Reports 2007 - 2008

27th April 2008 Ferryboat clinched the title with a solid 3-0 victory against Whitton Maypole and in doing so became the first Felixstowe side to win the top division in the Ipswich Sunday League's 40 year history. A large crowd assembled at Walton Rec to cheer on their heroes, who were boosted by Barney Collins making an early morning dash from Portsmouth to be at the game. The home side looked nervous from the whistle, playing some panicky football and this gave the visitors confidence which enabled them to create a few chances. At the other end Ferry went close when Steve Ray had a header cleared off the line, but Whitton could easily have taken the lead when they had two efforts denied by the woodwork. After half an hour Ferry began to show a bit of the movement which had taken them to the top and they were rewarded from a good move, Dan Clarke fed Sean Ryan who ran to the line and put in a cross which was headed in with precision by James Turley. The half time talk came and Ferry were fortunate to be one up on the first half display.

A formation change and a more relaxed side saw FerryBoat take control in the second half and Clarke soon had a chance to extend the lead but his shot sailed over the bar. The second goal soon came however, when the keeper took too long to get the ball under control and was dispossessed by Clarke who converted with a simple tap in. The five man Ferry midfield were dominant now, but they held back to send John Barrell on a mazy run from box to byline and after his unselfish pass found Clarke it was only a tremendous block by the Whitton right back which stopped the goal. Clarke put the icing on the cake ten minutes from the end with a good individual goal, and he now faces a wait of a couple of weeks to see if his 24 goals are enough to give him the Premier Golden Boot. Referee Mike Hamilton signalled the end of the game  and it was a nervous couple of minutes before Ferryboats spies around the grounds rang in to declare the result which meant that they had indeed lifted the title. As is to be expected , Sunday afternoon was a bit of a blur, but thanks to all our friends from other clubs who texted and emailed in to offer congratulations. It was a proud moment for Ferry manager Barry Glover who has taken the club from Div12 to the top of the pack , the trophy and medals presentation will be held at the end of season dinner in May.

13th April 2008 FerryBoat travelled to Notcutts Park to face an AFC Woodbridge side who had been on top form recently, but the visitors were looking for a win to boost their Premier title hopes. Ferryboat started well and within five minutes they took the lead when Woodbridge pushed high up the field allowing Danny Smith to run through and round the keeper but Woodbridge bounced back when their forward was brought down in the box and picked himself up to score from the resultant spot kick. For ten minutes or so the game was on a knife edge but FerryBoat then increased their lead when Smith once again scored with a goal very similar to his first after linking up well with fellow striker Wayne Davies. This signalled a period of dominance from Ferry for the rest of the half and at the break Smith had virtually won the game for the league leaders by taking his tally to four goals.

Ferry reshuffled at half time and set out defend their lead, and Woodbridge made a game of it by playing some good football from defence through the midfield but they just couldn’t find the space to create any clear cut chances. At the other end Smith had a couple more chances, but couldn’t increase his tally thanks to some good positioning from the home keeper. FerryBoat virtually sealed the game on the hour when James Turley put a good cross in the box which was met with a powerful header from Steve Ray into the corner of the net. The icing on the cake came once again from skipper Ray as he grabbed a second and Ferry’s fifth to give them another valuable three points.

30th March 2008. FerryBoat and Belstead Arms played out an excelllent 1-1 draw at Walton Rec and the home side saw the game as a point gained rather than 2 points lost in their attempt at gaining the title. Overnight rain had put the game in some doubt but after a lot of work by the Ferryboat team the pitch was made playable, and it was the visiting side who had a lot of the early game. Ferryboat soon got into the swing of things however, and Shaun Ryan came close when he made a run from midfield only to see his shot glance off the near post. Deasy was making a rare appearance for Belstead, but the Ferry centre partnership of Lee Parry and Terry Atwell ensured that his chances were few and far between, and likewise at the other end Clarke and Pugh were being given no space by the Belstead defence. Half time saw no goals but the fans of both sides were enjoying a good game of football. Ferry upped the pace second half and should have scored when Atwell headed over from under the bar after the ball arrived through a crowd of players. Ferry continued to press and once again went close on occasions but Belstead were defending well. With ten minutes remaining Belstead looked to have dealt the killer blow when they scored with a close range header, but FerryBoat responded well and rescued a point when Collins provided a ball to Dan Clarke who scored with one of the finest headers we've seen this season. There was a frantic end to the game as Ferry searched for the winner, but despite throwing the kitchen sink at the Belstead goal they had to settle for a point. Thanks to Sharon Burman who had an excellent game in the middle.

