Reports 2006 / 2007

8th April 2007  FerryBoat finished their league fixtures for this season with a fine win against Kelsale. A glorious Easter morning drew a good sized crowd to Langley Avenue, boosted by a decent following from Kelsale. Ferryboat were missing both strikers for this game plus captain Steve Ray who is battling to shake off a hamstring injury in time to represent Stonham Aspal in the county final at Portman Rd next week. Kelsale were also fielding a few new faces and from the start both teams set out to play decent football. Ferry started brightly and a long perod of pressure produced a few corners which came to nothing. The home side came close when a succession of attempts from close range were blocked only to see the final effort from Stuart Beer go close. Referee Rick Chapman was making his first visit to Walton Rec and he put on a good display aided by both teams who got on with the game and gave him no trouble. Half time saw the game goalless and Ferry knew they had to take their chances if they were to avoid yet another draw.

From the kick off Ferry attacked again and Wayne Davies thought he had scored when he met a cross with a powerful header but the Kelsale keeper saved superbly to parry the ball out. The breakthrough came soon from a corner when Paul Johnson rose to head the ball home. Kelsale had a couple of long range efforts go wide but Ferry sealed the match when Terry Atwell headed home from another corner. Chris Moy came on after a few weeks out through injury and he almost grabbed a wonder goal when with his back to goal he flicked the ball up then turned to unleash a left foot volley, but his goalbound effort was denied by another good save. The final whistle saw Ferry gain victory but Kelsale also enjoyed the match and just need a few more points from their remaining games. So the curtain came down on Ferry's first season in the Premier Division, and after the opening games they have only suffered one defeat in their last 15 league fixtures. Next season we will be looking to improve even more though and we will be recruiting two or three good quality players to strengthen the squad. If you feel you are up for it, contact Ferry's manager Barry Glover or go to the website at http://fbfc.users.btopenworld.com/  for details.

1st April 2007 Ferryboat welcomed AFC Woodbridge to Walton Rec with the home side looking certain for a mid table spot and the visitors only needing a few more points to avoid relegation. Both teams had lean squad to pick from as the season had started to take it's toll with injuries. The game got off to an incredible start as Woodbridge kicked off, played the ball back only to lose it to Dan Clarke who squared it to Wayne Davies who made no mistake in scoring with around twenty seconds on the clock. Woodbridge did well to shrug off the blow however and didn't let the early goal put them off their game. Ferry captain Steve Ray was trying to ignore a knee injury which he had picked up, but it was obvious from the sidelines that it was holding him back. On twenty minutes Woodbridge got back into the game when Matt Green took the ball into the box only for a lunging tackle from Jimmie Billington to take him clean out and concede a penalty. Captain Steve Moore, who loves to score against Ferryboat, stepped up to take the spotkick and with the home fans praying for a miss he made no mistake by putting it low down in the corner of the goal. The rest of the second half was largely dominated by Woodbridge but their possession failed to test keeper Matt Ray.

Steve Ray came off at half time, replaced by young Arthur Matthews who managed at last to stay alcohol free and pull on a red shirt. FerryBoat came close in the second half when Clarke broke through but just as he teed up his shot Rick Moore made a tremendous last ditch tackle to deny him. At the other end Woodbridge came close when a long range shot was tipped over the bar for Matt Ray. Ferry forced a series of corners from which they came close but the goal just couldn't come. Both sides played the game in a good spirit , aided by the usual high standard of referee Tim Moore. The final result was 1-1 which meant that Ferry have now only had one defeat in their last thirteen games, but if only they could have converted some of the draws into victories then this could have been an even better season for them. They will be looking for a win on Easter Sunday in their last game of the season against Kelsale SC.

25th March 2007 Ferryboat and Kirton shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Kirton Rec in a game which rarely entertained the supporters who had come out on a fine sunny morning. The bumpy pitch combined with a deceptively strong wind made it hard for the visitors in the first half with passes regularly going astray. For a split second Ferry thought they would take the lead early on when Paul Johnson directed a powerful header towards the goal but Kirton keeper Danny Crump pulled off a fine save to keep the ball out. Play switched to the other end and a tame shot took a deflection off Terry Atwell and nestled in the corner of the net giving keeper Matt Ray no chance. Kirton were well on top, but they couldn't find the end product as the Ferry defence stood firm. Kirton were dealt a blow when young Ashley Childs, who had been having a good game, came off worse in a challenge with Chris Moy and had to retire with a painful foot injury. Moy played on, but as a result of the collision he too had to come off at half time as his knee had swollen up.

