Saturday 17th August – Bet Victor Isthmian League –North Division
Felixstowe & Walton United 1 Great Wakering Rovers 4
ROVERS HIT FELIXSTOWE FOR FOUR.
The first day of the season was finally upon us and saw Great Wakering Rovers make the long trip to Suffolk to play Felixstowe and Walton United.
The first twenty minutes was typical of most opening day fixtures with the players trying to find there style of play and settle into the game ,and although a bit scrappy both teams had chances to take the lead early on.
The deadlock was broken on 28 minutes when Rovers debutant Brandon Diau grabbed his first goal for Wakering, after some great build up the ball was crossed into the area to find the six foot seven striker who slid the ball into the net.
The visitors seemed to settle into the game better as the first half neared its end and they doubled their lead just before the break when fellow debutant jack Stevenson found the net with a great finish.

Half time Felixstowe & Walton 0 Great Wakering Rovers 2

The home side knew that if they were going to salvage anything out of the game an early goal was imperative however they were dealt a massive blow when on the 63rd minute Jake Gordon was clean through with only the keeper to beat, the Felixstowe stopper came out early to close the angle but slid out to far and handled the ball outside his area, after some discussions with his linesman the referee sent the keeper to the stands. And the Seasiders were dealt a double blow when from the resulting free kick Stevenson grabbed his second curling the ball beautifully into back of the net.
The hosts didn’t give up and it was the ten men who grabbed the next goal when Tom Debenham found the net after some scrappy defending from Rovers.
However the task was way too big for the Seasiders and Rovers had chance after chance to increase their lead, finally club legend Billy Johnson netting his first of the season to put the game well beyond the hosts.
In the end Wakering could have had six or seven but went away from Suffolk with a great opening day win.
After the game Rovers manager Stephen Butterworth said “overall it was a pleasing way to start the season and we were very good”.

And finally, a big thank you to Felixstowe & Walton for their warm welcome and great hospitality.

ROVERS STAR MAN. JACK STEVENSON.

By Neil Hope