Saturday, 13 November 2010
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Saturday, 30 October 2010
SATURDAY UPDATE
Tomorrow's game at Marldon has now been moved to an 11am kick-off. We are meeting at Sainsbury's Newton Abbot at 10.10am.
I have also finally got round to finishing the videos from the Broadmeadow home game - part three is now uploaded (including the missing action replay of Beck's goal - sorry Beck!)
I have also finally got round to finishing the videos from the Broadmeadow home game - part three is now uploaded (including the missing action replay of Beck's goal - sorry Beck!)
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
A WELCOME LIE-IN...
Kick-off for Sunday's away game at Marldon has been switched to 9.45 or 10am (apologies for the vagueness), so we don't need to be up at the crack of dawn.
We are planning to meet at Sainsbury's Newton Abbot at 9.10am.
The pitch is opposite the Church House Inn in Marldon - see map below.
View Larger Map
We are planning to meet at Sainsbury's Newton Abbot at 9.10am.
The pitch is opposite the Church House Inn in Marldon - see map below.
View Larger Map
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Monday, 11 October 2010
Thursday, 7 October 2010
CHELSTON AWAY - THIS SUNDAY
We have arranged a friendly match against Chelston FC this Sunday, October 10, at Torquay Community College.
Kick-off is at 10am, we are planning to meet at Sainsburys, Penn Inn, at 9.10am.
Map is below. Any questions, ring Darren.
View Larger Map
Kick-off is at 10am, we are planning to meet at Sainsburys, Penn Inn, at 9.10am.
Map is below. Any questions, ring Darren.
View Larger Map
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Thursday, 23 September 2010
GO COMPARE!
U9 Bullard, Homer's Heath, Tuesday September 21
BUCKLAND ATHLETIC…13
MARLDON…3 (16-3 AET)
BUCKLAND’S early-season goal fiesta continued against a talented and sporting Marldon team on a night of mixed fortunes for the home team.
On the up side, records tumbled as Buckland recorded their highest-ever goals tally with 16 breathtaking strikes. Seven of those went to the outstanding Harry, who bettered Beck’s previous individual high of six set in the season opener at Broadmeadow.
Harry was in imperious form in the centre of midfield, and he deservedly shared the player of the week award with Jamie, who put in arguably his finest shift yet in a Buckland shirt. Jamie was strong in the tackle, quick to cover and his distribution was first class.
But the rest of the team were not to be outdone – Daniella grabbed her first goals for the club, one with a wicked deflection and another poacher’s strike from Georgia’s lob. Georgia also grabbed two goals, opening her account for the season, and Hamish marked an excellent debut with a brace.
Beck, sporting his fabulous new Adidas F50 boots, took his season’s tally to eight with two well-taken efforts, meaning he is currently averaging a goal every 10 minutes. Not even Ken ‘Waggy’ Wagstaff could match that in his Hull City heyday.
The scoreline was further enhanced when Declan scored arguably the goal of the game, unleashing a Roberto Carlos-style free kick into the top corner from 20 yards.
Josh replaced the absent Gabriel in goal and played a full part in the victory. No keeper in the world would have stopped Marldon’s goals, all of which were top-class strikes. Later, when Beck took over between the sticks, Josh was desperately unlucky not to put his name on the scoresheet.
The excellent performance of fast-flowing football was tempered by news of an ankle injury to Joey, who was forced to come off after just 10 minutes and now faces at least two weeks in plaster on the sidelines.
But there was worse news for Buckland when it emerged that the club is the subject of a full-scale investigation by the football authorities into the circumstances of the re-arrangement of the fixture. The game was originally scheduled for Sunday morning but was switched at short notice for reasons which were not made public.
Allegations subsequently came to light that Buckland joint manager Paul had made the switch as it clashed with a male bonding session in a local licensed premises he had arranged.
The alarm was raised last Friday night when Paul’s cohort Darren took a call from the league secretary during a board meeting taking place at the Wolborough Inn, which Paul had failed to attend. It is understood the league issued Darren with a dire warning as to the possible consequences.
Today Paul was unapologetic, insisting he had nothing to answer for.
“It’s ridiculous,” he said. “I feel we are being unfairly singled out. I know for a fact that if one of my managerial contemporaries like Jose Mourinho needs to rearrange a Real Madrid match because he wants to go to the pub with his mates, nothing’s ever said about it at UEFA or FIFA. But when I do it they throw the rulebook at me. There just ain’t no justice in this world."
Darren insisted he was fully behind his managerial colleague. “Paul quite rightly draws a parallel between himself and Jose Mourinho,” he said. “In fact only the other day, one of our fans stopped me in the street and compared Paul to the Real Madrid boss. He said ‘compared to Mourinho, Paul’s absolutely rubbish’, and you can’t say fairer than that".
Buckland goals: Harry 7, Beck 2, Georgia 2, Hamish 2, Daniella 2, Declan 1
Players of the week: Harry and Jamie
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| Mourinho: 'The Special One' |
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| Hannah: 'The Special Needs One' |
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
THE TREATMENT TABLE
Update on Joey's injury: X-rays have revealed no significant damage, but as doctors cannot exclude the possibility that Joey has a small avulsion fracture they have decided to put his ankle in a lightweight cast for 10 days or so.
He can walk on it but he will be out of football action for a couple of weeks. He was disappointed to find he wasn't handed a set of crutches and instead was given a lovely orthopaedic sandal, which was decorated with teddy bears, to keep his cast off the ground.
So we decided to get the marker pens out and pimp it up a bit...
So we decided to get the marker pens out and pimp it up a bit...
We'll bring a pen on Sunday so his team-mates can sign his pot leg in the traditional manner.
