Club Notes 28 April 2019

Recent SIL Senior League results involving Crane Sports, Henley, and Achilles mean that the first named have toppled us off the champions' spot and the first duty is to congratulate them on regaining that coveted position. At this point Henley are second and Achilles third in the table but, despite losing out heavily (1-5) against Henley last Wednesday, there remains an "evens" chance that we can achieve the runners-up position.although maximum points from the forthcoming matches away at Westerfield (Wed) and at home against Bourne Vale Utd (Saturday) are a "must".

All of this is against the background of our Suffolk FA Senior Cup final-tie against Cornard Utd at Portman Road on Friday 10th May and it's difficult to be too critical of the "in out" performances in the League over recent weeks, with that reverse at Henley being particularly disappointing!

All in all, despite the managerial problems half-way through the campaign, all credit to Andy Coote, Trevor Childs, and Jamie King for the hard work put in to achieve our position thus far and, with runners-up and Cup glory still beckoning, it's another season for all at Achilles to reflect upon with pleasure.

Last Saturday's match at Benhall St Mary was affected by a near gale force wind and some rather uneven pitch parts but both teams did their best to put on acceptable displays. Achilles had the ball in our host's net two or three times but were denied by a questionable flag and the proceedings finished goalless. Upon reflection two points dropped!

Meanwhile, the Reserves were hosting Mendlesham Reserves in the SIL "A" Division and for much of the match were trailing their visitors but clever late adjustments by managers, Chris Crick and Leon Wyatt, including sending Jamie Moran up front, who promptly registered a hattrick, reversed the situation to a 6-2 success. Other marksmen were "Scoop" McCarthy (2) and Keith Grimwood.

Later the Pauls' clubhouse was "alight" with keen brains working hard in the Achilles' Juniors' Quiz Night so ably organised and run by Simon Revell. A most enjoyable evening was had by all.