Reports 2005 / 2006

10th April 2006 In the top of the table Div1 clash AFC Woodbridge got the better of Ferryboat thanks to two soft goals conceded by the visitors. The defeat also saw FerryBoat suffer their first League defeat on the road since they lost at Ipswich Hospitals in February 2004, over two years ago. Ferry started quite brightly and the bumpy Notcutts pitch almost produced a goal when a tame cross bounced past a defender to set Jim Lee up, but the Ferry captain's shot went just wide. Both sides were playing some nice football, but Woodbridge took the lead when the Ferry defence stood still appealing vainly for offside only to see the Woodbridge forward run through and score. Woodbridge showed why they were top and unbeaten this season as their defence smothered out the normally prolific Ferry attack. The home side's second came directly from a corner, the ball was curled in on the wind and flew over the heads of everyone into the top corner. The second half saw Ferry have much more of the game, but each time they pierced the home defence they then found the keeper perfectly positioned to save. Woodbridge withdrew Moore in the second half, and they started to look more lively up front and could have got a third had Arthur Matthews not been on the line to clear. The win gave Woodbridge the Div1 title and they will be hoping for success in their Senior Cup semi against Kirton next week.

 2nd April 2006 Another crop of injuries and a dance music festival in Hemsby had FerryBoat manager Barry Glover pulling out all the stops to field a team against California. However the return of Jon Gooch and the team spirited Matt Burt travelling back from Hemsby early Sunday morning gave him a squad that was to prove too strong for their Gainsborough based hosts. Ferry started brightly and took an early lead when a free kick was half cleared to Jimmie Billington who hit a rasping shot past the keeper. California soon drew level, when a shot came off the Ferry woodwork and fell nicely to the feet of the Cali forward. Ferry upped their pace, and they took the lead once more when Matt Burt converted a penalty with ease. Gooch had a chance to get amongst the goals but he can be excused his glaring miss seeing as this was his first start this season after a nasty knee injury. California always looked dangerous in the final third but at the other end Ferry were more clinical and the Matthews twins Arthur and Alfie both got goals from close range to make the score 4-1 in Ferry's favour at half time.

Ferry had played some good football and this drew some nice compliments from the experienced Cali fans who obviously appreciated seeing the young team pushing the ball around the park. A second penalty was awarded to Ferry and once again Matt Burt converted to make his long early morning dash from Norfolk worthwhile. One of the best moves of the game led to Jim Lee and Chris Ray linking up with Gooch and this time the latter gave the keeper no chance with a low drive into the far corner. Jim Lee made it seven up when he cut in from the right and hit a low shot to the near post which squeezed in under the keeper. Fair play to Cali, they kept pressing the Ferry defence till the end and they got their reward with a well taken goal from just inside the box. Final score was 7-2 to Ferryboat and they edge closer still to possible promotion.

 19th March 2006 After a break of three weeks FerryBoat faced awkward opposition in the name of Ipswich Area Police. Ferry needed maximum points to continue their push for promotion to the top flight and they welcomed Rob Kerr in his first League game for the club. The Police set out their tactics from the start, trying to outmuscle the youngsters of FerryBoat but Referee Andy Chapman kept the game under well under control through applying a stern word and some common sense Police came closest early on when they curled a corner onto the bar but Ferry started to apply the pressure and looked to have taken the lead when Steve Ray had a free kick clawed out of the goalmouth but with the referee's view blocked by the keeper he had no choice but to wave play on. Ferry hit the woodwork themselves before they took the lead when good work on the left from Kerr led to Dan Clarke rifling home from six yards. Police decided that the long ball was the best option but the back four of the home side ensured that keeper Matt Ray was not troubled to any extent. At the other end the keeper did well to prevent FerryBoat extending their lead and at half time the Police were still in the game.

