Club Notes 30/8/2015

After the disappointing defeat at Haughley on the first day of the season Achilles' Seniors have enjoyed two successes - the first an evening "derby" game against near neighbours and promotion newcomers, Ipswich Athletic and, then, on Saturday an exciting 5-3 success against Framlingham Town who followed Athletic back to Senior level after both enjoyed ultra successful seasons last campaign. The Athletic encounter was an evening affair and, despite the inclement weather, an excellent crowd watched proceedings. Two strong sides were well matched against one another and it was surprising that the outcome was the result of just one goal scored by Luke Hillyard (or was it Keiron Donovan?) very early on. Certainly Achilles could have won by a greater margin but, largely, they were met by an outstanding 'keeping display by Bond in Athletic's goal. As it was Athletic came so close to sharing the points right on time although the general conscensus was that Achilles fully deserved the win. Luke Hillyard introduced a more "mature" balance to the squad with Ricky Deasy and Robbie Smythe performing well and it was good to see Achilles' man of the match, captain Chris Leys, back to something like his best.

Luke's return from Athletic to Achilles inevitably meant a few players coming with him but it seems clear that Athletic have been able to replace them and I'm sure they will continue a formidable squad.

Saturday saw Framlingham Town (who accompanied Athletic back to the Senior League) at Salmet Close and we were pleased to welcome, in particular, manager, Mel Aldis and Fram' legend, Sid Vice. The match was always an attractive affair with Achilles, in the first period, failing to reflect their superiority and despite taking the lead through Lee Grimwood the honours were even at the break via a superb Fram' free kick. Halfway through the second period a "purple patch" saw Lee, Darren Van Oene and Sean Hanley taking the score to 4-1 and an apparent easy victory. Fram' had other ideas and two quick goals gave Achilles' supporters the "jitters" but a well converted penalty by Gavin Van Oene saw Achilles home 5-3.

Meanwhile the Inter As, under the control of Reece Nunn and Austin King, visited Mendlesham, new to the Inter A league. The impressive, and experienced, squad that Reece has assembled were too good for the plucky hosts and Achilles finished deserved 6-0 victors. Marksmen were "Scoop" McCarthy 2, "Willow" Wilson 2, Mick Adams, and "JP" Taylor.

This coming Saturday the Seniors visit Bramford Utd who have started in excellent form while the Inter As welcome Capel Plough Inter As to Salmet Close. Now that the season is underway, and as explained in the Chairman's letter to all Achilles' signed-on players, a once only payment of £25 needs to be paid ideally by the end of September at the latest. The payment will cover membership of the Pauls Sports & Social Club and a contribution to the hire costs of the Chantry Sports Centre once the closing in nights prevent exercise on the Salmet Close ground. This is the only payment required for the whole season. Obviously, SFA fines must be recompensed (£10 plus £2 admin for "yellows") to Achilles and everyone will be expected to sell at least £10s worth of Xmas Draw tickets. For our wider supporters the 100 Club starts in just two weeks time.