FOOTBALL: Achilles Reserves lifted the Kingsley Healthcare SIL JR Travel Cup after a slightly flattering 3-1 victory over Woodbridge Athletic Reserves.

Before a large crowd Woodbridge, who had already beaten Achilles twice this season in the Inter A Division, went into a very early lead when James Colchester blasted in a 25-yard cross-shot completely foxing veteran, Paul Carter, in the Achilles’ goal.

In the slippery conditions but on an excellent surface at Needham Market, the match developed into a close competition between two well-matched sides. After 30 minutes, Achilles’ Louis Collins equalised with another fine shot which swerved past Josh Wood.

The second half followed a similar pattern but Achilles seemed to be the more likely team to score and substitute, Craig Coote, confirmed his return to the game after a lengthy break, with a spectacular over-head kick.

Within minutes the result was put beyond doubt when the persistence of Liam Bell added a third to confirm Achilles as winners of this competition and its predecessor trophies for a fifth time.

SIL chairman, Keith Norton, himself a former and very successful Achilles’ manager, presented the trophy and, by common consent, Achilles’ other veteran, Richard Barber, was acclaimed man of the match.