Reports 2001 / 2002

21st April 2002

League Div 6

Ferry Boat 4 Claydon 1 

Squad: Gooch,, Barrell, Billington , Bickers, ,S.Moy, Armstrong, Atwell, Baker, Blackmore, Ray, Sayer    Subs Used: C.Moy (55),Spink (55), Davies (65)

Ferry Boat triumphed over Claydon with a 4-1 victory which puts them back on top of the table and condemns Claydon to Division 7 football next season. Claydon as expected defended well from the start, and several half chances from the home side were swept up by Claydon’s experienced defence. Ferry had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down after fifteen minutes when Atwell was felled in the box. Despite laying motionless inside the box, the offence was adjudged to be outside the area and the ensuing direct free kick came to nothing. Atwell made amends on the half hour however, when he showed good technique to drive a long low shot past the keeper. Half time came with just the one goal separating the two sides who were both looking for a win for different reasons.

Ferry put the pressure on after the restart, and extended their lead when Blackmore met a cross in the box and nudged it into the net. Claydon sensed that they had a mountain to climb now and they fell further behind to a close range shot from Sayer. Gooch was deputising in goal for the Ferry as both their first choice keepers were unavailable and he put in a first class performance, he was unlucky however when he got his hands to a low shot from the left only to see it creep in at the far post. Ferry responded and Atwell got his second when he met a corner from Sayer to powerfully head home. The result sees Ferry nervously waiting a week to see if their old friends at Kesgrave Athletic can get a result against Locomotive which would hand them the title.

7th April 2002

League Div 6

Ferry Boat 2 Kesgrave Ath Res 1

Squad: Carr, Barrell, Gooch, , Bickers, ,S.Moy, Davies, Atwell, C.Moy, Blackmore, Ray, Amey    Subs Used: Billington (60), Sayer (65)

A scrappy match between Ferry Boat and Kesgrave Athletic Res saw the home side rally in the second half to record a 3-1 victory and keep the title race going till the last game. Ferry started the game in control, but soon the match deteriorated as the ball spent most of the time in the air. Ferry went closest to taking the lead when the Kesgrave keeper made two fine saves, the first from a strong shot from Chris Moy then a point blank save from a deflection off his own defender. Kesgrave took the lead when the ball was won in midfield and played up front where the forward shrugged off a tame challenge to slot home.

Ferry switched their formation at half time, and with a boot up their backside they took the game to the visitors. The equaliser soon materialised when John Barrell poked the ball home from close range for his second of the season, doubling his previous record tally. The winning goal came with twenty minutes remaining when a pinpoint corner from Sayer was met by Atwell, who powerfully headed home.

31st March 2002

League Div 6

Locomotive 3 Ferry Boat 2

Squad: Fellows, Barrell, Gooch, , Bickers, ,S.Moy, Davies, Atwell, Armstrong, Blackmore, Ray, Billington,    Subs Used: Baker (45), C.Moy (70),

The grip on the Division six title swung to Locomotive after they snatched victory over Ferry Boat in the dying minutes at home at Gainsborough Sports Centre. Ferry were stunned by Loco’s start when after only two minutes the ball was only half cleared and Loco drove it back into the net . The home side set the pattern of the game with a succession of long balls to the lively forwards, and on five minutes Ferry were rocked again when a ball over the top was picked up and driven past Paul Fellows. Ferry got grip of the game, and closer marking meant that the threat had been subdued and the game started to even out. Atwell had a chance to claw a goal back when a delightful cross from Davies found him five yards out, but his header just cleared the bar.

Half time came with Loco still in the lead, but a resurgent Ferry side took to the field and immediately took the upper hand. Atwell hit the post before Gooch ran into the box and scored from close range. Loco were pushing up the field leaving space to run into, and the equaliser came when Baker ran through and rounded the keeper before firing home from an angle. Ferry were now level, which put them back in the driving seat for the title and came close to taking the lead when a 20 yard drive from Davies was tipped over by the keeper, but the game took a twist minutes from time when a huge throw into the box caused a goalmouth scramble resulting in the ball being poked in for the winner.

17th March 2002 

League Div 6

Platinum Rogues 1 Ferry Boat 7

Squad: Carr, Barrell, Gooch, , Bickers, ,S.Moy, Davies, Atwell, Armstrong, Blackmore, Ray, Baker,    Subs Used:  C.Moy (55), Sayer (60)

Platinum Rogues began their game at home to leaders Ferry Boat knowing that only a win would be good enough to keep up their championship challenge, but it was the visitors who got off to a flying start when good footwork from Steve Ray carved out an opening which he took advantage of. Rogues lifted their game, and a superb solo run down the right finished with a low drive at the near post for the equaliser. Rogues pushed on and were denied the lead when Ferry keeper Mike Carr tipped a goalbound free kick over the bar. Ferry survived pressure and went back in front when Ray steered the ball into the net from all of 30 yards. Rogues seemed to drop their heads at the back, and they were carved open when a through ball from John Blackmore allowed Brian Armstrong to run unchallenged from the halfway line and slot the ball past the keeper. Blackmore made the score 1-4 at halftime when he latched on to a ball six yards out and flicked it into the net.