The second half saw Police play some good football through midfield , but as in the first half it all came to an abrupt halt when they edged nearer the Ferry goal. The second goal drew breaths from the crowd as Matt Ray launched a kick down the left wing, the wind appeared to be taking the ball out but Alfie Matthews showed great determination and technique to keep the ball in and cross it across the box to Kerr who pulled it back for Clarke to prod in. This goal knocked the stuffing out of the Police and although the score remained 2-0  Ferry had a couple more chances with Atwell heading just wide and Kerr hitting the bar. Looking back on the game James Turley and Steve Ray had done a great job in midfield and Arthur Matthews combined with Jimmie Billington to snuff out any attacks down their right flank to ensure the three points were in the bag but every player had given their all. This was the last game of the season at Langley Ave and now FerryBoat go on the road for the four games which will decide their fate.

 26th February 2006. Calfornia went to Langley Avenue to face FerryBoat and the visitors were buoyant after a 7-0 drubbing of Locomotive the week before. FerryBoat manager Barry Glover called for the last ounce of effort from his players for the run in to the end of the season and his team responded on the day with every player playing his part in a 5-0 win to the home side. A snow shower preceded the kick off but by the time John Bedford blew his whistle (after adjusting his pea) the skies had cleared although a strong wind blew down the pitch in Ferry's favour. Cali were on their back feet from the start and within minutes Ferry had taken the lead when good work from Jim Lee on the byline left Dan Clarke with a simple tap in. The lead was extended when Clarke scored again from close range, this time the supply came from Jimmie Billington on the right. The pace of the Ferry youngsters was causing Cali problems , but they managed to stand firm and a couple of outstanding saves from their keeper kept the score at 2-0 at the break. 

Ferry kicked into the wind second half and although it helped California get forward it also improved Ferry's passing game with the ball holding up better for the forwards. Arthur Party Boy Matthews shrugged off another hangover to extend the lead when he took on the keeper close in and prodded the ball home. James Turley had been forced to retire with a broken nose, but Alfie Matthews dropped back and carried on the good work which was keeping Ferry on top of the game. Jim Lee was instrumental in a lot of the Ferry moves and when Clarke set him free he crossed for Wayne Davies to stroke the ball in at the far post. Shortly after this Davies suffered a nasty injury to his shin and Ferry were forced to play the remainder of the game with ten men. This gave Cali their chance to push an extra man up which resulted in their best period of the game but the final word went to Ferry when Matt Burt coolly slotted home a penalty after Matthews had been fouled by the keeper.  FerryBoat have been decimated by injuries this season and once again they were short on numbers, but the side has shown great resolve as they have sat in the promotion places all season and with half a dozen really good players still on the sidelines, this team can only improve over the coming years. 

 12th February 2006 FerryBoat hosted Martlesham Old Boys at Langley Avenue and the teams kicked off in atrocious conditions with steady rain and a strong wind behind Martleshams's backs for the first half. Martlesham took the lead through an opportunistic goal when they sent a high punt sailing on the wind and over keeper Matt Ray into the net, giving him no chance of saving it. Both sides were pushing the ball around despite the conditions and Ferry came close to equalising after a good ball in from Wayne Davies. On twenty minutes Martlesham were awarded a free kick which was met on the edge on the box with a glancing header into the far corner. Jim Lee was making some strong runs down the left for Ferry but they could not find the finishing touch. At the other end Ray made a couple of good saves before Martlesham got a third which was going to make it difficult for Ferry in the second half. 

After the restart the balance switched to Ferry, largely due to the conditions, and they came close early on when Dan Clarke hit the crossbar. Both sides continued to show good touch in the conditions, and match official Louis Dawson was doing an excellent job in controlling the game and allowing advantage where possible. Ferry pulled a goal back through Jim Lee, but were unable to score again although Clarke hit the woodwork again and Alfie Matthews came close.

