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
