Ipswich Valley Rangers 2 - 2 Achilles 30/8/14
Report by IVR reporter Alan Harvey
In windy conditions both sides struggled to gain the initiative, but IVR’s new keeper, Ross Welton, was forced into the first save, a near post header. Harry Wales was booked for a late tackle, but the game came to life on 12 minutes when Dom Arnold dispossessed James Blades just inside the IVR half. Seeing Welton off his line he instinctively shot over his head from fully 45 yards. An excellent goal, though Ross will have been disappointed to only get a soft hand to it. He made amends several times during the first half, however, with some vital stops, as Achilles gained control, with IVR perhaps struggling against the wind. Lee Wilcox was working hard in midfield, but wasteful with a free kick.
IVR got caught early in the 2nd half and fell 2 goals behind. After a corner of their own they conceded possession for Achilles to quickly win a corner of their own. This was headed in (Kieran Donovan) for a 2-0 lead after 54 minutes. Achilles aren’t renowned for letting two goal leads slip, but IVR brought on Luke Webster and the resultant tactical changes gave them much more impetus and effect going forward. After 73 minutes Clark Bruce pounced on a loose ball following a Munro Laflin corner and reduced the deficit. This totally switched the initiative to IVR and Achilles struggled to contain them. On 80 minutes Laflin shot from 25 yards, the keeper failed to gather cleanly, and Bruce was again on hand to sweep the ball home. Bruce nearly won the match in the last minute, but his fierce volley was tipped away for a corner.
There are some photos at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ipswichvalleyrangersfc/photos/1st-team-v-achilles3082014-509653.html
