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