Club Notes March 31 2014

Not such a good week-end for Achilles with the Seniors dropping two points in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against visitors and arch-rivals, Crane Sports, while the Inter As went down 2-1 at Old Newton who closed the gap in the race for the Inter A title - not forgetting, of course, Cops' Inter As who are also very much "in the mix".

Despite the attraction down the way at Portman Road, the Seniors' game was watched by a crowd of well over the 100 mark and every last one was treated to an excellent, competitive, 90 minutes with our visitors going into a first half two goal lead only for Andy Coote to reduce that lead just before the break. The second half belonged to Achilles but desperate defending kept us at bay until 10 minutes before the end when a fine run and cross from Ben Taylor was bundled in by Liam Hillyard. Almost immediately, Liam had a similar chance but his headed effort was too high. To be fair a draw was probably the correct result which means that, with close rivals Grundisburgh winning so well at Wickham Market, our lead is reduced to four points with Grundisburgh having two games in hand. Unfortunately, the originally appointed officials for the Crane Sports game had been changed and the replacements found it difficult at times to adequately control in an acceptable manner such a rip-roaring game.

Meanwhile, the Inter As really shot themselves in the foot in that they enjoyed the balance of play against their near rivals for the whole 90 minutes but with two penalties taken by the experienced Austin King and Philip Deller, both saved by the Old Newton 'keeper, the odds were too much and our consolation goal only came almost on time. Never mind, the squad still has games in hand over both rivals (Old Newton and Cops') although they must also be aware of holders, Crane Sports, "coming up on the rails".

This Saturday both teams are away, the Seniors at lowly Melton, while the Inter As travel to East Bergholt. In addition, the Inter As have an away game at Crowley AFC on Thursday 10th April.