Reports 2004 / 2005

2nd May 2005. FerryBoat lost their first game since last November against a Murray Rangers side who were far more up for the game than their hosts who seemed lethargic, particularly in the second half. The weather conditions were perfect at Eastward Ho and the referee for the  day was the excellent Louis Dawson from Woodbridge who delivered another fine performance which was appreciated by both teams. Both sides started enthusiastically, and Steve Ray went close early on with a long shot which just went past the post. Teenagers Arthur Matthews and Chris Ray were both given a place in the starting line up, and they both did their manager proud by putting in quality performances. As the game went on Ferry seemed to stop playing the simple passing game which has served them so well this season, and often lost the ball after trying a trick too many. The first half was goalless, but both camps were looking to up their performance to gain the win. 

Ferry took the lead early in the second half, Terry Atwells' attempt rebounded off the bar but Steve Ray was first to the rebound to stab the ball home. Ferry made a flurry of substitutions, and at that point the eleven on the pitch seemed to be plagued with End of Season Syndrome as their appetite for the game seemed to wane. Murray seemed to sense this, and they got their tails up when they converted a free kick for the equaliser. Even this failed to stimulate the Ferry eleven, and it was no surprise when Murray grabbed the winner ten minutes from the end. Nobody from FerryBoat actually had a bad game on the day, but they failed to reach the standards of recent months. Something to build on for the last game of the season against Witnesham wich will be at Felixstowe's Dellwood Ave ground on the 8th May.

 27th April 2005. Ferryboat gained a narrow 1-0 victory over Pauls, but they were made to fight all the way for the points thanks to a determined display by all of the Pauls team. Both sides went into the game fully committed and this was more like a season opener then a midweek end of season affair. Pauls welcomed back the heart of their team who had recently been away in the Caribbean and they showed why they had been unbeaten this year until their vacation in the sun. Ferry soaked up any pressure which Pauls applied , and when they ventured forward they always looked a threat, particularly in the shape of Dan Clarke who was chasing every lost cause. Ferry's goal came from a swift move when Terry Atwell coolly played the ball out of defence, and the move finished with Clarke twisting in the box and firing in from close range. Pauls were launching some excellent crosses in from wide, but they failed to find the final touch and Ferry keeper Matt Ray comfortably cleaned up at the back. The final whistle went with FerryBoat consolidating their position in the table but Pauls must have been happy with their performance on the night.

17th April 2005 FerryBoat's luck in the dreaded penalty shoot out finally ran out as they lost out against Stow Excelsior  in the Suffolk County FA Sunday Shield final at Ipswich Wanderers ground at Humber Doucy Lane. A beautiful blue sky created a relaxed atmosphere before the game, and the crowd was swelled by the many supporters who had made their way up the A14 from Felixstowe, looking for their favourites to continue their 16 match unbeaten run which had stretched back to November. Wanderers had, as usual, provided a warm welcome for both clubs and thanks must go out to all of them for their dedication in making the day go without a hitch. 

Referee Louis Dawson got the game started and right from the whistle both teams settled into playing some good football. FerryBoat slowly started to gain the initiative and Dan Clarke and Jim Lee both went close with long range efforts. Every attack from the Felixstowe side was being urged on by the majority of the crowd, and the younger fans reserved their loudest cheers for the FerryBoat No10 Jon Gooch. Eventually on half an hour the breakthrough came when Mark Sayer put in a perfect cross from the left which Clarke hit into the ground giving the keeper no chance. Ferry were now in the ascendancy, and they should have gone two up when a superb move left Gooch with a chance which seemed impossible to miss, but  the ball crept outside the post. Halftime came with Ferry in the lead but they knew that the game was far from over.  

Stow Excelsior came out a different team for the second half, and they enjoyed the bulk of the possession, although Ferry's defence proved that they are one of the best around by thwarting every forward surge from Stow. Ferry midfielder Terry Atwell was putting in a man of the match performance all the more remarkable in that he has recently had his 40th birthday. The constant pressure from Stow paid off however and they gained an equaliser when a ball was lobbed into the box between defence and keeper and the Stow forward got there first to steer the ball into the net. 

The game went into extra time, and both sides continued their quality football which they had played all afternoon, but there were no further goals and the game went to penalties. After a nerve wracking shoot out, Stow eventually came out 4-3 winners and claimed the Shield. Congratulations to Stow, who had won the Sunday Trophy last year, but Ferry manager Barry Glover was proud of his player's achievements and the amazing support on the day. Wanderers continued their hospitality after the game and the Ferry contingent went on to celebrate their achievements of promotion and County finalists in what has been a great season.

