Club Notes 21st November 2019

A tough week-end for both squads with the Seniors losing 4-2 at Benhall St Mary in the SIL Senior Division and the Reserves "coming second" in the Suffolk FA Senior Reserves Cup on the Ipswich Wanderers' No 2 pitch against fellow SIL "A" Division Coplestonians in a penalty play-off after a tense 3-3 ninety minutes. This was the scene greeting new Senior' managers, "Bam" Cracknell and Micky Adams, both of whom Achilles welcome back to the Club.

Unfortunately, after the emergency managerial work, which had produced two meritorious 2-2 draws against high performers, Bildeston Rangers and Haughley Utd, the "handover" to the new managers was accompanied by a daunting injury list and travel to the north of the county. Add to this the two very questionable "red cards" handed out, one in each match, and it is hardly surprising that "Bam's" first win has been rather delayed!

Meanwhile, the Reserves, having beaten Coplestonian's Reserves in the SIL "A" League a week earlier, lost out in the Suffolk FA Senior Reserves Cup against the same hosts, this time by penalties having fought back from 3-1 down to 3-3 at full time (no extra time in the County Cups).

News is in of the sad death of Suffolk FA President, Gordon Blake, a "local giant of a man" in local football. Going back to the turn of this century when Achilles' base, the Pauls Sports & Social Club, was being partially developed for housing it was Gordon who ensured that the FA would contribute financially to the new clubhouse we all enjoy today. A minutes silence will be observed on Saturday before the Seniors' home match against, coincidentally, Crane Sports FC.

Later in the clubhouse Achilles will be stageing an 80s Night - all welcome.