Saturday saw Buckden travel to basement boys St Ives in a game that wasn't at straight forward as it first seemed. After waiting for what seemed an eternity for the ref to turn up, the mood was lifted after finding out that Tim somehow forgot his boots AND shin pads and ended up raiding Josh's bag only for him to unknowingly compliment him on his great taste in footwear. The ref finally reared his bald head and we kicked off. The game started perfectly when Milton rolled the ball back from the kick off to Josh, who then played it to Ross who bundled his way through to win a corner. After Josh's corner was headed clear, Chris Dennis put the ball back into the danger area and a blocked shot from last weeks MOM Ben found it's way to Ross who stabbed home from the 6 yard box. 1-0 up in the first 40 seconds we could be forgiven for thinking the game was going to be a walk in the park. The next 5 minutes of the game were quite hectic as Mr Versatile Jon Love had to go off after picking up a little niggle, being replaced by young Dom Smith and no more than 2 minutes later saw Timmy Tucker catch a nasty one on the side of the head and after some deliberation he was replaced with goalkeeper/centre back/centre midfield/striker/assistant manager Oli Day. Within 5 minutes of the substitution the game was level after the defensive line was caught out high up the pitch. St Ives most impressive player found himself free down the left hand side and as Chris Dennis went to shut him down the winger shot unexpectedly. Keeper Matt was in no mans land and the ball trickled into the far corner of the goal. Buckden were soon ahead again when Dom Smith picked the ball up inside his own half. Recent futsal training has obviously paid off as he weaved his way through 3 players, poked it through the centre backs legs before slotting low past the keeper. I should explain that when I say 'weaved' I mean bumbled, taking one to the nuts in the process, but a great goal nonetheless. In a disappointing display, Buckden's usual quick, attractive football was few and far between as the midfield were getting overrun by St Ives middle 3. A long kick from Matt found it's way through to Dom who's gamble paid off as he headed down and caught it on the volley from 20 yards but the keeper palmed it around the post. As the first half died out St Ives won a corner and the ball in, which looked easy enough to deal with, found it's way into the net via a St Ives head. The ball made it's way to Ben, who was readying himself to head clear, ducked out of the way after a call from Matt, who was then beaten to the ball as the player headed into a open net. The first half whistle went and the pouring rain stopped, the gaffer had a few harsh words for the team which ultimately demanded more from the team in all areas of the pitch.
The second half began sluggishly as again the middle 2 of Josh and Oli struggled to get the better of their 3 midfield opponents. Oli showed glimpses of class as he held of players and scooped a ball through to Ross who again won a corner. James Woo again was putting in his usual hardworking shift, topped off with dazzling runs which we are still unsure if he completely knows if he means to do it. Ryan at left back was as steady as ever and had their winger in his pocket all game, as well as some marauding drives up the field with the ball into St Ives box. Chris Weitzal at right back, despite having a nervy first 10 minutes of the game against St Ives best player, really picked his performance up and for some people he was in the running for man of the match. He dealt with a very tricky, quick winger very very well and even found himself making some lung busting runs forward in support of Woo. Buckden then found themselves 3-2 down as a delightful ball into the box was met by an unmarked St Ives defender who headed the ball Ross Morgan-esque back across goal into the far corner. Buckden looked slow and sluggish and a decision from manager Goodger followed. Milton made way for Lovey and Buckden reverted back to their usual 4-2-3-1 with Lovey taking Josh's position in the holding role and Josh pushing in behind Ross who was now the lone striker. Buckden looked better almost instantly as the ball was getting passed about as we were now 3 vs 3 in the middle and began to control the game. The game was then level when Ross and Dom hassled the centre backs before he cleared straight the Josh's feet. Josh then hit the ball first time on the bounce all of 30 yards out and it swerved from outside of the post over the keeper. The keeper should of done better but I think everyone, including Josh, was expecting that one to hit the corner flag. Now level, the game was very edgy with both teams testing the water. St Ives had a corner which was cleared and as Ross broke forward with the ball he clattered into their centre back and the ball broke to Dom who cooly rounded the keeper, spinned passed the oncoming defender and slotted into the open net. Whilst the St Ives players pleaded for the foul by Ross, Buckden wheeled off in celebration. The game died out with a few half chances for both teams, Ross headed over, Josh controlled and volleyed over from the penalty spot whilst Matt was nearly lobbed as their striker hit a strike first time from a poor goal kick. Chris Dennis then picked up a slight knock but decided to stay on so we didn't suffer the same problems as last week by disrupting our back 4, who got stronger as the game went on. You wouldn't of guessed he was injured though as he chucked a few trademark last ditch tackles into the mixer. Ben found himself a bit too deep in the first 5-10 minutes, which he soon learnt from, but apart from that put in another faultless performance at centre back which is sure to give the manager a tough decision as he now has 4 very strong centre backs in Chris, Pricey, Jordan and Ben. The last few minutes saw Buckden under increasing pressure and were relieved to hear the full time whistle. The game ultimately turned when the substitutions were made, with Oli adding power to the middle, Dom adding pace and skill down the wing and Lovey (showing his versatility once again) adding his non stop pestering and running in the middle.
In a game many thought would be a walkover with our quick attacking football, was definitely not. It's fair to say St Ives position at the bottom of the league definitely doesn't warrant the football they played and we can be sure to see them progress up the table as the season goes on. A good away win for Buckden who were definitely not at their best now sees them sit 4th in the league.