The second half started with Platinum storming forward, but they struggled to get past the centre backs Bickers and Barrell, their best effort was a rasping drive which Carr got down well to and turned around the post. In contrast, Ferry were exploiting the gaps up front and got a fifth when Sayer turned his man and drove the ball in. By now all the goals from both sides had been quality, and the final two were no different. Ferry’s sixth came when Armstrong once again slipped the defence and ran on to score, the seventh for Ferry was a brilliant link up between Moy and Atwell which resulted in the latter rolling the ball under the outrushing keeper. The final score was 7-1 to the Ferry Boat and Rogues must now lift themselves for their last two games to secure automatic promotion.

10th March 2002

Suffolk Shield Semi Final

Ferry Boat 0 Kesgrave Athletic 3

Squad: Carr, Barrell, Gooch, , Bickers, ,Billington, Davies, Atwell, Armstrong, Sayer, Ray, Amey,    Subs Used:   S.Moy, (60), C.Moy (65), J Blackmore (70)

Ferry Boat’s dream cup run finally ran out of steam when they met the might of Kesgrave Athletic in the semi final at Ipswich Wanderers. It was always going to be a daunting task for the Ferry, with Kesgrave boasting an almost perfect record this season, but the Division 6 outfit stuck to their gameplan and prevented Kesgrave from taking an early lead. Both sides defended well in the first half, and although Kesgrave were technically better, it looked like half time would see the scores level. This was not to be however as on forty minutes Kesgrave took the ball to the byline, and with most of the opposition coming to the near post the ball was lobbed across the goal and headed in.

Ferry knew they now faced a mountain to climb, but an early goal in the second half would have put them right back in the game. This was not to be, as within minutes of the restart a low drive was hit across the face of the goal which avoided defence and attackers to find it’s way into the far corner of the net. With a two goal cushion Kesgrave started to swarm forward looking very comfortable on the ball, and getting numbers up the field. To their credit, the Ferry defence stood firm and were unlucky not to pull one back when Andy Bickers rifled a header against the bar. Ferry had to push forward as there was no point in just trying to keep the score down, but they were restricted to a handful of long shots. With five minutes remaining, Kesgrave finally broke through again when a ball was played tantalisingly behind the defence leaving a well taken goal when one on one with the keeper.

The whistle went with Kesgrave deservingly going through to the next round, and good luck to them in the final from all at The Ferry.

3rd March 2002

Div 6

Murray Rangers 2 Ferry Boat 6

Squad: Carr, Barrell, Gooch, , Bickers, ,Billington, Davies, Atwell,Armstrong, Sayer,Ray, Amey,    Subs Used:   Baker (70)

Ferry Boat left it till late to secure all three points against a battling Murray Rangers at Nacton Stadium, raising themselves to hit four goals in the last twenty minutes. The early fog cleared just before kick off, and it was Ferry who made the early running with Amey hitting the bar after a typical defence splitting run. Continued pressure led to a corner , which Sayer looped in from the right and was met at the near post by Billington and powerfully headed home. Ferry looked at if they would press on, but a close escape when Murray hit the bar on twenty minutes stopped their momentum. Minutes later, the home side drew an equaliser when a long shot was adjudged to have crossed the line by the honest visiting assistant official. With Ferry now in disarray, the home side surged forward, and when a corner was only half cleared it was hammered back into the goal. The visitors managed to compose themselves, and when Davies provided a neat through ball for Amey, the finish was clinical to make things level at half time.

Ferry were a much better side in the second half, but solid defending by Murray gave them the hope of a share in the points until the 70^th minute, the homesters stood appealing for a handball decision whilst Baker ran through and put the ball round the keeper. The lead was soon extended, when Davies was once more the provider for Baker’s second. Ferry had their tails up now and their fifth goal was a cracker, a corner from Sayer was hit to the edge of the box where Atwell volleyed it straight past the despairing keeper. It was now the home side who were in disarray, and Billington grabbed his second when a half clearance fell to him outside the area and was sent low into the net.

24th February 2002

Div 6

Ferry Boat 4 Dales Res 1

Squad: Carr, Billington, Gooch, , Bickers, ,Davies, Atwell, Sayer, C.Moy, Blackmore, Baker, Amey,    Subs Used:   S.Moy (75)

Ferry Boat got the better of rivals Dales Reserves at Langley Ave, in a game which saw both sides start with reshuffled line ups due to injuries and other commitments. It was Dales who could have opened the scoring when they found themselves clean through with the Ferry defence appealing for offside, but with play waved on the attempt was just wide of the post. Ferry got into their rythym and took the lead when Terry Atwell deflected a goalbound shot past the Dales keeper. The lead was increased when Rosss Amey raced through the static Dales defence and blasted the ball across the keeper and into the net. Both sides were not playing to their capabilities, but at least Ferry were creating chances and a further goal from Sayer saw them three up at the interval.

