distance as Felixstowe attacked from the re-start but it was the home side who once again claimed an early goal as Andy Furnell turned home from close range Mike Simpson's low cross from the right. The home side produced a dominant spell of attacking football with Crump saving from Jimson, Furnell and McNeil in quick succession. Thanks to Crump, Bell and Howlett the Seasiders weathered the storm and went in search of an equaliser, Edwards and Scopes both went close before the persistent Ben Goddard pictured right forced the best save of the afternoon from Jordan as he athletically got down low to his right to keep out Goddard's low shot.
On the stroke of full time Phillips beat Jordan to the ball on the edge of the area and his cross was cleared by Williams as Hetherington bore down on goal.

On chances created the home side fully deserved their win but were pressed hard by a skilful and tenacious Felixstowe side who will continue to please their fans and win points with performances like the one this afternoon.


Boxing Day - 26th December 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United 
2 - 0  Ipswich Wanderers  (0-0)
SEASIDERS: Crump, Bloomfield, Mills, Ebanks, Bell, Howlett, Scopes, Calver, Phillips, Hetherington (Brett 87m), Edwards (Goddard 83m).
Unused Subs: A. Childs, P. Betson, P. Cudworth.
Red: 0 Yellow 0

WANDERERS: Hammond, Thorpe, Carnell, Laws, Buckle, Hayes-Brown, Deller (Culf 85m), Jennings, Snell, Driver, Allen.
Unused Subs: Moran, Dunne Wright.
Red: 0 Yellow 2. Jennings, Snell.

REFEREE: Carl Fitch
Att: 207

A good Bank Holiday attendance of 207 for an early kick off in the local derby with near neighbours Ipswich Wanderers. Steve Buckle brought his new side to Dellwood Avenue for the first time since moving from Felixstowe to take over at Humber Doucy Lane, with the team including many familiar faces.
'Bucks' has certainly breathed new life into Wanderers with much improved performances in recent weeks but Steve had to be content with a festive beer in the bar after the game as Steve Potts' side ran out winners, thanks to second half goals from Edwards and Phillips from the penalty spot. It was almost perfect conditions that greeted the players with a good surface and spring like weather with the crowd anticipating a fiercely contested affair that in truth never materialised.

Wanderers started the better of the two sides forcing 5 corners in as many minutes with the Seasiders looking happy to clear their lines to deny the visitors an opening. Felixstowe's first attack saw Dwayne Edwards go down in the Wanderers area but the home sides penalty appeals were waived away by Referee Fitch.

The best and only real chance of the first half came in the 9th minute when Snell collected the ball inside the Seasiders area and turned well to volley his effort but Crump collected comfortably to his left.

Steve Buckle's side were having the better of the exchanges moving the ball well but without penetrating while Felixstowe & Walton tried to many long balls to get behind the Wanderers defence. It was all low key which suited the home side and other than a wild effort over the bar from Chris Howlett in the 34th minute and a tame effort from Snell straight at Crump a minute later the half time whistle came as a relief to the crowd.

The half time tea must have been stronger in the home dressing room than the visitors as straight from the restart Liam Scopes and Neil Calver imposed themselves on the midfield taking control, Hetherington saw his shot parried away in the 50th minute and Hammond twice denied Phillips in the 55th minute.
The opening goal came a minute later when Liam Scopes was fouled on the edge of the Wanderers area and Dwayne Edwards' low free kick nestled in the bottom corner of Hammonds net with the aid of the post.
Jennings was off target in the 62nd minute but the play was increasingly in the Wanderers half without the Seasiders carving out any clear cut openings and the match looked to be heading for the single goal result until Wanderers best player Curtis Hayes-Brown conceded what looked a needless penalty to give Danny Phillips the opportunity to extend his lead at the top of the league leading scorers list.


Saturday 15th December 2007 - Ridgeons League Premier Division
Dereham Town  3 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United  (0-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Matt Morgan, Alan Mills, James Buckle, Danny Ebanks (Joe Bloomfield 45), Chris Howlett, Dwayne Edwards, Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, Ben Goddard.
Unused subs: Paul Cudworth, Sean Bell.

After an evenly contested first half at Aldiss Park, Dereham took hold of the game five minutes into the second period thanks to a volley from Ben Boyce.
Craig Terrington
doubled the lead on the hour as the home side created a number of scoring opportunities. The Seasiders produced good build up play but without threatening Marshall in the home goal and Olly Willis confirmed the win with two minutes remaining, slotting home the third.

