Club Notes 12 December 2016

Mixed fortunes for the Club last Saturday with the Seniors winning 3-1 at home against a resolute Coplestonians FC while the Inter As rather disappointed for the second League match in succession in losing 4-3 against, now, leaders Westerfield Utd Inter As at the Ipswich School Sports Centre, Rushmere.

Both matches were played in increasingly wet conditions but it was surprising and, indeed, heart-warming in the circumstances, and with ITFC at home, to see quite a crowd at Salmet Close for the Seniors' match.

A young, talented, Cops' team put up a spirited display and, indeed, took the lead after some 20 minutes when the Achilles' offside trap was sprung for Shaun Chaplin to be lobbed after a Cops' run from just over the half-way line. Achilles were enjoying more of the play and missed several reasonable chances but just as it seemed Cops would take their lead into the half-time break a fine centre from Danny Allen was expertly headed in by "Scoop" McCarthy. In the gloom of the second half (the weather not the play which was fast and furious), despite enjoying more of the play Achilles took some time to assert their authority but, then, a fine move involving several forwards ended with Keiron Donovan squaring the ball for sub, Liam Hillyard, thrashing the ball home. Cops' threw everything into attack but, almost on time, "Scoop" was way down the left to slot the ball home to confirm that 3-1 difference. A pulsating match, very well refereed, despite lacking two official Assistants.

Meanwhile, the Inter As had gone ahead in the first minute against Westerfield, conceded just on the interval whistle, and then rather fell apart for much of the second period until waking up with just 10 minutes to go, 4-1 down, and to fight back too late despite reducing the margin to that 4-3 scoreline. Marksmen were Dave King, Joe Hanley and Matt McCarthy.

A disappointing outcome but full marks to Westerfield. The defeat clearly makes the League crown a much more distant objective but the lads need to recognise that they have two Cup competitions to pursue and with the opportunity, after their superb win against the Reserves of Thurlow Nunn club, Wallsham le Willows, to take on the Reserves of Stowmarket also from the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League.

This coming Saturday the Seniors have a top of the table clash against the successful newcomers to the Senior Division, Henley Ath., while the Inter As welcome Wenhaston's Inter As to Salmet Close.

Sad news of the death of longstanding Achillian, John Seabrook, who played no less than hockey, cricket, and football for the Club in his younger days. Unfortunately, the family's notice was only published in the East Anglian Daily Times rather than the Ipswich Star and, therefore, a number of Achilles' elders who would have wished to "see John off" were totally unaware of his passing. Nevertheless, on behalf of the Club, President David Routh, albeit belatedly, has sent his and the Club's condolences to widow, Merle, and the family.

Finally, a reminder that the annual Xmas Draw, led by President Routh, will be held in the Pauls Sports & Social Club, Salmet Close at 8 pm on Sunday 8th January.
No matches next Saturday, Xmas Eve, and so a Happy Xmas and a Prosperous New Year to all who read these notes.