 10th April 2005. Ferryboat gained the win against Pauls which secured their promotion to Division One, but the visitors put up a gallant display despite missing several first team regulars. FerryBoat got into their stride right from the start, and Dan Clarke saw his shot well saved by the keeper after only two minutes. The Pauls keeper went on to make a handful of superb saves in the opening twenty minutes and this gave the rest of the team confidence as they tried to hit back at Ferry. Half an hour went without any breakthrough, but Pauls had come back into the game with two long shots which were well saved by keeper Matt Ray. FerryBoat finally beat the Pauls keeper just before half time when the ball was worked well to Dan Clarke and the teenager fired home to give the him no chance. Minutes later, Pauls found themselves two down when Terry Atwell rose well amongst a group of players and picked his spot to head the ball safely into the net.

Play resumed for the second half and both sides were enjoying the game, along with referee Mike Hamilton who was having a good game in the middle. Pauls hit a spell where they had Ferry on the back foot but stout defending from the home defence and a couple of good saves from Matt Ray denied Pauls a goal. Against the run of play FerryBoat increased their lead when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which Dan Clarke hit low in to the right hand corner. The game looked over but credit to Pauls as they kept their heads up and they beat the offside trap to pull a goal back and give themselves a lifeline. The game was decided when 16 year old sub Chris Ray grabbed his first goal for the club, picking the ball up out on the right he spotted the keeper off his line and floated the ball past him and into the top corner. For the second week running Ferry have had goals scored by sixteen year olds, and this can only bode well for the future of the club. 4-1 was the final score and the Ferry camp were elated in their promotion which comes just a week before they play in the Suffolk Sunday Shield final.

3rd April 2005 FerryBoat visited Blakenham to play AFC Chequers looking for a win which would push them to the brink of promotion. The home side however also hoped for a win to keep their place in Div 2 and an impressive win at Felixstowe Customs in their last game gave them confidence. Chequers got straight into their game and could have been two up within ten minutes but Ferry keeper Matt Ray produced top drawer saves in both instances. The Chequers manager had been forced to take up the whistle due to the referee calling off, and he was doing a fine job in keeping the game going and maintaining a sense of humour. Jon Gooch almost put the visitors ahead after twenty minutes but his lob over the outrushing keeper just went the wrong side of the post. There was a short break in play after half an hour (don't worry ref, we'll keep it a secret as to why!) , but as soon as the game got going Steve Ray put FerryBoat ahead with a powerful low shot from all of 30 yards which bounced across the keeper and into the net. The half time whistle went with FerryBoat leading 1-0.

The second half saw both sides getting a bit more space, and Chequers continued to play some good football although they lacked the final touch. Steve Ray and Paul Johnson were starting to claim the midfield for FerryBoat however and the home side looked as if they might struggle to score. A moment of magic soon changed things when a superb ball across the box found the Chequers striker who had ghosted in at the far post and he made no mistake in putting the ball away. Most people in the crowd thought that the points would be shared, but five minutes from time 16 year old Arthur Matthews cut in from the right and steadied himself before hitting an unstoppable shot across the keeper and into the net. So it was Ferry who claimed the points but well done to home side and thanks for the hospitality in the Blakenham Chequers after the game.

27th March 2005 St Johns travelled to FerryBoat, with both sides eager to gain the points in the promotion chase. The visitors started the game by getting numbers forward, but this was leaving gaps at the rear which Ferry quickly started to exploit. After a couple of half chances, Dan Clarke broke clear and hit a rasping drive which the keeper got a touch on but failed to keep out of the net. Minutes later the home side should have gone ahead when Clarke took the ball to the byline and drove the ball across the six yard box, Jon Gooch made good ground but his connection was too strong and the ball sailed over the bar.  Referee Colin Southgate was keeping a tight rein on the play, as St Johns were becoming uncomfortable with the pressure. Both sides were playing some good football and showed why they are the pacesetters in Div 2 this season with excellent ball control and movement. Just before half time St Johns got back in the game with a close range header from a set piece which gave keeper Matt Ray no chance. Half time saw the scores even, but with the crowd looking forward to an exciting second half. 

