WHITTON United chairman Jeff Crane had mixed feelings as Felixstowe and Walton United moved another step closer to promotion from the First Division of the Ridgeons League.

By Elvin King

WHITTON United chairman Jeff Crane had mixed feelings as Felixstowe and Walton United moved another step closer to promotion from the First Division of the Ridgeons League.

Crane was disappointed that his team had been beaten for only the second time in ten matches, but pleased that his nephew Gavin Crane was on the goal target for the visitors.

“Gavin is family, and I am pleased to see him doing well,” said Crane.

“He can play at a higher level, and this is what he looks as though he will be doing next season with Felixstowe.”

Crane previously played for Whitton, and was signed by Felixstowe manager Steve Potts from Needham Market.

Before the highest crowd of the season at King George V field, the home side took the lead in the 12th minute when the dangerous Ronaldo Wright got goalside of the Felixstowe defence to drive a shot that Paul Cudworth did well to block. Whitton leading scorer Sam Bartholomew followed up to convert the rebound for his 17th goal of the campaign.

Lawrence Leggett made a good save from Gavin Frost, before Wright tried an outrageous shot from 60 yards. His effort from the right touchline had Cudworth rushing backwards to just get his fingertips to the ball.

Potts asked for 12 more goals to secure promotion for his second-placed side, and this became 11 when Crane slammed home a right-wing cross after 56 minutes.

Potts pulled a masterstroke when he put on Glenn Snell and the substitute won the game with eight minutes left when he ran through to coolly convert a through ball from Danny Phillips.

Cudworth made a stunning save from Chris Williams as the eight minutes of stoppage time were completed.

Felixstowe's speedy forwards tipped the balance their way as they extended their winning run. The game did not rise to any great heights under the control of a rather fussy referee.

“We are well placed with a good manager in Ronnie Mauge,” said Crane. “By the time we move to our new pitch in two years we are hoping to be in the Premier Division ourselves.”

Nathan Szyszlyk, 17, who is to take part in pre-season training with Queens Park Rangers, was taken to hospital after taking a knock to his head.

Last night's teams

Whitton United: Leggett, Cattermole, Wade, Ewers, Knott, Mauge, Smith, Szyszlyk (sub Mills 63 mins), Bartholomew, Wright (Williams 80), Atay. Subs: Bevis, Clarke.

Felixstowe and Walton United: Cudworth, Peachey, Glencastle, Frost, Simmons, Andrews, Edwards, Morgan, Phillips, Crane, Pemberton (Snell 74). Subs: M Buckle, S Buckle, Pugh, Crump.

Referee: Mr A Snell (Cambridge)

Attendance: 136.