After 3 games and 3 wins we faced 3 games in 4 days. On Tuesday 27th October we made the short trip for a local derby with Cornard. The gate was swollen with the attendance of 20+ from the Cornard youth set up who brilliantly escorted the home team out onto the pitch. they also created a great atmosphere in the main stand with their chanting!

The game started at a frenetic pace; as expected in a local derby. What wasn't expected was the level of aggression and verbal intimidation attempted by Cornard’s playing staff and management . This wasn't reserved for our players and staff, the referee had his fair share. Our young lads dealt with this approach by remaining focussed on the task in hand. Harry Seal gave us the lead with a cool finish from a half cleared corner. On the stroke of half time Ollie Dunlop was fouled in the box, James Axcell slotted the ball in the bottom left corner from the penalty spot. AFC had chances to increase their lead in the second half, but saw out the game to complete a second clean sheet in four days.

The Academy lads were then involved in the Suffolk U18's Cup competition against Haverhill Rovers. This game was such a banana skin having comprehensively beaten the same side seven days earlier by 7 goals to 1. Haverhill began the game with a lot of passion and endeavour and took the lead by converting the rebound from a fiercely struck free kick. AFC for their part were too slow in the build up which allowed a hugely pumped up Haverhill side to contain The Yellows possession based game. On the stroke of half time the yellows finally increased the tempo of their play and Ben Hunter (one of three U16s in the starting line up) finished off a rebound from a keenly struck cross shot. Tempo was the key to the second half; Sudbury increased it and scored 3 goals in 15 minutes at the`start of the second half. James Axcell scored two, converting another penalty and Joe Copping, who had an impressive game as second half substitute, got the fourth. Haverhill were gifted a consolation goal. On to Woodbridge Town in the next round.

Friday night saw a much changed reserve team with a couple first team players getting some playing time. Jamie Godbold anchored the midfield with some expansive passing, however I do believe the trademark nutmeg didn't venture out?

The yellows created several chances in the first half but found themselves 2-0 down at half time. The least said about the second half the better. Wivenhoe ran out 6-1 winners and surely will be in the mix come May when titles are won.

David Cannon

Head of Academy (Recruitment and Education)