Felixstowe Athletic 03

04 /09 Alderburgh Associates 4 - 0 Felixstowe Athletic (report)

11/09 Felixstowe Athletic 0 - 2 Real Rigrite (report)

25/09 Felixstowe Athletic 1 - 2 - BT Research (report)

02/10 Felixstowe Athletic 4 - 1 Witnesham Res (Freindly abandonned after 70 mins)

09/10 Felixstowe Athletic 2 - 3 Dales Athletic (report)

16/10 SAS 2 -3 Felixstowe Athletic (report)

23/10 Felixsrowe Athletic 0 - 1 Kirby Street Con Club

30/10 Felixstowe Athletic 0 - 3 Rust & Kemp

06/11 Capel Plough 4 - 0 Felixstowe Athletic

20/11 Felixstowe Athletic 4 - 4 CJU

27/11 Felixstowe Athletic 0 - 1 SAS

10/12 Real Rigrite 4 - 4 Felixstowe Athletic

18/12 Felixstowe Athletic 2 - 0 Ipswich Rangers (report)

08/01 Dales Athletic 6 - 0 Felixstowe Athletic(report)

22/01 Kirby Street Con Club 1 - 2 Felixstowe Athletic (report)

28/01 Felixstowe Athletic 1 - 4 Capel Plough Res (report)

19/02 Felixstowe Athletic 2 - 1 Alderburgh Associates (report)

27.02 CJU 3 - 2 Felixstowe Athletic

12/03 Pauls Res 6 - 1 Felixstowe Athletic

19/03 Felixstowe Ath 5 - 1 Pauls Res

02.04 Ipswich Rangers 1 - 5 Felixstowe Athletic

26/04 CJU 2 - 1 Felixstowe Athletic

 

Felixstowe Ath arrived at Bourne Park for an eagerly anticipated encounter with Kirby Street. We knew from the outset that it would be a tough game particularly as Kirby were chasing hard for promotion and we were looking to get ourselves back on track following the disappointment against Dales.

With new found striker Joe Banham restored to the attack alongside Dave Self, Rossy back from parenting duties, Felixstowe started the game confidently. Some early exchanges just failed to set Dave Self away and with the defence looking solid with protection from the midfield we started to get a grip on the game.

The break through came after 15 mins went Dave Self set off on one of his now trademark mazy runs, avoiding flying boots and elbows to slot low into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance.

With Maffey struggling with Asthma on the left wing the gaffer decided to switch Dave onto the left and Maffey spear heading the attack with Joe.

Note to Maffey the Asthma one is now duly noted!!

Adam and Jay were becoming dominant in the air and had to make several last ditch tackles and blocks to scupper the Kirby forwards.

Midway through the half Danny and Si combined to set Joe free on the edge of the box, and with a looping volley Joe dispatched the ball over the keepers head to score another excellent goal. Judging by the keeper’s foul language at having let in such a goal, Joe had made a fool out of him. Would say it ranks up there with one of the goals of the season.

With half time approaching it was important not to let Kirby back into the game by conceding a goal, which was typified by Joe abandoning his striking duties and putting in a fantastic last ditch challenge.

HALF TIME –Kirby Street 0 Felix Ath 2.

We agreed at half time that we had to continue to frustrate their forwards and continue with the solid defence that had worked so hard during the first 45mins.

It was going to be about concentration and hard work to hold on.

The second half kicked off with Kirby determined to get themselves back into the game as soon as possible, with Felix Ath camped in their own half.

This continued throughout the second half as Joe and Maffey were only able to cause problems for their defenders without really having the ball.

Dave Self was working overtime in protecting Ross at Left back as was mainly played as a second left sided defender.

With 15 mins or so remaining a cross in the box deflected off Jay Bignall and trickled over the line with Spencer just unable to keep out.

It was now all hands to the pump as Kirby launched wave after wave of attack, with the game nearing its conclusion a Kirby forward saw Spencer off his line and shot, only for Spencer at the last second throw himself at the ball to tip over the bar!! It was a truly fantastic save in which I am sure we were all hugely grateful he made.

FULL TIME – Kirby Street 1 Felix Ath 2.

Gaffers Comments:

Well what can I say about the result!!. A game we deserved to win based just on our effort alone. Can’t fault a single player in the team, as everybody worked just as hard as the other. We showed today against a side that have clearly made themselves difficult to beat, that we can mix it with them. They are at the top end of the league and it showed we can definitely compete at this level.