The second half saw the fortunes reversed as Kirton now battled against the pitch and the wind and Ferryboat went close through long shots from Sean Ryan and Danny Smith. The equaliser came when Dan Clarke curled a corner to the far post which was attacked by a group of FerryBoat players with Steve Ray getting the first touch to sweep the ball home. Kirton threw caution to the wind in the last five minutes, as they were desperate for three points to close the gap on the leaders but they only produced one further save from Matt Ray when he smothered the ball at the feet of Moss. A fair result in the end with both teams having a good half each but at the end both managers would have felt that they could have got all three points had their team been more consistent throughout.

18th March 2007 Ferryboat staged a dogged fightback in their match against Felixstowe Harpers to gain a point after a nightmare start to the game. It was one of those mornings for the Ferry management, a combination of work, injuries, love and alcohol meant that the squad consisted of a fit eleven and two reluctant subs who had been hoping to rest knee strains. Harpers also had problems of their own as keeper Swann arrived then departed feeling ill meaning that Chris Rogowski put on the gloves. Ferry started well, but it was awkward to judge the strong wind with any high balls being swept off course. Despite their bright start, Ferry went behind after ten minutes when John Hope bent a free kick round the wall and into the corner of the goal. Minutes later the match looked over for Ferry when a cross from Harpers left wing was headed into his own net by Terry Atwell, the build up also causing Matt Burt to go off with a pulled hamstring. James Turley was introduced as sub on twenty minutes and Ferry seemed to have stopped the rot, Hope had gone close with another free kick but Ferry had forced a couple of chances at the other end. Just before half time Ferry got back into the game when Steve Ray ran through a crowded box and slotted the ball home with Harpers vainly appealing for offside.

Half time saw Hope replaced due to a thigh strain and Ferry put pressure on Harpers from the start, the idea was to keep the ball low as Adam Grimwood was cleaning everything up in the air at the back for Harpers and Ferry forced a succession of corners during which Atwell came close with a bullet header. Clarke left for FerryBoat and his replacement Chris Moy sent in a couple of superb corners, the first one was prodded in by Atwell for the equaliser and Rogowski palmed the second one out from under the bar. The last ten minutes saw Ferry push for the equaliser and they came close when Wayne Davies had his shot saved from close range but they had to settle for a point which given the circumstances was more than they could have expected earlier in the morning.

13th March 2007 Pictures and report from FerryBoat v Rufus BK

Over here for their pre season tour Rufus won their first game 11-0. After that it was on to Portman Road as they have a few Ipswich fans among them and things took a turn for the worse when Town were beaten 2-0 by Essex giants Southend United. We started brightly with Dan Clarke looking dangerous up front and we went ahead early on when Clarke made a goal out of nothing, taking two players on before hitting home from a tight angle. Rufus played a good passing game, rarely taking more than two or three touches but Ferry's defence cut out any threats up front. It was good to see one of the League's senior referees Andy Chapman volunteer his services for the game and he kept the game flowing throughout. Midway through the first half Danny Smith scored Ferry's second and his partnership up front with Dan Clarke was keeping the visitors on their toes

Dan Clarke had to leave at half time, and Smithy only had ten minutes before he had to leave for work but it was enough to get his second, almost a copy of Clarke's opener. Rufus had a couple of shots go close before they got a consolation when a close range shot went in off of Terry Atwell.  Sean Ryan had been pushed into midfield at half time and his determination paid off when he scored Ferry's fourth. Final score was 4-1 but it was good to meet our opponents who have invited us to a re-match in Oslo some time.

18th February 2007 FerryBoat scored the only goal of the game in a tight encounter at Notcutts park which kept the visitors in the top pack of the division and left the home side looking for points if they are to pull away up the table. Woodbridge had the better of the first half and given the time they played some nice passing football but lacked the edge in the final third. Most of the home sides build ups came down the left hand side with Horner and Green looking comfortable on the ball. FerryBoat were not playing to their normal level and when half time came they knew that they had to improve if they were to come away with anything. 

