Club Notes 16 November 2015

Mixed "blessings" for Achilles Saturday with the Seniors, despite conceding two points in a 1-1 draw at Capel almost on time, moving to top spot in the SIL Senior table, while the Inter As were consolidating their position at the top of the SIL Inter A table at home against nearest rivals, Coplestonians, by the eventually comfortable 3-1 margin.

By all accounts the Capel game was very much two points dropped in that, for the majority of the proceedings, our lads were much the superior outfit but missed chances meant that, with just seconds to go, the only score was a clever lob by the ageless Andy Coote. The homesters threw everything into a final effort and a failure to clear the ball resulted in the homesters sharing the points. Liam Hillyard was the offically named Achilles' top man although Keiron Donovan was pushing Liam hard for that accolade.

No excuse, but there is little doubt that the worsening weather had some effect on our usual cultured approach to the game and the homesters' greater knowledge of their sticky pitch eventually paid off for them with that goal right at the death. As mentioned above other results in the Division saw us climb to top spot although one or two of our challengers have one or two games in hand and we have no Senior game this coming Saturday.

Meanwhile, at Salmet Close, the Inter As were engaged in a closely fought battle against an impressive Cops' squad. "Scoop" McCarthy opened our account after some 15 minutes and that lead was held up to the break. The Cops' moved up a gear in the early stages of the second period and a fine move ended with an equally fine shot for their equaliser. Just for five minutes or so things looked black for Achilles but the lads came back with a flourish and a fine run and shot from "Scoop" put us ahead and another fine move saw Adam Sturman slot the third in. Frankly, it should have been four but Grant Barrett's excellent camoe performance was spoilt when he missed a simple chance right on time. Top man? It has to be "Scoop".

Away from the park a reminder to the lads who still owe their Pauls' subs, and please note that Xmas Draw tickets will be circulated within the next two weeks.