Bucks ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over a combative Quainton on Saturday October 4th. Under the caretaker stewardship of Wayne Martinig and Jon Miller, absent manager James Baxter made three changes to the team Tim Miller returning from suspension to replace Baxter at left back, Andy Wright coming in for Gavin Martinig and Michael Harris starting in place of Jamie Coats, who is being eased back to full fitness after a pre-season injury.
Bucks, much like the previous week started brightly, moving the ball well, which led to the first chance of the game, a glorious cross field ball from Miller. J found Barney Hogg in space who on the volley found John Wynard in space, Wynard was unable to find the target on this occasion, but it wasn't long until Bucks led. Good footwork by Charlie Donachie enabled the flame haired midfielder to get a shot off which the keeper could only parry to Wynard who made no mistake this time, clipping the ball over the Quainton keeper, 1-0. Moments later, disaster struck with striker turned full back Miller. J being forced off with injury. Durell Palmer, who had missed the previous weeks victory due to the Next sale was brought on as his replacement. The game then went thorugh a very scrappy stage, with Bucks seemingly thinking the game was won, a trait they must get out of if their quest for 5 trophies is to be fulfilled. The first half played out with little incident other than a few tantrums and squabbles between the Bucks boys.
The break came at the right time, with the now watching caretaker managers Miller. J and Martinig. W their team of assistants (Lee Benton & Coats) able to put some things right to help the team build on the indifferent first half.
The team took on the words and regained their composure and control in the second half. With skipper Ben Floyd dropping deeper in to the hole, the shape of the team improved and numerous chances created from the industrious Wynard and ever impressive golden boy of Nalgo Ryan Hamilton. With the defence bening superbly marshalled by Harris and James Faulkner, keeper Jay Charlton could have taken the second half off as Quainton rarely threatened. The Quainton keeper on the other hand was having the game of his life, keeping out chance after Bucks chance. Despite the lack of threat by the home side there was an uneasy sense they could grab an undeserved equaliser. However, with time running out Wynard was able to get free of his marker and pick out Hamilton with a pinpoint cross, Hamilton did the rest sealing the win with a header at the back post.
The final minutes were played out comfortably as Bucks claimed another 3 points to keep up with leaders Long Crendon at the top of the league. Manager Baxter was able to enjoy the rest of his day at the races despite backing the non-running dead cert given to him by Donachie earlier in the week.
Testworth at home next week. Another 3 points will do nicely before the boys are back in B&B Cup action.
COYB
