ALAN Middle leads his Achilles side into battle against Grundisburgh tomorrow accusing his opponents of trying to buy the Metaltec SIL Senior Division title.

By Elvin King

ALAN Middle leads his Achilles side into battle against Grundisburgh tomorrow accusing his opponents of trying to buy the Metaltec SIL Senior Division title.

“I can understand if clubs like Haughley and Brantham have player budgets as they both have aspirations to move up to the Ridgeons League,” said Middle.

“A top three position could lead to a better standard of football.

“But I cannot see the point of clubs like Grundisburgh paying players. If they are it is like trying to buy the league.

“If they want to win it badly enough there is nothing the rest of us can do.

“Grundisburgh have a strike force to dream of and it will be a tough game for us.”

Middle stressed that his thoughts are not sour grapes despite only having five of last season's successful 17-strong squad at his disposal for tomorrow's match.

“We have suffered a gradual loss of players and are having to build again,” added Middle.

“I don't blame the players because if I had been offered £60 a game when I was playing I would have taken it.

“It is disappointing and a sign of the times. If I had kept last season's squad together I am sure we would have won the title this term.”

Eamonn Bridger is the latest departure, becoming the fifth ex-Achilles player now with Crane Sports, while Middle has just recently brought in Liam Bevis from Whitton and Jordan Hunt from the Whitton PASE scheme.

And with goalkeeper Scott Peat deciding to hang up his gloves at the age of 22, Clint Diesling is set to make his debut tomorrow having been watched by Middle playing Sunday football for Kitcheners.

Leaders Haughley play at Ipswich Athletic.

In the First Division of the Ridgeons League, Debenham Leisure Centre can move one point off leaders Swaffham with a win at Shoemakers Lane tomorrow.

But they will have to do it without manager Mel Aldis, who is coaching in France. Former Stowmarket Town, Old Newton and East Bergholt manager Trevor Wardlaw will be in sole charge.

Whitton could move into the top five with a home victory against lowly Downham Town, while Hadleigh will fancy their chances at Long Melford, and Stowmarket Town can deflate Haverhill even further now that Rovers' magnificent start to the season is getting a distant memory.

The Premier Division sees Jason Dozzell's Leiston looking to continue their rise up the table with a victory at Halstead, with Needham Market out to improve their recent poor run with a home success against Micky Stockwell's young Woodbridge Town side.

Felixstowe and Walton United are at home to Wisbech hoping to take advantage of their opponent's long journey from deepest Cambridgeshire.

Do you think Grundisburgh are trying to buy the title? Write to Sports Desk, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or email starsport@eveningstar.co.uk