Results 2007/2008 Season

Match Report

Once again a shortage of players gave the Manager a tough day with numerous phone calls being made to persuade players to turn out for this early season midweek fixture. Buckland arrived with just twelve members and were pressed into action quickly by an eager referee. The home side held the greater possession during the initial 20 minutes and opened the scoring through their centre forward, who struck a fine shot on the turn from 15yds. Buckland did not drop their heads and slowly began to take control in the midfield. The equaliser came on the half hour as Simon Leach, making his first appearance for several seasons, struck a shot from 18yds that rifled into the net. The scoring opportunities now began to arrive on a regular basis, with Simon Leach and Simon Adams both coming close with long range shots. Just before the break a long corner kick from Ed Jonckheere was headed off the line by a 'Lions defender, only for the ball to hit Graham Moore in the face and rebound directly into the net to give Buckland the upper hand.
Substitute Tony Grills came into the action for the second period and his pass after 5 minutes found Simon Leach in space just outside the Northam penalty area. A quick turn and firm shot gave Buckland an early goal. The latter half of the match became a free flowing open encounter as both teams pushed forward at every opportunity. Northam were kept at bay by a well organised Buckland defence with Graham Moore and Steve Tucker in outstanding form. Even the old keeper, John Adams managed a couple of athletic saves. At the other end of the pitch the pace of Simon Adams matched with the close skill of Simon Leach caused the home defence problems on every Buckland attack. With the darkness falling Simon Adams raced clear of the defence and struck a shot towards the far post. The keeper saved well but the rebound was smashed into the net from 12yds by an alert Simon Leach to record his hat-trick. Although the 'Lions kept pushing forward, the Buckland midfield chased every ball and with good passing to the strikers the scoring opportunities continued to be created on a regular basis. In fact, Simon Leach saw enough of the ball into front of goal to have scored double the three he actually recorded.

Man of the Match: Simon Leach (striker)