Sunday 3rd February 2008

• Opponent: North Molton
• Fixture type: Braunton Cup
• Venue: Home
• Result: Lost 5-1
• Scorers: John Stanton

Match Report

There was not much between the teams for the majority of the opening half, with both sets of midfield players working hard and the strikers occasionally testing the opposition goalkeepers. Although the opponents were a division above the home side, Buckland’s players seemed more than up to the challenge. The game edged in Buckland’s favour midway through the half when a speculative shot from John Stanton rebounded into the net off a post from 18yds.

Within the initial 10 minutes of the second half Buckland pushed the self destruct button by allowing North Molton to score on 3 occasions. Firstly defender Graham Moore was cautioned for a tackle wide on the wing and then had the unfortunate task of heading the resulting free kick past his bemused keeper. Only minutes later the opposition added a second with a firm shot into the corner of the net from 15yds. A goalmouth melee after ten minutes ended with keeper Danny Barnes, attempting to kick clear, only for the ball to slice into the net. North Molton increased their advantage after 25 minutes by adding goal number four. With the rain beginning to fall in ever increasing quantities the pitch surface resembled the proverbial ‘paddy field’, which forced Buckland to make a couple of substitutions as players picked up injuries. With only seconds remaining the heavens opened and the rain lashed down just as the visitors knocked in goal number five. Thankfully the referee instantly ended the match.

Man of the Match: Gary Montague (midfield)