Wednesday 30th April 2008
- Opponent: Chittlehampton
- Fixture type: League
- Venue: Away
- Result: Lost 5-2
- Scorers: Vincent Bott (2)
Match Report
Heavy rain during the day made the pitch at Chittlehampton very slippery and this was a factor as the home side took an early lead in the first minute. A speculative shot from 25yds skidded awkwardly in front of the Buckland keeper, deflecting off his chest, hitting a post and bouncing into the net. The home side held the greater possession for the subsequent 20 minutes until Vinny Bott was tripped just inside the box following a weaving run. The referee did not hesitate in awarding a penalty kick. Vinny Bott neatly placed the spot kick into the corner of the net to bring Buckland level. Within minutes the same player chased a long through ball and from a narrow angle, just managed to knock the ball past the keeper to put the visitors ahead.
An injury to Matt Horn meant a change in personnel for the second half, but with only manager/keeper John Adams on the subs bench it meant a rare outfield appearance for regular keeper Danny Barnes. The new keeper was soon in the action saving a goal bound shot in the opening minute of the half. Unfortunately he could only parry the initial shot back into play, with an unmarked Chittle’ striker tapping the ball into an empty net from close range. The home side pressed hard for the remainder of the half and Buckland were forced to defend for long periods. Due the pressure being asserted by the home side Simon Adams was pulled back into a defensive position which just left Vinny Bott playing as a lone striker. Chittle’ scored a further three goals before the final whistle, the last goal scored following a fine diving save by the keeper, but the wet conditions resulted in the ball slipping from his hands as he landed with the ball rolling just over the goal line. The Buckland side finished the match looking very jaded following the recent heavy schedule of fixtures.
Man of the Match: Vinny Bott (striker) & Simon Adams (defender)