Both sides came out with confidence but Ferry took the lead with Clarke getting his second goal, this time he curled a free kick into the top corner with spectacular accuracy. Once again St Johns were rattled, but Ferry were forced to shuffle the pack when Joe Bushnell picked up a dead leg. Gooch dropped back into defence and his replacement Arthur Matthews almost extended the lead when he broke clear. The killer blow came when St Johns couldn't clear a ball into the box, and in the ensuing confusion Atwell poked home from close range. FerryBoat's unbeaten run continued at the expense of their visitors who have not given up hope of winning the title.

 20th February 2005 An 8a.m. start by FerryBoat manager Barry Glover and Colin the groundsman ensured that their Div2 game beat the icy conditions. By the time the game started the pitch was in near perfect condition, although the blizzard conditions made it uncomfortable for the players and spectators. Locomotive began the game with a couple of close shots, but early on Dan Clarke broke free on the left and hit an unstoppable shot past the keeper to give the home side the lead. Ferry started to create more chances, and a slick pass from Clarke found Steve Ray whose shot cannoned off the bar. the home side could not have come closer to scoring once again when Ray hit another shot which this time hit the upright and bounced across the goalmouth. Half time saw FerryBoat 1-0 up.

Ferry started the second half brightly, but after 5 minutes Locomotive hit them on the counter attack. A terrific run from the right hand side resulted in a shot parried out by Matt Ray , but the Loco forward found the net from the rebound. The pace of the game was unrelenting with nothing to separate the two sides, but Ferry took the lead once again when Andy Bickers directed his header into the goal off of the underside of the crossbar. Loco refused to give up, and their aerial domination brought them the equaliser with a powerful near post header from a corner. Ferry had one final chance in the last minute when sub Craig Apperley hit his shot across the keeper only to see his team denied yet again by the woodwork. Both teams were fairly happy with the point at the end, and the Locomotive players and officials wished their opponents good luck in their forthcoming County Shield semi final.

13th February 2005 Div2 clash of the day was Martlesham Old Boys at home to FerryBoat. Both sides have been enjoying good form recently, and Martlesham were looking to continue their 100% home record. Martlesham started quite brightly , and with good passing and moving they carved out a couple of early chances. It was the away side who took the lead however, Gooch laid the ball behind the home back defenders and Dan Clarke ran through from the halfway line to score, shruigging off the chasing defenders. Ferry were forced to reorganise , with Atwell and Gooch going off, but they continued to hold firm. The second half saw both sides produce scoring opportunities, but there were no more goals, and FerryBoat came away with a valuable three points.

6th February 2005 Ferryboat progressed into the semi finals of the Suffolk Shield with an impressive team performance at home against Newmarket high fliers Kingston Foresters. The visitors arrived full of confidence, and they had a dream start when their burly centre forward muscled himself an opening and released a low shot which beat Matt Ray in goal. Ferry responded five minutes later when Paul Johnson flicked on a header and Jim Lee was on hand to stab the ball home. With their next attack, and still only ten minutes on the clock, Ferry took the lead. A throw in from Gooch was cleared to the edge of the box and Jimmie Billington looped the ball over the defence and keeper and into the net. The supporters were talking of a goal fest, but the game settled down for the remainder of the first half with some good football being played by both sides. Ferry were happy at half time , but they were expecting an onslaught from Foresters when the game restarted,

Foresters pushed on right from the restart, but solid defending and excellent workrate from midfield ensured that the home goal was never under serious threat. As the game reached the hour mark, both sides made some changes and Foresters were needing to get men forward in search of the precious equaliser. Ferry rocked Foresters when they extended their lead with a classic counter attack. The ball was swept wide to Wayne Davies who sidestepped the left back before delivering the perfect cross, Gooch collected the ball ten yards out then turned his marker before prodding home Ferry's third. Ferry were in no mood to ease off as they have given away leads in the past, but this time the visitors had used all their options. A well played ball from midfield set up Dan Clarke and he ran on to score from close range and put the game beyond doubt with the score at 4-1. An excellent performance from FerryBoat which sees them in the semis of the shield for the second time in recent years. 

30th January 2005 FerryBoat came away from Aquarius with all three points in the bag in a game which was full of incident . Aquarius started very comfortably, playing some good passing football, but could not convert their play into scoring chances. In contrast, Ferry came close when a long drive from Steve Ray cannoned off the crossbar, shortly followed by an angled shot from Jim Lee which also hit the woodwork. Wayne Davies and John Gooch came close again for the visitors before Jim Lee finally found the net from close range.

