Woodbridge happy to face Achilles
WOODBRIDGE Town Manager Jamie Scales said he would prefer to play opponents Achilles now than possibly not at all in this season’s CNet Training Suffolk Senior Cup.
The two teams meet in the semi-final of this season’s competition at the Goldstar Ground, home of Felixstowe & Walton United, on Friday night, kick-off 7.45pm.
The last-four tie pits Achilles, who top the Senior Division of the Touchline SIL, against a Woodbridge Town side who have led Division One of the Thurlow Nunn League for most of the season.
Scales said: “I would prefer to play Achilles now as I want to play the best teams so no-one can have any gripes about who we have beaten if we go all the way.
“They are top of the SIL and we are top of Thurlow Nunn Division One, and if that is the same scenario come the end of the season it would have potentially made for a great final.
“We have the utmost respect for Achilles and won’t take them lightly. If they were playing in Division One of the Thurlow Nunn League they would be a top-10 side.
“They are the holders of the cup, so there is a little bit of added pressure so far as they are concerned.
“It is harder to retain your crown because it gives everyone you play against a lift when you play against them, but if they do go on from Friday night to win it again, then good luck to them.”
Scales has a full squad available with the exception of James Hubbard, who is unavailable due to work commitments with the Army.
He has rotated his squad, who have not played since a goalless draw on a heavy pitch at March a fortnight ago, throughout the season.
Scales added: “We will continue to utilise our squad and select the best team on paper to put out to combat what they will throw at us.
“We have a clean bill of health and the two-week break has helped players recover from niggling injuries, so it has done us good.”
Mark Ray (right) and Ryan Keeble (left) are pictured in action Woodbridge Town’s 5-2 win at Bramford United in this season’s quarter-finals.
Admission will be £5 for adults and £3 for OAPS and children under the age of 16
A souvenir programme, priced £1, will also be on sale.