Club Notes 24th December 2017

After the disappointment of the defeat at Greshams against the talented Coplestonians side a week ago it was necessary Saturday for the Seniors to get back to winning ways if our challenge for the SIL Senior League title was to be maintained.

For the first of three home games over the Xmas period AFC Hoxne were our visitors - one of the promoted clubs to the Senior Division and who Achilles had already played twice this season both at the north Suffolk venue. The first of these had ended in a 3-3 draw and the second, in the Suffolk FA Senior Cup, a 5-4 Achilles' success having been 4-2 down with less than 15 minutes left on the clock.

Corporate responsibilities on the parts of manager, Luke Hillyard, and ace marksman Liam Hillyard, meant that, together with loyal supporter and Dad, Jeff, managerment responsibilities rested with Andy Coote and Trevor Childs. Indeed, with no Reserve fixture allocated, the dugout was also pleased to welcome managers, Jamie King and Chris Crick - reverse scouting, no doubt!.

With such a wealth of managerial talent avaiable there was every hope that the squad would return to winning ways and despite, also, the absence of club captain, Keiron Donovan (Xmas shopping it was rumoured!!), this was eventually the case although, indeed, despite some fine football at both ends the match was scoreless at the break. However, the quick incissive work of, in particular, Sean Hanley, David Grimwood, Joe Revell, and Robert Bucys, the latter when he appeared from the dugout, saw four goals at the Hoxne end and an obvious acceptance on the part of our visitors that this wasn't their day! The success means that we well and truly maintained our leadership challenge and the superior games in hand and goal difference will certainly help as well.

There was plenty of jollity in the clubhouse after the match and it was good to see our visitors enjoying themselves despite their defeat. In addition there was ample opportunity to remind the lads that Xmas Draw counterfoils must be returned in time for the Draw on Sunday 7th January. In addition, for the financial good of Achilles, outstanding SFA fines together with Pauls/Training Hire dues must be paid in asap.

This coming Saturday Wenhaston will be the Seniors' Senior League guests while, on the 6th January, East Bergholt will be the visitors for an SIL Bob Coleman Cup match.