Thurlow Nunn Premier Newmarket Town 1 Felixstowe & Walton United 4 The league leaders recovered from an early set back to record a much needed win at a cold, wet and windy Bloor_IE Stadium, writes Chris Ryan.
The two sides dished up an entertaining high tempo game on the fast paced artificial surface, with the Jockeys taking the lead before quick-fire goals from Joe Francis and Kye Ruel put the Seasiders ahead with less than 10 minutes on the clock.
The hosts enjoyed plenty of possession but lacked a cutting edge, while the Seasiders showed good game management to claim the points with a second goal from Francis before the break and an own goal from the unfortunate Scott Paterson late in the game.
In a match that was more even than the final score suggests, the Jockeys started brightly and were ahead in the fifth minute following a free kick on the edge of the Felixstowe area, with Jamie Thurlbourne’s strike curling inside Danny Crump’s far post. Four minutes later it was all square with Ruel’s cross from the left powerfully headed across Andy Archer by Francis, and less than a minute later the compliment was returned, with Francis crossing for Ruel to head the Seasiders into the lead.
Both sides passed the ball to good effect on the true surface, with Crump saving efforts from Shaun Avis and Adam Dalby before the Seasiders extended their lead shortly before the interval.
Sam Ford and Ruel linked well to set up Francis, who unleashed a left foot shot from 14 yards that flew past Archer to provide a two goal advantage for the visitors at the break.
The game continued to flow in the second half with Crump in the visiting goal again saving from Avis at the expense of a corner, and the Jockeys’ keeper producing the save of the day to turn away Nick Ingram’s power header from Francis’ cross.
The points were confirmed five minutes from time when Taylor Hastings whipped in a fierce cross, and with Francis and Ingram closing in, Scott Paterson was first to the ball, deflecting it past the helpless Archer into the home goal for Felixstowe’s fourth.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here