Another cup defeat for the Seasiders, but there’s no lack of effort as the finishing deserts them

Felixstowe defenders stand firm under pressure from Grays on Saturday Photo: STAN BASTON (Image: © Stan Baston)

Losing at home is never easy to take but for fans of football at any level something that makes defeat more palatable is when your side works hard and has the right attitude, writes Barry Grossmith.

Felixstowe delivered on that front but this was, nevertheless, yet another defeat in yet another cup competition.

Following an early exit in the Emirates FA Cup to Walthamstow back in August, many hoped for a decent run in the Buildbase FA Trophy instead.

Sadly it wasn’t to be.

A clear and sunny day welcomed some 250 faithful at The Goldstar Ground with a healthy contingent coming from Grays. What everyone witnessed was a close encounter in a competitive game with the Essex side going through to the next round after a 3-1 win.

Joao Carlos opened the scoring for the visitors shortly before half-time, leaving the Seasiders to consider their second-half options during the break.

But just four minutes after the resumption, a powerful, unstoppable second from Carlos from outside the box made any plans put together at half-time that bit more difficult for the home side.

When Jack Ainsley netted his third of the season just a few minutes later, bringing The Seasiders back into the game, hopes were raised.

But what followed was any number of missed chances, with Felixstowe struggling with their finishing time and again.

This was a frustrating game to watch with the home side moving the ball well and pushing forward at every opportunity but sadly with no end product.

Grays added a third from Adeyinka Cole on 89 minutes and had a penalty saved just before the final whistle.

Speaking after the game joint manager Kevin O’Donnell said: “Despite the defeat, there were a lot of positives in the game today.”

He highlighted the hunger and desire displayed throughout.

Nevertheless, problems do exist, with O’Donnell concluding; “One of the key bits that wasn’t good today was our finishing.”

With no fixture next week, Felixstowe now have ten days to regroup before another shot at a cup win, away at Long Melford on October 9, in The Suffolk Premier Cup.