Felixstowe & Walton United FC

Felixstowe & Walton Utd 3 - 1 Bury Town 

Photos available here

How impressive was it that some 567 fans welcomed The Seasiders to their very first fixture in the Isthmian Bostik North League at home to Bury Town on Saturday. This was truly an historic day for the club and a fact much appreciated by the many people associated with the club who clearly remember watching the first team play in front of less than a hundred people not so very long ago.

 The stage was truly set for a memorable event with the first eleven bringing out mascots from the junior teams, clear blue skies and an air of anticipation. And what a start it was too with Kevin and Watty’s lads racing to a 1-goal lead after just 5 minutes.

 With four players making their competitive debuts, two of the new boys contributed to that opening goal.  A well played-through ball from Joe Bloomfield found Miles Powell, who crossed from wide right to allow Rhys Henry to convert for a perfect start.

 It’s true to say that Ben Chenery’s Bury Town did begin to impose themselves for much of the first half, but the red & white defence was well organised and played the ball out time and again rather than hoofing the ball away only to see it return shortly after.

 Things changed in the 33^rdminute when Bury number 7, Tommy Robinson, was given a straight red card for a clash with Josh Kerridge outside the Felixstowe penalty area. No doubt the referee had his reasons for issuing red, but a number of people watching, Bury fans and Seasiders alike, did seem to think it was a little harsh on Robinson. For Felixstowe, it did ease the pressure somewhat and the half-time whistle saw the home side go in with that early goal advantage.

 Half-time chatter centred around whether we would hold on to the lead. The consensus was that Bury would have to do something special to get through a defensive line led by Rhys Barber that looked competent and confident.

 If there was any doubt about how the second half would pan out, people’s nerves were settled with just 4 minutes on the clock when Miles Powell doubled Felixstowe’s lead, netting from a Jordy Matthews’ pass from the right. Another four minutes later, The Seasiders were in Bostik Wonderland, going 3 up following tricky footwork from Jack Ainsley, a perfect cross from Rhys Henry on the left and a rare but very welcome goal from captain Rhys Barber, who was very impressive all day.

 If any home fans thought it would then be plain sailing through to the final whistle, they were soon brought down to earth when Ryan Horne pulled a goal back for Bury from a free kick in the 64^thminute. With 20 minutes remaining, Jack Ainsley received his marching orders following a second yellow and now perhaps it would be squeaky bum time for some.

 With ten men against ten men, Bury could easily have reduced the deficit immediately after Jack’s sending off but for a couple of cracking saves from new goalkeeper Jack Spurling who put in a sterling performance all afternoon.

 Bury host Romford next week while Felixstowe & Walton travel to Great Wakering Rovers, looking to clock up another three points in what would be a very good start to the season in this the highest level of football the club has ever played at.

Teams: 

Felixstowe:  Jack Spurling, Joe Bloomfield, Stuart Ainsely, Jack Ainsley, Rhys Barber (c), Dan Davis, Joe Frances, Josh Kerridge, Miles Powell, Rhys Henry, Jordan Matthews Subs: Stuart Boardley, Ben Clarke, Sam Ford, Jamal Wiggins, Ethan Clarke 

Goal:  Henry (5 mins);  Powell (49 mins);  Barber (53 mins)

Bury:  Luis Tibbles, Gareth Simpson, Ryan Yallop, John Kennedy, Joe White, Kyran Clements, Tommy Robinson, Ryan Jolland, Oliver Hughes, Ryan Horne, Ryan Gibbs  Subs:  Tanner Call, Blair Hammond, Emmanuel Machaya, Joshue Revell, James Crease

Goal:  Horne (64 mins)

Referee: Christopher Horsman     Assistants:  Ashley Butler, James Pope

Click here for more match details including cards and substitutions.