Dwayne Edwards returned to the starting line up for the trip to Norfolk with Joe Bloomfield starting on the bench following Suffolk Under 18 duties. Manager Steve Potts jet lagged from his trip to India and Australia made it from the airport in time for the game.

On a cold dry afternoon both sides produced neat football but with both defences well organised scoring opportunities were at a premium in the first half. Dereham enjoyed early pressure with Crump in the Felixstowe goal collecting the ball off the head of Howell pictured and Howell linked with Willis before Howlett cut out the danger at the expense of a corner. Marshall collected the ball from Hetherington's shot on goal as Felixstowe pressed with Phillip's on 27 minutes seeing the visitors best chance of opening saved by Marshall pictured,
The home side finished the half strongly with Willis and Harris both firing wide of Crump's left hand post and Boyce placing Dereham's best chance of the half straight at Crump from six yards.

Five minutes into the second half the deadlock was broken when Ben Boyce volleying home a cross from the left past Crump's outstretched right hand. Felixstowe pressed forward through Edwards, Hetherington and Phillips, with Bloomfield impressing in a mid-field roll following his entry to the game at half time, but Cullington, Wilson and Willis ensured Marshall in the home goal saw little of the ball and Felixstowe failed to gain a shot on target in the second half.
On the hour Craig Terrington headed home at the far post from Howell's right wing cross to double the lead as Dereham took control of the game. Further chances were created with Sam Willis and Harris both going close before Olly Willis ran unchallenged from his own half, in injury time, to slide the ball under the Felixstowe keeper and confirm the win their second half performance deserved.
 


Saturday 8th December 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United
  0 A 0  Swaffham Town
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Matt Morgan, Alan Mills, James Buckle, Chris Howlett, Danny Ebanks, Darcy De'ath, Neil Calver,  Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, Ben Goddard.
Subs: Ashley Phillips, Ricardo Phillips.

Despite the heavy driving rain the game went ahead on a wet but firm surface. Calver's shot from distance was the home side's best effort on goal with Harper going close for the visitors.
When the Referee blew the final whistle after 43 minutes of the first half it was not due to the pitch but due to floodlight failure.
With two pylons out and fuses changed to no avail, the Referee had no option but to bring the game to a close.


Saturday 1st December 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Wroxham  3 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United
  (2-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Ali Brett, Joe Bloomfield, Gavin Frost, Sean Bell (Chris Howlett 45), Danny Ebanks, Ben Goddard, James Buckle, Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington (Matt Morgan 45), Allan Mills.
A comfortable win for the Yachtsmen who had the Seasiders on the back foot after only 75 seconds when Justin Fox fired home from twenty yards. Fox doubled the lead just after the half hour and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot ten minutes from time, with the unfortunate Morgan dismissed for hand-ball.

The recent run of two matches each week has begun to take it's toll with a number of players reporting with injury. Liam Scopes' absence had a serious impact in midfield with the cause further weakened by the withdrawal of Bell & Hetherington at the break through injury.
Excuses over, the best Team won as the Yachtsmen gained and retained possession well using their wide pitch to good effect and stretch the visiting defence. In contrast Felixstowe worked hard to gain the ball but released it too easily to the opposition.

Hat-trick hero Justin Fox pictured right set the scene for the afternoon with a goal after only 75 seconds when he was allowed to choose his spot from twenty yards and guide the ball inside Crump's left hand post. Felixstowe earned a couple of quick corners as they searched for a reply but failed to test Woodcock in the home goal and Crump was at full stretch pictured to keep out Miller's header following a free kick.

Wroxham continued to dominate without testing Crump further until Fox nipped through the Felixstowe back line just after the half hour and narrowly beat Crump to a low through ball to slide home his second.
Crump saved well to deny the busy Gilmore before Felixstowe had their best opening of the game when Woodcock claimed the ball off the head of Hetherington at the near post. Hetherington suffered from the impact and though he limped on to the break was unable to resume after the break.

Fox struck the Felixstowe bar and Buckle cleared off the line as Wroxham continued to dominate after the interval and Crump produced an excellent save at the expense of a corner from Gilmore as Cook gained too much space in the visiting area. The pressure finally told ten minutes from time when in a crowded area Matt Morgan was adjudged to have handled the ball and was dismissed. Fox stepped up to strike home from the spot and claim his hat-trick.