29th January 2006 Owl and Pussycat knocked FerryBoat out of the ITFC Community Cup in a thrilling game that saw the Owl cling on to end up 3-2 winners. A strong cross wind blew across the pitch, which hampered both sides' attempts at playing good football but Owl adapted their play early on to feed their strike force of Shaun Pugh and Aiden Sharp with some direct passing. After ten minutes Ferry had an attack which was collected by keeper Alan Ewen, who launched a long drop kick which ran on to Pugh who then went past keeper Matt Ray and scored. Ferry were unruffled by this early goal and continued to pressurise the home goal but Owl stretched their lead when a free kick was easily cleared quickly to Pugh who made no mistake again. Terry Atwell came close for Ferry just before the break  with a strong downward header, but Ewen was fortunate to be standing in a position to block it with his foot. Half time saw Owl remain two up but Ferry were positive enough to improve their game however disaster struck on the hour when a loose ball fell to the edge of the box and was hammered in for Owl's third. The game looked dead for FerryBoat but within two minutes they were back on level terms when Alfie Matthews ran through the defence and sidefooted past Ewen. Five minutes later Ferry set up a tense finish when Dan Clarke's free kick resulted in a goalmouth scramble and Wayne Davies prodded home from close range. It looked like the equaliser would come but it was not to be as Jim Lee's header was just kept out by the keeper then Clarke produced the touch of a baby elephant five yards out to blast over. The Owl held on and good luck to them in the later stages, both teams enjoyed some food and a beer together after the game.

22nd January 2006 FerryBoat v Locomotive has been a fixture to look forward to for many past seasons, with both sides following each other up through the divisions, gaining promotion each year. Locomotive were out to avenge a defeat earlier in the season when they went down 5-1, but FerryBoat fielded another strong squad who were hungry to do the double over their rivals. Loco got off to a strong start, keeping the hosts pegged back for the opening minutes but they were unable to test the home keeper Matt Ray. With ten minutes on the clock, Ferry launched a marvellous attack, Jimmie Billington played the ball out wide to Jim Lee who played the ball up to   Alfie  Matthews, the ball was laid off to James Turley who ran across the edge of the box before he found a gap and planted the ball into the top corner of the net. Within minutes they extended their lead when the ball was crossed and Sean Ryan rose well to head home via a deflection. Loco were knew they faced an uphill battle now to break down the Ferry defence, but as is always the way they rolled up their sleeves and got on with the game. They got their reward through a fine individual goal when the midfielder ran through the defence and hit home from a tight angle. The next goal was going to be crucial and it went Ferry's way when Dan Clarke, who was tormenting the Loco defence, struck with his right foot from twenty yards. A few ongoing niggles started to boil over into rash Loco challenges, but match official Les King was quickly restored order, aided by a couple of yellow cards.

The second half was predictable, with Locomotive coming strongly again, but Ferry got their fourth when Alfie Matthews sprang the offside trap and rounded the keeper before tapping home into an empty goal. Ferry defended well in the second half with Billington, Terry Atwell, Matt Burt and Steve Ray stopping most attempts on goal and even when the ball did creep through Matt Ray was always in position to pick up the scraps. The final whistle signalled a comfortable win for Ferry and it was good to see everyone shaking hands after the game and carrying on the respect which has built up over the years.

15th January 2006 Felixstowe Customs hosted neighbours FerryBoat in an encounter which was important  to both sides who have got off to a good start in their first season in Div 1. FerryBoat dominated the early exchanges but Customs defended resolutely and kept the visitors at bay. The first goal came against the run of play, Customs broke down the left and the cross appeared to be heading into the hands of Matt Ray, but the Customs forward got in there first and directed his header into the net.. After the goal the game was more evenly balanced but ten minutes before the break Ferry upped the pressure which and started to test the keeper Richard Welham. The equaliser came when the ball found Steve Ray six yards out and he made no mistake in planting a firm header past the keeper. With minutes left to half time FerryBoat took the lead, good possession led to Dan Clarke releasing a shot from the edge of the box which took a deflection before finding the net