The second half saw Ferry put early pressure on Dales, and once again Amey broke through and fired home to put the game beyond doubt. The last half hour was low key, with both sides seeming to have had enough for the day. Dales gained a consolation when a good cross was whipped in from the right resulting in Andy Bickers beating his own keeper with a glancing header.

17th February 2002

Suffolk Shield Quarter Finals

Hadleigh Goldstar 2 Ferry Boat 3

Squad: Carr, Billington, Gooch, , Bickers, , Barrell ,Ray ,Armstrong, Davies, Atwell, Sayer, C.Moy,   Subs Used: Amey (70) Blackmore (88)

Division Six Ferry Boat staked their place in the Suffolk Shield Semi Finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Hadleigh Goldstar from Division Two. Ferry started brightly, but after creating several openings were rocked when Goldstar's first attack resulted in a corner which was bundled over the line. The visitors had the extra bite in midfield however, and drew level when a corner was cleared to John Barrell who hit a low left foot drive into the net. Ferry continued to create more chances up to half time, but the Hadleigh keeper dealt with everything which was thrown at him.

The second half started with increased tempo, and when Chris Moy pressurised the Hadleigh keeper's clearance the ball fell to Mark Sayer just inside the halfway line and was despatched straight back into the empty net. With the underdogs leading, Goldstar launched a period of sustained pressure showing why they are challenging for promotion to the top flight this year. The inevitable equaliser was the best goal of the game; good work out on the right led to a pinpoint cross to the far post, which was nodded in. The pressure continued, but Ferry’s defence stood firm to Goldstar who were pushing forwards in numbers. With two minutes remaining, Hadleigh paid the penalty for their focus on attack. A ball was played through the defence, which Ross Amey raced onto, shrugging off the two chasing defenders before coolly slotting home. The final whistle was greeted with jubilation in the visitors’ camp at the remarkable achievement of reaching the County Semi Finals at their first attempt. The match will be against Kesgrave Athletic at Ipswich Wanderers on March 10^th, kick off 2.30pm. Friends of the Ferry – come along and support us, we’ll need it!!!

10th February 2002

League

Ferry Boat 3 Felixstowe Customs 1

Squad: Carr, Gooch, , Bickers, , Barrell ,Ray ,Armstrong,Davies,Atwell, Sayer, C.Moy, Amey  Subs Used: Baker (45), Billington (60) Spink (75)

Following last week’s tragic events in their Suffolk Shield game when match official Phil Blurton collapsed and died, the mood was sombre for Ferry Boat’s game against Felixstowe Customs. A moving tribute was paid before the start when the two teams were joined by Falcon FC and Rushmere & Diamonds to form a circle of fifty plus players and two officials for a minute’s silence.

The match itself started scrappily, and did not improve for the remainder of the game. Ferry Boat with the wind behind them, dominated the opening proceedings but despite forcing a string of corners none were converted until Wayne Davies curled his corner in from the left which eluded everyone including the keeper. It seemed that the Ferry players were not in the mood for the game however, and as the game went on little was created before half time.

Ferry upped their tempo slightly in the second half, the introduction of Billington and Baker was an attempt to liven everyone up. Ferry increased their lead when Steve Ray challenged for the ball on the edge of the box to see the ball loop up in the air and over the unlucky keeper. Customs crept back in the game when a long pass forward drew a confident shout of "keeper" from Mike Carr, which the ball failed to hear and carried on through his legs to leave a simple tap in. A tense finish looked on the cards but Ferry’s nerves were settled when Baker showed good technique to hit a low half volley past the keeper

27th January 2002

League

Witnesham 3 Ferry Boat 0

Squad: Carr, Gooch, , Bickers, Billington, Barrell ,Ray ,Armstrong, Blackmore,Atwell, Sayer, C.Moy,   Subs Used: Amey (45), Davies (60) Spink (75)

Witnesham gained three valuable points to close the gap on league leaders Ferry Boat with a good all round performance to win 3-0. The game was locked in midfield for the first twenty minutes until the home side took the lead when Ferry failed to clear a corner. The visitors thought they had equalised soon after when Chris Moy hit an amazing drive from all of 30 yards, but the ball had just cleared the bar into the netting.

The second half started with Ferry forcing a number of corners , but the Witnesham keeper was first to the ball every time. Terry Atwell and Brian Armstrong struggled to cope in midfield, but it was good to see Steve Ray back on form.  Witnesham started to dominate, and when a run down the right went without a challenge the ball was crossed for a simple tap in to extend the lead. Ferry's back three of Barrell, Bickers and Gooch once again soaked up the pressure but Witnesham sealed the game when Andy Bickers passed back to keeper Mike Carr whose clearance rebounded off the onrushing forward and back into the net. Both sides became frustrated by referee Mr Skinner, who continually gave blatantly wrong decisions but this made no difference to the fact that on the day Witnesham were the better team.

