Saturday 22nd November 2008

• Opponent: Putford
• Fixture type: League
• Venue: Away
• Result: Won 2-0
• Scorers: Ben Dooley, Own Goal

Match Report

The home side had the strong wind and icy rain at their backs in the opening period, but were unfortunate to loose a player with a shoulder injury subsequent to an awkward fall within the first couple of minutes. In fact the visitors competed well and won most challenges in the initial stages. The greater possession and better scoring chances also went in Buckland’s favour. Both Vinny Bott and Simon Adams had good shots well saved by the keeper as Buckland pressed forward. The game was entering the final 10 minutes of the opening period as the home side tried to push deep into their opponents half of the pitch. A string of corners put the Buckland defence under pressure during this period, but keeper Danny Barnes was in good form and handled most crosses with safe hands.

The second half saw Buckland attacking for the majority of the time, but without finding a way through the stubborn home defence. Midfielders Ben Dooley and Martin Tucker challenged for every ball in the centre of the park and with Matt Horn linking well with the strikers, Buckland dominated proceeding for long periods. The break-through finally came 15 minutes from time. A long cross into the box was met by the outstretched foot of Vinny Bott, but his prod was knocked into his own net by a Putford defender. Minutes later Simon Adams almost doubled Buckland's lead with a cracking 20yd shot that hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced just outside the line and back into play. A first competitive goal for midfielder Ben Dooley in Buckland colours, a smashed shot from 8yds in the final minute, eventually sealed victory for unbeaten Buckland.

Man of the Match: Ben Dooley (midfield)