We have now won 2 out of the last 3 matches, which has put us in with a chance of finishing mid table at least. It was always the aim to hold our own in this league, and with some more performances like this in the coming weeks we can achieve that. Once again a superb result.

Gaffers Man of the Match- Here I would give the whole team Man of the Match, but as this counts towards the end of the season total I have to narrowly give it to James Spencer. He was fantastic in goal, his handling was sound, his distribution of the ball was perhaps the best I have seen from him, and the save at the end secured us 3 points. I believe he is now really starting to enjoy playing in goal again, although it is my intention eventually to put him back outfield.

Also special mention to Dave Self who second half was outstanding defensively and could not have given anymore for the cause.

Felixstowe Ath 03 rolled up to Whitton Sports Centre again with a depleted squad and the bare 11 players. Captain Rossy called off with some excuse that his wife was in labour. Now I know Rossy never likes to miss a game so it must have been important. What an excuse!!.

Felix Ath were pleased to have new signing Andy Hillman in the ranks although I don’t think he was quite expecting to be thrown straight in for 90 mins!!

With Craig still out of action with his hamstring injury Maffey moved to the left wing, with Dave and the Gaffer upfront. I don’t think this pleased new goal scoring sensation Joe Banham who was itching to go back up front and finish where he left off. You will be back up front mate, sorry!!

Felixstowe Ath started the better team and clearly began to trouble the Dale’s defence, Maffey and Andy were making good runs forward down the flanks and Dave and the Gaffer were looking to get on the end of things. Maffey had a good chance mid way through the half but blazed just wide, Jay Middleton had a shot tipped round the post and Dave Self went on a mazy run which was blocked just as he was about to pull the trigger. It seemed that the goal was going to come for the visitors but Dales always seemed to snuff out the danger at the last minute.

HALF TIME – Dales Ath 0 Felixstowe Ath 0

We agreed at half time to continue much in the same way as we had done in the first half as we were clearly causing them problems at the back although we had to remain focused as they carried a good attacking threat themselves.

The second half started with us on the back foot, we could not seem to hold the ball and the defence was becoming stretched down the wings, as you all know suffice to say we shipped 6 goals which was not good, Felixstowe were tiring badly and could not seem to get out of their own half. Not going to depress everyone by going into detail, although Spencer sending a free kick to the edge of the box to one of their forwards didn’t help!!. By that stage we were well and truly beaten.

FULL TIME – Dales Ath 6 Felixstowe Ath 0

Gaffer’s comments:

Overall it was disappointing to come away having lost 6-0. It was never a game where we were totally outplayed, the second half was what we could call a disaster. It flattered them that they scored six but I think we all knew after they had taken the lead we were up against it with no subs to bring fresh life into us.

Was impressed with Andy’s debut, he must wonder what the f*ck he is doing turning out and us getting battered. I understand he hasn’t played much football lately but was excellent throughout and gave 100% which was pleasing.

With Craig and Rossy returning in the coming weeks and perhaps the arrival of a new keeper I think we can get back to winning ways soon.

Again it was the second half that we seemed to come unstuck and our concentration needs to be better at this level.

Gaffers Man of the Match - Jay Bignall.

A commanding performance at the back in place of Ross. Gave it 100% throughout and was unlucky to be part of a defence that shipped six goals.

I think Jay’s best position could be at centre back as he certainly seems to work well with Adam Self.

As mentioned Andy Hillman and Danny Markham in the midfield worked tirelessly with little reward.

As for the nasty hacking, spluttering guy who played for them, a visit to the doctors may be in order mate!!

 

Felixstowe entertained Ipswich Rangers with a depleted squad due to the festive period taking its toll on some player’s livers!!

With a bare 11 players it was never going to be an easy task coupled with a heavy frost the game was in doubt as the pitch was frozen solid.

With the ref eventually giving the go ahead, the match being delayed to give time for the pitch to thaw, Felixstowe Ath started brightly.

As the first half progressed Felix Ath found themselves almost camped in the Rangers half, only limiting them to occasional forays forward.

