Dereham 0 Felixstowe & Walton 1

Felixstowe & Walton set off for Dereham in Norfolk today for a Bostik North encounter just 48 hours after their shock home defeat to Walthamstow FC in The FA Emirates Cup, writes Barry Grossmith.

And they returned home with all three points courtesy of a deflected single goal.

Both The Seasiders and The Magpies found themselves with one win and one defeat at this early stage in the league with the Suffolk side boasting better goal difference.

Felixstowe, as usual, brought with them a vociferous group of supporters, bolstering the 207 at Aldiss Park on a breezy Bank Holiday afternoon.

The Seasiders, already struggling with a number of players missing, were without Joe Francis, Darcy De’ath, and Ethan Clarke, all absent due to illness or injury.

Unfortunately, shortly before kick off Dan Davis also had to pull out of the starting line up with a sore back, bringing Josh Kerridge into the back four. The injuries did, however, allow 17-year old Lewis Owen and 16-year old Evan Bolt to both make the first-team bench.

The first half was an even affair with each side having a similar number of chances. But it was in the 42nd minute that the deadlock was broken when Miles Powell’s effort was deflected into the net, giving The Seasiders a welcome half-time lead.

The second period was an altogether happier time for the visitors who moved the ball around with more confidence and held on to their one goal lead despite The Magpies coming close on a couple of occasions.

Ben Clarke came on for Sam Ford in the 69th minute and it was encouraging to see young Bolt make his Felixstowe debut when he replaced Stuart Boardley with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Being involved in a Bostik League game so soon after the defeat on Saturday gave the Seasiders the opportunity to right the wrongs from two days earlier. To come away with a clean sheet and three points lifted the spirits for Felixstowe and Walton.

Next up is Aveley at home on Saturday.