Saturday 7th February saw Bucks travel to Downley Albion in the league, a team that they defeated 5-1 in the Tom Sparkes League cup just 3 weeks before.
The pitch was very wet and muddy prior to kick off so there was no doubt in the away dressing room that it was going to be a tough day. Bucks lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Moran in goal, Hatton, Ainger, and C.Faulkner at the back, a midfield of Underhill, Page, Bailey- Goss, Undi , Long, with Creser playing behind J.Faulknerwho lead the line in attack.
The away side were slow out of the blocks and were nearly caught cold when the Downley striker slid in to tap the ball home, only for the off-side flag to come to Bucks' rescue, and there was no doubt that Bucks needed to improve quickly.The improvement didn’t take long, and good possession was being retained in the midfield, despite it being the boggiest area of the pitch. The possession was good to see from the away side but, in the opening 25 minutes, they had not tested the Albion keeper and were beginning to get anxious around the box.After a further 10 minutes, the breakthrough arrived, when Creser stroked home from the middle of the box following a good block from a J.Faulknershot (36mins). This was soon followed up by a Jack Page strike, after good work down the right from C.Faulkner and Ray Long (41mins).
Half time came and went, with Bucks again dominating play in the second half. Good link up play between J.Faulkner and the midfield saw some good chances come and go, before Creser increased the lead to 3.A good lay off from J.Faulkner saw Creser run clear of the Downley back line before being brought down from behind as he made his way into the penalty area.The offending player received a yellow card, when he perhaps could have received more, and Creser stepped up to slot the penalty away (60mins). With lots of attacking intent from the away side, Downley did occasionally get the opportunity to break at pace, but the back line dealt very well with the threat, with Moran only having to make a handful of saves.
The fourth and final goal for Bucks arrived in the form of a Ray Long header.Patient build up play from Bailey-Goss and Ray Undi enabled J.Faulkner to pick up the ball on the edge of the box before driving to the touchline and delivering a perfect cross for Long to head home at the back post (73mins).The remainder of the game was played largely in the home team’s half, with Underhill and Long both having chances to increase the lead, but to no avail.
Man Of The Match this week went to Lewis Creser, who’s tireless and controlled performance was rewarded with 2 goals, taking his tally for the club to 49.
Next Saturday (14th February) Bucks host Berkhamsted Sports and will be hoping to repeat the 6-1 drubbing that they handed out when the teams met on the opening day of the season.