With no mid-week fixture and Calver back from suspension the Seasiders will be looking forward to returning to winning ways at Dellwood Avenue next Saturday when Swaffham Town are the visitors.


Tuesday 27th November 2007 -  Ridgeons League Cup 2nd Round
Ipswich Wanderers  2 - 6  Felixstowe & Walton Uni
ted (0-4)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Joe Bloomfield (Chris Howlett 62), Allan Mills , Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, Liam Scopes (Ali Brett 45), James Buckle, Danny Phillips (Dwayne Edwards (45), Keith Hetherington, Ben Goddard.

It was 'Friends Re-united' before the match at Humberdoucy Lane this evening but there was no room for sentiment once the game kicked off as the Seasiders progressed to the third round with a dominant first half display. Phillips scored the first and last goals of the half with Goddard and Scopes adding the filling in the sandwich to see the visitors comfortably ahead at the break.
Driver replied after the interval for the home side before Edwards restored the four goal advantage on the hour. Carnell added a second for Wanderers, as they showed a greater attacking threat in the second period, with Bell heading home the final goal of the game for Felixstowe.

Ben Goddard, in the starting line up for the delayed Edwards, was the only change from Saturday's team for the Seasiders. For Wanderers Shaun Pugh, signed last week, started with former Seasiders Symonds, Carnell, Wright and Smy all in the home line up with Laws recently transferred from Felixstowe, Cup tied.

Danny Crump was quickly out of his area to deny an early attack for the home side but despite the runs of Pugh, Driver and Wright they failed to record a shot on the Felixstowe goal until the 40th minute when Smy's low shot was smothered by the reliable Crump.
An excellent through ball from Scopes to find Phillips after six minutes set the visitors on their way as Felixstowe's leading scorer fired the ball home under Hammond in the home goal. Both sides produced passing football box to box but it was the visitors who showed the cutting edge as Goddard rifled home from the edge of the area on 17 minutes after Frost's powerful free kick had cannoned off the Wanderers wall.
When the third goal was headed home by Scopes, unmarked at the far post, from Buckles cross on 25 minutes it looked being a long night for the home defence.
Scopes linked well with Phillips just before the break steering his final pass over the home defence for Phillips to run on and from a tight angle on the right drill the ball home under the diving Hammond.
 

Brett and Edwards replaced Scopes and Phillips at the interval for Felixstowe with Saturday's trip to Wroxham in mind. Hetherington held the ball up well and his crisp shot on the turn brought a fine save from Hammond at the expense of a corner before Driver pulled a goal back ten minutes into the second period turning home Pugh's low cross from the left.
A neat passing move saw Mills, Hetherington and Edwards link well for Edwards to receive the return ball 12 yards out and score the fifth.  Wanderers pushed forward with purpose and Pugh once again produced a dangerous low cross which Carnell turned in from close range.
The final goal came with 18 minutes remaining as Sean Bell rose above the pack to head home from Frost's free kick to restore the four goal lead and confirm Felixstowe's passage into the third round draw.


Saturday 24th November 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton Uni
ted  2 - 0  Wisbech Town  (1-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Joe Bloomfield, Allan Mills , Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, Dwayne Edwards (Ben Goddard 82), Liam Scopes (Ali Brett 76), Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, James Buckle (Matt Morgan 61).
The Under 16 Team joined the First Team on the pitch for a minutes silence in memory of Alex Craig who sadly died on the 12th of November.
A goal in each half from Danny Phillips and a clean sheet from keeper Danny Crump as the Seasiders collected three points against a Wisbech side that were workmanlike but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

Steve Potts named an unchanged side for the visit of Wisbech Town on a cold overcast day which saw rain before halftime.
Bloomfield cleared off the line as the ball ran free following Cousin's blocked shot on fifteen minutes and Crump saved from Ablett during a good first half spell from the visitors and Frost went close with a free kick after Gosling had fouled Buckle on the edge of the Wisbech area.
Danny Phillips opened the scoring on 36 minutes with a good turn and shot to the far post from a tight angle on the right.  Hetherington went close to extending the lead in injury time but saw his header strike Wisbech's cross bar.

Danny Phillips closed out the game on 64 minutes from close range after Kilby failed to hold Frost's corner kick under pressure from Hetherington.


Wednesday 21st November 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Stanway Rovers  2 - 3  Felixstowe & Walton United
  (1-0)
SEASIDERS: Danny Crump, Joe Bloomfield, Allan Mills (Matt Morgan 61), Gavin Frost, Sean Bell, Danny Ebanks, James Buckle, Liam Scopes, Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, Dwayne Edwards (Ben Goddard 71).
Two goals down, Felixstowe battled back in the driving rain to score three second half goals and claim all three points the winner coming from Gavin Frost with just three minutes remaining.

