2010-2011 season
21/8/10 Haughley A
Achilles made the perfect start to the season with an emphatic 6-0 victory over newly promoted Haughley. The result was effectively sealed in the first 15 minutes as Achilles ran amok. In the 2nd minute, Austin King headed powerfully home from Dominic Arnold's corner. From the restart, Achilles won a free kick and Richard O'Brien sent a looping header goalwards that deceived Arron Mayhew in the Haughley goal. Mayhew then saved well from Darren Jones' long shot, before O'Brien scored his second with an opportunist first time volley when the ball was not properly cleared from the Haughley goalmouth. Jones was fouled for an Achilles penalty but Mayhew saved with his feet from Julian Beaumont. O'Brien completed his hat trick on the half hour after good work by Beaumont with his back to goal. On 40 minutes Beaumont shot over the bar when clean through but made amends straight afterwards to stroke in O'Brien's cross.
The second half was more even with the only goal coming in the 75th minute. Substitute Craig Coote dribbled to the touchline on the right before pulling the ball back for the tireless Beaumont to sweep in his second and Achilles sixth goal of the match.
28/8/10 Westerfield H
An open and entertaining match, the 4-0 scoreline was as much attributable to the excellent goalkeeping of Achilles custodian and man of the match Ross Charters as it was to the clinical finishing of the home side. Achilles took the lead after 12 minutes, Richard O'Brien timed his run perfectly to get across the defender to meet Ricky Deasy's cross and direct his header neatly into the top corner of the goal. Deasy again provided the service for Achilles second this time Andy Coote beating his defender to the cross. The match was by no means one sided, as Charters saved first at the feet of James Sandilands and then twice from Cooper. Karl Sandilands should have scored from a free kick when unchallenged but his header did not trouble Charters before Coote saw his deflected shot hit the bar. Achilles 3rd and probably the best goal of the match came on the hour when Coote set off on a mazy run past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. O'Brien scored his second of the match and fifth of the season after 70 minutes. Picking up a loose ball in the penalty area O'Brien skilfully lobbed the closing defender and volleyed home. Charters pulled off further fine saves from Cooper and Phillips to deny Westerfield the consolation goal they surely deserved.
4/9/10 Felixstowe United H
Two goals either side of half time maintained the visitor's unbeaten start to the season after Achilles had taken an early lead from an own goal. A free kick from the half way line was driven beyond the Felixstowe United defensive line and stretching backwards Matt Morgan was unfortunate to see his header loop into his own net. Charters saved from Tom Childs before the same player nearly slid in a cross from Liam Hillyard. Beaumont, Deasy and Coote all had chances to extend the lead but the best effort came from Felixstowe's Morgan who drove firmly against the post nearly making amends for his earlier blunder. The equaliser came on the stroke of half time when Andrew Crump robbed Arnold near the touchline, cut inside and shot. Charters could not hold on and Tom Childs headed in the rebound. Achilles players and many of the large crowd were convinced that Crump had fouled Arnold but the protests were waved away. Immediately after the break, Childs turned provider for two excellent Felixstowe United goals firstly crossing for Crump to stoop and head home and then a glorious diagonal pass to Liam Hillyard who gave Charters no chance. Achilles pressed hard for the remainder of the half but found goalkeeper Daniel Crump in fine form on the few occasions they penetrated the resolute visitor's defence.
18/9/2010 Melton St Audreys A
A match winning performance from the Achilles strikers Andy and Craig Coote secured the points for the visitors. In a sometimes rugged encounter with both sides chasing and tackling fiecely, the pace and movement of the Cootes was a persistent threat to the Melton St Audreys backline. Andy Coote's first of two goals came from a long clearance by Micky Adams. Outpacing the defenders, he rounded the keeper and scored from the most acute angle. For his second, he collected the ball on the left edge of the penalty area and ran at full back Matthew Payne. Payne backed off and Coote eventually picked his spot beating Wilson with a crisp shot to the near post. Craig Coote should have scored when he too was clean through but lobbed extravagantly wide with Bucys unmarked to his right. The goal Craig scored was of the highest quality. Embarking on a long run from wide left, he cut inside and curled his shot expertly round Wilson and just inside the far post.