The second half was a much better performance from the visitors and they instantly went close with a long shot from the lively Dan Clarke. The increased tempo of the game suited the visitors and a superb through ball picked out Clarke who ran forward and lashed his shot past the keeper to put FerryBoat ahead. Woodbridge pushed up the field to look for the equaliser but this left gaps at the back and it looked like they would be punished when Matt Bone was brought down in the box. Matt Burt stepped up to take the penalty but for the first time in a FerryBoat shirt he saw his shot saved well by the keeper. The game was enjoyable to watch with both sides passing the ball around well and this was helped by a good performance from ref Louis Dawson who played the advantage  and kept the game flowing. In the closing minutes Woodbridge had  couple of corners which put the pressure on Ferry's defence but they held firm  for a good win. The fixture list now shows no League action for a month for FerryBoat so there will be a few friendlies arranged and plenty of training on Thursday nights to get ready for the final part of the season.

11th February 2007 Kirton controversially snatched victory over Ferryboat in the dying minutes of the game at Walton Recreation Ground. Both sides were keen to get the better of their local rivals and Ferry started well as only a superb reflex save from Danny Crump stopped them from taking the lead. With most games called off after the week's bad weather, the Walton Rec pitch stood the test with only the goalmouths causing any concern. Against the run of play Kirton took the lead midway through the half when Danny Robinson raced through and gave keeper Matt Ray no chance with his powerful finish. Crump made another save at the other end, this time from a close range header from Steve Ray but minutes later he lost the ball in the sun leaving Paul Johnson free to drive the ball home from close range. Ferry's defence were doing well in closing down the Kirton attacks, with John Barrell and Terry Atwell outstanding.

By halftime the crowd had swelled as the sun came out and soon into the second half they saw FerryBoat take the lead when Steve Ray guided his header past Crump. Best moment of the morning came when Steve Ray looked clean through only for Danny Baines to hit him like a steam train, the ref decided it was a fair challenge much to the amusement of the crowd. The game looked like it would be going Ferry's way but Kirton gathered strength to press for the equaliser and aided by two fortunate decisions they grabbed two late goals, Robinson got his second before Tommy Childs curled in a free kick. FerryBoat were gutted but credit to Kirton and the teams shared drinks and food after the game with Bainsey drawing a chorus of boos from the Ferry contingent as he entered the bar !

 28th January 2007 FerryBoat played hosts to Whitton Kings Head and the home side were looking to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture which was FerryBoat's last loss in the Premier Division way back in October. Both sides were missing regulars but FerryBoat were dealt a further blow after ten minutes when defender John Barrell suffered a nasty cut mouth after  incident in the box from a corner. While Barrell was being treated Whitton took advantage and went into the lead with shot from just outside the box. Barrell had to stay off and was replaced by Johnson with young Arthur Matthews dropping back into defence. Ferry pushed for an equaliser and came close when a cross from Jim Lee ran inches in front of the advancing Danny Smith. Sean Ryan had to be substituted for FerryBoat after he pulled up with a tight hamstring on thirty minutes. Both sides were enjoying the space at Walton Rec and Whitton could have extended their lead but for a brilliant save from Matt Ray. 

Half time saw FerryBoat push on up the park , and with Johnson on form in the centre they picked out the forwards but Whitton's two centre backs were proving hard to get past. Both keepers were in form whenever the defences were penetrated but with twenty minutes left Ferry skipper Jim Lee hit a low drive from twenty five yards which found the left hand corner of the net.. Both sides went in search of the winner and Wayne Davies came closest for the home side when he slipped his marker only to see the keeper block the shot. 1-1 was a fair result and Ferry were pleased to see their unbeaten run stretch to nine games.

 21st January 2007. Felixstowe Harpers switched their game against FerryBoat to Eastward Ho as their Trimley Sports Club pitch was waterlogged, and although the second choice pitch was in perfect condition a strong wind gusted across the playing area. Both sides have been scoring freely in the top division this year but the first half saw few chances to test keepers Ray and Swanny. Steve Ray came close from a couple of free kicks for FerryBoat and at the other end Andy Lewis had a chance which flashed across the goal. 

