League survival is priority as Capel Plough target Achilles upset in Suffolk Senior Cup semi
Last season's Suffolk Senior Cup winners, Waveney. - Credit: Su Anderson
Capel Plough manager Archie Arnold is hoping his team can add Achilles to their list of Suffolk Senior Cup scalps tomorrow night (Friday), but insists staying in the SIL Senior Division is the priority.
The Ploughmen play at Needham Market (7.45pm KO), for a place in the showpiece final, having already overcome Thurlow Nunn First Division outfit, Stowmarket Town, in an earlier round.
However, despite their progression to the semi-final, Capel are only six points off the drop zone, with seven games left.
“Achilles have a bit of a stranglehold over us and we’ve struggled against them recently,” said Arnold, whose side lost 5-2 at home to Achilles, in the league, last November.
“They are free-scoring, but it was going to be tough whoever we got, and we will be treating the game as our cup final.
You may also want to watch:
“I am sure most people would like to see an Achilles v Cranes final, and it’s up to us to stop that happening.
“We will give it our best shot, but the league is our priority, and I am sure I will be looking closely at the league results on Saturday.”
Most Read
- 1 Edmundson ruled out of opener as Cook discusses 'four, five or six' more transfers
- 2 Swimmers report sickness symptoms after dip in Suffolk river
- 3 Woman in 20s dies in single car crash on A12 in Suffolk
- 4 Suffolk pub reopens with exclusive Champagne carvery
- 5 Why Ipswich Town's American owners won't be making first visit for Morecambe clash
- 6 New plans for village cafe, shop and business units divide opinion
- 7 WATCH: Ever Given docks at Felixstowe after four-month delay
- 8 The Town players who have improved their stock in pre-season
- 9 Military helicopter recovered after emergency landing in field
Arnold will be without Lee Barrett (suspension), while Shaun Webb was having a scan on a broken nose yesterday. Chris Stewart (knee), meanwhile, is out, and captain, Steve Morrison (groin), is touch and go.
“To lose any of those players with their experience is tough, but we have good players who can come in,” Arnold added.
“We beat Stowmarket and we deserved to win as I think they under-estimated us.
“Hopefully Achilles will do the same and have an off-day, because they have got proven goalscorers, unlike ourselves.
“That is why we are in the position we are in the league, but if we can go ahead, hopefully we can keep it tight.”
In SIL Division One on Saturday, leaders Claydon can move closer to promotion, whilst damaging fourth-placed Benhall St Mary’s outside chance of promotion, when the teams meet at School Lane.
Claydon lead the table with 48 points (20 games played), whilst Benhall have 38 points (18 games).
Second-top AFC Hoxne, four points off Claydon – having played a game more – host Mendlesham, whilst Sporting ‘87, in third, also on 44 points (20 games) welcome Bacton United ‘89.