Melton St Audreys goals were also of high quality. Melton took the lead when Luke Covey turned in Payne's pinpoint cross. Perhaps the pick of the goals was David Thurkettles free kick from 25 yards, struck with pace and accuracy into the top corner, that left Ross Charters floundering.
25/9/10 Grundisburgh A
Achilles started brightly and Andy Coote nearly surprised Gary West with an audacious lob from fully 35 yards. Grundisburgh steadily took control of the midfield and threatened to breach the visitors backline on several occasions before taking a deserved lead just before half time when Tommy Bradlaugh's cross from the right wing was met firmly by Mical Moore's head. Grundisburgh could have extended their lead after 65 minutes but Franco Mallardo's 25 yarder struck the crossbar. Achilles substitutions Chris Leys and ex-Villager Julian Beaumont breathed new life into the visitors and the latter should have equalised minutes later when put clean through after Arnold had intercepted, but West did well to anticipate Beaumont's shot to his left. Having weathered the storm, Grundisburgh regained the ascendency and Lewis Driver should have added to their total but hit the post when it was probably easier to score. Near the end substitute Daniel Pryke did make it 2-0 rounding off an excellent move with his first touch of the match.
2/10/10 Melton St Audry's H
Achilles completed a early season double over Melton St Audry's with a 5 goal thriller that was rather slow to get going. Despite good approach play both teams faltered on the edge of the penalty area until just before half time when Achilles produced their best move of the half and Julian Beaumont saw his effort run tantalisingly across the goal line. Immediately, Melton St Audry's broke away and a strong run by Jerome Ingham was only halted by a crunching tackle from Owen Symonds that the referee judged illegal. Jamie Curran blasted the penalty extravagantly over the bar and over the clubhouse too. The second half saw Achilles looking the most likely to score but several good chances went begging before a skilful dribble along the byline from Melton's Perry Howell presented Lee Beaton with a simple tap-in. Achilles replied through Craig Coote and then two bizarre penalty decisions were converted firstly by Matthew Payne for Melton St Audry's and just a minute later by Dom Arnold for Achilles to make it 2-2. In a dramatic last 5 minutes, Achilles mounted pressure on the Melton St Audry's goal until Julian Beaumont conjured up an exquisite chip over the goalkeeper to the far post where Richard O'Brien made no mistake with an accurate header.
9/10/10 Grundisburgh A Suffolk senior cup
On the day that Grundisburgh FC were commemorating their 90th year in local football, it was the visitors who were celebrating as they stormed to a 3-0 half time lead. After 20 minutes ex-villager Julian Beaumont seized on a weak back pass and was fouled as he bore down on goal. Dom Arnold confidently despatched the penalty into the corner of the net. Shortly afterwards, Andy Coote dribbled to the byline and beat keeper Gary West from an acute angle. On 37 minutes Ricky Deasy made a strong run into the penalty area, his cross presenting Beaumont with a simple tap in. Grundisburgh's best chance of the half came from a free kick on the edge of the box. Tommy Bradlaugh's low drive deflected off the end of the wall just wide of the far post.
Grundisburgh dominated the second half but were unable to penetrate a resolute Achilles defence ably marshalled by Austin King nor trouble visiting keeper Charters. Indeed, Achilles could have increased their lead when West saved point blank from an O'Brien header after good work by Beaumont on the left wing. Achilles were reduced to 10 men for the closing 10 minutes when Deasy was dismissed for a reckless tackle, but stood firm until the final whistle.
16/10/10 East Bergholt A
A gusty wind blowing across the pitch did nothing to detract from an excellent football match that was a credit to both teams. Whilst all the goals were scored in the second half, there was much to admire in the first period with players on both sides showing fine skills but never managing to create decisive goalscoring chances. The second half was barely five minutes old when the promise of the first period bore fruit for the visitors. Julian Beaumont controlled a long throw in and laid the ball into the path of Richard O'Brien, who side-footed home. Achilles increased their lead again from a throw in. Philip Deller found space to cross the ball. Beaumont's shot was parried by Aaron Reid and Ricky Deasy was the first to follow up and bundle the ball over the line. In response East Bergholt United produced the best football of the match and it was thoroughly deserved when Aaron Sheggs shot spectacularly in the top corner from outside the penalty area and then three minutes from the end when Alistair McInnes headed the equaliser from a long throw in. Almost from the restart, a forward pass was helped on by Lee Osborn and Owen Symons appeared to head beyond Reid to seal the points for Achilles.