Perhaps the turning point of the game came midway through the half. Rangers found a rare attack forward and forced a corner. The resulting cross sparked a goalmouth scramble, the ball falling to a Rangers player who’s half hearted connection seemed to take the ball over the goal line. Captain Rossy hacked clear, however the linesman was flagging to register that the ball had indeed crossed the line, only for the referee to over rule him!!. Think it was safe to say that we all knew it had crossed the line but had got way with it. Anyway it was about time we had a bit of luck for once.

Ranger’s players were still livid as Felixstowe mounted an attack of their own leading to a corner. The keeper who had looked highly dodgy on crosses fumbled the ball when colliding with his own player, and Dave Self coolly nodded the ball home to give us the lead.

HALF TIME – Felix Ath 1 Ipswich Rangers 0.

We had agreed at half time that it was important to keep our concentration and pass the ball on the deck as much as possible. Their defence was not the quickest and we felt we could exploit space down the flanks with Basile and Dave causing plenty of problems. The second half continued in much the same vein as the first with pocession being mainly Felix Ath’s. As much as we tried we could not seem to find the crucial second goal which would have finished Ranger’s off. They still remained a threat however, as they knew the game could turn in their favour at anytime.

With Danny and Si Lucking working as hard as usual in the centre of midfield, Rangers found it very hard to pick out a pass.

With five mins remaining, Gaffer Jay Middleton picked up on a lazy back pass by the Rangers defender and tucked the ball calmly passed the advancing keeper. Rangers knew that they were now beaten and were not getting anything out of the game.

FULL TIME – Felix Ath 2 Ipswich Rangers 0.

Gaffer’s comments

A highly pleasing performance considering it was an awful pitch , and we were down to the bare bones in terms of players.

Good to see us concentrating and remaining focused. We could have faded if they had scored first, which is why I thought it important to build on their disallowed goal. We did this and felt we were comfortably in control for most of the game after that.

Was pleased we have all started to work as a team more now, and their was plenty of encouragement from everyone talking to each other on the pitch.

I don’t need to tell you how important it was to win this game, particularly as they are not too far ahead of us in the table.

Gaffers Man of the Match- Danny Markham.

Again Danny put not stop effort into the game and was determined that we were not going to lose the game.

Alongside Si Lucking in the centre they have built a solid partnership in the midfield which does seem to be getting a lot better.

Also a mention to the defence of Adam, Rossy, Brett and Joe who made sure we kept a deserved clean sheet. And no I didn’t forget your role as Goalkeeper as well Spencer!!

Felixstowe Athletic 03 v SAS Flare Division 7

 

We made the long trek to Stonham Aspel missing no fewer that 7 players through injury of holidays.

This was never going to be an easy game as from last year we knew they were a young side that had finished runners up in our league last year.

Having only ten fit players and the gaffer limping along the line with a knee problem, (I know, get the tissues and violins out!.) the task was going to be made even greater.

Si Lucking returned from injury to add some steel in the midfield and Spencer deputised in goal with Josh and Sean both out. Brett came in for Lanzarote Joe, and Maff playing a lone strikers role.

The game started brightly with some hefty tackles from the midfield boys rattling SAS from the start, Craig decided it was a day to perform in the Gaffers boots (wondered where they had gone!) and Selfy on the opposite wing was also creating problems with his direct running.

The game sparked into life with arguably an early contender for goal of the season from Si Lucking. He managed to evade the challenges of 4 SAS players before delivering a shot over the keeper via the underside of the bar and into the net. A great start they we truly deserved.

SAS 0 Felix Ath 1

With SAS clearly rattled, Maff continued to cause problems up front and almost scores when his constant hassling of the defenders forced the keeper into a mistake, but SAS managed to scrape it clear.

Our back four was looking particularly sound with Rossy, Jay, Brett and Adam commanding in the air and on the ground, SAS were becoming frustrated at not finding the breakthrough.

Incredibly things got even better for us as another attack caused panic at the back for SAS, with Dave, Maff and Craig terrorising them, it resulted with the ball falling to the feet of Craig Watson who duly dispatched it into the net putting us 2 in front!.

Half Time SAS 0 Felix Ath 2.

We agreed at half time that we needed to sit back and contain them as much as possible; there was no need to go looking for more goals and getting caught on the break seeing as we had ten men. As long as we kept our concentration we could come away with the result we needed.

