Debenham LC Suffolk FA Junior Cup Round 3
Cockfield United vs. Achilles
Saturday 6th December at 1.30pm
The game saw two evenly matched sides go head-to-head, and so both would be hoping to keep things tight early on. However, Achilles scored the games’ first goal with only one minute on the clock from their first attack when Perry Arthur’s cross was met by TROY PAUL to put the visitors in front. Cockfield United struggled to get into the game and it was Achilles who dominated the first half an hour, failing to finish at least three or four good chances to go further in the lead.
The second goal was always going to vitally important, and despite being under pressure for the majority of the first half it was Cockfield United who scored it with just under 10 minutes of the first half remaining, with IAN BISHOP getting the goal.
Half Time Score: Cockfield United 1 – 1 Achilles
With both teams looking to cease the initiative, the Second Half started off fairly evenly with half chances at either end. However, on the hour mark Achilles were to take a big step towards securing their Quarter-Final place then. The influential Perry Arthur was tripped inside the Cockfield United box, and Achilles were awarded a penalty. Up-stepped topscorer ROBERT BUCY, who scored a stoppage-time penalty in Round 2 against Willis, and he slotted in the kick to put Achilles 2-1 up.
Cockfield United were pushing for a second equaliser a just a few minutes later when they conceded again give Achilles the all important 2-goal cushion. ROBERT BUCY shot from 12 yards out found the bottom corner. Now knowing they needed to score twice to force extra-time, Cockfield United streamed forwards in numbers and Achilles Captain Marty Smith made a great save from Gresham to stop Cockfield pulling one back. f.
Achilles survived that scare sealed the game in the 75th minute, when PERRY ARTHUR sprung through on goal, and he kept his head, coolly lifting the ball over the ‘keeper to make the score 4-1. It got even better for the Visitors in the 80th minute when ROBERT BUCY got Achilles’ fifth goal of the game, and completed his hat-trick, getting on the end of another fine run by Arthur down the wing.
Full Time Score: Cockfield United 1 – 5 Achilles
Cockfield United Squad:
Jason Bones, Sammy Chaplin, Carl Newdick, Johnny Whight, Ed Farrell, Tom Fowkes, Tony Emms, Michael Rose, Tom O'Leary, Chris Stewart, Simon Gresham, Ed Beeton, Tom Nunn, Tom Golding, Matt O'Leary, Neil Norman
Achilles Squad:
Marty Smith, Marc Ransome, Matty Starling, Gavin Allen, Darren Jones, Jack Wilkinson, Perry Arthur, Gavin Paul, Robert Bucy, Micky Adams, Troy Paul, Tom Cross, Ross Wardley, Richard Carter
Suffolk FA Man Of The Match:
Despite a great performance from Perry Arthur, Man Of The Match goes to Achilles Striker Robert Bucy. He was a real handful throughout the whole game and managed get bag himself a Hatrick to make it 5 goals in 3 games in the Junior Cup this season.
Overall, Achilles thoroughly deserved the win, and their reward will be their first home tie against either Kedington or Wrentham, who play on Saturday 20th December. On this form, Achilles certainly look like the team to beat. Why not join Suffolk FA at Pauls Sports & Social Club in Ipswich on Saturday 10th January 2009 for the next leg of the Suffolk FA's Junior Cup Trail!