The second half provided plenty of incident for the fans, of whom the majority were there to cheer on their beloved FerryBoat. Customs thought they had a clear case for a penalty early on, but the kick was given the other way for a handball by the forward. Minutes later FerryBoay appeared to have increased their lead when Terry Atwell rose well to head home but his celebration was short lived as the goal was ruled out for a push by Wayne Davies. The incidents continued as Dan Clarke rounded keeper Welham and was brought down in the area but the referee played on. Home keeper Welham was in outstanding form, making great saves from Clarke and a top notch tip over the bar from James Turley's goalbound effort. Ferry sealed the win with a magnificent volley from Clarke but the game still had another twist when Customs were awarded a penalty only to be denied by a brilliant low save from Matt Ray. Final score Felixstowe Customs 1 FerryBoat 3

11th December 2005. Worlingworth went ahead three times in their match against FerryBoat, but each time the visitors responded and eventually ran out 5-3 winners. The match was evenly contested from the start, but it was FerryBoat who had the better chances and they hit the woodwork twice early on through Clarke and Matthews. Worlingworth looked most dangerous when they were on the break and just after half an hour they took the lead with their first shot of the game. FerryBoat pushed for an equaliser and it came when Sean Ryan got his first for the club when he cut in from a left back position and hit a powerful shot into the top corner.

The second half saw Clarke hit the woodwork twice more but Worlingworth went ahead again when a cross from the right was met with a perfect header back across goal. The equaliser came again when Steve Ray hit a shot which took a wicked deflection and beat the keeper. Not long after it was Worlingworth who were ahead again when Ferry failed to clear on the edge of the box. Ferry reshuffled to tighten up at the back and it seemed to do the trick as they drew level again through a penalty from Burt after Ray was brought down. The visitors took the lead for the first time with ten minutes remaining when Turley's long ball in from a wide position beat the keeper. Johnson thought he had scored when his header appeared to cross the line, but neither official saw it so Worligworth escaped momentarily. The victory was sealed for FerryBoat when Jim Lee caressed the ball into the net with his left foot from outside the box to send the visiting fans wild.

 4th December 2005. Worlingworth made the long journey to Felixstowe for the first of successive back to back fixtures against FerryBoat. The home side had been really banging in the goals recently with 7 in each of their last two games but Worlingworth started briskly and took the lead after only five minutes. The wake up call spurred Ferry into action and the equaliser soon came through Dan Clarke. The next twenty minutes were competitive with both sides throwing everything into the tackle but FerryBoat extended their lead through Alfie Matthews. The confidence started to ebb away from Worlingworth and further goals from Matthews and Clarke saw FerryBoat 4-1 up at the break.

FerrryBoat braced themselves for a second half revival from Worlingworth, but it lasted all of five minutes. When the home side extended their lead through Clarke, the visitors went to pieces and the goals started to rain in. Arthur Matthews matched his brother with a brace, and Dan Clarke got his fourth. Ferry were awarded a penalty and Matt Burt made no mistake with his third conversion in as many weeks. Wayne Davies made his first appearance after a long spell out through injury and seemed to come through ok. James Turley pushed on from right back, and got on the scoresheet when he slotted home a loose ball in the box. Steve Ray completed the goalscoring when he broke through the defence and rounded the keeper. Final score was 11-1 to FerryBoat, but Worlingworth must have been wondering what went wrong after such a good start to the game and should be looking for revenge in the rematch next week.

27th November 2005 FerryBoat progressed into the fourth round of the Suffolk Shield thanks to a good team performance against Licensed Trades team Elmsett which produced a 7-1 victory. Right from the start FerryBoat pushed forward but the home side defended in numbers in an attempt to keep out the marauding Ferry frontline. Johnson twice came close for FerryBoat before Alfie Matthews was brought down and Matt Burt dispatched the penalty kick out of the keeper's reach. Dan Clarke should have then increased the lead on two occasions, but he found the target when he let fly an unstoppable shot from outside the box. Elmsett were really struggling at this stage and their keeper failed to hold Jim Lee's shot from out left for Ferry's third.