2nd March 2008. FerryBoat travelled to Ipswich to play Belstead Arms looking for a third successive win to boost their Premier title hopes. Manager Barry Glover had the usual selection problems with seven genuine first teamers out through injury or holidays and those available included Lee Parry who soaked up his previous nights excesses with a beef pasty on the way to the game. Ferry started the game brightly, kept possession well and created some good chances early on. The breakthrough came from a direct approach though, a long kick from Matt Ray caused problems for the Belstead defence and Shaun Pugh lobbed the keeper. After the goal Belstead got more into the game and only a goal line clearance from Jimmie Billington and two fine last ditch tackles from Parry kept Ferry's clean sheet at the break.

The second half saw Belstead playing with the slope and wind, and they launched an assault on the Ferry goal for ten mins or so. Eventually they were rewarded when Gavin Vince won a header in the box , and his team mate hit an unstoppable shot for the equaliser. Neutrals would have put their money on Belstead at this stage but Ferry responded superbly and the Belstead keeper made a superb save from Danny Clarke after Pugh had hit the post. Ferry got their winner in the 70th minute when Pugh was brought down in the box, and Steve Ray stepped up and converted the spot kick. This set up a tense finale to the game , and as Belstead threw men forward for an equaliser , Ferryboat hit them on the break and could easily have extended the lead when Clarke and Ray went close. The final whistle saw Ferry grateful to be 2-1 winners though and a welcome 3 points were in the bag.

24th February 2008 Ferryboat and Felixstowe Harpers drew a big crowd to Langley Avenue and the crowd were treated to a ten goal thriller thanks to some comical defending from both sides, although respective managers Glover and Porter couldn't quite see the funny side of things!  Harpers played some good football throughout the game and took the lead twice in the first half only to be pegged back each time, first an opportunist goal from Dan Clarke and then just before the break a screamer from Sean Ryan. Danny Smith on one of his rare outings for the home side pushed Ferry in front for the first time, and just as the home supporters were expecting Ferry to push on, a slip up at the back allowed Harper's third. Ferry then stretched Harpers with goals from Steve Ray and a fine header from Terry Atwell who was celebrating his 43rd birthday and still produces match winning performances week in week out. With 5 mins remaining some of the crowd started to drift away but they missed a further two goals, the first coming from Harpers to set the nerves jangling before their keeper dropped a shot allowing Ray to prod home his second. The final score was Ferryboat 6 Harpers 4, and with both teams meeting again in two weeks time we can only guess what will happen in the return leg.

10th February 2008 Ferryboat entertained old rivals Locomotive at Walton Rec and the home side ran out convincing winners due to a fine team performance and four goals from Dan Clarke. Ferry looked lively going forward, and early on some crunching tackles from the Loco defence were the only answer to Dan Clarke and Shaun Pughs threat. The opening goal soon came when Clarke slipped through the defence and drove the ball past the keeper. Pugh looked like he would produce a carbon copy minutes later but his powerful shot just went over the bar, however on the half hour Clarke extended the lead when he turned and shot from the edge of the box. At the other end of the pitch Loco were finding chances few however when Scott Moir found a chance he saw his shot cannon off the post. Ferry pushed on and their third goal was quality, the two forwards linking superbly with Clarke chipping across to set up Pughs header. The game was over by half time, Clarke securing his hat trick and putting Ferry four up meant that the atmosphere was buoyant at half time in the home dressing room.