The second half saw Aquarius start in a similar vein to the first, and after ten minutes they were awarded a penalty after what looked like a great challenge from John Barrell had brought their lanky striker down in the box. They were confident of scoring as their penalty taker had never missed during his many years, but Matt Ray got down superbly to parry the ball out. The home side's heads never dropped however and after a good move down the right the ball was crossed for a tap in at the far post. 

A corner in the last minute provided Ferry's third, Johnson chipped the ball in to Steve Ray who headed it downwards and Stuart Beer got the final touch to claim his first goal for the club.

 23rd January 2005. The Felixstowe derby between FerryBoat and Owl & Pussycat ended with both sides taking a point each in a 2-2 draw. Ferry started the brightest, and after several chances they took the lead when Gooch ghosted in at the far post and finished well. Despite their possession, Ferry failed to create any more clear cut chances and they were a little disappointed to be only one up at the break.

The second half saw Ferry lift the game a little, but the crowd saw little in the way of entertainment as both sides were lacking cohesion. Ferry extended the lead when Gooch broke down the left and crossed to Matthews who tucked the ball past the keeper. Ferry looked in control, but the game turned on one incident. Owl had the ball out wide in a seemingly harmless position, but Ferry failed to close them down and a long punt into the box was met by Steve Rattle who glanced his header past the helpless Steve Ray. This goal gave Owl a new lease of life and in turn it seemed to set panic in the Ferry numbers. Ten minutes from time Owl got the equaliser when the ball was only half cleared to the edge of the box from where it was driven straight back into the net. The points were shared with both sides knowing that they had not played well for periods in the game, but if they could get some continuity then they could both still do well this season.

16th January 2005. Chantry Grasshoppers fielded a full squad for the visit of third placed FerryBoat, and the home side were looking for a win in order to start their fight against relegation. Chantry began well and for the first twenty minutes they had the majority of the play, but they couldn't find any kind of finish to trouble Ferry keeper Matt Ray. The visitors came close when Gooch slipped the ball through to Jim Lee who unleashed a low drive which cannoned off the upright. Ferry began to find their feet, and when the ball went back to the home keeper Ferry striker Arthur Matthews was on him in a flash and stole the ball away before coolly slotting the ball home. At the start of the second half Ferry were bemused when Chantry were given a penalty for apparent handball by Steve Ray. His younger brother dived well for the shot, but it crept in for the equaliser. Chantry were playing some good football, and should pull clear if they can keep their squad together, but they went behind again when their keeper misjudged a long ball in from Jimmie Billington. Right at the end a great ball from Dan Clarke set up Mark Sayer who found the net, courtesy of a wicked deflection. Chantry Grasshoppers 1 FerryBoat 3.

   9th December 2005 A large crowd at Langley Ave, swelled by away support, saw a cracking cup tie between FerryBoat and Sudbury Horse & Groom. Both sides have been previous Shield semi finallists, and there was nothing to separate the sides on paper. Thankfully the wind had died down for the game, and FerryBoat started with the remaining breeze behind them as they attacked the Cemetery End. The early stages saw Ferry turn the screw and they came close with a succession of excellent corners from Mark Sayer and Wayne Davies, the latter seeing one scrape the bar. Both sides had been forced into changes , but Ferry had possibly been hit the hardest with Jimmie Billington taking up the keepers position for the day although the visitors failed to notice as he settled into the role with confidence. Sudbury looked menacing on the break, but they went behind after half an hour when a corner was only cleared to the penalty spot from where Andy Bickers guided the ball back in. Sudbury responded well however, and the half time interval saw Ferry with a narrow advantage.

Sudbury came out for the second half determined to claw back the deficit, and after only a minute they worked the ball down the right and crossed into the box where the midfield were queuing up to tap in the equaliser. The Sudbury supporters could sense victory, and they were unfazed when Ferry were awarded a free kick only ten yards inside their half. What happened next would have graced any level of football as Wayne Davies drove an unstoppable low drive which maintained its speed as it rose into the top corner of the net from all of 30 yards. Sudbury were visibly shaken, as they are not used to going behind and the advantage had swung back to FerryBoat. Sayer came close to extending the lead when the visiting keeper got a touch to his shot which diverted it on to the post. Minutes later Ferry feared that they would be cursing that save as Bickers brought down the Sudbury No 10 and referee  Alan Martin awarded a penalty. The game took another dramatic twist as Sudbury hit the ball low to Billingtons right, but he stretched across to palm the ball out and send the home crowd wild.  Sudbury sensed that this was the turning point and five minutes from the end Dan Clarke capitalised on some sloppy defending to set up Jon Gooch who made no mistake in making the scoreline FerryBoat 3 Sudbury Horse & Groom 1. 