Halftime saw Ferry make two substitutions, one being Jon Gooch who was making his first appearance this season due to a knee injury. Elmsett started playing more positively and got their reward when they broke through and lobbed Matt Ray. Undeterred, FerryBoat regrouped and the margin was soon restored when Jim Lee crossed for Alfie Matthews to tap in. Elmsett looked to pull another goal back when a long range shot was heading for goal, but the ball slowed down in the mud just enough for James Turley to race back and poke it off the line. Disaster then struck for Gooch when his knee gave way again leaving FerryBoat to play the last 25 mins with ten men. This still proved too much for Elmsett however and Arthur Matthews extended the lead before brother Alfie hit Ferry's sixth. Terry Atwell completed the scoring with a close range header.  

20th November 2005 FerryBoat returned from cup duty with a resounding 7-0 win over Ipswich Hospitals.  The early exchanges saw both sides looking threatening on the break, with Hospitals' number 5 looking like he would get on to the scoresheet early on. Ferry took the lead when a good move was clinically finished with a left foot shot from Alfie Matthews. Hospitals were stiil up for the game but they were starting to look like a one man show up front as Ferry's defence were stifling most of the moves. Dan Clarke extended the lead before half time with a low drive which was out of the keeper's reach. Ferry were preparing for a second half revival from Hospitals as they always looked threatening but the opening minutes of the half saw FerryBoat start to dominate play. The killer third goal came when Steve Ray beat the offside trap and slid the ball into the corner of the goal. Ferry brought on all their subs at this stage and the fresh legs added to Hospitals woes. Alfie Matthews was causing mayhem in the opposition's defence and he grabbed his inevitable second goal when he used his pace to beat the defenders. Dan Clarke got his second and Ferry's fifth and the game was turning in to an unexpected rout. A sixth goal came when the ball looped high into the box and Arthur Matthews beat the keeper to the ball and nodded it into the net. Ferry were awarded a penalty when Alfie Matthews was brought down, and Matt Burt was rewarded for his part in an outstanding defensive performance by being given the ball which he duly despatched for his first goal for the club. A break from the league again next week as Ferry are in the shield with a long journey to Elmsett. 

   13th November 2005 FerryBoat cruised  into the 3rd round of the Senior Cup with a good 3-0 win at Powergen. The home side defended resolutely from outset and early on their keeper made a great double save to deny Lee Unwin. James Turley got his first goal for FerryBoat when he cut in from a wide right position before launching his shot over the keeper and into the top corner of the goal. Powergen were putting all their effort into the game, but Ferry's defence of Barrell, Burt and Billington managed to smother every attack which came at them.

Ferry switched formation at half time and their increased width started to stretch the Powergen defence. The visitors' second goal came through a superb passing move, Turley played the ball into Steve Ray who guided the ball through to Arthur Matthews who then ran on to slot the ball under the keeper. Matthews kept the crowd entertained when during an injury stoppage he drank the contents of the bucket to give himself an energy boost. The third goal was a fine individual effort from Steve Ray who hit a low and powerful shot from 25 yards.

 6th November 2005 Martlesham Old Boys and FerryBoat produced an excellent game of football which went to the wire as Martlesham dramatically equalised with seconds remaining. The wind gusted down the length of the pitch and FerryBoat kicked off with the wind behind them. They soon went ahead when Dan Clarke broke free and slotted the ball past the keeper. Both sides were playing some good football despite the conditions and Martlesham equalised when they sprung a counter attack and the ball was well controlled on the edge of the box before being driven home. Ferry had been forced to adjust their formation as they now have seven players out with injury, most of them looking to be out for the near future, however the youngsters who were playing worked tirelessly and produced excellent passing and movement. Ferry increased the lead before half time when Steve Ray and Alfie Matthews linked well to set up Dan Clarke for his second. Martlesham had the wind in the second half and it wasn't long before they drew level when a free kick from way out was hit perfectly and crept in under the bar. Both sets of supporters were enjoying the contest as was referee Colin Southgate who was also putting on a good show. Ferry took the lead when their captain Jim Lee refused to give up on a ball into the box and he poked the ball home from close range. Into stoppage time the game looked to be going Ferry's way but when they lost the ball in midfield it was swung out to the Martlesham right, lobbed high back in to the box and dropped over the defence into the goal. Final score 3-3 and a good game in testing conditions.

