Wednesday 9th April 2008

• Opponent: Ilfracombe Town
• Fixture type: League
• Venue: Away
• Result: Drew 2-2
• Scorers: Vincent Bott, Edward Jonckheere

Match Report

The long midweek trip to Ilfracombe was played under floodlights which should have made for an enjoyable evening match. Unfortunately the Buckland players seemed more content with admiring the scenery than playing football as the first period was dominated by the home side. After only 4 minutes a long pass over the Buckland defence was well controlled by the centre forward who neatly chipped the stranded keeper from 18yds to put Ilfracombe ahead. This lead was doubled on 20 minutes with a good shot into the corner of the net as the Buckland defenders failed to clear their lines following a goalmouth melee. The home side continued to hold the greater possession for the remainder of the half, but luckily for the bewildered visitors no further goals were forthcoming.

A strong team talk at half time from manager John Adams seemed to have worked, as Buckland came out in the second half with a totally different attitude. The work rate doubled and the passing improved significantly. The evening’s events changed completely in a short spell approx 15 minutes into the second half. Firstly the home side should have taken a three goal lead, as a counter attack saw three home team strikers rush into the Buckland area. The ball evaded the defence and eventually landed six yards from an empty goal with an Ilfracombe player about to score with a simple tap-in. Fortunately for Buckland the striker mis-controlled the ball and his weak shot was well blocked on the line by Ed Jonckheere. Shortly after this incident the Buckland manager made a substitution and changed the positions of a couple of players. Within minutes Simon Adams powered down the wing and played the ball to Simon Leach who passed quickly into the path of Ed Jonckheere. The winger’s low shot from 10yds rifled past the keeper and into the net to give Buckland hope. From this point onwards Buckland looked the team most likely to score, as their players, especially Gary Montague, dominated the middle of the park. With second substitute Matt Horn coming into an attacking position the visitors tore into the home defence. Almost inevitably the equalising goal arrived with 20 minutes remaining. Another good run and cross from Simon Adams was met by Simon Leach, his shot was blocked, but Vincent Bott powered into the goalmouth to force the ball over the line from close range. The final 10 minutes were hectic as Buckland pressed for the winning goal. Chances fell to most of the strikers, but the home defence just managed to keep their goal intact with a string of desperate last ditch tackles.

Man of the Match: Gary Montague (midfield)