Finally, it was the start of the new season and a trip to Chatteris to take on their reserves. A bogey team in recent years, this was always going to be a challenge for the visitors who were going into the unknown with lots of players untested in certain positions and a new and very handsome management team. Regardless it was a very good day for football and the squad looked very competitive all round the park.
We started in the 4-2-3-1 formation kicking down the gentle slope and early indications were it was going to be hard for Chatteris to break it down with the reliable Tim holding in front the back four. Jordan and Chris were stroking the ball around at the back, bringing the full backs, into the game. It was very comfortable for the away team but for all their possession Buckden never really looked like getting behind the deep lying defence of Chatteris and it wasn't until the half hour mark that Buckden really started to make their superiority tell. First Dom easily beat the full back on the byline to play in Jack in the 6 yard box, only for a cruel bounce to cause the striker to miscue what would have been a tap in. Then good work by Ross and Lovey down the right flank saw the ball fall to Josh 8 yards out and the goal at his mercy, somehow the keeper got a touch and the ball span onto the bar and away to safety. Buckden now were very much on top and keeping possession very well. As is always the case however, we would have to take our chances or Chatteris would grow in confidence as the game wore on. Further opportunities came and went as Jack was high from a direct free kick and Dom struck well from 25 yards, but went wide of the mark. Josh stooped to head straight and the keeper from an excellent ball into the box and Jordan rose like a salmon from a corner but was his effort was cleared off the line.
So the 1st half came to an end and it would be fair to say Buckden should have been 2 or 3 up but for a little luck in the opponents box who literally had not had a sniff of the away goal. Changes were made with James Woo and Oli coming on for the hardworking Lovey and classy Ross with a view to opening the game up. The team talk was upbeat and it felt like we were in a prime position to go on and win the game..but.. its called the funny old game for a reason..
The 2nd half started much like the first, good possession and movement from the away side constantly probing the Chatteris back line for weakness, James Woo especially exposing the lack of pace in the Chatteris defence and getting round the back at will. Oli played a well weighted ball over the top to Jack who's usually exemplary first touch alluded him and yet another chance went begging.
Buckden then had a period where they were maybe looking to get forward too quickly and the shape was lost a little, although, it still didn't appear Chatteris had enough to hurt our defence. Openings came and went and gilt edged chances were mistimed or the wrong decisions were made. Inevitably Chatteris had a spell where they got back in the game and their long balls started to stick up top and we were asked some questions at the back. It was from a hopeful long ball that Chatteris took the lead. With the back four a bit high the forward was able to break free and calmly lob the oncoming keeper, Matt. The ref ignored the linesman's flag for offside and even after consultation awarded the goal which was mildly bemusing! The shock result was now very much on and the lads knew a quick reaction was required. Doms direct running through the middle created space and both he and James had a couple of one on one chances with the keeper which went agonisingly wide or straight at the keeper. Like a boxer on the ropes Chatteris rallied and another long ball led to what would turn out to be the knock out blow. The Chatteris number 9 again did well and the out of position Charlie got caught square and Oli tackled weakly - the forward did the rest, cutting in from the left and curling a peach into the top right, giving Matt no chance.
So 2-0 down and still not out Buckden pushed again, winning several corners and set pieces in good positions but it just wouldn't fall. There was further exasperation all round on a couple more occasions before the end and even a Buckden goal 20 minutes from full time couldn't turn things around as the pieces wouldn't quite fall in the final third.
Hard to be down beat after such a positive performance with great effort from the lads and very enjoyable game to watch and be part of, onto next week with the opening home fixture versus Over sports reserves.
Start men - Chris Dennis/James Woo
Dodgy moment -Josh punching the floor in despair a la kolo toure
