My love affair with soul and disco music which began in the mid 1970's, remains just as strong today. A fairly hefty record collection comprising mainly of vinyl albums and 12" singles includes a large number of artists in this genre ranging from the soft gentle tones of the Dells and Stylistics right through to the heavy trembling bass guitar rifts of Parliament and Bootsy Collins. However my favourite sounds undoubtedly come from the Philly stable - the Gamble and Huff penned songs that include, amongst their most notable performers, such legends as Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes; Teddy Pendergrass; The O'Jays; Billy Paul; MFSB and the all girl trio The Three Degrees. I was always eager to add to their songs my collection. There was nothing I loved more than shaking my stuff on the disco floor to the latest foot-tapping sounds of Brass Construction; Earth Wind and Fire and Chic. Freak out, yeah! Not sure about the yellow tank top; wide lapels; baggy turn-ups and platforms though?!! 

Sunday evenings would often be spent listening to the Robbie Vincent Soul Show on Radio One. Armed with the latest Blues and Soul magazine I regularly headed down to London to buy some of the latest imports from Streetwise Records in Praed Street. One of my heroes was the 'Walrus of Love, Mr Barry White. Who could forget those ethereal strings and seductive arrangements (courtesy of the Love Unlimited Orchestra) in the all-time classics: 'You're the First, The Last, My Everything' and 'Can't Get Enough of Your Love' (both on the 20th Century label). The heavy-breathing groaner remains the true king of soul in my book (with Marvin Gaye coming a close second). I still have fond memories of seeing Bazza in concert at the Royal Albert Hall back in the early 1990's. Although the big man is sadly no longer with us, I still listen regularly with great affection to his songs on CD, i-Pod and Spotify...get it on, alright!.

Our chosen game today was the hastily re-arranged Omnico Cup fixture at Felixstowe United Football Club who were entertaining Ipswich Athletic. The third round tie should have been played last Tuesday but was postponed due to a frozen pitch. Thankfully there were no such worries today as the recent mild spell had allowed the ground to thaw out really well, meaning that the pitch was perfectly playable. Phew! Spectators were treated to a highly entertaining game (involving two sides close to the top of the Senior Division) which finally saw the hosts edge the match, winning by a 2-1 scoreline. The first goal came just before half-time when United's Liam Nunn (38) raced in to meet a rebounded shot, skilfully placing the ball under keeper Lawrence Leggett. Athletic replied deep into first half stoppage time through Dean Godfrey's penalty after Andy Crump had fouled Caleb Ebanks inside the area. The winning goal came on the hour mark when Tom Childs (62) struck from close range following up a Michael Geddes shot that had rebounded off a post. Despite creating several chances, neither side could find the net in the remaining half hour, meaning that United earned their place in the fourth round draw  (* incidentally taking place in the FUFC clubhouse after the game).

The match played on a firm pitch in generally dull, cold but dry conditions, attracted a crowd of 46 spectators including several league officials. Also pitchside was fellow hopper Steve from Ipswich. Like myself, he enjoys watching local football, particularly junior cup competitions involving sides in the Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk County Competitions. It was also interesting to hear about his travels during the cold snap including the abandoned Essex Olympian League game at Maldon St Mary's on the Saturday before Christmas. Photos saved on his camera showed some of the action captured during the heavy blizzard - we remember it well having to abort our trip there as the conditions worsened when we turned onto the A12 at Chelmsford!

Refreshments at Felixstowe United are available from a kitchen area next to the bar in the clubhouse. A wide range of hot and cold food and drinks are dispensed throughout the game. Although United don't issue matchday programmes at present, affable club committee member Dave Kyle said that they hope to do so in the future. He told me that information about the club can be found on the club's website which he edits. Indeed several of his photos from previous games are chronicled in the section Photos & Videos. To access the site go to the link shown at the foot of this report.

The ground is based in Trimley St Martin, a village located about five miles north of Felixstowe and can be reached by leaving the A14 sign-posted 'The Trimleys'. United who share the site, owned by landlords and fellow SIL members BT Trimley FC. The main facilities are situated within the Sports and Social Club off the High Road. Since my only previous visit here (on 22/01/05 to watch Trimley play Walton Rangers in a SILOC4), little has altered. It's very much a rural venue bordered by open fields on two sides with the large cranes and lifting gear used at the Port of Felixstowe dock clearly visible on the flat landscape horizon. A small bowling green enclosed by a thick hedge is situated alongside the pavilion and patio. After leaving the changing rooms the players and officials make a short walk to the playing area (about 100 yards away). The main (and only) pitch on site is surrounded by a smart metal post and rail fence. A couple of advertising hoardings are attached on the sides. Two brick built dug outs, positioned close to the half-way line, is the only covered accomodation found pitchside at the moment.

As we left the ground there was just enough time to nip back into the clubhouse and check out the latest scores from around the country. With a full Premier and Football League programme of fixtures being played today, there was great interest amongst the 'Tractor Boy' supporting locals huddled around the flat screen TV (tuned in to the Sky Sports Channel). Sadly for them Ipswich Town had just gone a goal down at home to Nottingham Forest. I didn't want to rub salt in their wounds by announcing that my team were one up at Portsmouth courtesy of a Jimmy Bullard penalty! But the best was yet to come...as I left the pavilion my attention was drawn to a large notice attached to the wall in the foyer. It was a reminder to all patrons about the forthcoming live music events planned here for January...unbelievably on Friday 7th - top of bill and live on stage in the club house will be no other than....Barry's White tribute band - say no more - 'Let The Music Play'!!

Before signing off I would just like to add that a visit to Felixstowe United FC comes with a very strong recommendation. It's definitely a lovely club, supported by enthusiastic, friendly people and has a football team that plays decent football...they were runners-up in the Senior Division of the SIL last season and are currently in the chasing pack at the top of the Senior Division... so what are you waiting for!!

*Travellers may be interested to know that United will play Wickham Market at home on Saturday 22nd January 2011 in the 4th round of the Omnico Cup.   

FGIF Match Stats

Scorers: (H) L Nunn (38); T Childs (62) and (A) D Godfrey (45+3pen)

Attendance: 46; Admission: Donation box; Programme: None; Match rating: 4/5; Ground rating: 3/5.

Club website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/felixstoweunited