Loco came out trying to get back into the game but once again Ferry struck and it was captain Steve Ray who hit his shot low and hard. Ferry introduced all 3 subs at this stage, and Loco had started to pick up a couple of bookings as referee Marc Potkins did a good job in protecting the Ferry front line. The home fans were sent into ecstasy with twenty mins left, leaping out of their chairs when Pugh got to the byline and delivered a cross which Clarke volleyed in. The last twenty minutes turned a bit sour, first another challenge meant Pugh had to leave the field injured reducing the home side to ten men, then a late challenge from Clarke caused a poor response from Loco with several players lashing out at him and they could count themselves lucky that only one was shown his marching orders as the ref did well to diffuse the situation. In the closing minutes Ferry were denied a clean sheet when careless play at the back allowed Loco to gain a consolation. A good three points for Ferryboat, however they will need their free week which is coming up as they need to get several of their players back from injury.

 27th January 2008 FerryBoat returned to League action this week and played out a well fought match against AFC Woodbridge which ended in a 1-1 draw, however had the goals been an inch bigger it would have been an epic as both sides hit the woodwork three times each! FerryBoat got off to a good start and early on Shaun Pugh ran on and saw his shot go over the bar. Woodbridge then came close when Matt Green cut in from the left and saw his shot hit the post. After half an hour the opening goal came, Sean Ryan playing a neat ball into the path of Dan Clarke who made no mistake with his shot. Ferry thought they should have had a second but it was disallowed for offside when the referee blew on seeing the flag go up only for the assistant to change his mind! The second half saw Woodbridge have more of the game and they thought they had an equaliser but Rob Welham's shot was acrobatically tipped on to the bar by Matt Ray. At the other end Clarke came desperately close when his looped shot cannoned off the bar, and minutes later a fine passing move ended with Pugh's low drive hitting the post. Woodbridge got their equaliser when Green swung a ball over from the wing and Ferry defender John Barrell, who had an outstanding game, headed the ball into his own net. The points were shared at the end  but players, supporters and officials alike enjoyed a fine morning of football.

23rd December 2007 FerryBoat signed off their 2007 programme with a 3-2 victory at home to fellow Premier title chasers Whitton Kings Head. The game drew a large crowd at the kick off thanks to a glorious morning for football, with FerryBoat also parading new signings Lee Parry and Shaun Pugh. Whitton started well, keeping possession and playing some good football, but FerryBoat soon got into their game and started to apply pressure on the visitors' defence. The home sides forward partnership of Pugh and Dan Clarke looked dangerous and on 15 minutes Pugh danced through the Whitton defence to net his first goal on his debut. Ten minutes later FerryBoat extended their lead when Clarke scored with a tradebook clinical finish and it looked as if Ferry could run riot but they were dealt a cruel blow on half an hour when Pugh picked up a knock on his ankle and was withdrawn as a precaution. Ferry reshuffled and had a goal disallowed after Turley was offside but Whitton stepped up their game, and minutes before half time they got one back when the ball deflected to the feet of their forward who tapped in.

Ferry switched their formation at half time and to a degree they had the better of the game but they were rocked with twenty minutes left when a long shot from Middlemiss bounced in front of the outstretched Matt Ray and into the corner of the net. The game was now on a knife edge and both teams had chances to get the killer goal but it went to Ferry Boat when Steve Ray met the keepers drop kick and superbly headed it into the path of Clarke who gave the keeper no chance. It was an entertaining game to watch, and thanks to referee Alan Martin who helped both teams in maintaining a good spirit throughout the match.

16th December 2007 Locomotive upset FerryBoat's momentum at the top of the premier division with a 2-1 victory which was a reward for their effort and determination. Loco started well and stifled Ferryboat but they were unable to test the visitors goal. Ferry had a great chance to score on ten minutes when Stuart Beer went for a ball in the six yard box but the challenge stopped the goal and also resulted in a twisted knee for Beer, causing him to come off.  Ferry went on to create a series of half chances but it was Loco who took the lead when they broke quick down the right catching the Ferry defence out. Locos keeper was in good form and he managed to block everything Ferry could throw at him and Loco increased their lead when Ferry keeper Matt Ray misjudged a cross leaving the ball to be prodded home from close range. Loco were really putting everything into the game and they battled hard to keep their two goal margin at the break.

