Saturday 12th May 2007

• Opponent: Shebbear United
• Fixture type: League
• Venue: Away
• Result: Drew 0-0

Match Report

The final fixture of the season once again saw Buckland short of a full squad, on this occasion 6 regulars were missing from the line-up. Even Team Manager John Adams had to don his goalkeeping gloves as both normal keepers were unavailable.

Shebbear should have taken the lead within 2 minutes of the kick-off, but luckily for the stand in keeper the home team striker lofted his shot over the bar from 8yds with the goal at his mercy. The home side held the greater possession for the majority of the opening half, but could not find a way past a determined Buckland rearguard. The visitor’s greatest threat came on the counter attack as the passing of Simon Adams and the pace of Simon Odell always looked capable of causing problems. Substitute John Sims came into the action at the start of the second half for only his second appearance of the season. Buckland had to defend for most of the latter period as Shebbear pushed players forward in an attempt to record a victory. The Buckland rearguard battled superbly, with Matt Cann and Gary Montague in outstanding form, to restrict the home side to a limited number of clear scoring opportunities. When the defence was breached the aging bones of the veteran keeper showed that he could still perform by stopping most shots that Shebbear threw at him. The best save came with 6 minutes remaining. Shebbear were awarded a penalty kick for a tackle from behind. The resulting spot kick was superbly saved - the keeper diving low to his left with the ball hitting his body and deflecting up and over the crossbar. Minutes later, following a corner, a goal bound header was cleared off the line by an alert Ed Jonckheere, to once again keep the visitors at bay. The final whistle was greeted by a jubilant Buckland team, who thoroughly deserved their share of the spoils against the divisions second promoted club.

Man of the Match: John Adams (goalkeeper)