The second half saw more chances created, Ferry skipper Jim Lee was menacing on the left and a cross was met with a strong header from Dan Clarke but Swann was well placed to catch it. Probably the best chance of the game came from another cross from the left, Matt Bone couldn't quite connect with it and it fell to Wayne Davies but his shot went inches wide. At the other end Harpers looked dangerous when breaking forward but they were reduced to long shots as John Barrell and Stuart Berr stood firm in the centre of the Ferry defence. The home sides best chance came when Jack Entwhistle almost converted from close range for Harpers only to be denied by Matt Ray diving at his feet. The game's last chance of a goal came when Steve Ray slipped his defender and hit a shot from the edge of the box which produced a fine save from Swann. So the end result was a 0-0 draw which in a game which was well contested by both teams who couldn't quite get to grips with the windy conditions.

 14th January 2007. After the previous week's victory at league leaders Belstead Arms, FerryBoat were faced with arguably an even tougher challenge against a Wickham Market side who were unbeaten on the pitch this season. Wickham kicked off and for the first minute or so they kept possession well and looked strong going forward but this soon changed as FerryBoat started to attack with pace which was causing all sorts of problems in the visitors' defence. Danny Smith went close and Matt Bone had a close range header kept out by a wonder save before Bone was brought down in the goalmouth resulting in ice cool Matt Burt converting the penalty to put the home side ahead. Smith once again went close before a cross from Jim Lee found him perfectly placed to guide his header into the net. At two goals down Wickham showed little sign of getting back into the match and indeed soon after Ferry had hit the woodwork they went three up through an unfortunate own goal by the Wickham centre back.. Ferry's half time team talk was naturally positive but although they knew they could have been leading by more there was also the fact that Wickham would surely up their tempo. 

The visiting manager made three change at half time as a sign that he was not happy and the kick seemed to do the trick as Wickham pushed on to get something out of the game . A couple of shots flashed wide across the home goal but their tactics were leaving them exposed at the back and Ferry came close when Wayne Davies hit the bar. On the hour Wickham were rewarded for their play when they closed down an attempted clearance and ran in to the box to score. With fifteen minutes remaining Ferry's nerves were tested when a Wickham corner almost crept in direct from the kick, the referee adjudged that Matt Ray had got a hand to it and from the second kick the visitors got their second. Wickham piled everying into getting an equaliser but five minutes from the end Terry Atwell sealed the win with a low drive from ten yards after a corner was headed down. That killed the game and the home side held on to record a fine 4-2 victory.

7th January 2007 FerryBoat travelled to League leaders Belstead Arms looking to balance the books after Belstead had won 4-3 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. The slope on the pitch was going to be a big advantage as those who played up it were also into the wind on a heavy but playable pitch. Belstead kicked down first half but Ferry kept them at bay for much of the opening stages and only a superb save from the Belstead keeper stopped the visitors going ahead. The break came after 25 minutes however when Ferry were awarded a corner and Terry Atwell rose in the box to head the ball home. Belstead were not going to be rocked though and they upped their momentum forcing Ferry to defend deep. After a period of pressure they got their deserved equaliser when a cross came over from the left and was met with a near post header which gave Matt Ray no chance. Just before half time Belstead could have taken the lead but Ray tipped the low drive round the post and the scores were even at half time.

The second half saw Ferry use the advantage to the full and they kept the ball down on the ground and found space in the last third . They went ahead when good persistence from Dan Clarke and Wayne Davies led to the ball bouncing loose on the edge of the box only for skipper Jim Lee to drive a right footed (yes, right footed!) shot low past the keeper. The subs were introduced and within minutes Matt Bone had a golden chance but as he tried to round the keeper the ball stuck in the mud and foiled him. Ferry's put the game beyond Belstead's grasp when Dan Clarke, who had a superb game up front, was felled in the box and Matt Burt made no mistake with the spot kick. Belstead pushed on in the last fifteen minutes and played some good football but they could not find the finishing touch. Ferry thoroughly deserved the win but credit to both sides for two good, tough but sporting games of football this season.