 19th December 2004. FerryBoat hosted Felixstowe Customs in their final game of 2004 and both sides settled for a point each in a 1-1 draw. There was a strong wind to Ferry's advantage in the first half, and they soon started to get some shots on goal without really testing keeper Richard Welham. Customs looked lively up front, but they were given no room by Ferry's rearguard. The home side came close to taking the lead when Welham palmed Steve Rays kick over the bar and minutes later the Customs keeper made a superb reflex save from Paul Johnson to ensure the score was goalless at half time. 

The second half saw Customs take the advantage, and they launched a series of long balls at the Ferry defence to give their two strong strikers plenty to feed on. Customs took the lead on the hour when they picked up the ball unchallenged in midfield and threaded it through to their forward who then gave keeper Matt Ray no chance with his finish. Ferry loooked as if they could play all day without scoring, and 16 year old subs Arthur Matthews and Chris Ray were introduced to liven up the home side. Five minutes from the end, the equaliser came when supersub Matthews poked home the ball from close range. The last move of the game saw Chris Ray go agonisingly close to grabbing a Ferry winner, but in all honesty that would have been unfair on the visitors. It was a good game to end the year on, a tough local derby kept under control excellently by the official Louis Dawson. 

 12th December 2004 Ferryboat went into their clash against Locomotive with some trepidation as they were missing eight players from the previous week's squad, largely due to a stag weekend in Nottingham. John Gooch was carrying a slight thigh injury so manager Barry Glover played him up front, with Lee Unwin slotting in at the back.  Ferry started the game with enthusiasm however, and after only five minutes the ball was scrambled over the line by Steve Ray. Minutes later they nearly made it two when Mark Sayer rattled the cross bar from close range. The second goal was not long coming however when Steve Ray picked out Gooch with a pinpoint cross from the left enabling the veteran striker to nod home from close range. Sixteen year old Arthur Matthews played his part in Ferry's impressive start as he fearlessly took on the Loco defence , and was unlucky not to score himself when he shot narrowly wide. Ferry took a two goal lead in to the break, and hoped that they could hang in for the second half.

Minutes into the restart, Ferry should have increased their lead when they were awarded a penalty by ref Andy Chapman, but Steve Ray saw his kick superbly saved by the Loco keeper. Soon after, FerryBoat were dealt a double blow when Loco pulled a goal back from a free kick and the pressure was really on when skipper Andy Bickers was forced off with an ankle injury. Young Chris Ray replaced the Ferry captain to join his brothers Steve and Matt in the side for the first time. The youngster soon combined with Matthews to set up Gooch, who lobbed the outrushing keeper to make it 3-1. Loco seemed to lose heart, and on the hour Sayers cross was parried by the keeper only to fall to Gooch who tapped in to claim an incredible hat trick. More was to come, and Brian Armstrong provided the most spectacular goal with a sweeping run through midfield before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 25 yards. The win was capped with a Steve Ray free kick from twenty yards which bounced low and over the keeper. Ferry ran out 6-1 winners on the day, and there was a jubilant exchange of phone calls with the Stag Party who were on their way back to Felixstowe. Thanks to Locomotive for showing great sportsmanship at the end, these two sides have been rivals for years but they both have a healthy respect for each other.

5th December 2004. Ferryboat came from behind to win at lowly Murray Rangers thanks to an impressive second half performance and another goal from Paul "Magic" Johnson. It was a fine Sunday morning with the sun low in the sky, and the away supporters took up their positions hoping that Ferry's recent good form would continue. The home crowd were late arriving, but it was good to see the face of Arthur - Mr Murray Rangers himself. The game got off to a lively start, and Murray were looking as if they would get the opener as they broke into the penalty area several times. Indeed the predicted came true when their centre forward challenged on the edge of the box and broke through to score. Ferry seemed to be having trouble getting in to the game but the equaliser came when PJ Johnson headed on a drop kick and Dan Clarke ran through to round the keeper and score.  Half time came and with the scores level,  but the discussions in the Ferry camp were positive on how they could step up a gear.