The second half saw Ferry try to claw back the game, but the pattern stayed the same as the Loco keeper put in a man of the match performance, his best save came from point blank range after James Turley had crossed for Dan Clarke to produce a header. At the other end Matt Ray produced two fine saves to stop certain goals from Loco's Scott Moir. As the game went into the closing stages, Ferry's supporters were becoming frustrated with their sides lack of goals, especially as they had been awarded at least 12 corners and a handful of close range free kicks and some were seen making their way to the burger van to perk themselves up. With four minutes remaining Ferry gained some compensation when Terry Atwell scored from close range but it was not enough to deny Loco a victory which they deserved on the day.

Although disappointed with the defeat, Ferry fans' spirits were somewhat lifted after the game when manager Barry Glover revealed that the club had acquired two quality new signings for the club in Lee Parry and Shaun Pugh , both respected youngsters who are well known in Senior football in Felixstowe.

9th December 2007 FerryBoat surged to the top of the Premier Division after a 3-0 victory against a battling Wickham Market side. The visitors had found a bit of form of late and the opening exchanges were even but as the game progressed Ferry started to dominate. Dan Clarke saw a couple of attempts well saved by the keeper but it only looked a matter of time before Ferry opened the scoring. The breakthrough came eventually on half an hour when Clarke was set up on the edge of the box and the power of his shot was too much for the keeper. A large crowd was enjoying the game, and although a little heavy the pitch had recovered well from the previous day's conditions. Steve Ray came close with a couple of shots for FerryBoat before  they extended their lead with the best goal of the game, Barney Collins leaving his defender for dead before delivering a pinpoint cross for Clarke to head home.

The second half saw Wickham try to get back into the game and they played some good football, but were always thwarted in the final third by the Ferry defence. Ferryboat killed off the game when Clarke broke free on his own, and remembering his manager's instructions hit the ball low across the keeper and into the net, giving him no chance. The game was over as a contest but Ferry went close again with efforts from John Barrell and Paul Johnson, while at the other end Matt Ray made an outstanding close range save to keep the clean sheet. The final whistle was greeted with applause from the crowd, and credit to Wickham Market who will surely climb the table soon and also to ref Rod Doctor who had a fine game.

2nd December 2007 FerryBoat travelled to Police HQ for the third encounter already this season between two in form sides in the Premier Division. So far the spoils had been equal with Ferry winning the  league encounter while the police had dumped their visitors out of the Sunday Cup. The weather was appalling but the fans had braved the weather in the hope of a good game. Police started well and had a couple of half chances but most of their play was in the centre of the park. As the game went on Ferry found their feet and after twenty minutes they took the lead when a drop kick was headed on by Johnson to Clarke who fired home from the edge of the box. This seem to unsettle the Police, and FerryBoat were playing the ball nicely and increased their lead when a shot was saved only as far as Steve Ray who made no mistake from close range. Police went in search of a goal before half time and were awarded a penalty just before the break after a foul by keeper Matt Ray. Up stepped their player to despatch the kick but to his horror the shot went wide off the post.

FerryBoat knew at half time that they would face an onslaught in the second half but they set themselves out to soak up the pressure and they kept the home side at bay restricting them to long shots. At the other end Clarke was tormenting the defence and he took a battering as they became more frustrated in containing him. Ferry got the killer third goal when Clarke superbly brought down Turley's through ball and slipped his defender before unselfishly squaring it for Johnson to slide the ball home. The goal killed the match and the Police heads dropped but they got a consolation through bizarre circumstances when Grimsey slipped in the box only to see the cross bounce off his heel and into the corner of the net. It wasn't enough for the Police though and Ferryboat took the points and their first double of the season over a team who will also be in the running for the title. The final part of the fantastic team effort came in the car park where manager Barry Glover's car had picked up a nail in his tyre, but in pouring rain the team went into action with a display which would have made the Ferrari pit team proud.

