Club Notes 8 November 2016

Last Saturday saw another epic struggle between hosts, Achilles, and SILSenior champions, Crane Sports, before a bumper crowd at Salmet Close.

Taking the 90 minutes as a whole the exchanges were fairly even with plenty of excitement at both ends to thrill that appreciative crowd. Despite early Crane's pressure it was Achilles taking the lead through a 20 yard bullet from Liam Hillyard. The equaliser came almost immediately afterwards, a cracking volley from Ross Rands, gallingly the son of long-term Achillian, Ian Rands! Our visitors took the lead early after the break via a mistake from a corner and, despite action at both ends, it seemed that this would be the final outcome. However, subs "Scoop" McCarthy and Ryan Wragg had other ideas and fine football from both saw the former sneak the ball in at the far post. Would that be the final outcome? I think most Achilles' supporters would have settled for it, however, another mistake in defence saw the dangerous Blades, surprisingly a substitute as well, come away and slot a winner in from some way out.

Disappointment, of course, for Achilles but still a long way to go and, would you believe it, the away match at Greshams is almost at the end of the season. Will it be the title decider as per last season? All of us will just have to wait and see!

Meanwhile, the Inter As were at a windswept Copleston School against Cops' Inter As and, despite the unhelpful elements, managed a fairly routine 4-1 victory to ensure their continued leadership of the Inter A table although Hoxne, our only successful foes this campaign, are very much up there with us. Sadly, the Cops' 'keeper dislocated his shoulder half-way through the match and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Manager, Reece Nunn, singled out his whole defence for a more than solid display and leader by example, Matt McCarthy, even had time to find the net twice with the other two coming from David King and Joe Hanley. This coming Saturday the Seniors travel down the A12 to Capel while the Inter As welcome Old Newton Inter As to Salmet Close.

The following week (19th November) the Seniors visit Waveney FC in Lowestoft in the next round of the SFA Senior Cup. A coach will be departing the Pauls Sports & Social Club at Salmet Close at 10 30 am (for a 1 30 am kick off) and supporters (fare £15) are most welcome to thumb a lift by contacting Dave Morgan (01473 435867 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Talking of Cups the Inter As have been drawn away against Walsham le Willows Res in the next round of the SFA Senior Reserves Cup on the 3rd December. With the Eastern Counties League club having floodlights this kick off will be at 3 00pm and, clearly, this will be quite a test for the squad to look forward to. Finally, a prompt to the lads- the annual Christmas Draw books are in and will be distributed shortly - 2 books per person (£10 sale).