Saturday 9th December 2006

• Opponent: Anchor
• Fixture type: League
• Venue: Home
• Result: Drew 2-2
• Scorers: Steven Bennett, Jake Lomax

Match Report

This was Bucklands first game for 5 weeks and with 4 regular players unavailable, Team Manager, John Adams had to put himself on the substitutes bench. The game began well for the home side with a couple of early goal scoring opportunities falling to striker Jake Lomax, but the long lay-off meant that his finishing was below par. Anchor, who were sitting in second place in the division, slowly began to create scoring chances themselves, but fortunately for reserve keeper Darren Moore the opposition forwards were also suffering from wayward shooting. The game remained goalless until the 25th minute when Steve Bennett put Buckland ahead from the penalty spot after Vinny Bott had been brought down by the Anchor keeper. The lead was short lived, as following a corner 6 minutes later the visitors levelled with a shot from close range. The half time whistle was within a minute of ending the half when full-back Gary Tanton suffered a badly twisted knee and had to leave the pitch.

Due to the player shortage, Team Manager John Adams, who had only just celebrated his 50th birthday was forced to take over in goal, with previous keeper Darren Moore reverting to his normal defensive duties. Midway through the half the veteran keeper was beaten from 6yds, but only by one of his own defenders who turned a cross into the net in attempting to clear the ball. Anchor held the upper hand for the subsequent 15 minutes, with the keeper having to use his experience to keep the opposition at bay. A late rally by Buckland proved successful as Jake Lomax atoned for his earlier missed chances by scoring from close range to level the match. With less than 4 minutes to play Buckland almost won the match. A fine run and cross from Ed Jonckheere found Lomax unmarked in the middle of the goal, his shot hit the back of the net, but the strike was ruled out for off-side, much to the disappointment of the home side.

Man of the Match: Kevan Parker (defender)