Club Notes 5th November 2018

No match for the Seniors last Saturday although, with the Reserves short because of a wedding and other calls, it was necessary for the latter mentioned squad to call on two, or was it three, Seniors? Not least it was an opportunity to afford Lee Grimwood a 30 minute run out after his nasty head injury two matches ago. In addition, space was also found for Ryan Wragg to continue his return to full fitness after his serious knee injury.

These necessary adjustments were too much for a plucky Bramford Utd Reserves who, at least, could be proud of the way they contributed to an excellent match in which, although Achilles finished proceedings with a 9-2 win, was a tad closer than the final score would suggest. In particular despite that scoreline Bramford's 'keeper was outstanding throughout and even saved Leon Wyatt's penalty with little apparent trouble.

Marksmen for Achilles were Ryan Wragg (3), Gary Grimwood (2), Carl McCarthy, Matt McCarthy, Adam Sturman (a literal thunderbolt) and Leon Wyatt (making up for the penalty miss).

Of course, the whole of the SIL programme was affected by matches in both the Suffolk FA Senior Cup and the SIL Bob Coleman Cup but this situation was no help to our Seniors who now find themselves two or three matches behind in the higher regions of the Senior League. Happily, from our viewpoint, results have still gone for us although placing increased emphasis on the need to take points from those games when they eventually appear in the list. Add those two Cups to go for and, clearly, there is much interest ahead!

The Reserves' win lifts them to fourth position in the "A" League and, who knows, a few more results like Saturday's, rather than the two previous high-scoring draws, will lift the squad even further up the table.

Away from the park a reminder that Achilles' Quiz Night has been arranged for 7 30pm on Saturday 17th November after the crucial 2nd round Senior Cup tie against Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Leaguers, Debenham LC FC. News is also in that the Annual Xmas Draw has been arranged for 8 pm on Monday 7th January 2019 in the Pauls clubhouse - tickets (£1) will be on sale in a few days time.

Finally, condolences to Rita Fulker and her family at the unexpected passing of husband John - a robust left winger for Achilles in his time! Rest in Peace, John!