The second half started well for us as Craig was able to find lots of space down the left to exploit, and with Maffey’s direct running up front we still had chances. One such move resulted in Maffey unleashing a fierce shot, which the keeper did well, to turn round the post.

However a swift move by SAS saw their winger spring the offside trap and curl a lovely shot past Spence in goal and into the bottom right hand corner.

This sparked SAS into life, and the confidence the lacked in the first half was now building and we had to ride the waves of pressure. The no nonsense approach of our defenders was working, if it doubt, put it out.

With the game seemingly turning in SAS’s favour a quick goal kick from Spencer sent Maff clear of the defence and he rifled the ball into the roof of the net for his third goal for the season.

SAS 1 Felix Ath 3.

At this point SAS were becoming more frustrated and arguing amongst themselves, however with time running out a series of corners for SAS resulted in a player finding himself unmarked in the box with time to bring the ball down and dispatch past Spence.

SAS 2 Felix Ath 3.

With the hard work of Si and Danny in Midfield we managed to see out the remaining minutes of the game and seal our first victory in the league this year and with ten men, a truly outstanding performance.

Final score SAS 2 Felixstowe Ath 3.

 

Gaffer’s comments:

Well what can I say!!, After the disappointing end to last weeks game, it was a fantastic performance to come away with all 3 points this week and with ten men. Every player was excellent and in particular the central midfield pairing of Danny Markham and Si Lucking. Special praise to the back four who were solid throughout.

The game was a good example of how good we can be as a team, individually there is a great amount of talent at the club and we are now finally realising that as a team. Our next game against Kirby Street will be just as tough but if we perform anywhere like we did today, I am confident we can come away with the points.

Gaffers Man Of The Match: Here I would give it to the whole team, but as it counts at the end of the season it goes to Simon Lucking – Outstanding today.

 

Jay Middleton.

Felixstowe Athletic 03 v Dales Athletic Flare League Div 7

 

 

On an unseasonably warm morning Felixstowe entertained Dales Atletic at The Grove. Both teams had found the start of the season tough and we were both looking for our first points of the season.

Having got more players back this week, meant the gaffer could start with more or less a strong starting 11. Two changes from the previous game ( lets forget the friendly debacle although we did win 4-1 when it was abandoned it had to be said!), The gaffers first foray into the foreign transfer market meant that Frenchman Basile was making his debut on the left wing with Craig moving into a central midfield role. Don’t panic Craig the 11 shirt is still yours!!. Sean Rignall made his first appearance in goal this season covering for the injured josh. Dave Self declared himself fit, even with the black eye and swollen nose!.

From the first whistle we began to dominate the game in large patches and Basile and Selfy on the wings were beating their markers everytime, providing the ammunition for Maffey and Spence supporting. It was on one of these mazy runs that Dave self was dragged down in the penalty area and the ref had no option but to point to the spot. It was trusted with Spencer to Score our first League goal in Division 7 which he duly did putting the ball into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance.

Felixstowe 1 Dales 0.

With half time approaching most of the play was in the Dale’s defensive third with Danny Markham giving the opponents no time on the ball before snapping in with the tackle.

Halt time Felix 1 Dales 0.

We agreed at half time they we needed to continue getting the balls out to the flanks and giving our wide men he chance to get at their full backs as they were panicking everytime.

The second half continued much like the first with us having plenyy of the ball and causing problems. Basile and Dave were continuing to play deadly balls into the box and Maffey was looking to pick up any loose balls.

One such attack lead to a run by James Maffey who nodded the ball superbly down for Dave Self to rifle in the bottom corner. Felixstowe Ath 2 Dales 0.

With us now seemingly in control of the match and looking to take all 3 points a momentary lapse in concentration at the back allowed Dales a strike at goal which resulted in them dragging themselves back into the game. Felix 2 Dales 1.

The game was now at a stage where it was wide open with both of us taking it in turns to attack, one such attack by us lead to the keeper parrying a shot and just as Craig was about to pull the trigger he was dragged down. The ref pointed to the spot, now at this point I must mention I did ask Spencer to take the kick but Craig seemed determined to get off the mark and said he would carry out the duty. I will not go into the why’s and where for’s only to add that the keeper saved the spot kick.

Within moments a right wing run by Dales resulted in the player unleashing a short which seemed to hit both posts and find its way into the net for the equaliser.

Felix 2 Dales 2.

