Hoxne 4 - 5 Achilles 18/11/17 (Suffolk Senior Cup)
Suffolk Senior Cup holders Achilles mounted a thrilling comeback at AFC Hoxne scoring three goals in the last 15 minutes to win 5-4.
A desperate last ditch clearance by Kieran Donovan prevented the villagers taking an early lead but Liam Smith for Hoxne scored twice in two minutes midway through the half. Achilles were struggling to make progress in open play on a difficult pitch and it was from a free kick that David Grimwood headed in for Achilles on the stroke of half time.
Smith completed his hat trick from the penalty spot after 55 minutes. An own goal reduced the arrears for Achilles before Smith added his fourth goal of the match with a seemingly innocuous effort from distance that took a wicked bounce over the hapless Robert Bucy in the Achilles goal.
Achilles brought on Liam Hillyard and threw players forward as time started to run out. With 15 minutes remaining Achilles were awarded a penalty, converted by Gavin van Oene, then Donovan equalised from close range. With moments remaining Hillyard got to the by line and drove a low cross into the goalmouth. The ball bounced off a defender’s leg into the net and the final whistle brought whoops of jubilation from the visitors players, management and supporters.
