Saturday 4th November 2006

• Opponent: Park United
• Fixture type: League
• Venue: Home
• Result: Won 1-0
• Scorers: Leon Appleton

Match Report

With 3 key players 'out' through injury, Buckland had to re-organise the team, which meant a first start for Leon Appleton and a second appearance in goal for defender Darren Moore.

A superb display from central defender Kevan Parker was one highlight as Buckland held firm against their opponents during a first period in which the bright sun caused problems for the home defence. The game was evenly contested during the opening half with neither side causing problems for the opposing goalkeeper.

Park began the second half in determined mood with several corners being won during the initial 20 minutes. Although the Park side had at least three headers goal bound, somehow the Buckland defence kept the ball out of the net. As the game entered the final 15 minutes it was Buckland who looked the more likely to score as shots from Ed Jonckheere and Leon Appleton had to be well saved by the Park keeper. With less than two minutes left on the clock and the match seeming to be heading for a draw, Leon Appleton received the ball virtually on the goal-line approx 8yds to the side of the goal. He turned sharply and smashed a shot across the face of the goal which the keeper could not prevent from entering the far side of the net. A first league victory for Buckland and something for the supporters to cheer.

Man of the Match: Kevan Parker (defender) and Leon Appleton (striker)