Powell grabs a hat-trick as Felixstowe & Walton avenge big FA Cup loss to Brantham

Miles Powell (red) connects to make it 2-1 for the Seasiders (Image: Archant)

The groundswell of support at the Goldstar Ground rose to new levels as the home side broke their league attendance record for the third time this season, putting on another show of attacking football that left a hard-working visiting side trailing a distant second, despite scoring first.

It was a five-star show for the third successive game as the home side responded to the early setback to lead at the break and then produce a scintillating second-half show of attacking football that left over 450 supporters wanting more.

When Sam Newson fired Brantham into a second-minute lead from Ed Nobbs’ cross, memories of that opening-day defeat when the visitors hit seven FA Cup goals past Danny Crump flashed before the memory.

However, they were soon erased as Stuart Boardley, making his first start for the Seasiders, brought the sides level within five minutes, striking a rising volley from the edge of the area into the roof of Paddi Hawkins’ net.

Brantham keeper, Paddi Hawkins, is beaten by Miles Powells powerful header to make it 2-1 for the Seasiders (Image: Archant)

The momentum was with the home side and they doubled their tally in the 26th minute as Stuart Ainsley picked out Miles Powell at the far post, with an inch-perfect cross, to head down past Hawkins.

From that moment, the result never looked in doubt as the home side stepped up their pace, spreading the ball from side to side, but it took until the 65th minute to finally break down Brantham’s resistance.

The third goal came from a brilliant Joe Francis volley as he connected with Callum Bennett’s throw-in on the edge of the visitors’ area, to leave Hawkins a spectator.

Two further goals from in-form striker Powell saw him complete his second hat-trick in three games.

Felixstowe'�s Sheridan Driver clears the danger surrounded by Brantham attackers (Image: Archant)

One goal was a solo effort as he ran from the halfway line, shaking off two defenders, before finishing clinically. The second was from close range after Hawkins had saved his initial effort.

The win made it the perfect 10 from 10 league games for the home side, to stretch their lead at the top to nine points ahead, of Saturday’s fixtures.

Joe Francis and Jordan Matthews congratulate Miles Powell (Image: Archant)

A record crowd of 454 at the GoldStar Ground (Image: Archant)

Miles Powell completes his hat trick for Felixstowe (Image: Archant)

Stuart Boardley (right) shoots from the edge of the penalty area to level the score for the Seasiders (Image: Archant)