Club Notes 26 August 2018

"Goals Galore" day for Achilles on Saturday with the Seniors winning 7-0 at Leiston St Margarets while the Reserves went two better via a crushing 9-0 victory at Mendlesham.

Early play at Leiston was reasonably even but the sheer strength and ability of our front men produced a three goal margin by the break and the introduction of a talented trio of subs in the second period produced another seven, one or two of them quite outstanding either by the finish or, indeed, the build up. Marksmen were new boys, Lee McGlone, and Connor Field (2), together with David Grimwood (2), Lee Grimwood,and Josh Merritt - the latter probably being "the pick of the large bunch".

Clearly, managers, Luke Hillyard and Andy Coote, have an extremely strong squad at their disposal and there is little doubt that Luke, in particular, is keen to hold onto the SIL Senior League crown won last campaign and I have little doubt that, as well, he would like a double tilt at the Suffolk FA Senior Cup and the SIL's Bob Coleman Cup.

On the matter of Cups the draw for the first round of the Suffolk FA Senior Cup to be held on the 20th October has produced a home tie for Achilles when Haughley United will be our visitors to Salmet Close.

Meanwhile to the Leiston match, the Reserves, obliged to travel the short trip to Mendlesham for an away fixture because of a "society" wedding at Salmet Close, were always too well equipped for our hosts and it seems clear that the welcome combination of managers Chris Crick and Leon Wyatt will mean a very strong Achilles' squad at this "A" League level.

Actually, the half-time score at Mendlesham was just 1-0 and, clearly, there was quite an avalanch in the second period. It was certainly good to welcome back, "Scoop" Mc Carthy after his nasty injury and Ben Taylor after his linkage with one or two other SIL Clubs. Marksmen were Ashley Reilly and James Steel (3 each), Ben, "Scoop", and John Paul Taylor (the latter another welcome returner to Achilles' ranks.

It must also be mentioned that Leon (a qualified referee) was mortified, having come on as a sub', was delighted to find the net only for the referee to disallow his effort!  A mention of the passing of former ITFC player, Dennis Thrower. Unfortunately, his funeral arrangements clashed with Achilles' Annual Golf Day but all of us at the Club appreciated Dennis' contribution to football at both the highest and "grass root" levels and our condolences go to Gary, his sister and their families at their sad loss.

The Golf Day was organised as usual by former Achilles' manager, Alan Middle, this time at Rushmere GC and what a fine event it turned out to be with both Achilles and Rushmere doing so well from the proceedings. Many thanks, Alan, for your usual hard work in organising the event.

Finally, this coming Saturday, the Seniors welcome Benhall FC to Salmet Close while the Reserves are away at Bacton against their Reserves.