Club Notes 9 October 2016

An excellent week-end for both Achilles' teams with the Seniors winning 2-1 against Westerfield Utd at the well appointed Ipswich School Sports Centre and the Inter As triumphing 6-2 at Old Newton.

The Seniors' match was surprisingly close bearing in mind the difference in the league positions of both squads with our hosts dangerously near the foot of the SIL Senior Division table while Achilles were very much at the other end of the table. Actually, manager Luke Hillyard had at least four regulars missing for various reasons but take nothing away from our hosts who were equal to us in most areas of what turned out to be a very close and exciting affair. After some 30 minutes of play there was little to choose between the two teams but, then, some poor defensive play on Achilles' part saw Westerfield take the lead from a penalty only to be pulled back almost immediately when a rebound from Matty Ryland's free kick was turned in by captain, Keiron Donovan. The second half followed a similar pattern with Achilles trading on their luck, particularly when an intended clearance rebounded at speed onto our 'keeper's crossbar. Just as the match was seemingly proceeding to a draw the introduction of substitute "Raggy" Wragg proved a master stroke when he converted a rebound to secure that 2-1 success and disappointment for our plucky hosts.

With leaders, Crane Sports, losing out to Coplestonians their reverse means that Achilles are now on the same points total at the top of the Senior table.

Meanwhile, Reece Nunn's Inter As, down to the bare eleven, performed brilliantly, particularly in a pulsating first half, to register a 6-2 success, a result which takes them to the top of the Inter A table. Reece was so pleased with the overall performance of the lads, auguring well for the SFA Senior Reserves Cup-tie at the end of the month. Marksmen at Old Newton were JP Taylor (2), David King, Callum Moran (welcome back), Gary Coplen, and Joe Hanley.
This approaching Saturday no match for the Inter As but the Seniors welcome Haughley Utd to Salmet Close in the second round of the SFA Senior Cup.

Finally, a further reminder to those still outstanding to ensure their SFA fines and Pauls/Training dues are paid in asap.