Achilles 6 - 1 Haughley United 6/5/17
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President Mr D Routh ACHILLES CLUB IPSWICH Founded 1937
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The home side took the lead in the 5th minute when a Matty Ryland cross dropped in at the far post and Liam Hillyard coolly rounded the keeper to guide in Achilles second. A trademark dribble into the penalty area by David Grimwood led to a goalmouth scramble that ended with brother Lee prodding a loose ball into the net. And it was Lee Grimwood who provided the pass for Hillyard’s second and a 4-0 half time lead.
Grundisburgh pulled one back on 75 minutes through a well executed finish by Josh Cook and Gavin Van Oene added a further goal for Achilles who now look forward to the Suffolk Cup Final Sunday afternoon 30th April at Portman Road.
The first two goal scoring opportunities fell to Liam Hillyard but neither effort was on target. However, the Achilles striker made no mistake with his third chance when played in by Carl McCarthy in the 20th minute. The home side were playing some confident football and increased their lead soon after when Andy Coote’s cross dropped in at the far post. A flowing Achilles move resulted in a cross by Joe Revel and McCarthy was unlucky to see his header go just wide. Capel Plough hit back with an excellent volley by Jake Coos and should have equalised when Adam Rowthorn hit the post from close range before half time.
Achilles maintained the pressure on the Capel goal in the second half. Hillyard was played in but shot wide and Danny Allen struck the goal post. Achilles’ third came from a Shaun Hanley free kick, Matt McCarthy heading in unchallenged at the far post then from a corner Benneworth headed against the crossbar. Gary Collins pulled one back for Capel pouncing on a defensive error, but Achilles held on for the win.
The briefest of additional Club Notes this week reflecting on the crucial Tuesday evening match at Greshams against long-term rivals, Crane Sports, with the runners-up position, if not the number one spot, in the SIL Senior Division, up for grabs.
A crowd of (surely) 250 plus witnessed an excellent, hard fought, battle with no quarter asked for nor given and Achilles avenging the home defeat earlier in the season via the only goal of the match stroked in well into the second half by the impish, Lee Grimwood.
Sad that no local publicity was given to this pulsating affair but, of course, there is just about time to rectify this with the SFA Senior Cup final between the same two squads on the 30th April at ITFC's Portman Road, ko 2.15 pm.
See you there?
An entertaining game was in the balance with 20 mins left, but ace striker Liam Hillyard came off the bench to score a brace & keep Achilles title hopes alive. Boggis hooked a shot over & Swann missed a great chance after Boggis' fine through ball saw him lob too high over the bar with Chaplin stranded. Swann again was causing Achilles havoc & his pressure lead to a Boggis shot that Swann slid in with Chaplin at the far post, Swann backheeled & BRADLAUGH tapped home on 20 mins. Straight from the kick off, Van Oe Ne crossed & Lloyd had the ball & somehow let go & DONOVAN shot home into the empty net. Lloyd soon after lost the ball again & Grundisburgh were all over the place & Donovan's shot hit Gibson on the line. On 36 mins Ryland's free kick picked out BENNEWORTH to head powerfully home. Bradlaugh headed just behind & Clarke hooked a shot just wide. 2nd half Swann whipped the ball off Chaplin & crossed towards empty goal where Bradlaugh was bundled over by Revell, but penalty appeals was turned down. VAN OE NE was given space to hit a well placed shot low past Lloyd on 55 mins, Grundisburgh responded & Swann's excellent run & pull back saw DAVIS smash home in the 60th min. Lloyd made a great save low down after Hillyard got in from Grimwood's great ball. Donovan headed on & HILLYARD slotted past Lloyd on 71 mins & HILLYARD 6 mins later was through again to fire home.