Felixstowe & Walton United FC

Only the overly optimistic and confident Seasider believed our trip to Bowers & Pitsea would result in a straightforward three points and top spot in The Bostik North come Saturday night. Prior to the game, The Bowers were unbeaten in the league and yet to concede a goal. Nevertheless, nine points from four games for us going in to Saturday’s fixture did mean we travelled south in confident mood.

 It was always going to be a special day for the home side as this fixture was their very first game on their brand new 3G surface. They had invited ex-Hammer Julian Dicks along to help them celebrate the occasion and the result was an impressive 452 people in attendance.

 As things turned out, it was one of those games where the opposition managed to impose themselves from the off. Free scoring David Knight, who had already netted seven times in league and cup, put the home side ahead on just 6 minutes following something of a goal mouth mix-up in The Seasiders’ penalty area. Knights went on to put a total of three goals away by the end of the day, bringing his season tally to ten already. His third effort came from the penalty spot. Bowers’ fourth came from Lewis Manor on 88 minutes.

 We were without Jamal Wiggins and Stuart Boardley, and Joe Bloomfield was still not fully match fit. Nevertheless we put out a strong side with Joe Francis returning to the fray. But a win never looked on the cards.

 Kevin O’Donnell, speaking after the game said, “This league is unforgiving”. He felt that the day was a reality check and despite us conceding four goals, much of the problem was up front, adding, “We needed something in the final third.”

 It was clear to the travelling away support that Bowers & Pitsea were well prepared for the game and looked organized throughout. This was confirmed by Bowers manager Rob Small, who said, “We did our homework and didn’t allow Felixstowe to get into any rhythm.” He went on to say, “We knew where the threats from Felixstowe would come from and it was important for us to score at the right time. All in all, this was a job well done.”

 It’s true to say that we did have our chances but they were few and far between.  

A Joe Francis penalty in the second half hit two posts before being cleared by Bowers and it was at this stage that even the most die hard fan realized that it just wasn’t going to happen today.

 Despite a “bad day at the office,” The Seasiders have, nevertheless, picked up 9 points from 5 games and have had what can only be described as a decent start to the season. Adding to his earlier comments, Kevin O’Donnell said, “ We didn’t match them today. They were sharper and more physical. We need to focus much more on the game in hand.”

 It was great to see 16-year-old Evan Bolt make another appearance from the subs bench late in the game, his second outing this season, his first being at Dereham in August.

 The future looks bright for young Evan and despite yesterday’s defeat, we can still make a good impression this year on The Bostik North according to Kevin O’Donnell. Bowers Manager Rob Small also told us that he would expect Felixstowe to finish much closer to the top than to the bottom this season.

 And so it’s “go again” on Tuesday night when The Seasiders face AFC Sudbury in the Velocity Cup, providing an opportunity for the team to get back to winning ways and in confident mood before next Saturday’s home tie with Romford.

Click here for line ups, substitutions and cards.

Photo Gallery by Stan Baston Here