BECK'S MISSING GOALS
I've found the missing footage of two of Beck's goals from the game away at Broadmeadow. As they say in cowboy films, 'nice shootin' son, what's ya name?'...
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
REARRANGED FIXTURE
SUNDAY'S home game against Marldon has been postponed and rearranged for next Tuesday evening (September 21).
Players meet at Homer's Heath at 6pm for a 6.30pm kick-off.
Players meet at Homer's Heath at 6pm for a 6.30pm kick-off.
Monday, 13 September 2010
Y VIVA ESPANA!
Broadmeadow…2 Buckland Athletic…13
BUCKLAND opened the new campaign with a new system and a hatful of goals against a valiant and spirited Broadmeadow side on Sunday.
Ditching last season’s 2-4-0 Italian-inspired formation, Buckland employed Beck as a lone striker in front of a midfield trio comprising Georgia, Harry and Joey, with Gabriel in goal and rock-steady defensive duo Declan and Jamie giving the rearguard a familiar look.It didn’t take Beck long to make his mark – he fired home an early opener, exchanged a slick one-two with Joey before hammering home his second, then turned in Joey’s pinpoint cross at the far post to ensure he had a hat-trick to his name within 10 minutes of the season’s start.
But it wasn’t all one-way traffic – Broadmeadow had pulled the score back to 2-1 with a well-worked goal before Beck resumed his netbusting antics, his predatory instincts grabbing him another two goals before the break, one a fine left-footed effort from Georgia’s defence-splitting pass.
Buckland began the second period with Daniella replacing Jamie in defence and Josh coming on for Joey in midfield. Both made their mark, Daniella with some tough-tackling defensive work and Josh with his strong running on the flank.
Beck grabbed a sixth shortly after the restart to complete a stunning double hat-trick before handing over goalscoring duties to Harry, who was in sensational form in the middle of Buckland’s midfield. On any other day he would have surely walked off with the player of the week award, but Beck’s six of the best pipped him to the prize.
Harry drove through the middle at will, blasting home four times, with both feet, as Buckland ran away with the game. Broadmeadow were rewarded for their spirited efforts with a well-taken goal which just evaded the excellent Gabriel in Buckland’s goal. It’s fair to say that without Gabe, Dec, Jamie and Daniella the scoreline could have been very different.
Jamie showed flashes of Kenny Sansom-like quality, winning the ball in defence before surging forward and unleashing a fearsome shot from long range which the home keeper did well to push away.
Declan also pushed forward to play in the left midfield berth, progressing further up the pitch than any member of his immediate family had ever previously managed.
Once Harry’s goal glut was over he reverted to his former role as provider, passing on the goalscoring baton to Joey. Harry stormed down the wing before whipping in a cross to the back post where Joey was waiting to fire home with his left foot.
Moments later Harry’s clever ball allowed Joey to fire high into the net with his right foot to claim his second, and the little man completed his ‘perfect’ hat-trick with a stunning downwards header from Declan’s corner. It was the sort of goal superstars of world football like Didier Drogba, Nat Lofthouse or ‘Rambo Billy’ Whitehurst would have been proud to score.
Buckland’s management team of Paul and Darren, who have defied the bookies’ odds to remain in charge for a second season, were delighted with the way the team had handled their opening fixture.
Buckland’s management team of Paul and Darren, who have defied the bookies’ odds to remain in charge for a second season, were delighted with the way the team had handled their opening fixture.
‘While I was watching the World Cup this summer it dawned on me that the 2-4-0 Italian Catenaccio system we were using was too restricted, too rigid’, said Paul.
‘The football Spain played in South Africa told me that the game has moved on. I subsequently carried out an in-depth study of Spain manger Vicente Del Bosque’s methods and his team’s fluid lone striker system, and Darren once went on holiday to Benidorm, so we felt changing the system was the right thing to do.
“We see Beck as a cross between David Villa and Torres, Georgia as Iniesta, Harry as Xabi Alonso, Joey as Xavi, Declan and Jamie as Puyol and Pique, Gabe as Casillas, Daniella as Sergio Ramos and Josh as Pedro. I’m obviously Del Bosque and Darren is that big fat bloke with the drum.”
Buckland goals: Beck 6, Harry 4, Joey 3
Player of the week: Beck
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Monday, 6 September 2010
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Friday, 7 May 2010
SNEAK PREVIEW...
We've got a special treat for all Buckland players and fans today - an exclusive look at next season's training kit.
We asked Beck to model the smart new Vandanel professional quality-gear - top, shorts, socks and a full tracksuit, all in sleek black (which won't show stains as much, mums).
We hope you agree Beck did a great job - a career in catalogue modelling surely beckons...
Thursday, 6 May 2010
MORNING CAMPERS...
U8 ROONEY
IPPLEPEN ATHLETIC...2 BUCKLAND ATHLETIC...1 (2-2 AET)
BUCKLAND fought back from 2-0 down to secure a deserved draw against a strong Ipplepen side last night.
Assistant manager Darren drafted Brad and Daniella into a new-look back line and they performed heroics on a pitch roughly the same size as Wales.
Gabriel bravely overcame a injury sustained in the warm-up to take his place between the sticks and pulled off some great saves before Ipplepen opened the scoring.
Joey, Georgia, Harry and Mason were trying their hardest to stay in the same postcode as each other and made chances but were unable to beat the in-form Ipplepen keeper.
Beck, Josh, Bailey, Jamie and Declan joined the action at the break, and it was Bailey who made the breakthrough for Buckland, squeezing a shot home at the near post.
Bailey grabbed a dramatic equaliser in the third period, after Joey spotted Mason on the distant horizon and found him with a fine ball out of defence. Mason played in Bailey for a cool finish to make the score 2-2.