30th October 2005. Last year's Shield Finalists  FerryBoat played their second round tie on a superb morning for football and gained a convincing 4-1 win over LTL side John Bull Exiles. Three of FerryBoat's goals were scored by recent signing Alfie Matthews who worked tirelessly up front throughout the match. A strong wind blew down the length of the Dumbarton Road pitch and home side John Bull had the advantage in the first half. Bull took the lead when a ball was playeed up to the centre forward and he ran through to lob the outrushing Matt Ray in goal. Ferry weren't at their best for the first half, but they got an equaliser when Jim Lee played the ball through to Matthews who ran on to coolly finish. John Bull had a great chance to take the lead again, but Ray smothered the ball well to deny the forward his second goal. 

The second half saw Ferry increase their tempo and with the wind against them John Bull were in for a tough 45 minutes. Soon into the half the home keeper spilled the ball and Matthews picked up the spillage and tapped home into the empty net. Jim Lee was making some dangerous runs down the left and Ferry soon produced a succession of shots which went narrowly wide, but lead was increased when PJ Johnson drove home from close range. By now John Bull were getting frustrated, particularly the keeper who was getting some stick off of his own team, and when Matthews secured his hat trick the keeper bravely responded by punching Dan Clarke in the face when the ref's back was turned. Referee Wayne Sturman had a good game throughout and Ferry's supporters went home happy with a win which saw them into the next round.

23rd October 2005 A nailbiting finish at Langley Avenue saw visitors King Head hold on to the points in a seven goal thriller. FerryBoat were decimated by injuries, not an excuse but definitely a factor as nine first teamers were missing on the day. The home side's fortunes turned even worse when two errors in the first ten minutes gifted Kings Head two goals only to be followed by a calf injury to Chris Moy which reduced them to ten men. The battle plan went in to action however and Mrs Matthews was dispatched to drive round Felixstowe to pick up the two named subs who hadn't expected to play. Chris Ray came on and evened up the numbers, and the game settled in to a close encounter with midfields dominating play without bothering either keeper. Half time saw the score remain at 2-0 to the visitors.

The second half saw the visitors produce the direct approach in an attempt to cut out Ferry's five man midfield but whenever the home side got the ball they looked as if they might claw one back. The breakthrough came when Johnson collected the ball outside the box and lashed the ball into the top corner with his left foot. The home side drew confidence but another clanger at the back left the KIngs Head forward tapping the ball home into an empty net. This seemed to deflate the home side and they conceded a fourth with twenty minutes still left and the crowd were sensing a trouncing. Credit to FerryBoat however as the team, spurred on by captain Steve Ray, staged a gallant fightback.  A frontline of Alfie and Arthur Matthews plus Dan Clarke worked tirelessly and the second goal came when Clarke shot home from a narrow angle. Ferry's third came when Alfie Matthews broke through and saw his shot deflected to Clarke who shot home . The final five minutes saw Ferry surround the Kings Head goal but somehow they could not get the ball in the net. Overall it was  good game to watch with Kings Head deserving their close victory, but credit to the young Ferry side who averaged just twenty years old.

16th October 2005 AFC Woodbridge gained all three points in a tight encounter at Langley Avenue. FerryBoat had a poor first half as they struggled to cope with a powerful Woodbridge frontline and at the other end of the pitch they lacked enough composure to put the ball in the net. Woodbridge took the lead on half an hour , the inevitable happening when Ferry's defence were outmuscled to the ball. An injury to Sean Ryan saw Ferry's Alfie Matthews join his brother Arthur on the pitch for the first time in a Ferry shirt and he came close with a shot from ten yards out. Woodbridge continued to apply the pressure however and by half time they had added another goal to their tally.

