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