Club Notes 9 April 2019

A fruitful (last) week-end for both squads with the Seniors under the lights last Friday at Felixstowe & Walton Utd's fine stadium proceeding to the Suffolk FA Senior Cup final via a penalty shoot-out against close SIL League rivals, Henley FC and, next day, the Reserves registering an impressive 7-3 win over visitors, East Bergholt's Reserves, at Salmet Close.

Having lost 3-0 at home a few matches ago against Henley in the SIL Senior League "race for the top" there was certainly a determination on the part of managers/coaches Andy Coote, Trevor Childs, and Jamie King and this "sentiment" was certainly transferred to the playing squad although it has to be said that the first five minutes or so of the match was a trifle "scary" with Henley striking both the bar and the post and 'keeper "Crumpy" forced into two or three fine saves.

As the match proceeded Achilles came more into the match and a special mention for young Lewis Kinkaid who perfomed so manfully (for a "young en") on the left side of our defence. Despite close situations at both ends half-time came goalless but soon after the break Henley were fortunate when a fine tackle it must be said also took the legs of Lee Grimwood with the referee deciding it was a fine tackle rather than an upending!

Both teams continued to strive well before an appreciative crowd of some 400 and Achilles were able to demonstrate their strength in depth with the introduction of semi-retired captain, Keiron Donovan, and former Felixstowe favourite, Lee McGlone, to the fray. Another highlight was 'keeper "Crumpy's" penalty save. However despite near misses at both ends the match proceeded inevitably to 0-0 at 90 minutes and with the County rules of "straight to penalties" both squads performed so well in finding the net.

As it was another fine save by "Crumpy" and a (final) blaze over the bar by a disappointed Henley opponent saw Achilles through to another Portman Road final - this time against Eastern Counties Leaguers, Cornard Utd; on Friday 10th May with a 7 30 pm ko under the lights.

Our opponents were fullsome in their best wishes for the Final and, of course, we visit them shortly in an evening SIL Senior League match the result of which could have a major bearing on the League title.

The following day a plucky East Bergholt Reserves were no match for a strong home side with James Steel (3), Ben Taylor (2), and Gary Grimwood and Ash Reilly one each, keeping open a very faint possibility of top spot in the "A" Division. However, before any further concentration on that possibility there is the "small matter" of the Travel Plus Cup final against "A" league leaders, Trimley Red Devils, with a 7 15 ko under the lights at Woodbridge Town's ground tomorrow 10th April. See you there?