Saturday 15th December 2007

• Opponent: Ilfracombe Town
• Fixture type: League
• Venue: Home
• Result: Won 4-0
• Scorers: Simon Adams, Simon Leach (3)

Match Report

The first game for 3 weeks due to the recent bad weather saw veteran keeper John Adams between the sticks. He was not over stretched during the opening half as the team in front of him battled for every ball, especially Vinny Bott who had a superb initial 45 minutes. Simon Adams gave Buckland the lead after 20 minutes. This followed a powerful run from midfield by the same player who, 10yds from goal neatly back heeled the ball for Vinny Bott to fire low towards the near post. The keeper managed to block the shot, but Adams was on hand to prod the ball over the line from close range. Ten minutes later a fine through ball from Vinny Bott found Simon Leach who turned and smashed a firm shot from 18yds that flew into the net to double Buckland’s lead. The final 15 minutes of the half saw Buckland give a period of fast flowing football that should have added to the goal total, but for slightly wayward finishing.

The second half continued in the same fashion as Buckland dominated with both aggressive tackling in midfield and pacy attacking from the strikers. Ilfracombe were struggling to contain the lively home side and eventually succumbed as Simon Leach added goal number three after 15 minutes, taking the ball around the keeper and scoring from 10yds. As the match entered the final quarter Buckland brought both substitutes into the action to relieve both tired legs and injury. The victory was sealed in the last 15 minutes as Simon Leach completed his hat trick with a good shot from 12yds.

Man of the Match: Vinny Bott (midfield ) & Simon Leach (striker)