With time running out and the game seemingly anyone’s, Captain Rossy took a goalkick and the rest they say is history, suffice to say Dales scored and we ended with a defeat.

Felixtowe Ath 2 Dales Ath 3.

 

Gaffers comments:

Well what can I say about this performance!. It had penalties, good goals, and some f**k ups to boot. However the positives were for a good 60 –70 mins we looked comfortably in control, played good football and passed it very well. As I said at the time we cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal at this level. Today was a prime example of  how being in a winning position and lapses in concentration and missed opportunities resulted in a defeat.

Special praise this week in particular to James Spencer who I thought worked hard throughout, created chances and never gave up. The best game I have seen him play for sometime. Basile looked good on his debut caused plenty of problems down the wing and put in some brilliant crosses. Much appreciation for Dave Self who bounced straight back after last weeks shocking scenes.

With goals now coming I am sure if we cut out the mistakes and complacency our first win will not be long in coming.

Gaffers Man Of Match : James Spencer.

 

Jay Middleton.

 

 Felixstowe Athletic v Bt Research Junior Cup RD1

 

Felixstowe Athletic turned up for the first cup game of the season against div 6 side BT Research with a heavily depleted squad at The Grove.

Injuries and holidays had taken their toll and we were able to field a bare 11 players.

The game kicked off in a good manner as the 4-5-1 formation was aimed at trying to contain BT and hope for a chance on the break.

Manager Jay Middleton opting to play himself in the strikers role meant lots of undue running to close down defenders, not what he really would have wanted!!.

With BT starting to dominate and show neat touches in Midfield and upfront, we started to take more and more pressure and this told when a sharp breakaway ended with a tidy finish to put BT 1-0 up.

We us starting to come to terms with the midfield positions Matt Tweed was able to find space and pick out Gaffer Jay with a lovely through ball only for him to fluff the chance with a pants of a shot!. With chances being hard to come by it really was an opportunity missed.

Towards the end of the half BT launched a swift breakaway resulted in the killer touch being applied by their forward to make the score 2-0.

Half time: Felix Ath 0-2 BT Research.

At halftime it was agreed that we were not passing the ball anywhere near as much as we should and it was time to put it on the deck and get at their defence who we thought would strain with pressure.

The second half kicked off much better for us, and almost instantly Craig Watson had beaten his man and had an effort on goal.

With renewed confidence we quickly dominated possession and with the midfielders working tirelessly we continued to heap pressure on BT.

Jay, Tweedy, Spencer and Craig were managed to break from their markers and cause problems for their goalkeeper.

With one in swinging corner sent in by Craig Watson, BT defenders failed to deal with the ball and James Spencer fired into the net from close range. There was much celebration being it was Felixstowe’s first goal scored in the new season. Spencer had sent the gaffer a text the previous day pleading to start as he had a premonition he would score!!.

The second half continued in the same vein, with us attacking at will and snuffing out and chance of BT getting forward but our possession was not paying off with the equalising goal and one such attack lead to a quick counter by BT who found a forward in a clearly offside position but the linesman failed to raise the flag and the player fired past the helpless Josh in goal. With us complaining to the ref, he was having none of it and we knew then our foray into this seasons Junior cup was over.

Final Score Felixstowe Athletic 03 1 BT Research 3.

 

Gaffer’s comments on the game:

 

It was slightly disappointing to have only a bare 11 this week but after a rather lacklustre first half we played some brilliant football in the second half once we passed the ball. Of late we have been far too reliant on Josh’s goal kicks. We know he has a good kick but it’s not necessary to do this all the time. We are a team that when we pass the ball can beat anybody as the second half showed we made them look very ordinary.

Special mention to the five in midfield who worked their tits off in the second half and it was particularly good to see James Maffey getting a lot more into the game come the second half. Craig Watson played well in the second half and will be good to see him start to get the shooting boots on again.

One outstanding player on show today was Joe Banham who worked hard not only defending but also in the attacking third and turned up after a big night out when several other didn’t.

Gaffers Man Of The Match: Joe Banham.

 

Jay Middleton – Gaffer (or in Brett’s words ‘Ron’).