Halftime saw FerryBoat reshuffle their formation and the next 45 minutes was a different affair. The defence were now coping well at the back and the midfielders were having a lot of possession. The home side got back in the game when the ball was crossed from the right and the clearance fell to Jim Lee who stabbed the ball home. FerryBoat went in search of the equaliser but were denied in injury time when Atwell's powerful header cannoned off the bar 

 9th October 2005. FerryBoat made the trip to Gainsborough SC expecting a tough game against old rivals Locomotive and although the home side were worthy opponents the visitors ran out 5-1 winners. Right from the start the difference between the two sides was obvious, Loco had experience and strength whereby FerryBoat had most of their players under the age of 25 and fighting for their place in the squad. Locomotive controlled the game for the first ten minutes with a succession of set pieces, but Ferry keeper Matt Ray set his stall out on what was going to prove to be an exceptional performance. Twice in the early stages the young keeper came bravely off his line before delivering a perfect drop kick which elder brother Steve ran on to and finished with ease. On half an hour Davies picked the ball out on the right, steadied himself and delivered a pinpoint cross which Dan Clarke met at the penalty spot with a header which gave the keeper no chance. Just before half time Clarke was denied by the woodwork, but the whistle came with FerryBoat knowing they faced a tough second half.

Loco came out with an increased tempo but Terry Atwell was inspirational in the Ferry midfield, along with a defence  which is proving to be difficult to penetrate this season. Arthur Matthews had replaced Johnson at half time, and the popular youngster got the critical third goal when he ran onto a cross and volleyed home from the edge of the box. Clarke got a fourth for Ferry which effectively finished the game but the match hit a sour note when local cop PC Dunnett suffered a serious ankle injury which neccesitated the calling of an ambulance. Loco regrouped  and had a glimmer of hope when a shot was deflected in by Steve Ray. Loco drew strength from this but they were deflated when  Atwell chased an apparent lost cause and in the ensuing melee lobbed the keeper. Final score Locomotive 1 FerryBoat 5 and all at FerryBoat wish PC Dunnett a swifty return to the beat.

 2nd October 2005. Martlesham Wanderers made FerryBoat fight all the way in their Shield tie but a first half barrage from the visitors which produced four goals gave FerryBoat the game. Martlesham started the strongest, and FerryBoat took a while to adjust to the tight pitch but once the visitors got their shape they began to look dangerous. The first goal came from the in form Wayne Davies who gave the keeper no chance when he found space on the right. A steady wind blew down the pitch and FerryBoat were having to measure their passes to keep the ball from running away. The second goal came when FerryBoat's Terry Atwell made space for himself in midfield before unleashing a right foot shot which went beyond the keeper's grasp. Davies virtually sealed the tie on half an hour when he was fed the ball by Johnson and once again provided a clinical finish. Martlesham gave their opponents no time on the ball which meant FerryBoat had to produce their two and three touch game which is a major feature of their training sessions on Thursdays.  Ferry's fourth goal was a delight to watch, Chris Moy picked the ball up in midfield, the ball was passed along the left before finding Moy who had made 30 yards to drive the ball home. Half time saw the visitors 4-0 up but credit to Martlesham who came out for the second half with a strong resolve. Although Ferry's goal was rarely troubled, the home side started to play some good football and were rewarded when a speculative 25 yarder caught on the wind and sailed over stand in keeper Jimmie Billington's head to ruin his dream of a clean sheet. New signing James Turley had a solid game at the back for FerryBoat along with Sean Ryan who has impressed since signing this season. 

