Club Notes 22 April 2013

Since Achilles' last notes (pride of place) the Inter As succession of midweek games have continued with a fine 2-0 win at Haughley, on Thurs' 18th April, a hard fought 2-2 draw at home to Trimley Red Devils and, last Saturday, the first League defeat since the 22nd September by 3-1 at home to leaders Crane Sports.
To be utterly fair to Shaun Deller's lads, the pressures of completing the long list of outstanding fixtures seems to have caught up with the squad, despite climbing to second place in the table, and the needle game against Cranes Sports was significant in that Jason Bones and Josh Little were called up for the Seniors, while no fewer than three colleagues took the field limping and subs Nathan Collins and Liam Hillyard (welcome back Liam) were nowhere near fit with Liam, in particular, recovering from a knee operation. In the circumstances, and before a crowd which was apparently larger than that watching the respective Seniors' game at Greshams, the eventual 3-1 defeat was testamount to a brave fight with Phil Deller scoring for Achilles from the penalty spot. It looks now as if Sports will take the League title for the second season running but second place, if we can manage it, together with the Cup final against Leiston St Mts on the 8 May, will be achievements to be proud of.
Meanwhile, the Seniors' game at Greshams turned out to be an easy affair with Crane Sports Seniors possibly looking to their League Cup Final on the 10 May. As it was goals from Ben Taylor, Keiron Donovan, and Sean Bell, sealed a comfortable win and kept the squad in with still a chance of the Senior Division title. Both Jason and Josh acquitted themselves well in a formation missing Ricky Deasy and Brent Richards and, once again, Achilles' strength in depth was amply demonstrated.
This week, for the Seniors, Tues' the 23rd sees the midweek return, this time at home, against Grundisburgh, and then Wickham away on Saturday while the Inter As visit Ransomes Sports on Thurs' the 25th and welcome Henley to Salmet Close on Saturday.
Finally, Sat (the 27th) is (the pitch maintenance) Race Night, and Sat' 11th May Presentation Evening with Jimmy Nunn performing - be there!.
TROJAN SUBSTITUTE.