20th January 2002

League

Ferry Boat 3 Heathlands 1

Squad: Carr, Gooch, , Billington, Barrell ,Ray ,Armstrong, Davies ,Atwell, Sayer, Amey, Fellows  Subs Used: Spink (60)

A large crowd at Langley Avenue saw little entertainment in Ferry Boat’s 3-1 win over Heathlands. Ferry Boat created numerous chances in the first half, but their only goal came when Ross Amey looped the ball over the keeper from outside the box. A succession of fine saves from the visiting keeper and missed chances from the home side frustrated Ferry, with the best of the chances falling to young Amey.

The lead was extended early in the second half when Amey took the ball to the near post before powering his shot past the keeper. Ferry continued to be denied, then with fifteen minutes remaining Heathlands pulled one back from a corner. A nervy few minutes followed for Ferry before Terry Atwell brilliantly latched on to a through ball from John Gooch to secure the win.

13th January 2002

Suffolk Shield 4th Round

Stow Pickerel 1 Ferry Boat 2

Squad: Carr, Gooch, , Bickers, Barrell ,Ray ,Blackmore, Davies ,Atwell, Sayer, Amey, C.Moy  Subs Used: Billington (88)

Ferry Boat pulled off a tremendous victory over Stow Pickerel to march on into the next round of the Suffolk Shield. With both sides sitting proudly on top of their divisions the spectators were looking forward to some good football, but the appalling pitch surface made it difficult for passing. Ferry started the brighter, and kicking down the slope they restricted the home side to their own half in the opening exchanges. Stow started to get their game together and after fifteen minutes they were awarded a penalty which was brilliantly saved by Mike Carr diving low to his right. Once again Ferry pushed on and a goal bound shot from Terry Atwell was blocked by team mate Mark Sayer who then prodded it into the net for the opener. The visitors were unlucky not to stretch their lead soon afterwards, when a solo run from Ross Amey ended with the ball bouncing back off the upright. On the half hour Stow equalised when a cross was punched out by Carr, only to fall to an unmarked forward who slotted home. Half time came with the game on a knife edge, but with Div 6 Ferry Boat now kicking uphill, the odds were on the homesters.

The second half began with Stow flooding forward, but the Ferry defence of Barrell, Gooch and Bickers soaked up everything that was thrown at them. The closest Stow came was when a well hit free-kick from outside the box was steered round the post by Carr. The fitness of both sides was noteworthy, as the play continued at a frantic pace on the very sticky surface. The winning goal came when Steve Ray ran through from midfield into the area, and just as he lined up his shot the defender made a rash challenge which referee Barry Salisbury had no hesitation in awarding a penalty against. Up stepped John Gooch, and he put the Felixstowe outfit into the next round with a low drive. 

6th January 2002

League

Ferry Boat 9 BT Research 0

Squad: Carr, Gooch, Billington, Ray, Bickers, Barrell ,Armstrong ,Blackmore, Davies ,Atwell,Spink Subs used: Sayer (60), C.Moy (55)

League leaders Ferry Boat gained a comprehensive victory against lowly BT Research, hitting nine goals without reply. Ferry paraded new signing Andy Bickers, the centre half looking like a useful acquisition to strengthen Ferry’s squad in the second part of the season The first goal set the pattern of the game early on, when Steve Ray ran at the defenders and set up John Blackmore who blasted his shot past the keeper. Ferry continued to press on, and when Ray was brought down in the box, Gooch made no mistake with his penalty. Ray was involved in every move for Ferry, and hit a superb volley from the edge of the box to extend the lead. The fourth goal came when the ape-like Terry Atwell cannoned his shot off the bar, but when it bounced back to him he made no mistake the second time.

In the past Ferry have taken their foot off the pedal in the second half , but unfortunately for the visitors it was not the case this time. Blackmore set them on their way again when he broke through to rifle the ball past the keeper. Wayne Davies made it six, when from wide out right he spotted the keeper off his line and launched the ball into the far corner. Atwell had several chances to get his second, but it finally came when he hammered home a loose ball in the box. The final word went to man of the match Steve Ray who pulled two more contrasting goals out of his repertoire. Spotting the keeper once again off his line Ray lobbed him from 25 yards, then in the closing stages he rose above the defenders to head home a corner from Mark Sayer.

16th December 2001

League

Ferry Boat 3 Murray Rangers 2

Squad: Carr, Gooch, C.Moy, Ray, Amey, S.Moy, Barrell ,Armstrong ,Blackmore, Davies ,Atwell, Subs used: Sayer (45), Billington (70)

Ferry Boat grabbed the points in the dying minutes from a Murray Rangers side who played some bright and lively football to take the game to the wire. Ferry took the lead early on when John Blackmore broke through and fired a low shot which Murray’s keeper could only help into the net. Both sides constantly created chances, but the visitors made their’s count as they levelled through a long ball to the far post.