23/10/10 Coplestonians H
With their rivals faltering, Achilles consolidated their challenge at the top of the league by virtue of a hard earned victory at Salmet Close. The conditions were ideal for football but play was scrappy for the most part with neither team able to put together any sustained attack. The home goalkeeper was the first to be called into action after 10 minutes tipping a long shot from Nathan Woolard over the bar and from the resulting corner Sam Horn headed narrowly wide. Achilles opened the scoring when a pinpoint cross by Dom Arnold was met by the evergreen Julian Beaumont who made no mistake with a firm header into the top corner of the goal. And it was Beaumont again that increased Achilles lead on the hour, slotting home coolly after being put through by strike partner Ricky Deasy. Coplestonians should have reduced the arrears from the restart when a mistake in the home defence let in Matt Oxbrow, but his shot was parried by Ross Charters in the home goal. Substitute Bruce Rolls scored for Coplestonians in the dying moments, taking the ball past Symond and planting a low shot past Charters and straight after Woolard could have equalised had his clever lob not missed the far post by a whisker.
30/10/10 Old Newton A
The pitch at Old Newton was in excellent condition and with the wind at their backs, the home team dominated the first period forcing nine corners but were unable to turn their superiority into goals. Aaron Shave did get the ball in the net from a free kick to the far post, but alert linesman Mr Primus spotted the use of a hand. Achilles were reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute when Symonds was dismissed for a two footed tackle. Craig Lockwood should have given Old Newton a half time lead but his header was straight at the keeper.
Achilles took the lead after 49 minutes when a long free kick was lost in the sun by the home defence and Austin King came round the back to score off the post. Old Newton were in command, making good use of the extra man, and Achilles had Ross Charters to thank for a spectacular one handed save from Lewis Broomfield's header. Against the run of play Achilles scored a second when Beaumont's cross was deflected into his own net by Richard Taylor at full stretch. Old Newton had Shave sent off for a second yellow after 75 minutes but continued to press and were rewarded when Tom Abbott scored at the far post. In all, the referee found nine minutes of added time, during which Old Newton rattled the post, but Achilles hung on to record their third consecutive victory by the odd goal
6/11/10 Stanton H
Achilles completed their 5th consecutive victory by the odd goal in unconvincing fashion. A lack lustre first period provided little entertainment for the sparse stalwarts on the line, Owen Symonds offering a misdirected header onto his own bar as the only crumb of excitement. The second half was little better until the 70th minute when a free kick from the half way line caused confusion in the Achilles penalty area and Gary Ross scored for the visitors with a well struck drive from 20 yards. It looked like this would be the deciding action as Achilles had failed to get any effort on goal in the whole match. However, the introduction of winger Callum Moran provided much needed width for Achilles and it was his cross that was coolly stroked home by Richard O'Brien in the 85th minute. Stanton had been the livelier side throughout and it was a rough justice when in almost the last action of the match, Philip Deller headed home the winner from Mick Adams far post cross. Referee Mr Chapman must be praised for his control of a rugged game, offering a smile and firm word when required instead of a hasty reach to the back pocket.
13/11/10 Framlingham H
Achilles extended their unbeaten run to six games, but so very nearly were beaten by a Framlingham Town side who belied their lowly league position.
The Framlingham Town opener was a stunning goal. Danny Claxton dribbled past three players, played a one two with Mat Chaplin and blasted a swerving shot past Charters in the home goal. Achilles responded immediately with an equally spectacular goal – an overhead kick from Andy Coote.
Achilles dominated the second period with Deller and O'Brien controlling the midfield area, but it was Framlingham Town that scored. A free kick beyond the far post was headed back across goal where Tim Warner hammered his shot off the crossbar onto goalkeeper Charters back and into the goal. With Framlingham Town leading 2-1 with just 5 minutes remaining, Mick Adams' shot from outside the penalty area was blocked. When it rebounded to him his second effort struck Ross Hutchens on the hand. Although Hutchens' arms were clearly across his body, the referee awarded Achilles a penalty which Adams himself coolly planted into the corner of the net. It was probably no more than Achilles deserved but they had Ross Charters to thank for a fine one handed save from Warner in the dying moments
20/11/10 Corton Senior Cup last 16
Achilles cruised to the last eight of the Suffolk Senior Cup thanks to a first half hat trick from Andy Coote. After 6 minutes Ricky Deasy powered down the right wing and his low cross was helped in by Coote. A powerful shot from Corton's Arni High was bravely blocked by Osborn before O'Brien swept his shot into the roof of the net following good work by Coote. On 22 minutes, a superb first time cross to the far post by Micky Adams was well met by Coote whose header back across the goal wrong footed the keeper. Achilles made it 4-0 on the stroke of half time. Julian Beaumont was tripped as he dribbled in the penalty area and Coote scored the spot kick in off the post to complete his hat trick.
