Achilles boss Lee Osborn believes it could be third time lucky for his team against Long Melford tomorrow.

Incredibly, the two teams have been drawn against each other in the Suffolk Senior Cup for the third successive year.

On the two previous occasions it’s been the Thurlow Nunn Division One outfit who have prevailed

This time, however, Osborn believes his Suffolk & Ipswich League Senior Division underdogs stand a chance.

“On the first occasion we lost to them on penalties and last year, although the score was 4-0, we certainly didn’t deserve to lose by that much,” he said.

“I’ve got plenty of players who have played at a higher level, people like Sean Bell and Brent Richards, so I definitely feel we’re capable of gaining a little bit of revenge.”

Long Melford have won four and lost six of their opening 10 league matches at step six, while Achilles are sitting top of the table one division below with an undefeated record of five wins and one draw.

Having finished second to Ipswich Valley Rangers last season – the gap a sizeable 11 points – Osborn is keen to go one step further this time.

A 3-1 home win over their rivals last weekend has certainly boosted confidence.

“We beat them last season and the second game was called off numerous times so we’re really fired up,” said the Achilles boss.

“Andy Coote is scoring the goals, but we’re not all about one player.

“Chris Leys is doing a great job up front, Joe Revell has moved from left-back to left-wing, while Kieron Donovan is chipping in with goals too.

“We lost Ben Taylor to Grundisburgh, but I’ve brought in Adam Sturman and James Horsefall from Ipswich Wanderers. There’s a great team spirit.”