The second half started as it had ended, with both sides’ control and attacking play providing entertainment for the crowd which was swelled by the Senior Citizens from Nacton. Murray hit the woodwork twice and Ross Amey was denied a brilliant goal when he ran from the line and shot against the bar. With fifteen minutes left a shock looked on the cards, when a ball into the box cannoned off a crowd of players into the net with a hint of an own goal. The game was not finished however as with five minutes remaining Mark Sayer delivered a perfect corner which was met by Terry Atwell and powerfully headed home. A draw would have been seen as a fair result but the game had one final twist. This time Sayer’s corner was met at the near post and cleared straight back to him, the Ferry midfielder cut into the box and put in a cross which Steve Ray threw himself against to net the winner. Rough justice for Murray, but three more points for Ferry at the end of the day.

9th December 2001

League

Dales Res 2 Ferry Boat 6

Lineup: Carr, Gooch,Billington, Ray,Amey, S.Moy,Barrell ,Armstrong ,Blackmore, Davies ,Atwell, Subs used: Ostler (70)

Ferry Boat’s match at Dales Reserves looked like being a close encounter, and the game between the division’s high flyers drew in Jok Dzundza as one of the spectators. The opening stages were pretty tight with no clear cut chances, but on fifteen minutes Ferry opened the scoring with a classic route one goal, a huge punt from keeper Mike Carr bounced over the defence and pacey youngster Ross Amey clinically took his chance. Ferry added a second when a low drive from Steve Ray was fumbled by the keeper leaving his uncle Brian Armstrong a simple tap in. Half time came with the home side having been kept to a few half chances, but the visitors were aware that there was a lot of work to be done if they were to get a vital win. They stretched the lead fairly soon however when Dales failed to clear a corner giving Wayne Davies the chance to poke the ball in. Dales heads had dropped by now and after the ball was played cross the area by several visitors, Steve Ray curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. Ferry continued to push on and another good move ended with right midfielder Jimmy Billington lobbing the keeper for his first goal for the club. After a clear goal was denied by a handball on the line, John Gooch stepped up to convert in his usual thunderbolt style. With ten minutes remaining and six nil up, Ferry made the classic mistake of taking the foot off the pedal. With the shape of the visitors lost, Dales broke away and gained something out of the game with two late goals which took the icing off of an otherwise superb result for Ferry.

Footnote: The win at Dales was the 50th consecutive game in which Ferry Boat have scored in. The last time they drew a blank was 13th February 2000 in a 2-0 defeat at Portman Rovers

2nd December 2001

League

Ferry Boat 2 Locomotive 2

Lineup: Carr, Gooch,Billington, Ray,Ostler, Sayer,Barrell ,Armstrong ,Blackmore, Davies ,Atwell, Subs used: C.Moy (75)

Table toppers Ferry Boat and Locomotive met at Langley Avenue knowing that the visitors could overtake Ferry Boat if they went away with a victory. Ferry were missing Steve Moy in defence, and brother Chris was forced to be the bench rather than aggravate a back injury. The pattern of the game was set from the start, Ferry seeking to exploit gaps in the home defence whilst the visitors looked to pump service up to the threatening forward line. Loco took the lead on twenty minutes, when a long ball was met at the far post and played back across goal for a simple tap in. The game continued to flow from end to end, and on the half hour Ferry were awarded a kick outside the area which John Gooch drove into the net with astonishing power. Loco seemed to falter a little, and within minutes John Blackmore split the visitors’ defence with a pass for Steve Ray to run onto and round the keeper to put the seasiders ahead.

Half time saw both sides coming out charged up, and the second half saw several incidents where the passion threatened to spill over as much was at stake. Loco equalised on the hour with a carbon copy of their first, once again a long ball provided the killer punch. In the closing stages both sides could have taken all points, Brett Ostler hit the side netting for Ferry and John Gooch cleared off the line at the other end. The score ended 2-2, with Ferry remaining top with Loco having a game in hand which they need to win to take over the lead.

25th November 2001

Suffolk Shield 3rd Round

Ferry Boat 6 Ole Frank FC 3

Team:Carr,Gooch,Billington, Ray,C.Moy, Sayer, S.Moy ,Armstrong ,Blackmore, Davies ,Atwell, Subs used: Amey (75) Spink (75)

Ferry Boat faced the challenge of the Lowestoft Div 2 side by the name of Ole Frank FC whose bus had made the long journey down the A12 to arrive bright and early. The supporters were still filling the ground when Franks walked through the home defence to take the lead in the first minute. Ferry upped their tempo, realising the option was to stand up and fight back or lay down and suffer a painful exit. On ten minutes they grabbed an equaliser when Chris Moy hit a pinpoint strike from the edge of the box. Minutes later Wayne Davies delivered a looping cross into the box which Terry Atwell bravely nodded in under pressure. Now the roles were reversed with Ferry Boat growing in confidence and the third goal came when good work from Moy to deliver a cross found Brian Armstrong unmarked to head home. Franks always looked dangerous on the break, and after Paul Fellows thwarted them with a brilliant tip onto the bar they pulled a goal back through a penalty after John Gooch had scythed down his opponent.