Paul was delighted with the team's performance and defended his decision to give Darren the chance to demonstrate he can coach the side to a victory.
"I thought the team did well, and Darren did too," said Paul. "In fact, I heard one of the fans saying that handing Darren the reins last night was the best managerial appointment since Jeffrey Fairbrother was put in charge of Maplins Holiday Camp, and I think everyone would agree that was the case."
Buckland have now completed their U8 Rooney league commitments, and are preparing for life next season in U9 Bullard.
Buckland goals: Bailey 2
Players of the week: Bailey, Brad, Gabriel
Monday, 26 April 2010
YOU HAVE BEEN WATCHING...
U8 ARGYLE
DARTMOUTH…5 BUCKLAND ATHLETIC…3
BUCKLAND slipped to a second defeat in three games at rainswept Dartmouth on Sunday.
Set against the poetic backdrop of a large Lidl supermarket, the game turned in the second of three periods when the talented home side fired in four unanswered goals.
Buckland started brightly, once again utilising the 2-4-0 system which was inspired by Roma manager Luciano Spalletti’s pioneering tactical approach born in 2005.
Beck, played in by Joey’s perfectly-weighted pass, lashed in a fierce drive from a wide angle which narrowly cleared the angle of post and bar, and Georgia was in great form on the left.
Jamie and Declan were rock solid in defence, coolly starting Buckland’s passing moves from the back.
But Dartmouth took the lead against the run of play after a spell of ping-pong in the Buckland box, Gabriel powerless to prevent the goal.
Buckland needed to find some magic from somewhere and it came from the boots of birthday boy Beck, who embarked on a mazy run down the right before shooting across the excellent home keeper into the bottom corner for a brilliant solo goal.
The goal would never have come about had it not been for Harry’s sheer bravery – the midfield dynamo took a real stinger on the back of his thigh to give Beck the chance to attack. Ouch!
Manager Paul rang the changes at the break, with Josh replacing Gabriel in goal and Mason and Brad joining the action.
But despite their best efforts, the new line-up couldn’t stop the home side taking a 5-1 lead.
Buckland narrowed the deficit with a remarkable penalty double from Mason. He dispatched his first spot-kick, awarded for handball, to the keeper’s left, and when the man in black pointed to the spot again minutes later, he tried a different approach.
Mason outfoxed the bemused goalkeeper by cunningly shooting at the crossbar, allowing the ball to balloon into the air before dropping over the goalie’s head and over the line. It was a piece of penalty perfection more usually seen from the likes of Lampard, Le Tissier or Jimmy Bullard (who tried something similar on Saturday, less successfully).
Mason was cruelly denied a hat-trick in the final minute when his free-kick strike was controversially ruled out on the grounds that the referee had signalled an indirect set piece.
Manager Paul was delighted with his team’s performance and felt the result did not reflect his side’s display.
“The team did very well today, despite the scoreline” he said. “Darren and I have brought a continental approach to our football, hence the Roma-inspired 2-4-0, which worked a treat. I’m a great student of Italian football, and Darren loves pizza and that, so we know what we’re doing.
“In fact, only the other day I heard one of the fans say that us taking over was the best managerial appointment since Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson were put in charge of the Walmington-on-Sea platoon of the Home Guard, and there’s no higher praise than that.”
Paul was also unhappy with the controversial decision to deny Mason his hat-trick. “I checked with Don, who’s our refereeing expert, and he said there’s no such thing as an indirect free-kick in U8 football, so I’ll be including that in my report. Having said that, the ref got a much better peep out of his whistle than Don ever did, so he probably knows more about the rules as well.”
Don refused to be drawn into the escalating row, and issued a short statement to the waiting media. “Don’t panic! Don’t panic!," he said. "They don’t like it up 'em!"
Buckland goals: Mason (2 pens), Beck
Players of the week: Mason, Josh, Joey
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
ARE YOU BEING SERVED?
U8 ARGYLE
BUCKLAND ATHLETIC…4 NEWTON 66…1 (7-1 AET)
Buckland returned to winning ways with a sparkling performance against an excellent Newton 66 side at Homer’s Heath last night.
Manager Paul, back in the driving seat after Sunday’s debacle, shuffled the pack and included Brad and Josh in the starting line-up.
Georgia was quick out of the blocks, showing some dazzling ball skills more usually associated with such superstars of world football as Cruyff, Pele and Jimmy Bullard.
Buckland were playing some fantastic football with precision passing the name of the game right through the team, starting with glovesman Gabriel’s excellent distribution. Declan and Brad were faultless in defence, swiftly moving the ball into the midfield fulcrum of Harry and Joey, who both found their range to open up 66 as Georgia and Josh ran riot on the flanks.
Harry, who despite supporting Arsenal once again showed he does know a bit about football, gave Buckland a deserved lead with a clinical finish after bursting into the box.
Paul dealt a new hand at the break, introducing Bailey, Jamie and Beck, and the latter added to his goal tally when Bailey embarked on a mazy run and fired in a fabulous cross for Beck to lash home Buckland’s second.
66 were still threatening and pulled a goal back with a fantastic free kick from the edge of the box which gave Gabriel no chance.
But Buckland refused to panic and restored their lead when an unlucky 66 player put through his own goal after a flowing move.
Harry added a fourth with a fabulous 40-yard* lob over the keeper (*pro rata on a full size pitch) and with Jamie and Declan in control at the back, Buckland secured a 4-1 win.
The sides played an unofficial ‘third half’, which saw Gabriel hand over goalkeeping duties to Josh and show off his impressive outfield skills. Bailey’s pace and touch were rewarded with a stunning hat-trick to make the overall score 7-1.
Paul was delighted with his side’s performance and their return to winning ways.