Achilles dominated the second period but Corton caught them on the break on the hour, Scott Bellis finishing the move in style. Beaumont should have scored when he rounded the goalkeeper but shot into the side netting. Achilles were awarded a second penalty as Philip Deller was barged over and Mick Adams made no mistake to the goalkeeper's right. Beaumont shot wide from 10 yards out before Corton scored a late consolation from a corner, Arni High heading powerfully home.
27/11/10 Cranes A
In an eventful match, full of end to end action, Crane Sports had the first chance, Dennis Cooper firing over the bar. For Achilles, Ricky Deasy beat the offside and sprinted through but his shot was smothered by the keeper then Julian Beaumont failed to convert Luke Hillyard's pinpoint cross. On the half hour, Lee Cooper's shot from an acute angle was well saved by the visiting keeper. Beaumont rounded the full back to open the scoring and Andy Coote found space to pick his spot for Achilles second. On the stroke of half time Chris Lay followed up after Gavin Paul's shot was parried to reduce the arrears.
Crane Sports started the second half strongly, Lay shot wide when well placed before Paul Dodsworth saw his point blank header brilliantly pushed against the bar by Charters. A Cranes free kick passed harmlessly beyond the goal but the linesman spotted an infringement. Chris Lay hit the crossbar with the penalty. Moments later Dodsworth had the ball in the net, but the linesman again intervened to disallow the goal. On 75 minutes Philip Deller pounced on a loose ball to dribble through and beat Shaun Chaplin to his right. In a frantic final ten minutes, Paul Dodsworth had a good shot saved, Lloyd Dodsworth hit the bar before Paul Dodsworth found the net with a good turn and shot from 12 yards. Gavin Paul could have equalised in the dying seconds but screwed his shot wide.
11/12/10 Ipswich Athletic A
In this all-Ipswich clash, Achilles broke Ipswich Athletic's run of nine unbeaten League games and extended their own run to eight games. A keenly contested first half was mainly limited to the midfield area, the only goal scored by Julian Beaumont from a corner. The second half by contrast was far more open, Philip Deller and then Andy Coote both had chances for the visitors before Bartholomew struck the post from an Athletic corner. Bartholomew sent a dangerous cross from the right wing but Caleb Ebanks mistimed his header from 10 yards. Andy Coote was brought down on a mazy dribble into the penalty area, but Mr MacKay waved away confident appeals for a penalty. After 72 minutes Athletic equalised, Scott Marjoram meeting a weak clearance and driving home from 20 yards. Achilles restored their lead 10 minutes later. Philip Deller intercepted a pass out of defence, played a one-two with Andy Coote and beat Lawrence Leggett from an acute angle. Athletic pressed hard but Achilles defence held firm and a breakaway in the final seconds gave Deller his second and Achilles' their third after good work on the right by Coote.
3/1/11 Capel Plough H
“I have always thought of Christmas time as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time”. The teams at Salmet Close had clearly not read Dickens for the first half was a dour unforgiving contest with a dearth of goalmouth action.
6 minutes into the second period, the mood lifted when Nigel BRADFORD gambled on a near post cross to break the deadlock for Capel Plough. Achilles responded and almost from the restart, a strong run and cross by Ricky Deasy fell to Julian BEAUMONT, who needed two attempts to direct the ball towards the gaping net. On the hour, Achilles took the lead. Mark Ransome sent a free kick to the far post where Andy COOTE for once won the physical challenge and volleyed spectacularly into the roof of the net. The equaliser came from a hotly disputed penalty that referee Mr Scrivener awarded against Austin King for playing the man not the ball, a dispute which King continued long after Stephen MORRISON had decisively dispatched the spot kick. As players tired, managers introduced substitutes, and it was reserve centre forward Ben Taylor who could have settled it in Achilles favour with the last kick of the match had his snapshot not been straight at keeper Wayne Donovan.