Wayne Davies, whose two late goals sealed the game

Spectators were expecting a close second half, but Ferry virtually camped in the opposition’s half up to the hour without being able to put the game beyond doubt. The fourth goal came when a weak backpass was intercepted by Moy, who turned it round the keeper and tapped into the empty net. With twenty minutes remaining Franks launched their first attack of the half, and showed good composure to claw a goal back. Their hopes of any further progress were ended quickly however with two goals from Wayne Davies. His first was a low drive across the keeper which found the far corner, his second and Ferry’s sixth came when he broke through a tired defence and tapped past the bemused keeper. So against the odds it’s Div 6 Ferry Boat who make the last 16, a situation no-one would have betted on after the first 30 seconds of the match.

18th November 2001

League

TXU Energi 0 Ferry Boat 3

Team: Carr,Gooch,Beer, Ray,C.Moy, Sayer, S.Moy , Barrell,Blackmore, Amey,Atwell, Subs used: Billington (60) Davies (70)

TXU Energi battled hard against Ferry Boat at a murky Wherstead HQ, but the visitors’ attacking play gave them the edge as they ran out 3-0 winners. The game saw both sides play with a 3-5-2 formation and both defences put in a solid performance in the first half, restricting any play through the middle. Ferry scored the only goal before the break, when Chris Moy ran on to a through ball from John Blackmore and hit a sweet left foot drive past the home keeper.

The Felixstowe outfit lifted their game in the second half and extended their lead when Mark Sayer beat a pack of players in the box to head home. TXU continued to dig in however , and it took the game’s best goal to put the game beyond doubt. Blackmore put a pinpoint pass beyond the defence for Sayer to run on to, then Sayer whipped in a cross to the far post where Steve Ray rose to powerfully head home. The closing stages saw Ferry launch a series of raids, but at the end of the day they were happy with the scoreline against the hard working TXU side.

11th November 2001

League

Claydon 0 Ferry Boat 3

Team: Fellows,Gooch,Beer, Ray,C.Moy, Sayer, S.Moy , Barrell,Armstrong, Davies,Atwell, Subs used: Amey (60),Ostler (75)

Claydon and Ferry Boat got off to a scrappy start, with most of the play squeezed up around the halfway line. Ferry Boat got the breakthrough when Mark Sayer floated over a cross which Brian Armstrong met to head in. Claydon were proving to be a tough nut to crack, the well marshalled back three and the short playing field restricting the visitors’ attacks.

Ferry extended their lead just after the break when Sayer and Armstrong combined once more to see the latter head in from a corner. The introduction of Amey gave pace to the visiting attack, and he was unlucky to have a well taken strike ruled out by an offside decision. Claydon loked sure to claw one back on the hour, but Paul Fellows in the Ferry goal was quick off his line to block the shot. A third goal for Ferry Boat came in the closing stages when a long ball from Wayne Davies found Steven Ray, the teenager dropped off the defence and coolly slotted the ball past the outrushing keeper.

4th November 2001

League

Ferry Boat 3 Witnesham 5

Team: Carr,Gooch,Beer, Ray,C.Moy, Sayer, Smart , Barrell, Amey, Davies,Atwell, Subs used: Billington (60),Ostler (75)

 Witnesham ended Ferry Boat’s unbeaten League record with a good performance at Langley Avenue. The visitors started the game as if they meant business, and on ten minutes they took they the lead after catching Ferry on the break. Witnesham increased their lead when Ferry keeper Mike Carr failed to keep out a free kick from Dustyn Woods. Mark Sayer gave the home side encouragement when he floated a free kick into the far corner from twenty five yards, but once again Witnseham struck to extend their lead. Steven Ray scored just before the break to make the score 2-3, and it was all about who could put in the best second half.

After the break the game tightened up, with both sides giving each other a bit more respect. Ferry drew level when Chris Moy hit an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. At this stage Ferry should have held on, but two more lapses in concentration let Witnesham grab a well deserved victory

21st October 2001

League

Felixstowe Customs 1 Ferry Boat 5

Team: Carr,Gooch,Beer, Ray,Blackmore, S.Moy, Davies , Barrell, Amey, Armstrong,Atwell, Subs used: Billington (75), Sayer (55), Ostler (70)

14th October 2001

League

Heathlands 1 Ferry Boat 5

Team: Carr,Gooch,Beer, Ray,Blackmore, Sayer, Smart , Barrell, Amey, Armstrong,Atwell, Subs used: Billington (60), Davies (50) D.Glover (75)