Right from the restart we saw a different visiting side. The passing was more fluent and the play was mainly towards the Murray goal. Ferry took the lead when Johnson played a superb ball to Wayne Daves who made a run to the byline line then looked up and picked out Steve Ray who clinically fired home. Murray seemed deflated by this goal, but worse was to come minutes later. Johnson, who had been instrumental in the previous goals, received the ball on the edge of the box and hit a screamer into the top corner of the net. Those of you who know the Campo lookalike  may be confused by what you are reading, but see for yourself - get down to Langley Avenue and see the man in action! The final score was 3-1, which puts Ferry in a good position near the front runners.

  28th November 2004. FerryBoat crept into the fourth round of the Suffolk Shield with their tails between their legs after being taken to extra time despite going three up against Walsham Le Willows. Both teams were depleted on the day , but Ferry dominated the first half without really getting their game together. Their first goal warmed the home supporters however, when good link up play along the right resulted in a stinging cross which was met at the far post by Brian Armstrong. On the left flank, Jim Lee was in awesome form, and he got the second with a sweet right footed strike from the edge of the box. Dan Clarke thought he had extended the lead with a cool finish , but after consulting his assistant, referee Graham Mackay ruled it out for handball.

The opening period of the second half saw FerryBoat appear to wrap up the game when PJ Johnson continued his vein of form with his third goal in four games. With twenty minutes remaining, Walsham pulled back a goal with their first shot on target and all of a sudden we saw a belief in them that they could get something out of the game. Five minutes later they pulled another back and deep into injury time they completed the come back to send the game into extra time. The extra half hour was a non event regarding clear cut chances and the game went to the dreaded penalty shoot out. Moy, Burt and Beer put away their penalties before the Walsham captain hit his over the bar to end the contest. Hard luck on the team who had travelled a long way, but it was Ferryboat who will be in the fourth round on 9th January.

21st November 2004. FerryBoat earned the points in their derby game at Felixstowe Customs despite losing their second choice keeper to injury at half time. Ferry's line up looked a little different as Matt Ray was out with injury, Gooch put on the gloves but was forced to hand them over to Jimmie Billington at half time due to a thigh injury. Ferry took the lead in spectacular fashion after five minutes when Terry Atwell looped the ball over the keeper Welham from out wide. Almost immediately though the home side came back when the Ferry defence left an enormous gap at the back which the Customs attack exploited to the full. Ferry were having the greater of the possession on a tight pitch, and took the lead once more when P.J. Johnson hit a low drive from the edge of the box into the left hand corner of the net. Although there was local pride at stake, the game was being played with a good spirit which was helped by the excellent official Louis Dawson. Half time saw the score 2-1 to FerryBoat and although they were happy with the scoreline they knew they needed to up their performance in the second half.

Ferry started the second half with a vengeance and for the first quarter of an hour they camped in the Customs half. Steve Ray twice came close to extending the lead, as did Atwell and Wayne Davies with  headers going over. Despite the possession it was Customs who nearly scored when Billington spilled the ball in the area but somehow the Customs forward missed the empty net. After that scare Ferry got their third when Davies raced through and poked the ball past the outrushing Welham. The fourth goal came when Atwell got between the defence and met a cross with a bullet header. A good performance from FerryBoat which sees them among the leading pack, but a break from the League next week with County Cup action. Final score Felixstowe Customs 1 - FerryBoat 4.

  14th November 2004. Martlesham Old Boys stole the points from FerryBoat with just three minutes remaining in a game which looked to be heading for a stalemate. Neither teams were giving each other any space right from the start and the chances were few and far between for most of the game. Don't get the wrong idea though, the quality was evident in both sides although they both hit brick walls when they got to the box. Atwell looked to have given Ferry the lead on the hour when he met a free kick with a bullet header, but referee David Waugh was excellently positioned to spot the offside. Jim Lee broke through with just five minutes remaining, but Ferry's ginger ninja saw his shot go wide of the post. With just minutes remaining, Ferry gave away possession in midfield and Martlesham raced through to grab the winner. Ferry's run of form was over, but both sides played some excellent football on the day

 7th November 2004. FerryBoat won at Witnesham by a convincing 5-0 scoreline in a game which portrayed the current form and spirit of the two clubs. Although both teams were deadlocked up to the half hour, the home side seemed to be at odds with each other which only served to give Ferry a boost. After Gooch and Davies came close for Ferry, they took the lead when Steve Ray picked the ball up on the halfway line and went on a storming run direct at goal before unleashing an unstopppable shot. Andy Bickers got onto the scoreline for the second week running when he rose superbly to head in a ball from out wide. Half time saw the visitors two up , but they felt that Witnesham had to come back stronger in the second half.

