As the season ended so the sun shone and with it came glimmers of hope for the future for IVR.
Two of our youngest players scored good goals to make sure that Achilles didn't have it all their own way. It was 3-0 at half time, and in truth it could have been more, but for some poor finishing, desperate defending and a bizarre off-side decision. For their part IVR had had corners and chances, but without causing the home goalkeeper any problems.
Early in the second half, though, Gavin Clyne was put clear and although his shot was saved George Steward was on hand to hammer the ball home. Defensively IVR were keeping their shape pretty well with Keiran Leggett outstanding and Jordan Mussington full of energy. Jack Totman had a tough baptism on his full debut, but acquitted himself very well and Jamie Gregory used his experience to battle through his pain barrier. The midfield was industrious and managed to cause Achilles more problems in the second period. Johnny Russell forced a decent save from the keeper, Scott Miller was tenacious and Damian Brown and Barney Gillies were excellent. George had his best game so far for IVR and has clearly learned a lot in his first season at this level. Gavin scored IVR's second goal with a delightful chip over the keeper and in off the crossbar.
They say that figures don't lie, but Lewis Higgins has certainly disproved that. IVR's Goals Against figure would suggest that we have a weak goalkeeper; the truth, though, is that we have one of the best, possibly THE best in the SIL. Lewis had another busy afternoon, but as ever was a tower of strength. He will undoubtedly play at a higher level, and justifiably so. To his enormous credit also, Lewis stayed loyal to IVR through the most difficult season imaginable despite losing all of his team mates from last season and tasting defeat nearly every week. A true sportsman.
Achilles sealed the game with their fourth goal and ran out deserving winners. They have had an excellent season, however, and are to be congratulated on finishing a close second to Cranes.
I would like to think that this game will prove a turning point for IVR, not because of the result, but because of the performance and because for the first time this season not all of our luck was bad!!
Finally a HUGE DEBT is owed to Paul Grainger for taking on the thankless task of managing the team and, despite everything, staying the course and providing his successor with some cause for optimism. The same applies to Gavin Squirrell, Reserves manager. HIs team didn't quite last the season, but without Gavin's efforts the Senior team wouldn't have lasted long either. The last ten months have rather taken their toll, but a new era will now begin and with it new hope.

Dave Morgan's GreenUn Report is here:
Achilles completed their league programme with a comfortable 4-2 victory over relegated Ipswich Valley Rangers. Achilles raced into a three goal half-time lead with a brace for Shaun Coplen and one from Liam Hillyard. It was Achilles 6th game in two weeks and with the Bob Coleman Cup final coming up on the 6th May, it was not surprising that the home team took their foot off the gas after the break and coasted to the full time whistle. Nevertheless, credit to a young IVR team, who, if they stay together, have a good chance of an early return to senior football. George Steward pulled one back for the visitors before Gavin Van Oene found oceans of space in the penalty area for Achilles’ fourth and Gavin Clyne made a good run through the middle and finish to see IVR shade the second half.

Achilles scorers
Coplen 2, Hillyard, Van Oene

Ipswich Valley Rangers scorers
Steward, Clyne