Club Notes 15 April 2013

Considerable activity for Achilles since just before the week-end with the Seniors winning at Grundisburgh last Wednesday, via the only goal of the game and keeping their "top spot" hopes flying, but losing 2-1 at home Saturday in the semi-final of the SIL Bob Coleman League Cup to Melton St A. Over the same period the Inter As have beaten East Bergholt away 3-1 and Haughley 2-0 also away to consolidate their position in second spot in the SIL Inter A table - a position also now held by the Seniors in the Senior Division.
So, still much to play for for the Club although the Melton defeat, coming after a long run of success, was most disappointing.
The Grundisburgh game, finishing as it did in near darkness, was a tough affair with the only goal coming early on when the home keeper had the misfortune to blast the ball against Keiron Dononan from whom it sped into the net. With Brent Richards departing at the break for his holiday flight, and serious injuries to Micky Adams and Andy Coote, the hard-fought outcome was well deserved with Dom Arnold outstanding closely followed by literally all his team-mates.
Saturday's semi-final game was always interesting and, despite their lowly position in the League, Melton were clearly up for it and led at the break by the only goal scored. Dom equalised soon after and for much of the remainder of the game Achilles were on top without penetrating a brave defence then, with extra-time beckoning, a superb strike by Melton's best forward sealed a surprise victory for them. However, take nothing away, that shot alone was worthy of winning any game at whatever level.
Quickly taking stock, Lee Osborn's lads still have that title chance but need to return to their winning streak immediately. Meanwhile, Shaun Deller's Inter As have been majestic with only the SCFA Senior Reserves Cup quarter-final defeat to Hadleigh coming between an unbeaten run going back to Sept 22nd., and a possiblity of "the Double" with also, of course, the Gipping Press Cup final against Leiston SMs' Inter Bs at Woodbridge Town on the 8th May.
Away from the park, a reminder of the Pauls' Race Night on the 27th April with all proceeds going towards pitch maintenance,and Achilles' Presentation Evening on the 11th May - entertainment by Jimmy Nunn and (family) admission just £5.
TROJAN SUBSTITUTE.