ACHILLES' 2-1 victory last weekend saw them reach the final of the Debenham Leisure Centre Suffolk Junior Cup where they will play Metaltec SIL First Division rivals Old Newton And Alan Middle's Ipswich-based club will be out to do better than when the club last played on Ipswich Town's ground.

Elvin King

ACHILLES' 2-1 victory last weekend saw them reach the final of the Debenham Leisure Centre Suffolk Junior Cup where they will play Metaltec SIL First Division rivals Old Newton

And Alan Middle's Ipswich-based club will be out to do better than when the club last played on Ipswich Town's ground. This was in 1952/53 when they lost 4-2 to HMS Ganges in the final of the Suffolk Minor Cup.

That team included current chairman Dave Morgan, pictured, and official Paul Sparke and regular spectator Sid Meekings, and they missed out on a double having won the Ipswich Minor League championship.

“We rather froze on the day, perhaps the august surroundings had something to do with it,” said Dave.

“We were so disgusted that early the following season we challenged them to a game on a blank Saturday at Shotley and beat them 7-2.

“By then one or two of us had moved up to the adult Premier and Premier Reserve teams and, clearly, it showed!”

Following the Junior Cup success Achilles' vice presidents' dinner at Pauls Social Club on Friday, May 15 will have extra spice.

“The signs are for a good turn out again, and those not already booked are urged to contact us as soon as possible,” said Dave.

Guests invited include Pauls Sports Club secretary John Parris and wife Lois, and former Achilles stalwarts and Metaltec SIL chairman and assistant secretary respectively Keith and Linda Norton.

Dave Routh is in charge of tickets and can be contacted at 62 High Street, Ipswich, telephone 255680.

Tickets cost �20.