The home side did as expected, and for the first ten minutes of the second half they swarmed forward. Ferry stood firm however, and as the pressure started to ease they started to turn the balance again. A rare goal from Paul "PJ" Johnson extended the lead when the Campo lookalike drove a low shot in from the edge of the box. Minutes later, Johnson came close again, but two goals after a two year famine would have been too much for the visiting fans. Ferry welcomed back Brian Armstrong for this game, and he put in a gritty performance which was capped by the fourth goal when he lobbed the keeper from 25 yards. Witnesham had all but given up by this stage , and another goal for the scrapbook came when Jimmie Billington tapped in from a yard out to complete the performance near the end. Handshakes all round at the final whistle, with ref Tim Moore enjoying a post match drink with the players after a good performance.

24th October 2004. FerryBoat and Aquarius shared the points with three goals apiece in an entertaining game at Langley Ave. Both sides showed some quality and FerryBoat took the lead after only 5 minutes when Arthur Matthews was brought down on the edge of the box. Steve Ray stepped up and curled his free kick round the wall and into the net to send the home crowd into raptures. Ferry looked as if they would increase their lead , but Aquarius hit back when Matt Ray spilled an awkward ball leaving a simple tap in. Once again Ferry pushed on, but another error led to the visitors second when Bickers lost possession on the half way line. Matthews played a part in Ferry's equaliser when he raced into the box only to be brought down and Ray once again obliged with the spot kick. An eventful first half was almost over when Aquarius fired in a half clearance to give them a half time lead.

The second half was dominated by FerryBoat, and Ross Amey who was making his first start for some time was looking menacing. The equaliser came when Matthews burst through and slotted the ball past the keeper for his first goal for the club. Matthews is really coming along well considering his young age which is confirmed when you see that he still draws on his sports bag. Ferry had numerous chances to grab a winner, Jim Lee hit the bar and Ray almost grabbed his hat trick, but Aquarius were finding it hard up front largely due to a superb display by the Ferry back three of Bickers , Burt and Beer with the latter particularly impressive. Thanks to Les King for a fine display in the middle and a mention this week to Stan Paddington who works tirelessly to get as many refs appointed as is humanly possible!

10th October 2004 Three points were gained at the Dock Club, but FerryBoat really should have won by a bigger margin if only they had put our chances away against Owl & Pussycat. A squad depleted by injury, was still one to be proud of and was boosted by the return of John Barrell on the subs bench for the visitors. Arthur Matthews started in a three man midfield and Matt Burt switched to right wing. Ferry applied all the early pressure, but were still not really playing at 100%, and although they won a few corners  the only chance in the first twenty minutes came when a goalmouth scramble first hit the bar then was cleared off the line. The deserved opener came when Wayne Davies was sent clear behind the defence and a fine strike into the corner gave the keeper no chance. Owl came back into the game late in the first half, and equalised when Lee Gooding lobbed Matt Ray from the edge of the box..

The second half saw Ferry play into the wind, but they created chance after chance. The lead was restored when Mark Sayer supplied Davies once more from the left wing. Sayer was the provider minutes later when he set up John Gooch, but the latter produced a comical finish to miss from two yards. This set the pattern, and later on Matt Burt put wide a chance which was only slighter more difficult than Gooch's but all the same , one which you would expect your Grandma to net.

Davies was unlucky not to get a hat trick when the keeper superbly saved a close range effort, but the score remained Owl and Pussycat 1 FerryBoat 2

3rd October 2004. FerryBoat progressed through to the second round after a solid performance at Gainsborough SC against GLC reserves. The home side were in a buoyant mood after a 12-0 victory the week before, but right from the start it was clear that this game would be more of a contest. GLC were full of tricks but Ferry took the lead when Wayne Davies hit a free kick which took a deflection on the way into the net. FerryBoat were really up for the game, and GLC struggled to penetrate the rearguard of the visitors. The lead was increased when Jim Lee crossed from the wings and Lee Unwin did enough to distract the keeper, leaving a simple header from a yard out for Steve Ray. Half time came with the scoreline GLC 0 FerryBoat 2

