Bury Town 2 Felixstowe & Walton 0
It was Bury Town who took all three points from this Suffolk derby and no-one watching at Ram Meadow could honestly say they didn’t fully deserve the win, writes Barry Grossmith.
This was a lacklustre performance from a Felixstowe & Walton side who conceded two goals in quick succession around the 25-minute mark and saw defender Ethan Clarke given his marching orders 10 minutes from half-time.
While Bury Town may not have been the strongest team The Seasiders have faced this season, they were, nevertheless, quicker to the ball, very pacy and inventive throughout.
Jake Chambers Shaw and Ollie Hughes were busy for Bury in the opening exchanges but it was Ryley Scott who put his side ahead on 24 minutes, finding the top left-hand corner, after an assist from the flanks.
Within three minutes The Blues doubled their lead when Chambers Shaw fired past keeper Jack Spurling.
On 37 minutes Ethan Clarke saw straight red, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb, two down and with just 10 men.
After the break, Felixstowe went three at the back when Dan Davis replaced Stuart Ainsley.
Up front, Liam Hillyard came on for Miles Powell. Unfortunately, by this time the damage was done.
Boss Ian Watson and assistant Danny Bloomfield both looked somewhat dejected after the game and were frank in their assessment.
Watson said: “In the first half, Bury were far the better side, they moved the ball well, were sharp and we couldn’t handle them.
“We’ve got decisions to make. It’s about team effort and players need to stick to that.
“If not, they won’t be here very long.”
Bloomfield added: “We weren’t quick enough, strong enough, or tight enough and we looked a bit lost at times.
“We lost discipline in terms of our shape, our work rate and, of course, with the sending off. However, we’re not going to get panicky.”
Next week, Felixstowe host Great Wakering Rovers at The Goldstar Ground.
The two sides have almost identical records in this league and, for The Seasiders, a reaction to this defeat will undoubtedly be both hoped for and expected. Bury travel to Romford.
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