10th December 2006 This week saw the quirk of the League fixtures whereby FerryBoat and Locomotive found themselves meeting each other on successive weekends. FerryBoat came away from the first fixture with a solid 3-0 victory so Locomotive were looking to set the record straight on their visit to Walton Rec. The home side started strongly and Danny Smith put a couple of shots over the bar early in the game

The second goal came soon after the restart Chris Moy put in a teasing corner which wasn't dealt with and Matt Bone poked the ball in before peeling away to soak up the adulation of the fans. Referee Kevin Honey was having a good game, and while keeping the game under control he let play flow wherever he could. FerryBoat killed off the game within minutes of the second goal when Bone took the ball to the byline and steadied himself before curling the over the keeper. The home side were really in full flow now and Loco were starting to defend deeper, from a free kick on the edge of the box Dan Clarke hit a shot which gave the keeper no chance. Loco's attacks were fading at this stage but when Magor made a run into the box he was absolutely taken out by Matt Burt for a penalty and stepped up to convert. For a period Ferry got the jitters after this goal but they calmed down and Ferry's fifth came when Bone secured his hat trick with a close range header. 

 3rd December 2006 Locomotive and FerryBoat arrived at Gainsborogh Sports Centre to be greeted by driving rain and gale force winds but by the time the teams kicked off the rain had stopped and conditions had  improved considerably. Both teams soon got into their game and played some nice football. The attendance was down on previous seasons, due to the weather no doubt, but those who had turned out saw an even battle for the first part of the game. The first blow was always going to be decisive and it was Ferry who took the lead when Wayne Davies guided a header into the net from close range. The Loco forwards were looking strong when running at Ferry's defence but the visitors stood firm and restricted them to long shots which Matt Ray dealt with well. Half time saw Ferry with a slender lead but Loco were confident that they could get back in the game.

The restart saw Loco get on top but although they had the bulk of the ball for ten minutes they couldn't convert this into chances and against the run of play FerryBoat extended the lead when Chris Moy broke through and beat the keeper. The goal stopped Loco in their tracks and Ferry worked hard to take control of the game . Matt Bone worked tirelessly up front along with the midfield who were quick to support. With five minutes remaining Bone slid the ball through to Davies who made no mistake and put the game beyond Loco's reach. A good three points for Ferryboat but Locomotive played their part in a good game of football.

 26th November 2006. FerryBoat travelled to Kelsale for a game which in past seasons has always ended with both teams sharing the points. Ferry started well for the first five minutes but Kelsale started to get more into the game and the advantage of wind and slope meant that they could hit the visitors on the break. The home side came close a couple of times before taking the lead just as the skies darkened and the first claps of thunder were heard. With the rain starting to pour, Kelsale forced Matt Ray into a couple of fine saves before adding to their tally with a shot from close range. Kelsale were awarded a free kick twenty yards out which resulted in the ball coming off the bar. Had it gone in it would have been game set and match but Ferry clawed some respect out of the first half when Dan Clarke planted a perfect cross which was headed in with precision by Wayne Davies. 

Luckily for the locals, the thunder drowned out Ferry's half time team talk but the second half saw the visitors come alive and they started to play some nice football. Ferryboat soon got the equaliser when Jim Lee drove the ball across the keeper for his first goal of the season. Ferry had chances to win the game, notably Steve Ray's free kick which came off the bar and a good link up between Bone and Clarke almost came off only for Clarke to lose his footing in the mud as he lined up his shot. Likewise at the other end Kelsale came close a couple of times  but keeper Matt Ray continued his first half performance with fine saves. A draw was a fair result yet again, and both teams had enjoyed the football in conditions made all the more bizarre by the fact that on the return to Felixstowe it had been sunny all day without any sign of a cloud.

5th November 2006 FerryBoat and Kirton met for the first time ever, the Premier division clubs being drawn together in the Sunday Cup. A large crowd was drawn to Kirton Rec and they went away having watched a good game of football on a glorious sunny morning. FerryBoat started brightly, forcing a couple of corners but Kirton took the lead when Andy Crump showed great technique to bring a cross down and lob Ferry keeper Matt Ray. Ferry kept the pace going but their three at the back were getting stretched by Kirton's movement up front. At the other end the younger Crump was doing a fine job in goal denying Danny Smith and Wayne Davies.

With the score 1-0 at the break, Ferry manager Barry Glover switched to a back four and this released the wingers to put Kirton on the defensive. The game had a moment of controversy when Kirton added a second after the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line. Naturally everyone in the Kirton camp thought it had gone over while all those on the other side were sure it hadn't . Until video evidence comes to Kirton we will have to go with the ref's decision so a goal it was. Ferry pushed on in the last half hour and got a deserved goal back when Jim Lee planted a perfect cross onto the head of Dan Smith. An equaliser came close several times , but Crump was on form  to deny Ferry. Arthur Matthews made a welcome return for Ferry, coming on as sub in the latter stages. Kirton held on till the end and FerryBoat wish them success in the further rounds.

