Saturday 12th January 2008

• Opponent: Pilton
• Fixture type: League Cup
• Venue: Home
• Result: Lost 3-1
• Scorers: Steven Bennett

Match Report

The match was within 2 minutes of starting when Buckland had to reshuffle their defence due to an injury to a key player in the warm-up. The strengthened Pilton outfit took full advantage by pressing the home side in the initial 20 minutes and creating a 3 goal lead. Buckland seemed totally bewildered by what was taking place during the early stages. Against these events the first scoring opportunity in fact fell to the home side after only 2 minutes. Ed Jonckheere being put through on goal, but his firm shot was well saved by the opposition keeper. This was Buckland’s only glint of hope as seconds later Pilton’s big centre forward nodded on a drop-kick from the keeper and a colleague lobbed the Buckland keeper who was caught well off his line. A couple of minutes later Pilton were two ahead as a striker smashed a shot from 18yds into the corner of the net. Buckland then helped the visitors cause as their centre half knocked a back pass from 20yds well beyond the stranded keeper into an empty net. The home side picked themselves up during the final 20 minutes of the half, holding the greater possession, but the Pilton rearguard defended well to keep Buckland's front men at bay.

A superbly struck free kick after 15 minutes of the second half from Steve Bennet, flew high into the net to give Buckland a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately for the home side their efforts could not produce any further goals and the recently rejuvenated Pilton side held on for victory.

Man of the Match: Steve Bennett (midfield)