Bostik North Barking 2 Felixstowe & Walton 4 The Seasiders raced to a three goal lead within half an hour, but then were forced to hold on at times as they returned to Suffolk with three points, writes Barry Grossmith.
Felixstowe went into this game anxious to battle recent inconsistent form away from home and romped to a 3-0 advantage in under 30 minutes, with Josh Kerridge, impressive in defence and at set pieces, opening the scoring on eight minutes.
Goals from Jack Ainsley and Miles Powell settled any remaining nerves among the travelling Seasiders in the sparse crowd of 64, and it could have been 5-0 by half time.
Barking’s Daniel Cheening netted just before the break, however, meaning the Blues approached the second half believing they could get something from the game.
The second period was an altogether different affair with Barking taking the game to Felixstowe. While it was the visitors’ free flowing attack that impressed in the first half, it was a well-organised defence that won plaudits in the second.
Joe Bruce converted from the spot for Barking with five minutes left on the clock, but the whole affair was finally put to bed when Joe Francis added Felixstowe’s fourth a minute from normal time following great build up play by Joe Bloomfield and Jordy Matthews on the right.
Joint manager Kevin O’Donnell said: “We were excellent in defence in that second period. They gambled, but we worked hard and overall we were very composed.”
That sentiment was echoed by fellow boss Ian Watson, who said: “We had a good attitude and defended superbly – the mentality was right.”
He heaped praise on Matthews and Rhys Henry in midfield and felt the whole team pulled together to bring the 3 points back to Suffolk safely.
Seasiders keeper Jack Spurling brought out more than a few impressive saves throughout the game, bringing praise from Felixstowe and Barking fans alike, eliciting one ardent Seasider to quip: “There’s a rumour that goalkeepers can win games for teams.”
What management wants now is consistency. The skill level is undoubtedly there – in both attack and defence.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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