With a strong preseason training and match schedule under our belts Felixstowe took to the pitch with every reason to feel confident and optimistic in what was bound to be a tough first match against a strong Div 1 outfit. Feeling well briefed from captain, coach and umpires on what was to be expected of us the men in white started ferociously from minute 2 leaving just enough time for the opposition to test out facilities by hitting the post in the opening attack.

More controlled and patient Felixstowe defence wore down the Peterborough high press with Kelch uncharacteristically finding Felixstowe players at every time of asking. Leon unleashing right wing attacks against the sluggish and dazzled Peterborough midfield Austin testing out their left back early on. The pressure built to a climatic 1st half moment where Jack and Austin combined to create an opportunity the keeper was left with no choice but to give away a penalty stroke which Felixstowe did well to maintain the high intensity after it was saved by what was a decent keeper.

Matt Williams opened his account towards the end of the first half with a smart finish which completed a top opening 1st half to the season, starting with the form he finished last season with. It could have been more with some impressive aerials from Oakley, clearly seeing opportunities from the 2026 rules update.

With the home side leading 1-0 but feeling the effects of the heat and the blistering pace of the 1st half the standards dropped to a more even 3rd quarter. Felixstowe had to switch into more defensive positioning. Jimmy and Matt both putting bodies on the line to interfere with the Peterborough attacks, both looking at home with the Div 1 standard. Jake Tydeman decided to adopt a new lower stance to defend with, getting 5 contact points to the ground at times and was rewarded with some useful turnovers.

There were some bright moments during the second half. With both Alex and Matt Williams drawing multiple fouls in threatening areas and leading to short corners but the Peterborough defence were equal to the Felixstowe short corner efforts. The final quarter proved to be the difference. Weller and Williams both finding cards shown to them, the Peterborough players had been physical in there defence, but were much smarter than the Felixstowe efforts from the forwards which were less subtle. However, the cards were matched by Peterborough players not knowing Larby’s sensitive nature and being pulled up for poor language. As the match drew to its conclusion the options for the defence to find outs ran dry and the decision making and game control which had been our strength in the 1st half had petered out. Fraiser had many smart saves during the game and will feel the 4-1 defeat flattered the visitors.

Man of the match could have gone to a few of the warriors in midfield. Granths Tydeman and Harry all receiving votes for huge performances, but Harry winning it for a relentless effort and leading by example.

Felixstowe have work to do, but can feel a sense of pride as the blueprint to victory’s at this level has been demonstrated. We go again