Wednesday 29th April 2009
- Opponent: Bradworthy
- Fixture type: League
- Venue: Away
- Result: Won 2-1
- Scorers: Matt Horn, Steven Tucker
Match Report
A wet evening at Bradworthy almost began in the best possible way for Buckland in the opening minute. Simon Adams released Vinny Bott down the wing and his immediate cross was met by an unmarked Matt Horn at the far post. Unfortunately, Matt headed just wide of the post with the keeper stranded. Within minutes the home side were awarded a free kick just outside the box. The resulting shot flew just wide of the far post, to give warning to Buckland that this match was not going to be easy. The Buckland players subsequently fought for every ball and soon began to boss the game. Shots from Simon Adams and Vinny Bott came close, but after 25 minutes a neat ball played to the feet of Matt Horn and the striker’s quick touch and movement taking him around the dive of the keeper, the ball finally being calmly slotted into the net from 10yds. A little over 5 minutes later Vinny Bott attempted to wriggle through a mass of Bradworthy defenders only to be tripped inside the penalty area. The resulting spot kick was smashed into the net by a no-nonsense Steve Tucker to give Buckland a well deserved lead at the break.
The second half started well for the home side as a corner in the third minute was bundled over the line to halve Buckland’s advantage. The Bradworthy players, lifted by this early goal and cheered by a boisterous crowd, pressed hard for the remainder of the game. Buckland had to endure long periods of intense pressure, but defended superbly against a lively Bradworthy side. The busiest player on the park during this period was Buckland’s keeper, Danny Barnes. His heroics between the sticks, as he saved shots from every angle, certainly made the difference as the visitors somehow made it to the final whistle without conceding a second goal. This victory and the recent results of the chasing teams ensures the Buckland players of promotion to Division One. The Club can now only wait and see if the teams behind them can overhaul their point’s total and remove Buckland from top spot.
Man of the Match: Danny Barnes (goalkeeper)