8/1/11 Beccles A Suffolk senior cup QF
What a match at Beccles with the home team leading by 2-0 and 3-1 before Achilles finally triumphed in extra time, 5-4.
On a heavy but well-grassed pitch Achilles, from the SIL Senior Division, started well against their hosts from the Premier Division of the Anglian Combination but, within 20 minutes, found themselves two goals down via excellent efforts by Scott Barnard and Alan Rembrance. The visitors finally opened their tally through Andy Coote but poor defending by Achilles saw Tony Martin, brother of the Norwich star, put Beccles 3-1 up at the break.
The match continued in similar vein with Achilles clearly playing the better football but seemingly unable to turn their superiority into goals. However, just when it seemed that the homesters would hold onto their two goal lead matters changed and, as Achilles introduced subs, Callum Moran and Lee Osborn, they reduced the deficit through an excellent effort by that man Coote. Right on time, a trip leading to a penalty converted by Micky Adams, gave them the life-line at 3-3 to take the match to extra time.
It was all Achilles, thereafter; Andy Coote made it 4-3 with the goal of the match but poor defending saw Barnard make it 4-4 and penalties likely. However, Moran was tripped after a breathtaking run and, this time, Osborn converted to take Achilles into the semi-finals.
22/1/11 Coplestonians H Omnico Cup 3rd Round
Another day at the office as Achilles progressed comfortably to the fourth round to meet giant killers Sporting 87. The visitors played the most attractive football, comfortable on the ball, accurate passing, easy on the eye but over the 90 minutes created few attempts on goal. The best chance for the Cops came from a free kick 20 yards out on the half hour when Billy Holland forced a good save from Ross Charters. Achilles were more direct and managed to get centre forward Andy Coote in on goal three times in the first half, the last of which was converted neatly just inside the goalkeeper's right hand post.
Achilles forced a string of corners at the start of the second half. Indeed it was from a corner that Owen Symonds forced the ball home after Jack Wilkinson's powerful header was parried by Ben Lancaster to double the lead. Coplestonians continued to flatter up to the penalty area but failed to penetrate a solid home defence well marshalled by Brent Richards. Callum Moran scored a further goal in injury time to add gloss to a workmanlike Achilles victory and Andy Coote nearly made it four as time ran out.
29/1/11 Grundisburgh H
The large crowd that descended on Salmet Close on a raw winter's afternoon were warmed by an excellent game of football. The draw saw both Grundisburgh and Achilles make up ground on leaders Ransomes who were upset by Ipswich Athletic. It was probably the Grundisburgh contingent that left happier as the Villagers had mustered just one effort on goal, this coming in the 48th minute when the visitor's man of the match Luke Reid got behind the home defence to see his point blank header well saved by Ross Charters.
By contrast Achilles laid siege to the Grundisburgh goal for the whole of the second half and created a series of good openings that on another day would have resulted in a comfortable victory. Luke Hillyard, Callum Moran, Ricky Deasy and Jack Wilkinson all had good opportunities to break the deadlock and substitute Liam Hillyard forced a fingertip save from Gary Hammond before Deasy squandered a gilt edged chance in the dying minutes from the edge of the 6 yard box.
Achilles unbeaten run now twelve games, last beaten by Grundisburgh in October.
5/2/11 Felixstowe A lost 6-1
12/2/11 Sporting 87
In the delightful setting of Nowton Park, Achilles progressed to the quarter finals of the Omnico Cup 4-1 against a division 2 team who had beaten senior opponents in the previous round. And it was easy to see why when Matt Brown hit the post in the early minutes and then Phil Taylor created confusion in the visitors penalty area with an enormous throw in. However it was the senior team that was playing the best football and Julian Beaumont, having missed an open goal from 12 yards, had a shot saved and then narrowly over from a glancing header, combined neatly with Andy Coote to put Achilles ahead ten minutes before half time. Austin King scored unchallenged from a corner and Beaumont scored a brilliant individual goal before Sporting 87 pulled one back from a corner through Brown. Achilles immediately restored their three goal cushion when Beaumont set up Callum Moran with a clever back heel. The Ipswich side now meet fellow Ipswich senior side Ransomes Sports in the last 8.
