Club Notes 28 August 2016

After the reassuring away win at "bogey" club, Leiston St Margarets, in the first match of the season, the Seniors were away again last Tuesday evening at the former Dockers' Club against Felixstowe Harpers. On a stunning summer evening the performance of the squad was frustrating, to say the least. Early play suggested a landslide win for Achilles and when Ryan Wardley forced the ball home after several scrimmages in our hosts' area a number of good chances came our way only to be squandered and when, after lengthy discussions between a hesitant referee and one of his assistants, a penalty was awarded (and converted) against us, matters seem to go from bad to worse.

The second period was even worse and despite every attempt to get back on track it was the homesters who went ahead and, in the end, finished deserved 2-1 winners. Quite a shock to the system!
Clearly, stern words from manager, Luke Hillyard, were necessary before the first home game on Saturday against promoted Henley Athletic and, before a very good crowd (considering Ipswich Town were at home just down the way) whatever he might have said had its desired effect with the outcome a fine performance against a very good Henley squad the end product for our loyal support.

The match was played at a fast pace for the full ninety minutes with both Achilles' goals, in a 2-0 victory, coming respectively in the early and late periods of a splendid encounter. Marksmen were Sean Hanley, a delightful lob after a fine move and a clinical finish by Gavin Van Oene after another fine move involving Danny Allen and Ben Taylor. A most heartening feature of the game was the welcome return to top form of "man of the match" Ben Taylor who led his line with enthusiasm and strength, while the defence looked so much more confident with the return of "Lazer" Leyes at its very heart.

Meanwhile, excellent work involving the SIL match secretary, manager, Reece Nunn, secretary, Pat Morgan, and their counterparts at Mendlesham ensured an Inter As' visit to the village after Grundisburgh called off rather late in the day. Reece's tenacity was rewarded via a 9-0 win for our Inter A champs' with David King, JP Taylor, and Jack Middle all scoring 2, and Grant Barrett, Shaun Jordan and Matt McCarthy (pen) one each against a plucky but outclassed Mendlesham side.

This coming Saturday the Seniors welcome Wenhaston to Salmet Close while the Inter As make the return journey to the village.