It’s been a turbulent opening few weeks to the season for Felixstowe & Walton with mixed results.

East Anglian Daily Times: Felixstowe fans at Dereham on Bank Holiday Monday. Picture: STAN BASTONFelixstowe fans at Dereham on Bank Holiday Monday. Picture: STAN BASTON (Image: Archant)

A league win over Suffolk rivals Bury Town was followed by defeat at Great Wakering. Losing at home to Walthamstow in The Emirates FA Cup was a blow, but this was followed by an impressive three points away at Dereham Town on Monday.

This weekend, Felixstowe & Walton welcome Aveley to The Goldstar Ground. The two sides have met once before, back in 1990 at Aveley’s old Mill Field Ground but that was when the Seasiders were known as Felixstowe Town. On that occasion, The Millers came out 2-0 winners in the then unsponsored FA Cup.

The visitors have enjoyed a bright start to their league campaign with an opening day 6-0 trouncing of Dereham Town, followed by a 3-1 win against Grays Athletic.

But they travel to Suffolk on Saturday to meet Felixstowe who are in confident mood following their win at Dereham despite having had a depleted squad and with two young teenagers on the bench.

Joint coach Ian Watson, talking about the Bank Holiday performance said: “The fans were outstanding on Monday and that was felt in the changing room at half-time.”

A bumper crowd is expected this weekend for what is now a top of the table clash and the home fans will certainly have an important role to play.

With self-belief returning following Monday’s win, Watson added: “Consistency is what we need to look for over the coming season, so I hope our levels of performance do not drop on Saturday.”

He cautioned, however, that Aveley would undoubtedly be a tough nut to crack but welcomed the challenge.

The Seasiders have had their wake up calls with defeats against South Essex sides already in The Bostik North and know they will need to be at their best on Saturday.

Joe Francis, who missed Bank Holiday Monday’s clash, should be ready for a return, as should defenders Darcy De’ath and Ethan Clarke.

Three points could put Felixstowe in a healthy league position after four games played come Saturday evening.