Club Notes 21 February 2017

An excellent week-end for the Club with the Seniors progressing to the semis of the SIL Bob Coleman Cup (which Achilles currently hold) courtesy of an extra-time 3-2 victory over fellow SILSenior Division competitors at East Bergholt. Meanwhile, the Inter As were entertaining Sporting 87 at Salmet Close and, after a goalless first half, registered goals in the second period for a fine 4-0 victory.

The Seniors' match result could (should?) have been sealed in the first 20 minutes or so with our hosts hardly in the proceedings and two goals from the prolific Liam Hillyard but several others passed up the order of the early day. However, gradually, Bergholt forced their way into the proceedings and, assisted by a rather harsh handball decision, a fine free kick found its mark to produce a 2-1 score-line at the break. The second half was much more even and Bergholt equalised with a well struck effort. Full time arrived at 2-2 and Achilles' travelling support were left wondering whether they would rue that early 20 minutes. However, all was good in the end with Liam completing his hat trick and, later information, confirming a home semi final tie against SIL 1st Division front-runners, AFC Kesgrave. A further word on that point, the other two semi-finalists are also front runners in that Division - Claydon and Benhall St Mary - a tribute to the apparent strength of that Division this season.

The Inter As match selection was significant in that, in preparation for the SFA Senior Reserves Cup semi this coming Saturday against Eastern Counties Leaguers, Stowmarket Res, once again Achilles' veterans, Lee Osborn and Ricky Deasy, were in the squad - apparently they made it into the second period with all those four goals coming then! Ace defender, Matt McCarthy (2), was once again on the scoreline.

This Saturday the Seniors welcome Felixstowe Harpers to Salmet Close for a match to be sponsored by Adam Burrows and Uncle Earl while the Inter As have that SFA Semi on the Woodbridge Town ground with an early 1 30 pm kick off.