 18th November 2007 FerryBoat got the better of fellow Premier high fliers Whitton Maypole after a terrific match which saw Ferry take the lead three times before eventually overpowering their hosts. With both sides sharing the best defensive records in the top flight you could have been forgiven for expecting a tight encounter but such was the quality of both teams' attacking play that even the best defences had to take a back seat on the day. Maypole started confidently but they were dealt a blow when Matt Burt delivered a long throw to the near post where Steve Ray was on hand to glance his header into the net. As was to be the pattern for the first hour Maypole fought back and when Chris Lay found himself in space on the edge of the box he launched an unstoppable shot into the net. Most of Whitton's play was coming through Lay but at the other end  Dan Clarke was looking dangerous and he put Ferry ahead once more when he produced a fine strike on the half volley. Back came Maypole and after going on a mazy run into the box Lay was brought down and he stepped up to convert the spot kick and pull things level. Still only half an hour on the clock and Clarke broke through only to see his shot hit the post but he had the presence of mind to follow it up and side footed it into the net. Clarke had a goal disallowed for offside but Ferry stayed ahead till just after the break when Lay put the icing on his performance with another fine shot from the edge of the box to make it 3-3. Ferry reshuffled to try to break the opposition and for the remainder of the match Lay was subdued thanks to some close marking from James Turley. Ferry lost Joe Bushnell and Jimmie Billington to injury after both had performed well but the visitors were undeterred and took the lead for a fourth time when Barney Collins shrugged off his marker and slipped the ball under the outrushing keeper. This was a goal too many for Whitton and with the midfield now sewn up Ferry pushed on to sink the home side, James Turley extending the lead with a goal direct from a corner before Clarke completed his hat trick after beating the offside trap. Another good win for the Felixstowe side who will be looking to build on their early form as the season goes on.

11th November 2007 FerryBoat hosted Martlesham Old Boys in the Premier Division and the supporters of both teams looked forward to the match, with both sides challenging at the top. Referee Philip Blundell led both teams into a minute's silence before kick off and it was impeccably observed by both sides. The match started with Ferryboat playing into a brisk wind and after a bright start their game took a turn for the worse after only five minutes. First Martlesham took the lead when a long cross from the wide sailed over everyone and into the net for the opener only to be followed minutes later with a hamstring injury to centre back Stuart Beer which forced him to retire.  Ferry reshuffled but for twenty minutes they couldn't get in to the game as Martlesham looked the better side, playing some good football. The next goal was going to be critical and it went to FerryBoat when a good build up led to a powerful shot from Danny Smith which went in off the keeper.  The goal brushed the cobwebs off the home side and they took the lead five minutes later through Smith again, this time heading home from close range. Barney Collins went close for Ferry before the break when he cut inside the left back only to see his shot narrowly go wide, agonising for his manager as he had a side bet with one of the fans that Collins would get on the scoresheet . Nonetheless FerryBoat went in at half time with the advantage and the hope that Martlesham would be less of a threat without the tail wind.

All that hope looked in vain within minutes of the restart, Martlesham broke down the right and the low cross hit Terry Atwell and bounced up onto his arm which Mr Blundell instantly adjudged as a penalty. Up stepped the Martlesham forward and he made no mistake, blasting his kick high into the right hand corner. This time Ferry reacted well to the goal and they pushed on to try to regain the lead. Collins went close again when he hit the bar and then thought he had scored when his shot was headed out from the goalmouth but it was not to be as the referee couldn't possibly have seen from his position. The lead was finally regained when the ball was swung in from a corner and Terry Atwell was on hand to push the ball home. Ferry were really starting to turn the screw now and after having a shot saved by the keeper Sean Ryan whipped in a cross which the visiting left back could only direct into his net. Jim Lee was making a rare appearance for Ferry and his persistence in midfield led to him nicking the ball off the Martlesham midfield and slid a perfect ball through to Dan Clarke who ran on and fired home Ferry's fifth.

4th November 2007 Having already beaten Ipswich Area Police in the League this season, FerryBoat travelled to Police HQ for a match in the Suffolk Sunday Cup 3rd round. Police fielded several changes from the League fixture and from the start they showed that they were hungry for a result. Dan Clarke was the first to test the home goal but his shot went wide whereas at the other end the Police also tried a couple of long range shots. Police came close to taking the lead when Ferry keeper Matt Ray was beaten to the ball but a goal line clearance from Terry Atwell denied the opportunity. Police didn't have to wait long for the opener however when a last ditch challenge from Stuart Beer led to a penalty which was despatched in style. Ferry didn't let their heads drop and the equaliser came when Dan Clarke slipped his defender and ran on to blast home. Ferry were now back in the game but it was all put to waste when a Police player found himself unchallenged and put the ball in the back of the net via the post. Ferry knew if they were to progress they would have to lift their game but their game was a little flat on the day and they struggled to penetrate the Police defence. There was little to report on in the second half, and the final whistle signalled that FerryBoat were out of the cup and the Police were through to the next round.