“I was delighted for the players tonight because I felt I’d let them down on Sunday,” he said. “In hindsight, I never should have given Don and Darren, rookie coaches remember, such a tough game for their first assignment.
“I did hear some of the fans describe it as the worst managerial appointments since Captain Peacock and Mr Rumbold were put in charge of the menswear department at Grace Brothers department store, and while I wouldn’t go that far I have to hold my hands up and accept responsibility.”
Paul was, however, full of praise for Don’s refereeing performance last night.
“I thought he did well,” said the Buckland boss. “He needs a bit more puff to get a good peep out of his whistle, mind.
“And I’ve heard Alex Ferguson has been on to the FA to see if he can ref all Man Utd’s games from now on, on account of the 20 minutes injury time he played at the end of each half.”
Buckland Goals: Bailey 3, Harry 2, Beck, og
Player of the week: The whole team
Monday, 12 April 2010
DON LEAVE ME THIS WAY...
U8 ARGYLE
NEWTON TOWN...3 BUCKLAND ATHLETIC...2
Buckland slipped to a rare defeat at the hands of a talented, strong and committed Newton Town team who came from 2-0 down to steal the points at Coach Road.
Buckland had recorded two wins over their opponents earlier in the season, but those victories counted for nothing as Athletic never managed to find their passing rhythm.
With newly-qualified coach Don, assisted by his fellow badge holder Darren, at the helm, Buckland got off to a flying start when Beck played in Bailey, and he lashed in a left-foot effort to mark his debut with a fine goal.
Beck then doubled Buckland's lead, reacting quickest to turn in a cross for a real 'fox in the box' strike. It was the kind of goal more usually associated with such legends of world football as Gerd Muller, Gary Lineker or Jimmy Bullard.
Joey, Harry and Georgia toiled away in midfield without ever finding the space to stretch Town, and Declan and Jamie were doing their best in defence to resist the increasing pressure.
But Town's doggedness was rewarded before the break as they pulled a goal back despite glovesman Gabriel and Beck's desperate attempts to keep the ball out.
An excellent goal drew Town level, then a long-range effort gave them a winner.
Buckland sent on Brad and Josh as they went in search of an equaliser, with Mason, Georgia and Joey all going close, but Town held on for a fine win.
Boss-for-the day Don was delighted by the players' efforts, but still had his head in his hands at the final whistle. Despite the setback he insisted he had the track record and pedigree as a player to become a successful manager.
"I had a long career in the Western League," said Don. "I was at Paulton Rovers, where they called me Donaldo, then Brislington Rovers where I was known as Donaldhino, then at Bristol Manor Farm where I was in charge of milking the cows.
"Anyway, it was all Darren's fault."
Manager Paul, who stepped up to act as director of football for the day, gave Don the dreaded vote of confidence at the final whistle.
"Don't blame me," he said. "I wasn't in charge today."
Buckland Goals: Bailey, Beck
Player of the Week: Beck
NEWTON TOWN...3 BUCKLAND ATHLETIC...2
Buckland slipped to a rare defeat at the hands of a talented, strong and committed Newton Town team who came from 2-0 down to steal the points at Coach Road.
Buckland had recorded two wins over their opponents earlier in the season, but those victories counted for nothing as Athletic never managed to find their passing rhythm.
With newly-qualified coach Don, assisted by his fellow badge holder Darren, at the helm, Buckland got off to a flying start when Beck played in Bailey, and he lashed in a left-foot effort to mark his debut with a fine goal.
Beck then doubled Buckland's lead, reacting quickest to turn in a cross for a real 'fox in the box' strike. It was the kind of goal more usually associated with such legends of world football as Gerd Muller, Gary Lineker or Jimmy Bullard.
Joey, Harry and Georgia toiled away in midfield without ever finding the space to stretch Town, and Declan and Jamie were doing their best in defence to resist the increasing pressure.
But Town's doggedness was rewarded before the break as they pulled a goal back despite glovesman Gabriel and Beck's desperate attempts to keep the ball out.
An excellent goal drew Town level, then a long-range effort gave them a winner.
Buckland sent on Brad and Josh as they went in search of an equaliser, with Mason, Georgia and Joey all going close, but Town held on for a fine win.
Boss-for-the day Don was delighted by the players' efforts, but still had his head in his hands at the final whistle. Despite the setback he insisted he had the track record and pedigree as a player to become a successful manager.
"I had a long career in the Western League," said Don. "I was at Paulton Rovers, where they called me Donaldo, then Brislington Rovers where I was known as Donaldhino, then at Bristol Manor Farm where I was in charge of milking the cows.
"Anyway, it was all Darren's fault."
Manager Paul, who stepped up to act as director of football for the day, gave Don the dreaded vote of confidence at the final whistle.
"Don't blame me," he said. "I wasn't in charge today."
Buckland Goals: Bailey, Beck
Player of the Week: Beck
Thursday, 8 April 2010
GAME ON
We are away at Newton Town on Sunday, kick off 9.30am at Coach Road. Players meet at 8.45am so early nights all round on Saturday.
Monday, 5 April 2010
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
...BUT WOULD HE GET IN OUR TEAM?
Lionel Messi's spectacular at the weekend. Not bad, but not quite Jimmy Bullard...
Saturday, 20 March 2010
RAINED OFF
Tomorrow's home game against Waldon Blue has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Training will take place at Decoy on Tuesday, 4.30pm start.
Training will take place at Decoy on Tuesday, 4.30pm start.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
A GOOD DAY AT THE OFFICE
Pioneer League U8 Argyle
Buckland Athletic...3
Stoke Gabriel...2
Buckland Athletic found their place in the sun as they held on for a fine 3-2 win over a classy and committed Stoke Gabriel side on a glorious morning at Homers Heath.