Danny Crump replaced the injured Paul Cudworth with Danny Ebanks and James Buckle starting in place of Chris Howlett and Neil Calver. Gavin Frost pulling on the captains arm band.

Win loose or draw Felixstowe games are rarely dull and it's a brave fan who predicts any result before the final whistle. This was the case again tonight, and this time in our favour.

After a bright opening spell from the Seasiders when Phillips went close and Church saved from Scopes the balance of the game swung firmly in favour of the home side until after the hour mark. Turner headed over Crump's cross bar from close range on ten minutes after the Felixstowe keeper dealt bravely with a dipping free kick.
Sam Newson opened the scoring on 14 minutes for Stanway with a run and shot across goal with Emmerson's shot blocked moments later at the expense of a corner. Crump was quickly off his line to block Newson as the home side made the running towards the break.

Stanway started the second half as they had finished the first with Turner and Emmerson linking well and Crump saving to keep out Newson. Sam Newson scored his second ten minutes into the second half from near the half way line as he spotted Crump well off his line and accurately steered the ball over the Felixstowe keeper.
It looked game over but with the rain coming down Felixstowe increased the pressure and started to find Hetherington and Phillips, rather than the opposition, and Phillips brought a good save from Church low at a Stanway post as the threat grew. Keith Hetherington produced the all important reply from close range on 65 minutes following a corner, Church saved well from Bell but Hetherington was first to the loose ball to give the Seasiders a lifeline.

The equaliser came with ten minutes remaining after Hetherington tenaciously won the ball in midfield and guided the ball to Danny Phillips who scored from 16 yards. Both sides went for the win with Crump saving from Emmerson and Newson as the game flowed from end to end.
The winning goal came with three minutes on the watch following a Felixstowe corner. Once again Bell was in the thick of it and when his blocked strike fell to Gavin Frost on the edge of the area he produced one of his trade mark finishes to complete the turn around.

There was still time for Crump to save Turner's shot to ensure the Seasiders claimed all three points.


Saturday 17th November 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Norwich United  2 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United
  (2-0)
SEASIDERS: Paul Cudworth, Joe Bloomfield, Allan Mills, Gavin Frost (Darius Laws 73), Sean Bell, Chris Howlett (Ben Goddard 45), Liam Scopes, Neil Calver (Buckle 78), Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, Dwayne Edwards.
The Seasiders seven game unbeaten run in the League came to an end at Plantation Park this afternoon with first half goals from Hayton and Francis securing the points for Norwich United.
Frost struck the Norwich cross bar in the second half but despite creating a number of goalscoring opportunities the Seasiders failed to beat Hill in the home goal.

Steve Potts named an unchanged side for the trip to Norwich United and although they started well there was a lack of enthusiasm and cohesion which allowed Norwich to gain the upper hand which they fought hard not to relinquish.

The Norwich goal survived an early scare with the ball scrambled to safety following a number of goal line clearances pictured .
Page and Smith made good ground down the flanks for the home side with Hayton and Francis slowly increasing their influence on the game.

Following a Felixstowe corner Hayton broke quickly from the half way line and under pressure from Frost placed his shot wide of the Felixstowe goal on ten minutes. Norwich increased the pressure on the Felixstowe goal and were ahead on 15 minutes following a flowing move which culminated in Andrew Hayton heading home - Left of picture.

A good spell from the visitors saw Calver's shot blocked, Scopes fire wide and Hill make a good save to deny Hetherington. Phillips turned the ball into the Norwich net on 27minutes but was ruled offside.

The home side doubled their tally eight minutes before the interval after Page produced a probing run and when Cudworth failed to hold Hayton's header Kumber Francis pounced to tap home from close range. Felixstowe won a number of corners but Norwich defended in numbers with Scope's shot blocked pictured.
 Hayton should have tightened the home sides grip further but fired wide only moments before the break. Howlett limped off just before the half time whistle to be replaced by Goddard.

Norwich started the second half strongly and Cudworth made a good blocking save to keep out Francis pictured as the home side continued to show a greater appetite for the game.

Felixstowe had spells where they might have got back into the game with Frost heading against the bar and Phillips pulling his shot wide when well placed butNorwich defended their lead well and ran out deserved winners.