25th September 2005 FerryBoat had a comfortable 4-0 victory against Orford Town in the opening round of the ITFC Community Cup albeit that they were forced to field an unfamiliar line up due to a catalogue of injuries. Ferry stormed into an early lead when Wayne Davies swept the ball across the field to Jim Lee, the captain on the day cut into the box and hit a low shot past the keeper. On ten minutes the lead was extended when the orchestrators of the first goal reversed their roles, Lee producing a perfect cross which Davies headed in. Ferry continued to apply pressure but they didn't find it easy to kill off the game. The Orford keeper blocked most shots and Paul Johnson was denied a goal by the crossbar before Dan Clarke saw his shot beat the keeper only to cannon off the post. Half time saw Ferry two up but still with a bit to do in order to progress. 

Referee Terry Scopes was having an easy game, with neither side giving him anything to get his feathers ruffled although one visitor in particular was having a problem avoiding cluttering into the Ferry midfield which resulted in a succession of free kicks. The killer third goal came from a Davies corner which was met with a trademark header from Terry Atwell who was defying his elder statesman position in the team. Jim Lee put the icing on the cake with his second when he  avoided the offside flag and ran through  to beat the keeper. Orford took their defeat well though and still seemed to enjoy the game which after all is what it's all about.

11th September 2005 . FerryBoat's local derby with Felixstowe Customs took place in gloomy conditions at Langley Ave. The rain held off at the start but soon resumed and continued for most of the game. Right from the start Customs closed FerryBoat down at the earliest attempt and the home side had to be quick on their feet to carve out any chances. An early goal looked likely when Steve Ray unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the box but as the ball was rising Customs keeper Richard Welham produced a magnificent save to tip the ball over. Ferry continued to turn the screw however and took the lead when Dan Clarke drove home from close range. Customs continued to play the ball at a frantic pace and some good balls from Flatman fed their frontrunners but they  couldn't convert them into goals. Wayne Davies had been switched to an attacking midfield position to take advantage of his shooting prowess and the popular local builder paid back his manager's faith by hitting a sweet low strike which zipped along into the corner of the net giving Welham no chance. Ferry went into the halftime break 2-0 up.

The second half started with the rain increasing and Ferry knew the next goal would be crucial. Things went well for the home side however when Steve Ray increased the lead with a well hit free kick which Welham couldn't get hold of. Customs still came back at FerryBoat and for a fifteen minute period they had the better of the play but still couldn't make enough clear chances. Ferry got a fourth goal from Clarke who had tormented the visiting defenders all morning. The game was being played in a good spirit for a local derby with some strong tackling from both sides without the game ever getting nasty. Customs gained a consolation goal at the end with a classic move. The ball was lost in Ferry's midfield, swept out to Customs right hand side and instantly crossed to the near post where it was met with a bullet of a header. That was it though and FerryBoat took the points and can be pleased with their start in Division One.

4th September 2005 Ferryboat made the long journey up to Kelsale for their first game in Division One. Kick off time arrived with no sign of the ref, so Kelsale official Alan Revell offered his services which was welcomed by both teams. FerryBoat started brightly and for the first quarter of an hour they created some excellent moves which failed to produce the end result. The opening goal came from a corner to FerryBoat, however it was not the visitors who took advantage as a long clearance fooled the Ferry defence and Kelsale went ahead from the counter attack. Ferry responded well and Billington's persistence on the right carved out a chance for himself which he despatched with ease. Kelsale took the lead once more  when they won possession from a throw in and ran through to score from close range. Both keepers were in good form, coming off their line bravely to clear although as the game went on they both picked up injuries for their reward. Once more Ferry equalised when Kelsale failed to deal with the ball in the box and when Johnsons shot was parried Steve Ray pounced to drive the ball home. The half time scores were level, and the large crowd which and came out in the sun were commenting on one of the best halves of football that they had seen for some time, a credit to both teams.

The second half saw much of the same although chances were becoming harder. New Ferry signings Rick Studd and Sean Ryan both showed what they can offer for the season ahead and should prove assets to the club. Ferry had the better of the clear chances in the second half, Kelsales keeper made a great save from the first of these to keep out a header from Ray. Johnson hit the upright with a header before Clarke mde space in the box before driving his shot against the post. No goals in the second half and the score remained 2-2, but a good opening game for both teams.