Felixstowe Men's 1s produced an outstanding team performance to secure a deserved 3-2 victory over Cambridge South 1s at Stowe.
The visitors arrived with an eleven-player squad but brought with them the pedigree of a side that competed in the East Premier Division last season.

Felixstowe made one change from the previous week's team, welcoming the experienced Andy Cannings into the side, a move that would prove influential throughout the afternoon.

The game started at a high tempo, with both sides looking to play positive attacking hockey. Felixstowe were first to make their pressure count when Matthew leached onto a first time through ball from Jack and using his “ express” pace left the defender no option but to make stick on stick contact inside the 25 leading to a short corner, much to the shock of the Cambridge players who were adamant the ball was won. The ball was expertly stopped by Sam Oakley, whose drag flick was brilliantly redirected by Jack Entwistle, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and giving the home side a deserved lead.

Cambridge South responded quickly and demonstrated their quality, their captain led by example, scoring in the 18th minute to level the score at 1-1, rather than allowing the equaliser to affect them, Felixstowe continued to play some excellent hockey. Their persistence was rewarded when Alex Williams handsomely produced some excellent attacking play to win another penalty corner, from the resulting short corner, Sam Oakley determined not to let the spurs result bring him down, stepped up and unleashed a powerful drag flick, assisting the opposition's number 8 into a well-finished own goal(unlucky sam).

The hosts continued to dominate possession and deservedly took a 2-1 lead into half time.

The biggest suprise of the match came early into the second period in which Cannings found him self occupying the Lb slot ahead of the laser focused Dave Healy, a positional change which had been 20 years in the making finally coming to fruition. The second half saw both teams push forward in search of goals. Cambridge South increased the pressure and eventually found an equaliser in the 55th minute, making it 2-2 and setting up a tense final fifteen minutes.

As the game entered its closing stages, frustration began to show for the visitors, resulting in two green cards, Felixstowe sensed an opportunity and maintained their composure, continuing to build pressure through disciplined possession and relentless work rate. Alex Williams burst clear of the Cambridge defence after a great defence-cutting ball from Oakley, only to be caught out by the pitch and spectacularly face-planting the turf to the amusement of teammates who later awarded him DOTD for his efforts! Fortunately for Stowe, he was soon back on his feet and causing problems once again.

Behind them, the defensive unit of Matt Walker, Andy Kelcher, Andy Cannings, Dave Healy and Leon Jones stood firm, determined not to allow Cambridge South another breakthrough, there was one nervous moment when a usual wayward pass from Kelcher gifted Cambridge South possession in a dangerous area, however, goalkeeper Fraser came to the rescue, producing a stunning full-length diving save to preserve parity and spare his teammate's blushes.

Whenever the visitors did create chances, Fraser was in inspired form, producing a string of outstanding stops in a performance worthy of the Man of the Match award (jointly with Jack Entwistle).

In midfield, the tireless running and control provided by Harry Keegan, James Grantham, Jake Tydeman, James Walker and Sam Oakley ensured Felixstowe remained competitive throughout, disrupting the visitors' attacks and driving the team forward. Ahead of them, a youthful forward line of Burton and the Williams brothers, alongside the experienced Entwistle, continually troubled the Cambridge South defence with their energy, pace and movement.

With just five minutes remaining, Felixstowe's pressure finally told, another penalty corner was awarded where Matthew Williams fired in a powerful drag flick, the initial effort was saved, but Jack Entwistle reacted quickest to the rebound, calmly finishing to score his second goal of the game and spark celebrations among the home players and supporters.

Felixstowe saw out the remaining minutes with determination and composure to secure an excellent victory against one of the strongest sides in the division.

The frustration from Cambridge South was evident, with the lack of 3 cheers at the final whistle, however Matt Walker happily stepped up for the oppositions captain to start their 3 cheers for them.

Felixstowe are not an easy side to play at home, and this win will hopefully be the first of many this season, a superb all-round performance from Felixstowe, combining defensive resilience, midfield control and clinical finishing to earn a memorable victory over opponents with recent Premier Division experience. The blend of youth and experience on show suggests there is plenty more to come from this Felixstowe side as the season progresses.

Big thanks to all who came out to watch and support and good luck to Cambridge South for the rest of the season!