Tuesday 13th November 2007 -  Suffolk Premier Cup Quarter Final
Needham Market  5 - 0  Felixstowe & Walton United
  (2-0)
SEASIDERS: Cudworth, Bloomfield, Mills (Brett 72m), Frost, Bell, Howlett, Scopes, Calver (Buckle 82m), Phillips, Hetherington (Goddard 45m), Edwards.
Unused subs: Laws, Ebanks.

Referee Brian Williams.
This result only emphasised that this is unlikely to be a cup winning season for the Seasiders although the League Cup still offers one opportunity for glory.
On a cold wet windswept night at Bloomfields we ended second best to a Needham side who grabbed the early initiative and stretched us fully in the opening half, turning round with a two goal advantage. The second half saw us on top for 30 minutes but we failed to make the most of our advantage and when the home side added a third with 15 minutes left the result was never in doubt. Two further late goals gave the scoreline a flattering look but the there was no denying that it was Needham who deserved to move in to the last four of the competition.

Needham started well and had the Seasiders defence under early pressure with Ben Cranfield always posing a threat while too many long balls out of defence denied Felixstowe getting any grip on the game, but having seen out the first half hour when Needham were dominant there was hope of better things to come until Paul Cudworth failed to hold Evans long throw at his near post under pressure from Mark Bailey and Cranfield got the final touch to force the ball over the line in a packed six yard box.
Neil Calver crashed a shot against the post and Danny Phillips went close as the Seasiders searched for an equaliser but it was Needham who added a second when Cranfield was put away on the right and his low cross was met by Thrower who drilled the ball home from 12 yards.

Felixstowe shortened their game up after the break as conditions deteriorated with Liam Scopes and Calver becoming dominant in midfield but they found Liam Jones in the home goal on top form to deny them finding a way back, making three crucial saves and with 15 minutes left Craig Parker added a third and quickly extended that to four as the seasiders discarded any defensive tactics with James Evans adding fifth with a deflected shot in the last minute.

On the night Needham were deserved winners of the tie and we wish them well in the semi-final.


Saturday 10th November 2007 -  Ridgeons League Premier Division
Felixstowe & Walton United
  2 - 2  Walsham - le - Willows  (1-0)
Felixstowe & Walton: Paul Cudworth, Joe Bloomfield, Alan Mills, Gavin Frost (Matt Morgan 87, Sean Bell, Chris Howlett, Liam Scopes (Darius Laws 77), Neil Calver, Danny Phillips, Keith Hetherington, Ben Goddard
Unused Sub: Ashley Phillips

It was the 'Late - Late' show from Walsham as they snatched a point with two injury time goals at the end of the game, after Felixstowe looked to have all three points safely in the bag.
A goal in each half from Phillips put the home side in control despite the visitors determination, but when all looked lost Brown scored a goal from distance and Musgrove was on hand to grab the equaliser from close range, after Cudworth had made an excellent save.
Not for the first time this season anyone leaving early will have missed the decisive action.

The Seasiders welcomed Paul Smith's Walsham-Le-Willows team for the first Premier Division meeting between the two Clubs at Dellwood Avenue. Ben Goddard in for the absent Dwayne Edwards was the only change to Felixstowe's Tuesday night line up.
Despite morning rain and grey skies, which saw the floodlights on from the start, it remained dry throughout the game with some supporters taking no chances with flat caps (but no whippets).
A minutes silence of Remembrance was observed before the game kicked off.

Frost fired wide from the first clear shot on goal after four minutes as the home side stated brightly and Calver pictured  had the ball in the net on the quarter hour only to be ruled off side. Hetherington went close before Wood created a good opportunity for the visitors with a positive run and shot which just failed to find the target. Newman had the ball in the Felixstowe net on 23 minutes but had also been flagged for offside.
The home side then dominated to the break with Phillips hitting a post and a succession of free kicks saw Bugg busy in the Walsham goal. Bell headed one effort wide and Bugg collected well under pressure from Bell pictured  before Gooderham blocked Phillip's goal bound strike at the expense of a corner.

Cudworth's only save of the half came on 35 minutes as he palmed Wood's powerful strike onto the bar.
The break through came on forty minutes as good build up play involving Calver resulted in Danny Phillip's strike and opening goal pictured.
Musgrove fired over as Walsham looked for a quick reply but at the break Felixstowe held a deserved lead.

Walsham moved up a gear at the start of the second half applying considerable pres