Club Notes 23rd September 2019
Mixed blessings for us at the week-end with the Seniors making an early exit from the Suffolk FA Senior Cup but the Reserves in the SIL "A" Division picking up all three points against their counterparts, Bramford Reserves, over at the village.
The Seniors, defending, of course, the Senior Cup they won for the second season in three at Portman Road last May, against Eastern Counties Leaguers, Cornard Utd, welcomed Lakenheath FC, another Eastern Counties opponent, to a crowded Salmet Close, for a first round tie. The match was a credit to both Clubs and for long periods there was very little to choose between both squads. Indeed, by the 80th minute there was still no score and most observors were wondering whether proceedings would be progressing to a penalty shoot- out. However, out of the blue loose marking from a corner saw a Lakenheath player at the far post nodding the visitors into the lead. Almost immediately, a fine move down Achilles' left led to the chagrin of the home crowd when the resultant header just scraped the bar instead of bringing the scores level. This seemed to take some of the steam out of our lads and just on time a poor pass in front of the goal area saw Lakenheath notch a second to proceed to the next round courtesy of the 2-0 win. To say the least after such a close encounter the last ten minutes were quite a blow to our lads but best of luck to Lakenheath in their progression to the next round.
Meanwhile the Reserves had quite an easy 90 minutes in which to secure all three points against a struggling Bramford second string. Our marksmen were JP Taylor (2), Ben Carter, and Tommy Smith.
This approaching Saturday there is a "no games" situation for the Senior Division in that several Clubs are providing players for the FA's inter-league tournament - best of luck to Gavin Van Oene who will be in the representative squad.
Returning to the Senior squad it will be up to all of us to inject confidence again into the squad - after all there is still the League and the League Cup to fight for albeit that regular opponents, Crane Sports and Henley, appear to have enjoyed lightning starts to both Senior Cup and League competitions.
Although intensive fund raising ensures that (FA punishments excluded) Achilles' players' financial commitments go no further than the enrolment to the Pauls Sports & Social Club which (inter alia) provides significant drinks discounts. The plastic cards will be available shortly for each signed on player (£15 plus £5 admin). Finally, a relevant reminder that Simon Revell's Quiz Night will be at 7 30 pm on Saturday, 19th October - everyone welcome to what is always an entertaining evening (with prizes)