28th October 2007 The last three times Ferryboat have made the long trek up the A12 to Kelsale they have returned with a share of the points, so they set off on a dull Autumn morning with a hint of what was to lie ahead. On arriving at the complex, there was a slight delay as the door lock was sticking, after a short wait the problem was fixed and both teams entered the building only to find that once the door was shut the lock had jammed and we were all trapped inside ! The situation was resolved and after moving to another building to prepare we were all ready to get the game underway. FerryBoat started well and early on Sean Ryan forced the keeper into a good save after a cross from Joe Bushnell, and minutes later they came close again when a Collins free kick was met by Dan Clarke but his shot scraped the near post. Kelsale were making use of the slope and wind advantage and they were breaking quickly, giving the Ferry defence headaches with their running on and off the ball. The man in black for the day was Tim Moore, and he kept the play flowing well with good use of the advantage rule. FerryBoat came close again to opening the score when Paul Johnson took the ball to the byline and crossed but Clarke was again denied by the woodwork as his header hit the bar and came down on the goal line. The crucial opener was well worked by Kelsale, an interchange of passes on the edge of the box before the ball was crossed across the goal mouth and driven in from ten yards out. Kelsale held the advantage at the break when the weather took a turn for the worse and the rain came down.

The second half saw Ferryboat starting with the advantage and they began to put pressure on the Kelsale goal. It seemed like the goal would come, but they were rocked when the ref adjudged that some comments made by Ryan were aimed at himself and he produced the red card to reduce Ferry to ten men. The visitors had to step up a gear if they were going to claw anything out of the game and  they rose to the challenge forcing the game onto their opponents. The reward came when Johnson floated in a free kick and Steve Ray outjumped everyone on the edge of the box and directed his header into the top corner. Five minutes remained, but there was still drama as Kelsale attacked twice only to be denied on both occasions by superb saves from Matt Ray. The final whistle went with the points shared yet again, and all players and the ref had played their part in another entertaining game.

21st October 2007. FerryBoat started their game against local rivals Kirton with a shuffled formation as they lost key players through injury including captain Steve Ray. Their opponents had hit a purple patch in recent weeks, scoring 22 goals in their previous three games so FerryBoat had to work solidly as a team if they were going to get anything out of the game. FerryBoat started the game at a high tempo, and Sean Ryan looked sharp in the opening minutes as he set up a couple of chances. At the other end Kirton's attacking trio of Childs, Robinson and Andy Crump were being marshalled closely as they were the main threats to the defence. Ryan's hard work paid off on half an hour when he broke through, hit his shot against the bar but followed up well to tap the ball in. One nil to the home side and credit to the players they were following the game plan to the letter and led to a second when a inch perfect pass from Jimmie Billington  released Dan Clarke who drove the ball low and hard past Danny Crump and into the far corner of the net.  This was the goal which seemed to knock the stuffing out of Kirton and they starting to resort to long shots in an effort to narrow the defecit. At this stage Ferry manager Barry Glover noticed that Dan Hammonds talents were being wasted in defence and in what turned out to be a piece of managerial genius he pushed him up front to terrorise the back line in a move which was to prove key later in the game.

After the break Kirton came out determined to get something out of the game and they almost got a goal when Crump's cross was met by Robinson but his shot cannoned off the crossbar. The visitors emphasis on attacking was leaving them a bit exposed at the back and Hammond repaid his manager's faith when a blinding turn of pace saw him lose his man, latch on to a poor clearance and volley home from 20 yards. (At this point can we point out that some of the words this week have been supplied by Hammond). The Ferry fans now sensed victory, but Kirton were still threatening up front and but for a last minute tackle from John Barrell they would surely have scored when Robinson was clean through. At the other end Ryan had a shot well saved by Crump but the keeper could do nothing when when Clarke unleashed a shot from the edge of the box and secured a fine 4-0 victory for FerryBoat.