Sent out in a new 2-4-0 formation, Buckland were soon in control with Harry pouncing on a loose ball in the box to give his side the lead, his right-foot strike finding the corner with precision.
The team’s new set-up allowed Jamie and Declan to push forward, with the midfield quartet of Harry, Joey, Beck and Georgia quickly adapting to their new roles. Jamie, on his way to a well-deserved player of the week award, went close with a fine strike before Joey, who hit the same post twice with two great efforts, turned in Harry’s corner with a smart left-foot finish to make the score 2-0.
Beck and Georgia were unstoppable down the flanks, with Joey and Harry driving the team forward through the middle, and Declan and Jamie were able to snuff out any threat before glovesman Gabriel was called into action as Buckland took control.
Buckland boss Paul rang the changes at the break, playing all of his cards as he made four substitutions, and all of the new arrivals quickly settled in.
Mason was unlucky not to add to his collection of goal of the season contenders with one stunning right-foot drive which whistled past the angle of post and bar as he took control of midfield. It was the sort of strike more usually seen from such legends of world football as Maradona, Pele and Jimmy Bullard, although Jimmy Bullard’s usually go in.
Brad was using the ball to good effect on the left side of midfield, while Josh was seeing plenty of action and causing lots of problems down the right and Adam tackled ferociously at the back.
And Buckland’s reward came when Josh drilled a shot in at the back post for a deserved third goal.
Stoke Gabriel were in no mood to surrender and pulled one back despite Mason’s brave attempts to prevent the ball crossing the line, then added another with the last kick of the game, a stunning finish from a corner which just evaded Gabriel’s acrobatic dive to make the final score 3-2.
The new management team of Paul Darren and Darrell were delighted with their team’s performance.
“Me and my management team have asked some questions of the players this week with a revolutionary new formation, and they have come up with the right answers, so fair play to us,” said Paul.
“In fact only the other day, I heard someone saying that it was the best managerial appointment since David Brent was put in charge of the Slough branch of Wernham Hogg paper suppliers, and you can’t say fairer than that.”
Buckland goals: Harry, Joey, Josh
Player of the week: Jamie
Buckland Athletic...3
Stoke Gabriel...2
Buckland Athletic found their place in the sun as they held on for a fine 3-2 win over a classy and committed Stoke Gabriel side on a glorious morning at Homers Heath.
Sent out in a new 2-4-0 formation, Buckland were soon in control with Harry pouncing on a loose ball in the box to give his side the lead, his right-foot strike finding the corner with precision.
The team’s new set-up allowed Jamie and Declan to push forward, with the midfield quartet of Harry, Joey, Beck and Georgia quickly adapting to their new roles. Jamie, on his way to a well-deserved player of the week award, went close with a fine strike before Joey, who hit the same post twice with two great efforts, turned in Harry’s corner with a smart left-foot finish to make the score 2-0.
Beck and Georgia were unstoppable down the flanks, with Joey and Harry driving the team forward through the middle, and Declan and Jamie were able to snuff out any threat before glovesman Gabriel was called into action as Buckland took control.
Buckland boss Paul rang the changes at the break, playing all of his cards as he made four substitutions, and all of the new arrivals quickly settled in.
Mason was unlucky not to add to his collection of goal of the season contenders with one stunning right-foot drive which whistled past the angle of post and bar as he took control of midfield. It was the sort of strike more usually seen from such legends of world football as Maradona, Pele and Jimmy Bullard, although Jimmy Bullard’s usually go in.
Brad was using the ball to good effect on the left side of midfield, while Josh was seeing plenty of action and causing lots of problems down the right and Adam tackled ferociously at the back.
And Buckland’s reward came when Josh drilled a shot in at the back post for a deserved third goal.
Stoke Gabriel were in no mood to surrender and pulled one back despite Mason’s brave attempts to prevent the ball crossing the line, then added another with the last kick of the game, a stunning finish from a corner which just evaded Gabriel’s acrobatic dive to make the final score 3-2.
The new management team of Paul Darren and Darrell were delighted with their team’s performance.
“Me and my management team have asked some questions of the players this week with a revolutionary new formation, and they have come up with the right answers, so fair play to us,” said Paul.
“In fact only the other day, I heard someone saying that it was the best managerial appointment since David Brent was put in charge of the Slough branch of Wernham Hogg paper suppliers, and you can’t say fairer than that.”
Buckland goals: Harry, Joey, Josh
Player of the week: Jamie
Monday, 8 March 2010
THEY THINK IT'S ALL OVER...
Under 8 Argyle
Newton 66...2
Buckland Athletic...4
Buckland battled their way to a hard-earned victory at Seale Hayne on a Sunday morning so cold even Scott of the Antarctic would have been tempted to stay in bed and watch T4.
Buckland were playing up the slope and into the wind in the opening period and found it difficult to adapt to the conditions.
The home side were well-organised and able to break at speed and Buckland had plenty of defending to do. Jamie and Declan distinguished themselves at the back, repelling wave after wave of 66 attacks. When the visitors' defence was breached, Gabriel came to the rescue, pulling off one spectacular save low to his left.
Bucks finally broke the deadlock when Harry's pinpoint corner was turned in by Beck with a deadly finish.
Buckland came under pressure with 66 sweeping forward.
But Buckland roared back, with Georgia and Harry playing vital team roles in midfield allowing Joey and Beck to get forward and support Adam in attack.
Beck thought he'd restored the visitors' lead only for the referee to spot an hand-ball in the build-up and rule out his 'goal'.
But from the resulting free-kick, Joey latched on to a loose ball and lashed a thunderbolt shot into the top corner to put Buckland 2-0 up. It was the sort of strike more usually associated with superstars of world football such as Messi, Totti and Jimmy Bullard.
