Club Notes 5th December 2017

Happily, back to winning ways for the Seniors last Saturday when lowly, but very plucky, Haughley were finally "put to the sword" via a 5-1 scoreline at Salmet Close in a match sponsored by former Achillian John Shorten's widow, Rosemary.

Over recent weeks home encounters have been significant for the early goal registered by the visiting team and, indeed, this match was no different with Haughley going ahead very early on with Gavin Van Oeon's brother slotting home to finish a fine move. Matters could have been worse had Josh Hender not produced a fine save from a Haughley penalty. Thereafter, Achilles gradually took control although the equaliser took some 30 minutes to come via a superb run and shot from Lee Grimwood and, almost immediately, Danny Garrod secured a narrow interval lead. The second half was (almost) all Achilles and further goals from Gavin, Carl (Scoop) McCarthy, and David Grimwood secured what, in the end, was a comfortable win. A note for the Haughley 'keeper who was exceptional and kept the final result for his team to a reasonable level.

The reserves were due to make the short trip to Greshams for the "A" Division match against hosts, Crane Sports Res'. Unfortunately, a late call-off from Greshams meant that the "lads" (stretched as they were themselves!) were idle although this enabled the Seniors to welcome to the bench the McCarthy brothers and it was good to see "Scoop" gradually returning to full fitness and, indeed, finding the net.
This coming Saturday both squads are away with the Seniors away at Trimley against league leaders, Felixstowe Harpers, while the Reserves are at East Bergholt against the local "As".

Away from the park (as they say) the most recent 100 Club winners were No: 33 Alan Middle and No: 36 Chas Lankester. Finally, a further reminder to the players that outstanding SFA fines and Pauls/Training subs are due and, for the financial wellbeing of Achilles, need to be paid asap.