14th October 2007 Cup specialist Barney Collins popped up for the second successive week to take FerryBoat further on in cup competitions, this time it was against Fat Cat in the Senior Cup. The game was switched to Eastward Ho, as FerryBoat's HQ at Walton Rec is currently undergoing ground improvements and after surviving the hustle and bustle of the communal changing rooms both teams found the pitch in good condition and looked forward to the game. The home side started well, penning Fat cat in their own half but after riding the storm the visitors found their feet and forced a corner. The kick was placed accurately to the far post where it was headed back across goal and nodded in by the tallest man on the pitch, 1-0 to the underdogs. This gave Fat Cat confidence and they turned the screw on FerryBoat and could have extended their lead. The balance was restored on half an hour when Steve Ray cut across his man in the box and a clumsy challenge sent him tumbling. Matt Burt's resultant spot kick was parried out by the keeper but Dan Clarke had presence of mind to follow the ball and prodded it into the net. Ferry now had their tails up as they went in search of another goal and it soon came when James Turley sidestepped a defender and when the keeper only managed to palm his shot against the bar Collins was on hand to head the ball home.

The second half saw Fat cat desperately try to get the equaliser and they soon had the easiest chance of the match but their player headed the cross over when faced with an empty goal. Ferry got men back behind the ball, and though Fat Cat had plenty of possession they couldn't get through Ferry's rearguard who once again were solid. Chances were few and far between for the second half and as the spectators had the rare luxury of being able to watch an adjacent game their attention was switched to the next pitch where the home team fought back from four down only to lose 6-5 !   Back on our own pitch, full time saw no change to the scoreline and it is FerryBoat who are now in the draw for the last 16.

7th October 2007 Ferryboat overcame Premier leaders Martlesham Old Boys in the Sunday Cup after a superb game at Nacton which went to extra time and a penalty shootout. FerryBoat didn't have the ideal start as circumstances meant they played the first ten minutes with ten men, but Martlesham couldn't capitalise and could have been one down themselves as Ferry came close twice. After ten minutes Ferry were up to full strength but they survived a scare when a looping cross evaded everyone and just went wide. This was followed by an attempt to lob Matt Ray but he backpedalled and tipped the ball over superbly. At the other end a long shot from Chris Moy seemed goal bond but his own skipper Steve Ray could not get out of the way quick enough on the goal line and it stayed out. These two teams have played each other several times in recent years and the games are always good to watch, and this was no different with both sides aided by an excellent game in the middle from Colin Southgate. Martlesham took the lead with ten minutes remaining of the first half, a Ferry attack broke down and the play switched quickly to the other end resulting in the Martlesham forward rounding keeper Matt Ray and tapping home. The visitors couldn't believe their luck when searching for an equaliser as a series of shots were blocked and parried away and then Jimmie Billington hit a low drive which went agonisingly close.

FerryBoat stuck with their game plan after the break and they launched a succession of attacks to try to claw something back. Their wingers Sean Ryan and Barney Collins showed outstanding fitness as they worked tirelessly down the flanks in defence and attack. Once more they came close when several players combined resulting in Ray's header which just went wide. At the other end Martlesham also showed a high level of fitness and technique but Ferry were defending well, particularly Atwell, Burt and Beer who were solid as a unit. The equaliser came ten minutes from the end when Collins got his first goal for the club after cutting in from the left. It was no more than Ferry deserved and the game went into extra time.

For the first period of extra time it seemed as if the players were gathering their breath after giving everything for ninety minutes and the pace dropped until they switched ends for the final chapter. Ferry stood firm as they had done throughout and for the last five they threw the kitchen sink at the home side to try to avoid penalties but it was to no avail as the home side defended well. Handshakes all round at the final whistle and it was on to penalties. The first three penalties for each side were put away giving the keepers no chance. Martlesham unfortunately put their fourth wide and it just remained for Ray and Collins to make it a perfect five for Ferry and send them into the second round.