The home side pulled one back with an excellent goal which left Gabriel with no chance.
There was some confusion at the 'final whistle', but it soon became clear the match would be extended into a third period.
The talented home side pressed for an equaliser, but it was Beck who found the target with a predator's finish off his right boot having been played in by Brad's defence-splitting pass to make the score 3-1.
Newton 66 pulled another goal back from the penalty spot, with the spot-kick just evading Gabriel's outstretched fingers.
But Adam added a well-deserved fourth for Buckland, latching on to Joey's through ball and finishing in fine style.
The management team of Paul, Darren and Darrell were delighted with their team's performance.
Paul said: "When I realised we hadn't actually won it at 2-1 and would have to go out for a third half, I asked myself what Sir Alf Ramsey would have said to his team in similar circumstances, such as the 1966 World Cup final.
"So I told the team 'you've won it once, now go out and win it again' and I think ultimately that made the difference.
"I like to think I've learned something from Sir Alf, Sir Bobby, Sir Fergie, Cloughie, Rafa and all the other great managers I've worked with over the years.
"Well when I say 'worked with', what I really mean is 'seen on the telly' but the principle is exactly the same."
Buckland goals: Beck 2, Joey, Adam
Player of the week: Declan
Newton 66...2
Buckland Athletic...4
Buckland battled their way to a hard-earned victory at Seale Hayne on a Sunday morning so cold even Scott of the Antarctic would have been tempted to stay in bed and watch T4.
Buckland were playing up the slope and into the wind in the opening period and found it difficult to adapt to the conditions.
The home side were well-organised and able to break at speed and Buckland had plenty of defending to do. Jamie and Declan distinguished themselves at the back, repelling wave after wave of 66 attacks. When the visitors' defence was breached, Gabriel came to the rescue, pulling off one spectacular save low to his left.
Bucks finally broke the deadlock when Harry's pinpoint corner was turned in by Beck with a deadly finish.
Buckland came under pressure with 66 sweeping forward.
But Buckland roared back, with Georgia and Harry playing vital team roles in midfield allowing Joey and Beck to get forward and support Adam in attack.
Beck thought he'd restored the visitors' lead only for the referee to spot an hand-ball in the build-up and rule out his 'goal'.
But from the resulting free-kick, Joey latched on to a loose ball and lashed a thunderbolt shot into the top corner to put Buckland 2-0 up. It was the sort of strike more usually associated with superstars of world football such as Messi, Totti and Jimmy Bullard.
The home side pulled one back with an excellent goal which left Gabriel with no chance.
There was some confusion at the 'final whistle', but it soon became clear the match would be extended into a third period.
The talented home side pressed for an equaliser, but it was Beck who found the target with a predator's finish off his right boot having been played in by Brad's defence-splitting pass to make the score 3-1.
Newton 66 pulled another goal back from the penalty spot, with the spot-kick just evading Gabriel's outstretched fingers.
But Adam added a well-deserved fourth for Buckland, latching on to Joey's through ball and finishing in fine style.
The management team of Paul, Darren and Darrell were delighted with their team's performance.
Paul said: "When I realised we hadn't actually won it at 2-1 and would have to go out for a third half, I asked myself what Sir Alf Ramsey would have said to his team in similar circumstances, such as the 1966 World Cup final.
"So I told the team 'you've won it once, now go out and win it again' and I think ultimately that made the difference.
"I like to think I've learned something from Sir Alf, Sir Bobby, Sir Fergie, Cloughie, Rafa and all the other great managers I've worked with over the years.
"Well when I say 'worked with', what I really mean is 'seen on the telly' but the principle is exactly the same."
Buckland goals: Beck 2, Joey, Adam
Player of the week: Declan
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Saturday, 6 March 2010
TOMORROW'S GAME: NEWTON 66 AWAY
We are at Newton 66 tomorrow for an U8 Argyle league fixture. Kick-off is at 10am, players on the pitch for 9.30am warm-up.
To find the pitch, go into Seale Hayne college and head for a gate on the left-hand side around 50 yards up the drive. Walk through that field, heading towards to bottom left-hand corner, and our pitch is in the field behind.
Manager Paul led by example today, making a substitute appearance for Buckland Athletic's third team in a cup match against Christians in Sport at Decoy.
Paul was thrown into action 20 minutes from time with Bucks 2-1 down, and turned the game with a stellar performance in attack.
After receiving a stern lecture from the referee by leaving a perfect set of studmarks on the Christians' right back's left ankle, he leapt like a tin of salmon to set up Bucks' third goal, which gave them the lead.
"I was brilliant," said Paul. "Somehow I slipped through the net, but I'm going to make sure that doesn't happen to any of the Under-8s. Like me, they can all go on to be international-standard players if they listen to me and train hard."
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
MARCHING ON
Pioneer League U8 Argyle
Buckland Athletic…6 Ipplepen…2
Another player-of-the-week performance from Georgia secured a win for Buckland in a tough game against a spirited Ipplepen side.
Spectators leaving Homer’s Heath at the final whistle were already comparing Georgia’s second-half hat-trick with famous triple strikes such as Geoff Hurst’s against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, Michael Owen’s in a qualifier for the 2002 World Cup in Munich, also against Germany, and Jimmy Bullard’s for Hull City in a reserve-team friendly against Goole Town.
The home side went behind in the early stages when an Ipplepen striker found the corner despite Gabriel’s brave dive.
But Buckland were back on level terms when Georgia found Joey inside the box, and he turned and played a fantastic ball back to the edge of the area and the onrushing Captain Marvel Harry lashed the ball home.
Mason then went close with a fine strike after being played in by Joey, his curling shot shaving the woodwork.
