FOOTBALL is being played with a Brazilian flavour at Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich these days.Fabio Botti, a 22-year-old from Sao Paolo, has joined Ridgeons League Ipswich Wanderers and already become a big hit, scoring a fine goal in Tuesday's 4-0 home victory over Harwich.

By Elvin King

FOOTBALL is being played with a Brazilian flavour at Humber Doucy Lane, Ipswich these days.

Fabio Botti, a 22-year-old from Sao Paolo, has joined Ridgeons League Ipswich Wanderers and already become a big hit, scoring a fine goal in Tuesday's 4-0 home victory over Harwich.

The super-skilled youngster has Ipswich family connections and his manager asked Wanderers to give him a trial. He holds an Italian passport so there are no work permit problems.

Wanderers manager John Clarkson has been impressed. He said: “In pure football terms Fabio possesses more ability than any other player I have worked with at non-league level.

“I would love to hold on to him, but to be fair to the lad he deserves to play at a higher level.

“I understand he has been a professional since he left school and has played in the Brazilian Second Division.”

Botti, who is still short of fitness and has to learn to adapt to the English game, is expected to be substitute again for tomorrow's visit to Soham in the Premier Division.

Felixstowe and Walton United are at home to Newmarket Town, looking to build on Tuesday's League Cup win at Woodbridge Town.

Striker Glen Crane is likely to leave Dellwood Avenue, with Dwayne Edwards set to partner Danny Phillips in attack.

“We want people who want to do it for Felixstowe,” said manager Steve Potts. “It was right for me to give the players who won us promotion time to show what they can do in the top flight.

“Now is the time for changes and we will be stronger by the end of the season. There is no pressure on us and I am confident we will finish mid-table.”

Felixstowe recently lost to Ipswich Town in the Club Colours Suffolk Premier Cup and Potts says the strength of the Ridgeons League is such that he rates current champions Lowestoft harder opponents than Ipswich.

“Of course, Ipswich fielded a young reserve side, but Lowestoft were hugely impressive in their 4-1 win at our place last month.”

Woodbridge play at Stanway Rovers hoping to get out of a run that has seen them lose their last three matches. They failed to win their opening eight games - and then won six on the trot in a topsy-turvy campaign.

They have 11-goal Joe Francis on contract and the talented striker would command a sizeable fee if he left Notcutt's Park. One offer has already been turned down, with reports of a five figure fee being required before Woodbridge would part company.

Leaders Needham Market are at home to Halstead Town, while in Division One Debenham Leisure Centre and Walsham-le-Willows are expected to keep up their promotion challenges with home victories.