FELIXSTOWE & WALTON UTD RESERVES 7 IPSWICH WANDERERS RESERVES 0

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE CUP GROUP 1

SATURDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2005

On a hot, sunny afternoon, with a gentle breeze, it was a perfect day for football and, after an indifferent pre-season, Wanderers were eager to put things right against an experienced Felixstowe side.

Wanderers started brightly with the new signings fitting in and gelling with the team nicely. In the opening 15 mins we created two good chances which were not converted; had they gone in, it may have been a different result. Felixstowe scored their first goal, slightly against the run of play, after 25 mins with Wanderers playing the better football and Blaine Burgess and Mark Francis commanding midfield. However, they were susceptible to the long ball over the top for Felixstowe’s pacy forwards to run onto and Wanderers never effectively dealt with this for the whole of the game. An uncharacteristic mistake by Robbie Stannard gifted the second goal to Felixstowe just before half time.

Felixstowe & Walton Utd Reserves 2 Ipswich Wanderers Reserves 0

Wanderers started the second half knowing that the next goal would be crucial to the outcome of the game. Felixstowe scored that goal and Wanderers switched to a 3-4-3 formation with Jimmy Nunn replacing Adrian Roper. This effect of this was to leave gaps in the Wanderers defence which Felixstowe exploited to the full, netting another 4 before the full time whistle ended the visitors misery.

Although the result was a major setback, enough was seen to suggest that Wanderers can hold their own in this new league and cup competition. With more clinical finishing, the result could have gone the other way – a lesson to be learnt by all!!

Felixstowe & Walton Utd Reserves 7 Ipswich Wanderers Reserves 0