19/2/11 Cranes H
Crane Sports looked dangerous in the early exchanges but could not trouble Charters in the home goal. Indeed the first shot of consequence can from a Micky Adams free kick, well saved by Shaun Chaplin. The midfield area was keenly contested and it was from a solid tackle by Darren Jones that Julian BEAUMONT picked up the loose ball and rounded the keeper to open the scoring. Achilles increased their lead in the 35th minute: Brent Richards intercepted a loose pass, broke forward and found Andy Coote in space 18 yards out. COOTE made no mistake with a curling shot to the far post. Crane Sports raised their game in the second period as they pressed forward. Lee Cooper was showing some neat touches as Crane Sports gained control in the midfield, but stout defending by the home back four and one memorable last ditch tackle by Owen Symonds on Paul Dodsworth kept the visitors at bay. Crane Sports did score in the 75th minute when a far post cross from the right was only finger-tipped out leaving Justin MIDDLEMASS with a close range tap in. Achilles held out for the remainder of the game to maintain their challenge for league honours.
5/3/11 Lakenheath A Suffolk Senior Cup
A single first half goal from man of the match Tony Wright was enough to send favourites Lakenheath to Portman Road to meet Whitton United in the Suffolk Senior Cup Final. Achilles had the ball in the net in the 20th minute after Darren Jones had threaded a pass to Andy Coote, but the goal was disallowed for an infringement by Coote and Jones himself was denied when his powerful volley was beaten out by Sean Greygoose in the home goal. The goal came in the 32nd minute, WRIGHT got in front of his defender to meet a cross from the left and easily beat Charters from close range. Achilles almost replied immediately but Jack Wilkinson missed his kick completely from 10 yards out. Lakenheath were dominating the aerial contests and were particularly dangerous from corners and free kicks. Achilles had Ricky Deasy to thank for two goal line clearances from 'Heath corners. A busy home midfield were making it very difficult for the Ipswich side to keep the ball on the ground and the best opportunity of the second period for Achilles fell to Julian Beaumont, who intercepted a wayward back pass by Matt Bonner, but Greygoose was very fast off his line to smother Beaumont's progress.
12/3/11 Ransomes A Omnico Cup
Achilles booked their place in the Omnico Cup semi-final after a deserved win against the holders Ransomes at Sidegate Avenue. Ransomes played their part in this pulsating cup tie in the first half with George getting behind the visitors defence and causing problems. Beaumont should have put Achilles in front but was stopped by a superb Clubb save and Ransomes countered with a fast break White combined with George and Charters saved well from the resulting George shot. Parker thought he had put Ransomes in front when his header came back of the cross bar and was cleared. Beaumont had another great chance to score but dragged his shot wide. Hillyard put in a teasing cross and Beamont should have done better when well placed.
Achilles came out for the second half and completely dominated the game with Coote going close on two occasions and Beaumont also went close. Achilles took a deserved lead when Coote got behind the Ransomes defence and put the visitors in front. It was all Achilles and further chances fell to Beaumont and Coote. Ransomes got back on level terms when Bevis struck an unstoppable thirty five yarder that would have graced the premiership. Achilles got their deserved winner when Beaumont rounded three home defenders and planted his shot firmly in the back of the net to send them into the semi final.
30/3/11 Ransomes Sports H
Ransomes Sports took an early lead in bizarre fashion, Liam BEVIS intercepted a clearance on the Ransomes right and lofted a hopeful cross into the Achilles penalty area. With Ransomes forwards bearing down on the goal the cross deceived the keeper and bounced into the roof of the net. Achilles fought back for the rest of the half but were unable to create a clear cut scoring chance.
The equaliser came shortly after halftime. Andy Coote received the ball with his back to goal and shielded the ball from his marker until Philip Deller arrived to sweep his shot into the corner of the goal. Achilles continued to dominate and good chances fell to Liam Hillyard who outpaced the visitor's defence on three occasions only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Guy Clubb who showed excellent form in the Ransomes goal. The winner came in the 65th minute. Achilles keeper Ross Charters' miskicked his clearance and Ross WHITE drove the return powerfully into the unguarded net from 25 yards. Clubb saved again at the feet of Hillyard as Ransomes held out to the final whistle.
