Dereham II 1 Felixstowe 2

Division 3NE

Dereham II 1 Felixstowe 2

The Seasiders got back to winning ways by grinding out a last-minute victory against Dereham II.

The away side started the brighter and looked a constant threat going forward. A number of chances were created from short corner opportunities and from some fast attacking open play.

A swift move down the right flank lead to Felixstowe gaining a deserved lead, with captain Nick Smith advancing to the by-line before supplying the cross for Matt Burden to finish from close range.

Felixstowe looked good value for their lead but were somewhat unfortunate not to open the gap further after controlling the first half and having an appeal for a penalty flick harshly turned down.

With only a slender lead, the half-time team talk focus was on keeping heads cool and maintaining the upper hand.

The fighting spirit was clearly apparent as the Felixstowe defence kept out Dereham for long periods with some miraculous goal-line clearances from Mark Bailey, Steve Taylor and in-form keeper Andrew Fothergill.

However, the home team began to break through with a constant flow of attacks and fought their way back into the game, aided by a number of decisions seeming to go in their favour. They had the chance to level from the spot but hit the post before eventually finding the equaliser against the ten men of Felixstowe who were depleted in number following a yellow card for bewildered Felixstowe centre back Mark Bailey.

As emotions ran high, Felixstowe were determined not to drop any further points and hit back with a last-gasp winner. Matt Burden supplied the pace down the left flank and found Will Hardcastle near the penalty spot who coolly took a touch before guiding the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

Celebrations were unrestrained as Felixstowe revelled in their gritty hard-fought victory.