IPSWICH side Achilles are poised to launch a late challenge for the Touchline SIL Senior Division title.

A terrific run of eight wins, one draw and one loss in their last ten games has catapulted Achilles to fourth in the table – just four points behind leaders Felixstowe United.

And with both Felixstowe United (one point from nine) and Wickham Market (five points from 15) wobbling, Achilles are strong contenders.

Manager Lee Osborn, who took over from Alan Middle at the start of the season, is hoping that history repeats itself, but with the boot on the other foot this time.

It was in 2009/10 that Achilles were challenging for the title only to see Old Newton United snatch it at the death.

He said: “We are basing ourselves on what happened with Old Newton, when they sneaked up undetected and pipped Felixstowe United and ourselves to the title.

“We have been picking up some really good wins and scoring goals, which we were struggling to do at the start of the season, and we are also more solid in defence.

“We have now kept three consecutive clean sheets and we have only had four in the league all season!”

The last time Achilles lost in the league was 5-4 at home to Stanton on December 8.

“We then went to Stanton in our next league game with a weakened side and got a decent result (2-1 win) and have not looked back since,” said Osborn.

Achilles entertain third-from-bottom East Bergholt United tomorrow, when they will be looking to avenge a 1-0 loss at the end of September.

Osborn stated: “We failed to beat them at their place when we dominated the game and had 80 per cent of the play but could not score.

“However, with the form we are in at the moment I am confident of picking up the three points.”

Achilles have been boosted by the recent return of Andy Coote following a long-term knee injury. Coote played 75 minutes for the first team last Saturday and is in the squad again tomorrow.

The absence of Coote has been softened by the form of former Ipswich Wanderers, Leiston and Brantham Athletic midfielder Marc Lowe.

Osborn added: “He has been playing up front and done exceptionally well for us. His hold up play has been fantastic and it has been working well with Ben Taylor playing off him.”