Club Notes 18th February 2019

Despite the alternative competition of the ITFC match at Portman Road, there was a substantial gathering at Salmet Close for the "top of the SIL Senior League table" clash between hosts Achilles and visitors, Henley FC.

A significant meeting was promised in that the successful progress of both Clubs this season meant that, in addition to this League meeting, there was the outstanding abandoned match at the "country retreat" still to be played, the possibility of a Suffolk FA Senior Cup semi-final draw between the two Clubs (since confirmed for 7 45pm on Friday 5th April at Felixstowe & Walton FC), and, indeed, a further "get together" in the next round of the SIL Bob Coleman Cup! Certainly enough to keep the blood racing!

From Achilles' point of view Saturday's meeting turned out to be a rather "sour grape" of an affair (to be fair, Achilles' fault, not our talented visitors') and, despite a frantic, if attractive, first half finishing goalless, Henley seemed to be better prepared for the match and so it turned out to be with our visitors scoring three times (final score 0-3) to bite into our "fewer matches played" advantage and to liven the after- match socialising in the Pauls' Bar afterwards.

In addition, it shouldn't escape our attention that other close competitors for this season's Senior League title (which we hold, of course) , Crane Sports, Bourne Vale Utd, and others are "nibbling" away at us but this contributor has every confidence in manager, Andy Coote, and his colleagues, to restore that "fight" (in the nicest meaning of the term) in and to the squad.

One "happy note" is the "£" return achieved by the Chairman's collection box normally circulated soon after the half-time break - a welcome defrayment to the necessary costs in operating a Senior football club. Many thanks to all those generous supporters/spectators out there!

Meanwhile, the Reserves made the short journey to Bramford seeking to improve their impressive table position. With due respect to our hosts, their lowly position in the "A" League table might have suggested a relatively easy three points for Achilles but half-time came with our hosts three goals to the good and managers, Crick and Wyatt "disgusted" with the proceedings. However, the half-time talk must have been brutal, if successful, in that the final result was 5-4 to Achilles with Ben Taylor, reverting to an upfront position, scoring three and Matt McCarthy and Ash Reilly, completing the tally!

This coming Saturday the Seniors make the short journey to Capel while the Reserves host Sporting 87 from Bury St Edmunds with both teams seeking to secure all three points for different reasons. Finally, a further reminder that Committee man, Simon Revell, is close to completing the necessary arrangements for the Race Night in the Pauls' clubhouse on the 2nd March - first race 7 30 pm. See you there?