Club Notes 12th May 2019

It was nearly "Oh my word" for Achilles' supporters and, of course, manager, Andy Coote, at Portman Road last Friday evening when, towards the end of an entertaining Suffolk Senior Cup final, indeed with less than five minutes to go and against 10 men Cornard Utd, a 4-1 Achilles' advantage was somehow let go to just 4-3. With, if it was to be "all square" at 90 minutes, the proceedings going straight to penalties, there was certainly "some concern" to say the least. However, the final whistle was blown by the excellent referee and, for the second time in just three seasons, Achilles were Senior Cup "champs".

Certainly, over some 85 minutes of the pulsating match, and when Cornard were at full strength, Achilles were the sharpest team although, at times, our opponents demonstrated why and how they had reached the final "rung of the ladder".

There we are, it simply leaves those of us who support and/or carry out the manifold "behind the scenes" duties to congratulate the lads for the ultimate triumph and, in particular, to congratulate manager, Andy Coote, assistant, Jamie King, and coach, Trevor Childs, for their hard work and commitment in a season which, at times, was "up and down" for many of us. And, of course, it's a fact that Achilles finished third in the SIL Senior Division and reached the semis of the SIL Bob Coleman League Cup. Not bad, really!

Finally, the Reserves also had a good season finishing 4th or 5th in the competitive SIL "A" Division and losing out in the final, after extra time, in the SIL "Travel Plus" Cup also, when called upon, providing one or two aspirants for the Senior squad's matches. Many thanks Chris Crick and Leon Wyatt who've already promised us even better for next season!