Ferry Boat beat Heathlands 5-1 in a rather uninspiring match at Coplestons. Ferry raced into the lead on five minutes when Steven Ray rose to powerfully head home a corner. Ferry continued the pressure, but it wasn’t until the half hour when John Gooch got the game’s best goal, a screaming half volley from the edge of the box. The second half saw Ferry ease off, and although they scored three more goals they could hardly take much credit for them. The third came when both defender and keeper went for a harmless cross, the defender got there first and put through his own net. Ferry’s fourth came when Wayne Davies and the keeper attacked a more powerful cross, this time the ball went in off Davies’ rear end. The fifth goal was the result of a low shot which the keeper had covered only for it to bounce up and go into the goal through his legs! At least it provided both teams with plenty to laugh about in the pub afterwards, no-one mentioning his string of saves throughout the match! The Goalkeepers Union are a loyal bunch however and his opposite number Mike Carr tried to make him feel better near the end when he allowed a shot from the edge of the box to skim off his palms into the net.

7th October 2001

League

Ferry Boat 6 Platinum Rogues 3

Team: Carr,Gooch,Beer, Ray,Blackmore, C.Moy, Davies , Barrell, Spink, Armstrong,Atwell, Subs used: Billington (45), Amey (40), Sayer (70)

Ferry Boat overcame rivals Platinum Rogues by six goals to three in a game in which both sides produced entertaining free flowing football. The match got off at a fast pace and on 20 mins Chris Moy put the home side ahead from close range, but within minutes the Rogues were back level when a cross from the right was headed home. Ferry edged ahead once more when Brian Armstrong rose to meet a John Blackmore free kick, but once again the visitors soon equalised when they latched on to a loose back pass.

30th September 2001

Sunday Shield Round One

Ferry Boat 3 Murray Rangers 1

Team: Fellows,Gooch,Beer, Ray,Blackmore, C.Moy, Davies , Ostler, Smart, Sayer,Atwell, 

Ferry Boat bounced back from their Junior Cup exit with a 3-1 win over Murray Rangers, with an outstanding display from Murray’s keeper prevented Ferry increasing the scoreline. The visitors attempted to play the offside trap from the start but found themselves caught out on several occasions when Moy and Davies broke through only to be thwarted by the keeper. The deadlock was broken when a corner from Blackmore was bundled over the line by Chris Moy, the honest visiting assistant ref adjudging that the ball had crossed the line. Despite creating numerous more clear cut chances, Ferry failed to capitalise and the score remained one nil at the break.

23rd September 2001

Platinum Rogues 3 Ferry Boat 2

Team: Carr,Gooch,Beer, Armstrong,R.Ray,D.Glover Davies ,C.Moy, Amey, Smart,Atwell, 

 With both Platinum Rogues and Ferry Boat enjoying success in recent seasons, it came as a surprise to find that both teams struggled to field a bare eleven at the kick off. Ferry got off to a good start when Ross Amey shot past the keeper from a close angle. Ferry continued to get the ball into the box, but were unable to increase the scoreline before half time. The tie looked sealed when a cross was driven in by John Gooch and steered into the net by Brian Armstrong.

On the hour, Rogues gained some hope when Ferry failed to clear a free kick from wide and the ball was fired into the goal from close range. The last twenty minutes saw Ferry struggle, with no subs meaning that tired legs and knocks had to be carried. Rogues sensed this and put the away defence under constant pressure, resulting in two late goals to see them through . 

16th September 2001

League

BT Research 3 Ferry Boat 13

Team: Carr,Gooch,Beer, Armstrong,BlackmoreBillington, Davies , Ray, Amey, Sayer,Atwell, Subs used D.Glover(45) Smart (45) Baker (55)

Ferry Boat gained a comprehensive victory at BT Research’s new Claydon home thanks to a stunning performance from Ross Amey in which he netted seven goals. BT were hit right from the start, with the pacy youngster gaining his hat trick after only twelve minutes. The narrow width of the pitch seemed to suit Ferry the most, as close one touch football was a better option than hitting balls out to the flanks. Terry Atwell got his first two goals for the club, and this was matched by Wayne Davies who was replaced at half time before his hangover caused him any embarrassment. John Gooch opened his account after starting the move off with a pass out of defence and making a storming run to put the ball past the keeper from ten yards. Once BT got the ball into their midfield they played some good football, and proved their potential by punishing the visitors for three lapses in concentration. The day belonged to Ross Amey however, and his performance was the pick of an outstanding display from Ferry’s blend of young raw talent and experience. Equalling this for entertainment was Gohhy's long throw where he arched his back and let loose with such power that he followed through and landed on his chin!

