Club Notes 18 Decmber 2017

One week up, one week down! That seems to be the pattern of both Achilles' squads at present. Having trounced, then, SIL Senior League leaders, Felixstowe Harpers, on their own patch a week earlier the Seniors for the second season running found Coplestonians a real "bogey" team on their own Greshams ground and, despite holding a narrow single goal at the break, frailties in our defence rather gifted the homesters a narrow 2-1 victory and projected them into a leading situation in one of the tightest leadership struggles for seasons.

Fortunately, most other results went Achilles' way but both the favourable matches in hand and the handsome goal difference advantages will fade and die if a tight hold is not kept on matches where, in fact, just a share of the points would, at very least, help.

Another concern was the "hamstring" fitness of ace forward, Lee Grimwood, who despite slotting in our early goal, was forced to leave proceedings before the tightness got worse.
Take nothing away from Cops' though, their speedy, youthful, approach to proceedings is serving them well and their victory was certainly sweet for them after the drubbing they suffered against us at Salmet Close earlier in the season.

Next Saturday (23rd) against AFC Hoxne is the first of three successive home games for the Seniors with the following Saturday (30th) Wenhaston Utd our visitors and, then, (6th) East Bergholt FC will be visiting Salmet Close for an SIL Bob Coleman Cup clash.
Meanwhile, having lost 3-1 against East Bergholt Reserves the previous Saturday, there was concern in the Achilles' management ranks with, apparently, just nine available in the morning for the return League "A" match against Henley Reserves. Fortunately, the "call to arms" was answered and, by the time of ko, 13 "able-bodied" Achillians were raring to go. Latecoming spectators were denied the spectacle of an explosive start with no less than three goals registered in the first five minutes, including a Henley "stunner" from the young Steele who happens to be the son of Robert Steele an Achiles' stalwart several seasons ago. As the match proceeded Achilles increasingly appeared the likely winners and the final score (5-2) with Robert Bucys (4 goals) in top form saw to that. The other was from another vet', Lee Capocci. Man of the match (well 70 minutes after which he took a well deserved early shower), was veteran, Craig Coote, who was outstanding in defence. Another outstanding performer was the referee whose quiet, but firm, control of the game was appreciated by both Clubs.

No matches for the Reserves over the immediate Xmas period.

Finally, a reminder to all Achillians, and the players in particular, that outstanding SFA fines, Pauls Sports & Social Club subs', and Xmas Draw ticket stubs are due in asap.
Finally, finally, that Xmas Draw will be at 8 pm on Sunday 7th January in the Pauls Club.