 22nd October 2006 FerryBoat went into the match against McGintys looking for a much better performance than they had in the previous week's defeat at Whitton. The home side lined up with confidence but within two minutes they were a goal down when McGintys attacked down the centre and forced an error from keeper Matt Ray. Unlike the previous week, Ferry dug in and increased their effort, with Dan Clarke returning up front and causing the visitors problems. McGintys were really playing some good football and they were rewarded with a second goal with the game still only fifteen minutes old. The goal didn't dent Ferry's effort and they were rewarded when Steve Ray's powerful shot was guided in by Dan Clarke, at least that is Clarke's view of the goal!  Ferry were now creeping back into the game and it looked like the equaliser would come when Clarke rounded Charters only to see his shot from a narrow angle go narrowly wide. The game was entertaining for the spectators with McGintys hitting the woodwork twice, and referee Derek Murray was doing a good job in keeping the game being played in the right spirit. Just before half time FerryBoat forward Matt Bone chased down a ball to the byline and James Turley's accurate cross was met with a bullet header from Wayne Davies for the equaliser. McGintys had the bulk of the chances in the first half but Ferry had taken theirs well and had clawed themselves back into the game.

The second half saw McGinty's playing with the wind and for the first ten minutes dominated the play but Ferry defended well and the visitors started to fade slightly. Ferry then took over for the last half hour and were rewarded with the winner , Matt Burt converting a penalty after Bone was bundled over. Ferry had several chances go close in the latter stages with Davies coming close twice but they were happy to win the game against very good opponents who were sporting enough in defeat to join their hosts for a beer after the game.

8th October 2006 Locomotive hosted FerryBoat in the Suffolk Sunday Cup, a match which was to provide excitement right up to the last seconds. The two sides have met numerous times over the last few years in their progress up the divisions and the spectators turned up in the knowledge that the game should be a close call. FerryBoat started brightly from the kick off and their first attack saw the ball flash across the goalmouth. Loco got a foot into the game however and in the fifth minute they got behind the Ferry full back and crossed for the opening goal. Ferry didn't panic and produced some good football which they couldn't quite convert into goals . Danny Smith came close on 30 minutes when he produced a shot of unbelievable power which the Loco keeper instinctively palmed on to the bar. In the closing stages of the first half frustration crept in to the FerryBoat side as they searched for the goal, and this gave Loco their best period of the game when they came close a couple of times.

A positive half time talk restored Ferry's confidence and from the kick off they produced a sweeping move which resulted in James Turley's cross to the far post just being missed by Wayne Davies. The equaliser had to come, and it came from Davies when he cut inside on the right and delivered a ball which sailed over everyone including the keeper. Ferry now had their tails up and man of the match Smith was working hard up front with his partner Steve Ray but Loco took the lead for a second time when Ben Magor shrugged off his marker and ran on to deliver a clinical finish. Chris Moy was introduced for Ferry to give additional width and it proved a master stroke as Terry Atwell found Sean Ryan who released Moy to deliver a low cross from the byline which Ray  scrambled over the line. Loco were hit hard by this and in the last ten minutes they looked tired as they had given a magnificent effort for their manager Gary Wright but the game had one last twist when Turley slid the ball through to Ray on the edge of the box who drove the ball low across the keeper into the far corner of the net. The whistle went immediately after the restart and FerryBoat progressed into the second round.

 1st October 2006. Wickham Market hosted FerryBoat for the first time and they put in a storming last half hour which gave them a 3-0 victory. Both sides started off edgy but soon got into their game and after Matt Ray saved well for the visitors the play went up the other end and Ferry should have taken the lead when Matt Bone flashed his shot over the bar from close range. Wickham were getting a little restless as the game wasn't going their way but they took the lead when Ray's reflex save fell to the feet of the Wickham forward for a simple tap in.

