Felixstowe boss hails fans return but needs reinforcements on the pitch
The smell of burgers cooking, the occasional 'Seasiders' chant, a goal to celebrate, and the mingling of like-minded fans meant football was back at Dellwood Avenue.
Crowds returned to stadiums at non-league level for the first time since March, and while the result was not quite what they wanted, Seasiders supporters clearly enjoyed being able to taste live action as Felixstowe & Walton United players and staff welcomed them back.
"It was fantastic to have the fans back," said manager Stuart Boardley. "We were restricted to 200 but it makes it a proper football game.
"Coming to a ground like this when there are no fans is really difficult, I don't know how the pros deal with it because they are used to thousands so to not have a crowd is challenging.
"It is just as challenging in its own way for these lads too because without an atmosphere it is more difficult playing.
"So, I'm really glad for the fans to be back. It was great to see them out and enjoying football again."
Isthmian League North Felixstowe went down 4-1 against a lively Leiston FC co-managed by former Norwich City star Darren Eadie. The Seasiders' consolation goal coming from man of the match (chosen by sponsor Richard Bugg) while Marcus Wilkinson, Liam Jackson, Will Davies, and Finlay Barnes were on target for the visitors.
It was not the defeat that hurt Seasiders boss Boardley as much as losing two more players to injury taking the tally to 12 potential first teamer out of action, forcing the club to cancel their pre-season friendly with Ipswich Wanderers on Tuesday.
Noel Atkins tweaked a hamstring, Lamell Howell limped of but is expected to receive this week, while Dan Davis also took a knock to compound Boardley's injury woes.
"The biggest thing we got out of today was the fitness, which is the name of the game this time of the season." Boardley told Nub News. "It was just a shame we have so many injuries and we picked up another two today. That was most disappointing thing.
"You do learn a lot from these types of games and I would much rather play Leiston on a good pitch than allowed level side on a poor pitch and not understanding where we are as a group."
The Seasiders' friendly at the Goldstar Ground against Stowmarket Town next Saturday will be an all ticket affair, with capacity once again restricted to 200.
- For more pictures scroll right on top image.
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