The scores were level at the break, largely thanks to the defensive excellence of Declan, who made one terrific recovery when it seemed certain that Ipplepen would score, Gabriel’s shot-stopping, and Beck’s brilliance. The big number 10 stood in at the back in Jamie’s absence and played a major part in the victory.
Georgia went to work as soon as the second half started. With Buckland camped in the Ipplepen half, her first goal was a right foot effort which broke the deadlock. Georgia made it 3-1 soon afterwards, hammering a drive into the top corner, and the claimed her third with a left-foot strike which evaded the visiting keeper.
Brad came on to shore things up at the back as Ipplepen still threatened to break out from the siege of their penalty area, and Josh used his pace well on the right flank.
Adam had the last word scoring two late goals, the first a smartly taken finish from the edge of the box, and the second when he cleverly diverted Mason’s free-kick into the net.
There was still time for Ipplepen to claim a well-deserved second goal, making the final score 6-2.
Buckland Athletic…6 Ipplepen…2
Another player-of-the-week performance from Georgia secured a win for Buckland in a tough game against a spirited Ipplepen side.
Spectators leaving Homer’s Heath at the final whistle were already comparing Georgia’s second-half hat-trick with famous triple strikes such as Geoff Hurst’s against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, Michael Owen’s in a qualifier for the 2002 World Cup in Munich, also against Germany, and Jimmy Bullard’s for Hull City in a reserve-team friendly against Goole Town.
The home side went behind in the early stages when an Ipplepen striker found the corner despite Gabriel’s brave dive.
But Buckland were back on level terms when Georgia found Joey inside the box, and he turned and played a fantastic ball back to the edge of the area and the onrushing Captain Marvel Harry lashed the ball home.
Mason then went close with a fine strike after being played in by Joey, his curling shot shaving the woodwork.
The scores were level at the break, largely thanks to the defensive excellence of Declan, who made one terrific recovery when it seemed certain that Ipplepen would score, Gabriel’s shot-stopping, and Beck’s brilliance. The big number 10 stood in at the back in Jamie’s absence and played a major part in the victory.
Georgia went to work as soon as the second half started. With Buckland camped in the Ipplepen half, her first goal was a right foot effort which broke the deadlock. Georgia made it 3-1 soon afterwards, hammering a drive into the top corner, and the claimed her third with a left-foot strike which evaded the visiting keeper.
Brad came on to shore things up at the back as Ipplepen still threatened to break out from the siege of their penalty area, and Josh used his pace well on the right flank.
Adam had the last word scoring two late goals, the first a smartly taken finish from the edge of the box, and the second when he cleverly diverted Mason’s free-kick into the net.
There was still time for Ipplepen to claim a well-deserved second goal, making the final score 6-2.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Friday, 19 February 2010
CHANGE OF VENUE
Tomorrow's game against Ipplepen will now be at Homer's Heath, 10am kick-off (players meet 9.30am).
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
GOALS GALORE
BUCKLAND ATHLETIC…7 MARLDON…7
Sunday, February 14 2010
A big crowd turned out at Homer’s Heath for a friendly which turned into a thrilling goalfest played out over three 20-minute sessions.
Stunning finishing from both sides meant the net bulged at such regular intervals that the match officials lost count and had to utilise the Duckworth-Lewis method to calculate the final score.
Georgia was first to notch, capping a fine run with a superb finish into the bottom corner which set her on the way to the player of the week award in an all-round performance reminiscent of such football legends as Kaka, Michael Essien and Jimmy Bullard.
Marldon hit back soon afterwards, and from that point on the scoring barely stopped until the final whistle.
The goals tally could have been even higher had it not been for the brilliance of cat-like keeper Josh, who took over from the absent Gabriel between the sticks.
Josh was helped by some solid defending from Lauren, who almost capped her Buckland debut with a goal when her right-foot effort whistled past the Marldon post.
Brad’s tenacious tackling and the ever-dependable Declan also played a major part in suppressing the talented Marldon attack, with Jamie pushed forward into midfield where he caused constant problems for the opposition.
Adam led the line with distinction and was unlucky not to put his name on the scoresheet as Buckland started to gain the upper hand.
Harry made a late push for inclusion in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad with four fantastic goals, while Mason – who even stood in at right back before reverting to his favoured striking role – scored with a typical predatory finish after Adam’s shot had been saved.
Joey was also on target, playing a one-two with Adam before racing away from the defence and drilling a shot into the bottom corner.
Two excellent late Marldon goals levelled the scores in a game neither side deserved to lose.
Darren, handed the keys to the managerial clipboard for the first time, was delighted with the team’s performance.
“It was a game of two halves,” he said. “Well, it was a game of three halves actually, but you know what I mean. Down the line, DOWN THE LINE…”
Buckland goals: Harry 4, Georgia, Mason, Joey
Player of the week: Georgia
Sunday, February 14 2010
A big crowd turned out at Homer’s Heath for a friendly which turned into a thrilling goalfest played out over three 20-minute sessions.
Stunning finishing from both sides meant the net bulged at such regular intervals that the match officials lost count and had to utilise the Duckworth-Lewis method to calculate the final score.
Georgia was first to notch, capping a fine run with a superb finish into the bottom corner which set her on the way to the player of the week award in an all-round performance reminiscent of such football legends as Kaka, Michael Essien and Jimmy Bullard.
Marldon hit back soon afterwards, and from that point on the scoring barely stopped until the final whistle.
The goals tally could have been even higher had it not been for the brilliance of cat-like keeper Josh, who took over from the absent Gabriel between the sticks.
Josh was helped by some solid defending from Lauren, who almost capped her Buckland debut with a goal when her right-foot effort whistled past the Marldon post.
