FOOTBALL: Boosted by last Saturday’s Suffolk Senior Cup win over fancied Woodbridge Athletic, Coplestonians will be looking to move out of the bottom three of the Kingsley Healthcare SIL with a win at Old Newton tomorrow.

Manager Glenn Read sees the recent signing of central defender Craig Stuart from Woodbridge Town as a big boost.

“We had an up and down start to the season, but we now have a more settled side,” said former Woodbridge boss Read.

“We need to move up from our current second bottom position and last week’s win has put a bit more spring in our step.

“We have done well against sides in the top half of the table, and must now look to pick up results against teams just above us in the table.

“Craig has given us a boost, and midfielder Nathan Woollard has now calmed down a bit and is concentrating on his football giving us plenty of energy.

“And 17-year-old left back Billy Holland has impressed us all since he came into the side.”

Experienced striker Bruce Rolls has overcome some early season illnesses and when he is fit and well gives Coplestonians plenty of punch up front.

A move from Copleston school grounds in Ipswich to Notcutt’s Park, Woodbridge has been taken in their stride by Read and his men.

And he is quick to point out the benefits. “To be fair the pitches at Copleston were not ideal, and now we have a playing surface where my lads can get the ball down and pass the ball around,” added Read, who has a good working relationship with Sean Thacker, who runs the SETEC football scheme at the school.

“We have a young reserve team,” said Read. “Many are 18 or younger and we use this team as a feeder through to our first team.

“I’m happy for our young players to perhaps stretch their wings in a year or so and move up to the Ridgeons League if the opportunity comes along.

“But at the moment the emphasis in on moving up the table from our present position and looking to consolidate into a mid-table team this season.”

Coplestonians play a Lakenheath side that has improved with the introduction of a number of former Ridgeons League players in the quarter-finals of the Senior Cup.

“We know that will be tough but we are at home and beat Stowmarket Town in the competition last season,” said Read.

Leaders Ransomes may well still be shell shocked after being thrashed by Lakenheath last week in the cup. But they will have to have their wits about them as they face third-placed Felixstowe United tomorrow.

Second placed Ipswich Athletic travel to Woodbridge Athletic while Achilles are also very much in the mix and will be looking to beat Crane Sports at Greshams.

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Recent Kingsley Healthcare SIL transfers: Paul Clow (Dennington to AFC Brickmakers), David Mason (Sproughton to Kesgrave Kestrels), Kieran Real (Felixstowe United to Sproughton), Ben Vincent (Leiston St Margarets to Wickham Market), Lee Waller (Elmswell to Bacton).