GLC picked up the tempo in the second half, but were becoming frustrated leading to a few ugly challenges. Ferry keeper Matt Ray was down for a while after a strong challenge , but the GLC keeper came off worse when he was forced to leave the field after a collision with sub Craig Apperley. Ferry defender Matt Burt was showing what a good find he was from Division 9 with another 100% performance at the back. The third and final goal from FerryBoat came when davies curled in a corner which deflected once again into the net. Final score GLC Reserves 0 FerryBoat 3

26th September 2004. FerryBoat and Chantry Grasshoppers shared the points with a goal apiece at either end of the encounter at Langley Ave. FerryBoat took the lead after only 3 minutes when Dan Clarke received the ball on the end of a quick breakaway and slid it past the keeper for the opener. Ferry continued to apply pressure, but Grasshoppers looked dangerous as they got plenty of men forward to chase long balls out of defence. Ferry reshuffled to stem the advances from midfield, and the game settled down for the remainder of the first half. 

The second half went at the same pace as the first, an early header from Wayne Davies was palmed over by the keeper, and at the other end Matt Ray was in superb form once more as he kept out anything which came at him. Five minutes from time Grasshoppers equalised when another breakaway brought success from a close range shot. The remaining minutes were frantic, Andy Bickers and Jim lee came close for Ferry, and Grasshopppers flashed a shot over the bar. 1-1 was the final scoreline, probably a fair reflection of the game. Mention should also go to ref Mark Potkins, who gave another excellent performance.

 19th September 2004. Premier top dogs St Clements edged through to the next round after a close fought game aginst FerryBoat at Langley Ave. The neutrals who turned up in the crowd may have been looking for a goalfest, but the Div 2 side took the lead after only four minutes when Jim Lee broke from midfield and composed himself before lobbing the keeper.  The quality of the visitors was evident but Ferry's well rehearsed battle plan was keeping the visitors at bay. New signing Joe Bushnell quickly slotted in at centre back, and on the occasions when it looked like the visitors would break through Bushnell was there to get  a foot in. St Clements pulled a goal back late in the second half when a goalmouth scramble fell to the edge of the box and the ball was drilled home. The half time interval came with the score FerryBoat 1 St Clements 1. 

Ferry attacked the Cemetery End for the second half and some good interchanges created a couple of chances, but  St Clements made the most of theirs when they charged the ball in the net to take the lead. Ferry were rocked, but did not give up heart and the midfield of Ray, Lee and Atwell continued to push the visitors with some positive football. A hint of frustration crept into the visitors on the hour, but referee Mick Cackett was quick to influence his control and the game reverted to a sporting encounter. St Clements introduced subs who gave the team an extra gear , but a moment of magic brought the Ferry equaliser. A dead ball situation looked to have failed , but Andy Bickers received the ball out wide. With no option than to use his unfavoured left foot, he delivered a teasing ball into the box which was met by Jim Lee with a diving header which looped over the keeper. The spectators started preparing for extra time, but with ten minutes left on the clock a St Clements midfielder produced a cracking strike which cannoned off the crossbar and dropped kindly to a forward for a simple tap in. The final whistle went soon after and St Clements went through, but the performance from FerryBoat should stand them well for this season.

 12th September 2004. FerryBoat travelled to Bourne Park to meet fancied side St Johns Old Boys, and had their new signings available to boost the squad. St Johns were in a confident mood before the game, but the early chances fell to Ferry's Dan Clarke who failed to capitalise. Clarke continued to breach the home defence however, and gained his reward when he finished a solo run with a shot under the keeper. St Johns had the wind behind them, but most of their through balls were overhit, and Ferry extended the lead when Steve Ray steered the ball in from the edge of the box. By now the game was becoming niggly, with more than a few off the ball incidents. Stand in ref Martin Stiff had words with players of both sides but the individuals concerned appeared to take little notice. St Johns broke away just before half time and scored a well taken goal to reduce the arrears. 

Minutes into the second half, the St Johns midfield were allowed to run across the edge of the box, and the equaliser came as a result. It looked like the game would carry on producing goals as St Johns hit the woodwork and Ferry had one disallowed and sure enough Ferry equalised when Mark Sayer crossed for Craig Apperley to glance his header past the keeper. St Johns continued to push forward, and grabbed an equaliser when a mix up between the Ray brothers allowed a simple tap in. The final whistle went with the scores level and thanks go to Martin Stiff who took over in the middle at short notice.