30th September 2007. FerryBoat travelled to Whitton to play Kings Head and came away pointless despite doing more than enough to get something out of the game. Both sides were solid throughout  and chances had to be earned but as hard as the visitors tried they couldn't find the net in the first half. Ferry came close several times when Clarke and Turley linked up while Middlemiss was the main threat for Kings Head up front.  The half time break saw the score goalless but even the neutrals were enjoying the tussle.

Kings Head adopted a more direct approach after the restart but after ten minutes of pressure Ferry adapted and started to turn the screw, they looked certain to take the lead when Clarke burst through but after rounding the keeper he saw his shot go narrowly wide. The home side looked more dangerous from set pieces and sure enough they took the lead when their forward slipped his marker and headed home unchallenged. Kings Head were now a different team but they were rocked when Turley curled in a corner which Atwell met to head home the equaliser. Ferry then pushed for the winner but after failing to clear a Whitton attack the ball was speculatively looped back into the box and Middlemiss ran through to slot home the winner.

23rd September 2007 FerryBoat brushed off the cobwebs after two weekends without a fixture and travelled to Hadleigh to play the strangely named Hadleigh Otto Campanelli. What does the title stand for they wondered, are they part of a religious sect or some Mafia type organisation running the streets of Hadleigh?  All would be revealed. Anyway the visitors started brightly on the compact pitch and for the opening period they laid siege to the Otto goal. After a succession of corners Ferry had still not found the net, and Otto started to grow in confidence and ventured forward, playing some neat football but they failed to find the final ball. The vistors came close on several occasions in the first half when Barney Collins went close with a corner and Steve Ray had a couple of headers which went close. At the other end Ferry's back four of Bushnell, Beer, Hammond and Burt looked solid enough as they soaked up what was thrown at them. Half time saw Ferry disappointed to still be on level terms but they felt that they had enough in them to step up a gear.

Referee Julian Gibbons, who had a good game got the second half under way and it was very much the same as the first half. Ferry applied pressure to the Otto goal who in return tried to hit FerryBoat via quick breakaways. Danny Smith had arrived late for Ferry, but he was introduced on the hour and within minutes he lobbed a ball from a throw in into the box and this time Steve Ray made no mistake in heading the ball home. Minutes later Sean Ryan made a good run down the right and found Turley at the near post, his shot was blocked and fell to Smith who powered the ball home but it was all in vain as Turley had strayed into an offside position. The final exchanges saw Otto go close with a shot into the side netting and then they forced a double save from Matt Ray, but it was FerryBoat who progressed through to the second round. Otto had been good opponents and should do well in the League this season if they can reproduce this display. By the way, the home side are based at the Eight Bells public house in Hadleigh which translates into Italian as, you've guessed it, Otto Campanelli !

2nd September 2007  FerryBoat started their season off with three points from their home clash with Premier newcomers Ipswich Police. The visitors had an impressive run of league form having been promoted as league champions and being unbeaten for the whole of last season but they were dealt a painful welcome to the Premier when James Turley broke through a static defence and seeing keeper King stranded off his line he lobbed him with ease. Ferry had new look to their starting line up , with Dan Hammond and Joe Bushnell starting in defence, and both players soon settled into their roles. The Police should be calling in the Serious Crime Squad to investigate the second goal, a weak backpass was intercepted and with the ball played across goal without being challenged it left Steve Ray to convert from close range.  After the second goal, the Police regrouped and defended a lot deeper, and they started to push the ball around in midfield but were unable to find the target. Late in the half Turley looked as if he would put the game beyond doubt as he broke through but this time King was closer and he collided with Turley causing the forward to leave the field for some time.

Half time came and Turley was forced to  retire along with fellow forward Danny Smith ho had a prior engagement. Ferry reshuffled and for the first ten minutes or so they forced pressure on the police goal but despite a succession of corners and free kicks they could not extend their lead. Police came close to clawing one back when they broke through but as their low shot was goal bound new signing Hammond made a fantastic block to keep the ball out. In the final stages skipper Steve Ray looked to have sealed the game when he made himself a chance but his shot was denied by the upright. The last twenty five minutes or so saw regular centre back John Barrell pushed up into a forward position and he did more than enough to give Ferry manager Barry Glover a useful option for the future. Special mention to referee Des Haynes who put in a good performance which was appreciated by everyone.