Club Notes 19 December 2016

Mixed fortunes for Achilles on Saturday with the Seniors losing at fellow SIL Senior frontrunners, Henley United, while the inter As enjoyed a relatively comfortable home win against the excellent Wenhaston Inter As.

The Seniors' match was watched by an excellent crowd of well over 100 and it was obvious that our hosts, newcomers to Senior football, were out to reverse the 2-0 defeat they suffered at Salmet Close at the start of the season.

Clearly, the homesters have significantly strengthened their squad and for most of the 90 minutes looked the more likely to take all three points against a squad missing the midfield skills of David Grimwood. As it was the match, a credit to the SIL, provided a pulsating 90 minutes for the appreciative crowd and by sixty minutes the homesters were two up. Liam Hillyard then reduced that lead ending a thrilling run through the Henley defence but it was our doughty opponents who finished the match with all three points to leapfrog Achilles into second position in the Senior League table.

Meanwhile, the Inter As took some while to turn their territorial advantage into goals and the half-time whistle came with no score despite some exciting goalmouth action, largely at the visitor's end. As the second period continued Achilles' pressure finally told off with Callum Moran, Gary Coplen, and Adam Sturman finding the net to register a 3-0 success.After two narrow league defeats this was a welcome result for manager Reece Nunn.

Looking forward, no matches next Saturday, Xmas Eve, with the Seniors not engaged until Tuesday 27th December when they welcome Ransomes Sports to Salmet Close followed by the short trip to Bourne Vale on Monday 2nd January for another Senior match against near neighbours, Ipswich Athletic.
Finally, a reminder that Xmas Draw counterfoils should be returned to Achilles at the Pauls Sports & Social Club no later than 7 30 pm on Sunday 8th January.

Happy Xmas and a Prosperous New Year to all Green Un readers.