Brad’s tenacious tackling and the ever-dependable Declan also played a major part in suppressing the talented Marldon attack, with Jamie pushed forward into midfield where he caused constant problems for the opposition.
Adam led the line with distinction and was unlucky not to put his name on the scoresheet as Buckland started to gain the upper hand.
Harry made a late push for inclusion in Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad with four fantastic goals, while Mason – who even stood in at right back before reverting to his favoured striking role – scored with a typical predatory finish after Adam’s shot had been saved.
Joey was also on target, playing a one-two with Adam before racing away from the defence and drilling a shot into the bottom corner.
Two excellent late Marldon goals levelled the scores in a game neither side deserved to lose.
Darren, handed the keys to the managerial clipboard for the first time, was delighted with the team’s performance.
“It was a game of two halves,” he said. “Well, it was a game of three halves actually, but you know what I mean. Down the line, DOWN THE LINE…”
Buckland goals: Harry 4, Georgia, Mason, Joey
Player of the week: Georgia
Monday, 15 February 2010
BUCKLAND...7 MARLDON...7 - VIDEO PART 4
The Google blogger network has a bug which is affecting video hosting on our website - you may sometimes see a message 'this video is currently unavailable' when you try to watch these (Oscar-nominated) clips. I have to reload posts every day to temporarily clear the snag, but until Google fix it properly we'll have some disruption. Don't blame me, I didn't break the internet.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
VIDEO PART 3
Apologies for the delay and lower-than-usual (is that possible?) quality of the videos this week. I've been using a new Carlos Fandango camera and laptop which should make things better, but actually makes things worse. That's the price of progress, I guess...
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
VIDEO PART 2
Having a few snags sorting out my MPEG-4s from my AVIs and WMVs... hopefully I'll get it sorted soon.
Monday, 8 February 2010
BACK IN ACTION
Pioneer League U8 Argyle
Buckland Athletic...4
Newton Town...1
BUCKLAND returned to action after their extended winter lay-off with a red-hot 4-1 win over a strong Newton Town side.
Buckland could have been excused a little rustiness, having not been in match action since November 15.
But the players’ dedication in training paid off, with their passing and movement proving to be too much for Town.
Beck opened Bucks’ account in their new U8 Argyle division, his right-foot effort flying into the bottom corner to give his side a 1-0 half-time lead.
And the big number 10 doubled his tally, forcing Mason’s perfectly delivered corner over the line to make it 2-0.
With newly-recruit goalkeeper Gabriel looking like the safest hands in soccer, defensive duo Declan and Jamie coolness personified and Captain Harry running the game from midfield in the style of football superstars like Xabi Alonso, Iniesta and Jimmy Bullard, Buckland looked unlikely to concede.
But a terrific finish from a Town player narrowed the gap to 2-1.
On came Georgia and Adam with the next goal crucial - and it went Buckland’s way when Joey danced through the Town defence and slotted the ball home for a fine solo effort.
Brad and Josh both came on and made good impressions before Adam secured the win with a predatory strike for the fourth.
The new management team were clearly delighted with Buckland’s winning start in the new division.
“I wouldn’t say I’m the best manager in the Pioneer League,” said Paul. “But I’m definitely in the top one.”
Buckland Athletic...4
Newton Town...1
BUCKLAND returned to action after their extended winter lay-off with a red-hot 4-1 win over a strong Newton Town side.
Buckland could have been excused a little rustiness, having not been in match action since November 15.
But the players’ dedication in training paid off, with their passing and movement proving to be too much for Town.
Beck opened Bucks’ account in their new U8 Argyle division, his right-foot effort flying into the bottom corner to give his side a 1-0 half-time lead.
And the big number 10 doubled his tally, forcing Mason’s perfectly delivered corner over the line to make it 2-0.
With newly-recruit goalkeeper Gabriel looking like the safest hands in soccer, defensive duo Declan and Jamie coolness personified and Captain Harry running the game from midfield in the style of football superstars like Xabi Alonso, Iniesta and Jimmy Bullard, Buckland looked unlikely to concede.
But a terrific finish from a Town player narrowed the gap to 2-1.
On came Georgia and Adam with the next goal crucial - and it went Buckland’s way when Joey danced through the Town defence and slotted the ball home for a fine solo effort.
Brad and Josh both came on and made good impressions before Adam secured the win with a predatory strike for the fourth.
The new management team were clearly delighted with Buckland’s winning start in the new division.
“I wouldn’t say I’m the best manager in the Pioneer League,” said Paul. “But I’m definitely in the top one.”
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Monday, 1 February 2010
Sunday, 31 January 2010
MATCH POSTPONED
Today's match fell victim to the overnight frost. See you at training on Tuesday (Abbotskerswell, 6pm)
Saturday, 30 January 2010
TOMORROW'S GAME: WALDON BLUE AWAY
We are meeting at Sainsburys at 8.50am. The match is at Windmill Hill, Barton, Torquay.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Saturday, 23 January 2010
A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGEMENT
A squad training session will take place at Homer's Heath tomorrow morning (Sunday, January 24) from 9.30am-10.30am.
Dads are encouraged to get stripped up as we'll be doing the crossbar challenge.
However, parents are warned all mis-hits, scuffers and shanks will result in white-hot banter from the new management team.
Tea, coffee and bacon butties will be available from the club's bistro afterwards.
See you tomorrow,
Paul, Darren and Darrell
Dads are encouraged to get stripped up as we'll be doing the crossbar challenge.
However, parents are warned all mis-hits, scuffers and shanks will result in white-hot banter from the new management team.
Tea, coffee and bacon butties will be available from the club's bistro afterwards.
See you tomorrow,
Paul, Darren and Darrell
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