FELIXSTOWE & Walton United are in the money despite a Cup KO in the opening round.Not only are the non-league outfit laughing all the way to the bank after 738 fans packed into Dellwood Avenue last night to see them lose 3-1 to Ipswich Town in the Suffolk Premier Cup.

By Mel Henderson

FELIXSTOWE & Walton United are in the money despite a Cup KO in the opening round.

Not only are the non-league outfit laughing all the way to the bank after 738 fans packed into Dellwood Avenue last night to see them lose 3-1 to Ipswich Town in the Suffolk Premier Cup. They have also secured a pre-season friendly with Jim Magilton's men, to be played next July, when they can confidently expect another welcome windfall.

Manager Steve Potts said: “We have lost the game but we

have won a few new friends and also made a few quid.

“I spoke to Jim afterwards and he has promised to bring a team over next year, which is a magnificent gesture, and we are already looking forward to the game.”

Last night's attendance was roughly equivalent to seven Ridgeons League Premier Division fixtures, while programme, raffle, bar and catering sales also helped to make it a record pay day for the Seasiders.

But Ipswich, who decided to re-enter the competition after a gap of more than 30 years, were instead left to count the cost of their well-deserved triumph that takes them into the competition's last eight.

Recent signing Ian Miller was left dazed following an accidental 74th minute mid-air clash with team-mate James Krause and had to have lengthy treatment from club physio Matt Byard in the back of a waiting ambulance.

Miller, 22, who only completed his move from Bury Town last month, was sporting a dressing that covered his entire nose and a large part of his forehead before he rejoined his colleagues on the team bus.

The central defender said: “I caught my own player as I challenged for the ball and as soon as it happened it was chucking out blood from my nose.

“It's just one of those things, I suppose. I had to come off and I'd have been stupid to try to carry on so late in the game.”

Long after the final whistle Byard was still tending to the player and a patched-up Miller was under orders to report to the training ground today so that the damage could be re-assessed.

Byard said: “At this point all I have done is clean and dress the wounds - two on his nose and one on his forehead. He will probably need stitches.”

Miller is now likely to be withdrawn from the Town squad jetting north of the border tomorrow for a game at Brechin City as part of the Scottish Second Division club's centenary celebrations.

He added: “I have never been to Scotland and I was really looking forward to the trip. I'll be really disappointed if I miss out.”

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