Seasiders back on form as Francis hits a pair in win over Borough
Despair for Haverhill Borough as Miles Powell see his low header hit the back of the net to open the scoring for the Seasiders. Picture: STAN BASTON - Credit: Photo:Stan Baston
Thurlow Premier Felixstowe & Walton United 4 Haverhill Borough 0 Felixstowe & Walton United shook off the poor form that had seen them end pointless in their previous three home games, to reinstate their five-point lead at the top of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division table, writes Phil Griffiths.
Joe Francis makes it 2-0 Seasiders from the spot. Picture: STAN BASTON - Credit: Photo:Stan Baston
That lead had been down to just two, following Coggeshall’s Friday night win at Hadleigh.
Just like the weather, there was a huge improvement from the home side over the previous week’s performance, and the 360 strong crowd were behind the side from the first whistle as they started in positive mood, taking a sixth minute lead to give them an early grip on the game that they never relinquished, despite the visitors looking a much improved side in the second half chasing a three goal half-time deficit they never looked likely to reduce.
Joe Francis and Taylor Hastings worked a short corner between them with a quick interchange of passes before Francis played Hastings into space along the dead ball line, and his cross was met full on by Miles Powell at the far post, to head his side into a sixth minute lead with his 28th goal of the season and the Seasiders’ 100th in the league.
The lead was doubled in the 13th minute, when Francis fired home from the penalty spot after Borough’s Rory Bone had tripped Callum Bennett as the Seasiders worked a sweeping move.
Joe Francis celebrates his strike with Felixstowe team-mates. Picture: STAN BASTON - Credit: Photo:Stan Baston
And it was 3-0, again from the penalty spot and Francis, just before the half hour when the visitors’ captain, Jarid Robson, upended Powell in the area.
Staines should have pulled a goal back for the visitors before the break, but saw his effort across Danny Crump crash against the inside of the post and bounce kindly back into the Seasiders custodian’s arms.
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After the interval Crump denied Bone with an excellent save, and Staines fired wide when well placed, but the Seasiders were in charge and should have extended their lead, with Niall Conroy kept busy in the Haverhill goal.
The Seasiders were not to be denied a fourth though, as substitute Sam Ford produced a quality finish to score his first goal for the club, guiding his shot across the Borough’s keeper.
Sam Ford opens his account for the Seasiders as his finish is too hot for Boroughs Niall Conroy. Picture: STAN BASTON - Credit: Photo:Stan Baston
