Club Notes 2nd May2016

With the hectic four matches in eight days, in common with close rivals, Crane Sports, now over attention at Achilles turns to the SIL Bob Coleman Cup final against Haughley Utd at Woodbridge Town's ground next Friday, 6th May. Our opponents have also reached the SFA Senior Cup final, meeting Waveney from the Anglian Combination the following week, and they must be congratulated for reaching the final of both major competitions.

Before quickly reviewing those four games, these Club Notes should record, sadly, the death of former Achillian, Rex Gardiner, who together with current Club activists, Dave Morgan, Sid (Squib) Meekings and Paul Sparke were members of a fine Minor League champions team, which also reached the final of the SFA Minor Cup (losing at Portman Road to HMS Ganges) in the 1952/53 season. The Club understands that Rex, whose wife, Pat, died a few years ago now, had not been well for some time and we record our sincere condolences to their family and close friends.

The first of the four games was staged Saturday week ago at Salmet Close against a much improved Felixstowe Harpers. As already recorded in earlier notes the final outcome, a 2-0 win, with both goals coming from "goal machine" Liam Hillyard neatly set-up the away game on the Tuesday evening at Greshams against Cranes. In weather terms a bitter night saw some 300 spectators watching a tense game with, in the first half, the homesters twice taking the lead only to be pulled back to 2-2 at the break via excellent goals from Gavin Van Oene and Keiron Donovan. In the 51st minute the game turned on a harsh penalty decision against Chris Leyes and, although Achilles' had the lion's share of the remainder of the half, a tough, tough, rear guard action on the part of our hosts saw them home (3-2) and skipping back over Achilles to top spot, with both Clubs left with two games to play.

Achilles' next game was on Thursday evening at Leiston St Margarets and with the early news coming over that Cranes were one down against visitors, Grundisburgh, the "galvanisation" ensured a 3-1 win, with Gavin, Chris, and David Grimwood the marksmen, only for us to learn that Cranes had triumphed in the end by the same score. Comes Saturday with Achilles at home against "basement" visitors Ipswich Valley Rangers while Cranes were also at home against Wenhaston. Achilles needed a win and Cranes to lose but although goals from Gas' Coplen (2), Liam and Gav' ensured a 4-1 lead, cut down to 4-2 by a spirited young Rangers team, the news that Cranes had won by the only goal of the match ensured their second championship in two seasons with Achilles runners-up both times. Some will say everything turned on that Cranes' penalty but, there you are, and it just leaves everyone at Achilles to congratulate "Rads" and his squad on their achievement for the second season running.

As mentioned we now have Friday at Woodbridge to look forward to and, of course, further congratulations to our Inter A managers, Reece Nunn and Austen King, and the squad, for taking the Inter A League title in such style.
Not a bad season!
Finally, a further reminder of the "away from the park" events:
Saturday 14th May - Presentation/Family Evening (don't forget the "eats")
Friday 20th May - Reunion Dinner (£25) - contact President David Routh or Chairman Dave Morgan
Wednesday 1st June - AGM (8pm)
Friday 1st July - Golf Day at Seckford (£35) - contact Alan Middle.