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.