2/4/11 Wickham Market A Omnico Cup Semi Final
Omnico Cup giantkillers Wickham Market stunned their senior opposition in a whirlwind spree either side of half time that produced 3 goals in 10 minutes. Achilles dominated the first 40 minutes but had only a single Julian BEAUMONT goal to show for their undoubted superiority. The equaliser came against the run of play in the 43rd minute when the prolific Jay CHURCHYARD volleyed a difficult bouncing ball into the ground and up into the top corner.
Wickham Market could have scored immediately after the restart but Charters saved well at the feet of Ross Harvey. Wickham took the lead from Karl Goodwin's powerful driven cross, Stephen BROWN heading in from close range. The third came swiftly afterwards, John INCE latched on to a loose ball 30 yards out and dribbled through to confidently place his shot wide of Charters. Wickham put the game virtually out of reach when Luke PHILLIPS found himself unmarked from a corner. Achilles fought back, Jack WILKINSON scored in a goalmouth scramble and Lee Osborne had a powerful point blank header well saved before Ricky DEASY lobbed home with the home supporters yelling for offside. Sam Taylor was sent off for time wasting as Wickham Market ran down the clock to reach the final and remain on course for a cup and league double.
13/4/11 Framlingham A
The visitors should have taken an early lead through Luke Hillyard. Hughes for Framlingham outpaced the visitors back line and just failed to lob the keeper. Achilles were awarded a penalty for a trip on Jones after 16 minute but Simon Nunn saved low to his left and was quick to smother the rebound. Both sides were playing fast attractive football and good chances fell to Coote, Hillyard and Deller for Achilles. Hughes rounded the keeper but Symonds got back to clear off the line and the same player missed a gilt edged chance with his head at the far post. The opener came just before half time, Hughes applying the final touch after a deep free kick had been headed back into the penalty area. Achilles equalised when a lob by Owen Symonds deceived Nunn. Framlingham replied immediately with goals from close range by Adam Hustler and then Hughes. Nunn saved well from Micky Adams before Achilles were awarded a second penalty. This time Adams made no mistake low to the keeper's right. Achilles pressed forward and camped in the Framlingham half but the beleaguered home defence held out. Framlingham looked dangerous themselves on the break Charters saving well at the feet of Hustler. Sean Bell saw a header just wide as referee Mr King signalled the end of an exciting match.
16/4/11 East Bergholt H
East Bergholt had the ball in the net in the 10th minute but the referee was sharp to spot that Lewis Symes had used his hand. The visitors took the lead soon after from the penalty spot, confidently dispatched by Andrew NEWMAN. The equaliser came from a free kick driven into the penalty area by Sean Bell. The ball eluded the defence and fell to Owen Symonds beyond the far post, who calmly placed it wide of Burn in the Bergholt goal. The winner came just after half time, Micky Adams started his dribble from the half way line, forced his way to the edge of the 18 yard line, Ricky Deasy helped the ball on and Luke Hillyard was on hand to hook his shot into the top corner. East Bergholt were playing attractive football and fashioned chances for Doug Williams (blocked by Hillyard), Stewart Wright (wide) and James Phillips (saved by Charters) before in their best move of the match Josh Lytess struck the post from the edge of the box. But it was Achilles that ran out 2-1 winners to take a valuable 3 points to re-ignite their quest for league honours.
19/4/11 Woodbridge Athletic H
Woodbridge Athletic took the lead from a corner in the tenth minute when Eamon BRIDGER found himself unmarked six yards out. Tom Ward missed a chance to extend the visitors lead immediately afterwards when he failed to direct a fine cross by Chris Dennett on goal. Achilles could not find their best game and were lucky to reach half time only one goal down.
Things improved for the home side after the break - Andy Coote hit the crossbar after a good run and the equaliser came on the hour with a powerful drive from twenty yards by Luke HILLYARD. Tom Ross saved well at the feet of Ricky Deasy. The winner came in the eighty ninth minute. The ball broke to DEASY who ran through and smashed his shot high into the roof of the net, despite strong claims for offside. The Ipswich side, with games in hand, now meet Ipswich Athletic on Saturday in what may be a crucial fixture.