 

SEPTEMBER 11^TH 2005

 

After last weeks disappointing opening day defeat to Aldeburgh Associates Felixstowe Athletic were looking to take maximum points from their first home game of the season. With Matt Tweed still on the piss from 3 weeks previous and James Simpson still injured, the starting line-up was unchanged apart from James Maffy starting up front instead of David Self. Maffy had impressed when coming on as a sub late last week and was keen to make an impression from the off. Felixstowe got stuck in from the start and were creating plenty of chances, Simon Lucking had a couple of good powerful headers diverted out for corners and Maffy went close with a couple of half chances that also were awarded corners. Rigrite were somehow managing to hold firm and the combination of solid defending and good goalkeeping were keeping the home side out.

In all Athletic racked 7 corners in the first half with 4 coming in succession but were unable to make the breakthrough they so desperately wanted. James Spencer was doing his best to hold the ball up and bring his team mates into the attack and was almost rewarded when a clever back-heel from Lucking gave him his first real shooting chance that was well hit, but well saved by the keeper.

Felixstowe also looked more solid in defence and apart from a couple of breaks from Rigrite weren’t really tested. Goalkeeper Josh Hussey pulled off a superb stop right before half time when it seemed all Felixstowe’s good work was about to be undone, he managed to get down quickly to his right when a Rigrite forward escaped his marker and let fly with a vicious shot that Hussey put out for the corner.

HALF TIME 0 – 0.

 

With the rain pissing down at half time Brett Ostler was unable to light a cigarette, but down to sheer perseverance and initiative he quickly used his club jersey as a makeshift windbreak and managed to not only light his roll-up successfully but also managed to do it without setting himself and more importantly the club jersey on fire. As we all gathered around in amazement at the terrific feat of human ingenuity Bretty uttered the immortal words *“Right which c**t is gonna wave this f*****g flag around in the second half cos I ain’t f*****g doing it! I’m half pissed, I can’t see, and now my f*****g arse is wet!”

 

*(Brett was simply referring to the fact he didn’t want to continue to be linesman in the second half)

 

Felixstowe started the second half looking for their first half performance to be rewarded with a goal, however Rigrite had other ideas and started the better of the two teams. Indeed within 10 minutes of the restart the away side went 1-0 up with a dubious goal courtesy of Barry Walne (He once had trials for Ipswich Town you know?). A long ball from defence was flicked on by one of the Lankaster Brothers (Don’t know which one, but their a bit like the Mitchell Brothers only a lot thinner! ), there was a suspicion of handball when Walne brought it down but both the referee and the linesman didn’t spot it, and Walne rounded Josh Hussey and finished clinically.

 

0 – 1.

 

That slightly knocked the wind out of Felixstowe’s sails as they had been on top for so long but they made a determined effort to equalize by yet again forcing Rigrite to concede corner after corner, however Athletic still couldn’t convert their chances. Manager James Middleton brought on substitute David Self for James Maffy and immediately Self was running at the defence and forcing the away side to concede free kicks in dangerous areas. These however still failed to produce a goal as Matt Graham had a header saved and James Spencer also had a good effort blocked. It was hard to tell which way this game was going to go as Felixstowe pushed for the equalizer and Rigrite seemed happy to soak up the pressure. But Felixstowe were then caught out controversially again by a through ball over the top. As the ball was flicked on by Lankaster again, the Linesman raised his flag to signal Walne being offside, the referee however didn’t see this and Walne was allowed to run in on goal and produce an excellent chip that lobbed Hussey and put Rigrite 2 – 0 up. The Felixstowe players surrounded the referee asking him politely to consult his linesman who still had his flag raised, the referee did just that and when linesman David Barber couldn’t come up with a suitable excuse, the referee allowed the goal. 

 

0 – 2.

 

The game did threaten to boil over shortly after the contentious goal was scored when a Rigrite defender went in late on James Spencer and was rightly booked.

It was Both handbags and gladrags at 50 paces as players from both sides took an immediate dislike to each other, many things were said in the heat of the moment but quote of the day came from Rigrite player/manager Darren Walne,    “You can’t book him ref cos that’s gonna cost us 7 quid in fines!”.

Don’t worry Darren if the case does go to court I’m sure the judge will let him have time to pay.

With nothing now to lose felixstowe threw most things forward in an attempt to rouse a stirring finish but efforts from Substitute player manager James Middleton, Craig Watson and Matt Graham failed to culminate in a goal.

