This Friday night football game looked as if it was always going to be a great spectacle and thats exactly what it turned out to be! The local derby saw Broadmeadow hosting Buckland & Milber 2nd's at Coach Road, Newton Abbot.
The game started at a lightening tempo with both teams looking to make the most of the good facillities and playing surface. Broadmeadow were in search of the second win from 2 games of the league campaign and Buckland were looking to pick up there first win of the season, this encounter being there fourth game. It was Broadmeadow who were given first advantage as Andrew Espley cleverly put Todd Ballman through on goal until he was brought down by the last defender. The referee was given no choice but too send Buckland & Milber down to 10 men. Broadmeadow had the one man advantage and also had a free kick in a dangerous position with just 10 minutes on the board. Ballman to the subsequent free kick which he hit straight at the wall, the ball looped up in to the air back to him and he hit a first time volley into the back of the net. 10 minutes later Broads pressure on Bucklands goal paid further dividens as Ballman slotted Espley through one on one and he converted to clinch his first and Broadmeadows 2nd of the match.
Buckland & Milber, although down too 10 men, came back fighting and to there credit never looked as if they were out of the game. On the half hour mark the ball fell to Buckland's right back who unleashed a screamer from range that left Broads keeper with no chance as it rifled into the top corner. 5 minutes later there was another goal on the board, it was Broadmeadow again. This time great play on the wing from Carl Woolnough, he took on 1 man then cut inside and delivered a pin point cross for Espley to head home from close range for his second goal of the game, making it 3-1 to Broadmeadow. The first half was relentless action from both sides and Broadmeadow made it 4-1 when Ballman's corner was converted spectacularly by the head of Espley at the front post. Looking to keep things tight until half time, the Broads came under some pressure from the Buckland attack. The were awarded a penalty right on the stroke of half time when Woolnough fouled a Buckland player in the box. It was converted and Broadmeadow headed in at half time 4-2 up, an incredible half of football.
The second half was equally as brilliant however there was only one goal to be added to the scoreline. Buckland & Milber despite being down to 10 men made Broadmeadow have to fight hard for 3 points. Superb performances from Jack Gallacher and Richard Cotterill at the centre of defense are becoming a regular occurance for the broads. Behind them Pete Shillabeer made a couple of outstanding saves to keep Buckland at bay. Mr consistent, Ross Abraham gave a typical performance throughout adding to the excellent back 4 combination. Unfortunely on the hour mark Abraham was on the recieving end of a poor tackles which has left him with what looks to be a long-term injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. A couple minutes later, Dan Kenward, who made his first start for the broads and looked dangerous on the break, was put through on goal, he beat the keeper to the ball who subsequently fouled him. The referee pointed to the spot. Ballman stepped up and converted to grab his second of the match. Broadmeadow were professional throughout and saw the game out to the finish impressively. This means they have taken 6 points from a possible 6 in the first 2 league games of the season.