9th September 2001

League

Ferry Boat 2 TXU Energi Res 0

Team: Carr,Ostler,Beer, Armstrong,S.Moy, Spink, Davies , Ray, Amey, Sayer,Atwell, Subs used Billington (55)

2nd September 2001

League

Kesgrave Athletic 0 Ferry Boat 2

Squad, Carr, Ostler, Armstrong,D.Glover, Spink, Davies , Ray, Billington, Sayer,Atwell, Squad, Carr, Ostler, Armstrong,D.Glover, Spink, Davies , Ray, Billington, Sayer,Atwell, 

12th August 2001

Friendly

Bar None Res 1 Ferry Boat 6

Squad, Carr, C.Moy, Armstrong,Ireton, Gooch, Davies , Ray, Beer, Barrell Billington, Sayer,Atwell, 

Last minute changes by the Bar None management meant that we were up against the reserves with their first team playing on the next pitch. We kicked off into driving wind and rain and to make things worse lost Chris Moy on half an hour with a back injury. Half time saw some serious talking with the score still at nil-nil, and we resumed with the wind and rain easing off and a much better shape to our team. The home side were overwhelmed as we got three quick goals from the start. Terry Atwell got his first for the club when he rose to meet a Mark Sayer corner and minutes later Brian Armstrong produced a carbon copy. Armstrong got his second when he chased a ball which was looking to go out, and from the byline he curled the ball past the keeper. Jimmy Billington met a Sayer corner at the near post for our fifth, and the game's best goal came when Steven Ray dribbled  straight through the midle of the Bar None defence to slot past the keeper. Armstrong secured his hat trick and Ferry's sixth with a long range effort. Away keeper Mike Carr was not best pleased when a free kick was converted from the edge of the box, this being the first goal he had conceded in his first three games for the club. Overall a good performance, but a reminder of Eastward Ho at it's worst.

7th August 2001

Friendly

Falcon 0 Ferry Boat 6

Squad, Carr, C.Moy, S.Moy, C.Agar, Blackmore, Armstrong,Ireton, Gooch, Davies , Ray, Amey, Glover,Barrell Billington,Ostler, Spink.Baker, Sayer

League newcomers Falcon played their first game together as a side against fellow seasiders Ferry Boat, and they were not disgraced in a 6-0 defeat. Ferry Boat rushed into the lead when new signing Matt Baker's effort was cleared back to him and he made no mistake with the second chance. John Blackmore increased the lead with two headed goals and Baker grabbed his second when he split the defence and slotted past the outrushing keeper. Good work by Baker and his strike partner Ross amey led to Amey finishing in style. The second half saw changes from both sides with Falcon standing firmer at the back. Another new signing Jimmy Billington rounded off Ferry's goals from six yards after Wayne Davies and Chris Moy linked superbly to reach the by-line. Falcon showed that with a bit more match practice they should be a difficult team to beat as the season progresses.

5th August 2001

Friendly

Seaton Rovers 3 Ferry Boat 1

Squad,Ireton, Beer,Gooch, Davies , Ray, Amey, Atwell, Glover, Billington,Ostler, Spink.Baker

The scene was one of chaos 10 minutes before kick off. A handful of non-appearances and questionable excuses meant that Ferry were looking at facing Division 2 outfit Seaton Rovers with an inexperienced nine men. Just before kick off Beer and Ostler arrived with sore heads then just as JiMMy Billington was about to don the keeper's jersey, his step-dad John Ireton arrived and took his place (without gloves!).

As expected Seaton started the brighter, with their passing and movement making the Ferry players work to keep up. Seaton took the lead when a free kick was driven in, and although saved by Ireton the rebound was tapped in from close range. Ferry managed to contain Seaton for most of the remainder of the half and came close with shots from Atwell and Davies. Just before half time Ferry failed to close down Seaton's Gareth Bolt and the burly midfielder drove an unstoppable shot in off the bar. Ferry were not out of the game however, and narrowed the margin when Jon Gooch converted a penalty.

The second half was fairly even, with Seaton looking the better side but Ferry keeping them at bay and coming close themselves several times. Seaton made the final score 3-1 when Beer commited a foul in the box, the penalty giving Ireton no chance. History was relived in the 89th minute when Spink was fouled and lashed out at the offending player. Quick as a flash, Ireton sprinted 15 yards with his famous battle cry of "Come on then, do you want some?". 

29th July 2001

Friendly

Alderton 0 Ferry Boat 1

Squad,Carr,,Barrell ,Gooch, Davies S.Moy, Ray, C. Moy,C.Agar, Amey, Atwell, Glover, Billington,Ostler, Unwin

Ferry made the long trip around Woodbridge to our neighbours on the opposite bank of the Deben, Alderton from Div 5. We gave debuts to Mike Carr, Terry Atwell and Jimmy Billington, with Darren Glover making his first appearance since signing. Ferry opened the game as if they were the senior team, and for the majority of the first half keeper Mike Carr had little to do. Chris Moy, Terry Atwell and Steve Ray all came close to opening the scoring. Lee Unwin lasted all of five minutes before his knee gave way to give some excuse for a dreadfull pass immediately before. Early in the second half we took the lead whem a monster clearance from Carr caught the defence napping and Chris Moy took advantage to strike home. Carr and his defence of Moy, Barrell and skipper Gooch stood firm to deservedly record a clean sheet and put an end to Alderton's five year run unbeaten in friendlies.