23/4/11 Ipswich Athletic H
A large sun-baked Salmet Road crowd were treated to an exciting match in which three first half Achilles goals stunned local rivals Ipswich Athletic. Alan Mills for Athletic had struck the bar from a direct free kick in the tenth minute as the visitors opened brightly, but it was Achilles that took the lead when a cross from Luke Hillyard was headed into his own net by Lee Leparvlo under pressure at the near post. A splendid long shot by Luke HILLYARD doubled Achilles lead. In reply Charters saved at close quarters from Sam Bartholomew as the ball bounced around in the home penalty area. Achilles third came in the 40th minute: Ricky Deasy hooked the ball into the Athletic box and Andy COOTE directed his header low beyond Lawrence Leggett's reach. Athletic finished the half strongly, grazing the crossbar twice.
On the hour, Sam Bartholomew was pulled back in the penalty area and referee Flaherty was on hand to award a penalty, emphatically converted by Dean Tourney-Godfrey. As Athletic pressed forward Achilles nearly exploited the gaps left at the back and Liam Hillyard was twice foiled by good saves by Leggett. Achilles defence, well marshalled by man of the match Sean Bell, held firm as Achilles ran out worthy winners.
30/4/11 Woodbridge A
Both sides had opportunities, but had to settle for a no score draw, in an entertaining game at Rock Barracks. The strong wing blowing diagonally across the hard pitch made for difficult playing conditions and it was a credit to the players who did well to keep a lively ball under control. Woodbridge had the best of the first half and Ross Charters did well to save from Alex Harvey, before Tom Vale burst through the middle only to blaze his shot into the woods behind the goal. In the best move of the match, Chris Bennet raced onto an excellent pass inside the full back, but could not beat Charters. Charters was again in action beating out a powerful header by Oli Fenn and then saving the rebound.
Achilles had their best spell in the second period and good work by Andy Coote down the left wing set up Darren Jones but his shot from 12 yards was wide of the post. Coote again cut in from the left wing and shot to the far post. Tom Ross in the home goal got a hand to the ball and Ricky Deasy following up was unable to get his effort on target from a difficult height. Woodbridge substitute Matt McCarthy livened up the home forward line and brought saves from Charters and Brent Richards cleared off the line as Achilles pressed forward in search of the goal that would keep them in touch at the top of the table.
3/5/11 Old Newton H
Two goals in a minute in the first half kept Achilles in line for second spot in the Senior Division. The home side took the lead in the 20th minute. Dominic Arnold latched on to a loose clearance and fired in a blistering shot that Craig Lockwood in the visitor's goal found too hot to catch. Ace goal poacher Julian BEAUMONT was onto it in a flash to stroke the ball into the net for his 11th goal in 21 matches. The game was sealed for the Ipswich side a minute later. Andy Coote whipped in a cross from the left wing and Jack Wilkinson headed the ball on to Owen SYMONDS who made no mistake from 6 yards. Defences were generally on top however and the majority of the play was in the midfield area of the pitch. Ross Charters in the Achilles goal was seldom brought into action except to punt clear backpasses. Craig Lockwood looked the most likely Old Newton forward to reduce the arrears but was unable to get in a telling effort as the game petered out in the fading sunshine.
7/5/11 Haughley United H
Achilles FC finished their fixtures with a 2-2 draw that was the proverbial game of two halves. Achilles dominated the first half to such an extent that the game should have been put to bed before half time. Dominic Arnold tested the keeper from range as Achilles started strongly and Andy Coote struck the post in the melee following a corner. With the Haughley defence sleeping, Mark Ransome received a short corner and was allowed time to direct his cross to the far post. The ball was played back into the danger zone where Jack Wilkinson made no mistake from 10 yards. Ransome was again the provider for Achilles second, Owen Symonds directing his header accurately past Rob Fox. Fox made saves from Deller and Coote before denying Julian Beaumont acrobatically tipping his lob onto the post. Out of the blue, Craig Simpson pulled a goal back before half time, with little back lift he produced an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box despite the close attention of home defenders. Haughley improved after the break and deservedly equalised, Ashley Hawes pounced on a loose ball and curled a 20 yarder wide of Charters.
After the match Suffolk FA Chief Executive Phil Knight and President Gordon Blake presented a 50 years of service award to long standing Achilles FC Chairman Dave Morgan.