The game then ended in a second defeat in a week for Felixstowe but the overall performance was a lot better, they dominated most of the game but just couldn’t stick the ball in the net. With players to come back, Felixstowe are not far away from the form of last season but they need to start scoring goals if they are going to climb the league 7 table.

 

FINAL SCORE:

 

FELIXSTOWE ATHLETIC 0 – 2 REAL RIGRITE

 

SEPTEMBER 4^TH 2005

 

Felixstowe travelled to the far reaches of Aldeburgh for their opening game of the 2005/2006 season looking for that all important first win that would carry on the good form they showed throughout the whole of 2005. Only 2 defeats from the beginning of January showed exactly why Athletic had been promoted 2 divisions, and after an impressive pre season the away side were favourites to claim all 3 points today.

Although these jaunts to far out places usually end up with someone either oversleeping and not turning up, or people being late due to hangovers, everyone was ready more or less on time with the only drama to occur being Brett Ostler having to make a life or death dash to a Shell Garage when he realized he was out of Bensons! The same Brett Ostler who incidentally manage to make history in mid week during training when he completed a shuttle run in record time whilst puffing on a Cigarette, without stopping or pausing for breath I hasten to add!

With everyone making it to the game on time and without any problem it seemed everything was going too well, and admittedly this was as good as it got for Athletic as they made hard work of a first half in which they spent the lions share of it defending hard in the late summer heat. Felixstowe were not getting many chances and one that did fall to Matt Graham after an excellent cross from James Spencer was not converted. Craig Watson was doing a lot of damage on the left when Athletic did manage to break away but Aldeburgh soon cottoned onto the danger and double marked him in an attempt to snuff out the threat. Aldeburgh were certainly making the most of their wide pitch and their own wide men were causing a lot of damage down the flanks however the Felixstowe defence stood firm until conceding a corner 5 minutes before half time. The in-swinging corner was met by an Aldeburgh player who’s first time shot took a massive deflection off an Athletic defender and turned into his own net.

 

1-0  AT HALF TIME.

 

Although the second half started brighter for Felixstowe most of their attacks fizzled out due to the combination of a linesman who couldn’t keep his flag down, and bad final balls into the box, but they managed to create some chances David Self went onto a fantastic solo run beating 3 players before being cynically hacked down by an Aldeburgh defender. The longer the game went on Athletic were pushing further up the field searching for the equalizer (Edward Woodward has long since retired! Bad Joke I know.) and Aldeburgh were able to hit Athletic on the break twice when through balls straight down the middle led to some a bald chap* being left one on one with only Goalkeeper Josh Hussey to beat, he finished emphatically both times.

3-0 ALDEBURGH.

 

*Note. I think the bald guys name was CHAV. However I maybe wrong so if CHAV is reading my apologies, please don’t throw your Burberry Baseball cap or Kappa Tracksuit at me in protest I bruise easily and am susceptible to nose bleeds.

 

Another fine piece of Aldeburgh play saw a great team goal finished superbly by one of their wide men, he didn’t quite break the net but if did its their tough luck as the nets belong to them and they are responsible for any wear and tear that may occur during a game of football.

 

4-0 ALDEBURGH.

 

With the game finally beyond Felixstowe and with the whole starting 11 breathing out of their arse’s due to the heat, Manager James Middleton made a triple substitution bring on Brett Ostler (Minus his Bensons) for injured Jay Bignall, James Maff on for James Spencer and bringing him(Self) on for David “Self”. (Apologies once again for a very shite play-on-words). With nothing to play for but pride things began to happen for Felixstowe as they started to dominate the game in the closing 15 minutes more than they had the whole game. Matt Graham was denied his first goal in 5 years when his header from a Danny Markham corner was headed off the line and out for another corner and then James Maff was denied a half chance after a save from the home side goalkeeper. The best effort of the day however came right at the death when Felixstowe left back Joe Banham fired a terrific first time shot from 20 yards out that produced a spectacular save from the Aldeburgh goalkeeper.

So not the happiest of starts for Felixstowe Athletic in their first season in division 7, the good news is only one game has been played so hopefully the GreenUn won’t print any league tables. Hopefully it won’t get any worse than this, and if it does these match reports will get shorter and shorter as, unlike Motty, I don’t bother to swot up on the oppositions names.

 

FINAL SCORE:

 

ALDEBURGH ASSOCIATES 4-0 FELIXTOWE ATHLETIC.