The second half saw the home side kicking downhill with the wind but Ferry came close to an equaliser when Danny Smith's long range effort hit the bar. Two well worked corners from Smith and Jim Lee also went close but as Ferry pushed on they started to leave the back line exposed. Once Wickham extended their lead with half an hour remaining they grew in confidence and surged forward in numbers. Their third came near the end and gave Ferry their first footballing lesson since promotion to the Premier Division. Plenty to talk about in the visitors changing room after the game but it won't be the last time they get beaten by three goals, just need to focus on the games ahead.

17th September 2006. An early season top of the table clash produced a thrilling encounter in which first placed Belstead Arms narrowly defeated Premiership new boys FerryBoat 4-3. Both sides were in a buoyant mood at the start after their good opening results and it was Belstead who took the lead when their tall striker peeled off his marker to plant his header firmly in the net. The leaders did not have time to consolidate however as within five minutes Danny Smith hit an unstoppable shot to draw FerryBoat level. Referee Rod Doctor was having a good game in the middle and he kept control of the game well although both sides were not giving him anything to worry about. Belstead Arms took the lead once more after half an hour when a ball from the left was swung in and met from close range. The football being played by both sides was a joy to watch and close to half time James Turley swung in a corner for Ferry and the evergreen Terry Atwell hit a powerful header which the keeper could not get to in time. 

The second half started much as the first had finished, both sides taking turns to attack but Ferry took the lead for the first time when Atwell once more headed in from a corner. The rollercoaster game continued as Belstead followed up a save from Matt Ray and poked in the equaliser and with ten minutes remaining they took the lead again with a fine near post header. In the last seconds the game almost took a final twist when Ferry's Jimmie Billingtion hit a low drive through a crowded Belstead box but somehow a visiting defender got a foot to it and kept it out. Belstead claimed all three points, but it was a good morning out for two talented bunches of lads who had put on a good display.

10th September 2006. After a creditable draw in their first Premier Division game FerryBoat went to Whitton to meet up with Norbridge. Visiting manager Barry Glover had a selection nightmare with both first and second choice keepers missing so it was down to Chris Moy to don the gloves for the first time. FerryBoat started brightly and should have taken the lead early on but Matt Bone's shot from close range went just wide. Norbridge were playing the ball around well but they went a goal behind when Wayne Davies made a good run to the back post and scored from close range. The home side started to get numbers forward and they equalised on the half hour with a well taken goal from a long through ball. FerryBoat knew they couldn't sit back and play for a draw so they pushed on and took the lead with a goal from the training field when Davies whipped in a free kick which was powerfully headed home by Steve Ray. At the other end Moy was being kept alert but he started to warm to the position and kept out all that was coming at him. Just before half time Ferry extended their lead when James Turley showed good footwork to shake off his defender followed by a pinpoint cross to the far post which Bone gleefully snapped up with a good header.

Ferry were expecting to come under the cosh second half but in their midfield Paul Johnson and Terry Atwell covered a lot of ground to defend and keep possession. Ferry got a fourth when Turley hit a low ball across the goal and Johnson struck the ball into the roof of the net. Norbridge were starting to get rattled but they produced their best spell of the game for ten minutes and were rewarded with a goal which gave them some hope. The visitors hit a killer punch however when with ten minutes remaining Lee Unwin's throw in sent Steve Ray on a solo run and he finished well. Ray almost got a hat trick with a looping shot from 30 yards which cannoned off the bar but Ferry fans were happy with the 5-2 victory against a very good side.

3rd September 2006 FerryBoat welcomed Taverners to Walton Recreation ground for the home sides first match in the Premier Division. Both sides were missing a few players as is usual for this time of year but both squads performed well and served up an entertaining game.
Taverners started well and soon created a chance which flashed across the face of the goal. Referee Les King was letting the game flow from the start and the teams used the advantage to play some crisp football. Ferry took the lead when Chris Moy passed the ball to the far post where it was met with delicate header from Matt Bone. From the restart, Ferry seemed to slacken off and Taverners drew level within minutes when they scored from close range.
The second half saw a lot of chances, Taverners hit the post and they took the lead when Ferry made a hash of playing the offside trap. Ferry made a big push in the last 15 minutes and James Turley went close after a one on one with the keeper. The home side equalised with probably the best goal of the game, a fine ball from midfield into Turley was played into the path of Danny Smith whose accurate lob gave the keeper no chance. The points were shared , and both teams and the ref enjoyed a game played in good spirits