Saturday 11th October 2008
- Opponent: Equalizers
- Fixture type: Devon County Cup
- Venue: Home
- Result: Lost 3-2
- Scorers: Vincent Bott (2)
Match Report
Buckland were without two regular defenders for this second round County Cup game. Therefore a slight reshuffle of team members was necessary. Midfielders Arran Brooks and Steve Bennett coming into defence, Matt Horn returning to midfield and Simon Adams pushing forward into attack.
Within the opening minute Simon Adams blocked an attempted defensive clearance, took the ball almost to the goal line before smashing a shot just over the crossbar from a narrow angle. Following a corner kick minutes later an unmarked Vinny Bott headed across the goal only for Matt Horn to have his header cleared off the line. Equalisers subsequently opened the scoring on 15 minutes as a static Buckland defence allowed an opposition striker to coast between two defenders and neatly slot the ball into the net from 10yds. Virtually straight from the kick-off Vinny Bott raced into the penalty box only to be bundled to the ground by a defender. The referee deemed the challenge worthy of a red card, which reduced the visitors to 10 men. Vinny Bott took the resulting spot kick and calmly slotted the ball into the net to level the scores. With half time approaching Buckland could have taken the initiative, unfortunately Ben Dooley’s firm header hit the post following a corner. An injury to midfield dynamo Martin Tucker gave the opportunity for brother Steve to take the field for his first match of the season.
The second half was nearing the midpoint as the 10 men from Equalisers edged ahead. A strong run and superb curling shot from 20yds flew into the corner of the net. With 15 minutes remaining Buckland pulled level. Vinny Bott was once again tripped in the box for a penalty. He once again stepped up and scored from the resulting spot kick. The game looked to be heading for extra time, but the visitors capitalised from a poor defensive clearance as their centre forward hit a firm shot from 20yds that rifled past a stranded keeper.
Man of the Match: Dave Stanton (defender)