The Berks and Bucks cup is always a competition that Bucks look forward to when the fixtures are announced and this season was no different. Having faced higher level opposition in this cup last season, Bucks were well aware of the potential of some of the teams that they could come against, but Saturday’s opponents were very much of an unknown.
Despite the notable absence of midfield duo Creser and Jones, as well as new addition Oxley missing from the defence, Bucks travelled with a good match day squad which highlights the depth available to manager Dave Green this season.On arrival at the Falcon Sports Centre there were reservations from the away side about the condition of the pitch which looked as though it had been starved of water for quite some time, and it was clear early on that this could affect the game.Bucks were trying their utmost to play their usual flowing football but with the ball bobbling in every direction, they found it difficult to find their rhythm in the opening stages and were growing increasingly anxious.This anxiety was eased somewhat just after the 15 minute mark when they took the lead through fortunate circumstances.Initial good control by Vinny Greco was almost undone by the uneven surface but he was quick to react and poked the ball away from the opposing midfielder to Carl Moreton in a wide left position.Moreton got his head up to see Ray Long arrive from the back post and when his shot come cross was dipping under the crossbar, Long did enough to distract the home team keeper and watch the ball fly in, to give the away team a one nil lead.
The goal seemed to settle Bucks, who then went on to create a number of half chances, but none of them were converted and they paid the price as the home side levelled the score at 1-1.A speculative long ball evaded the centre duo of Scott Bannister and Tom Keen before the nippy striker ran through to strike past the helpless Matt Moran.The remainder of the first half was uneventful with no chances created and although the teams went in level at half time, Bucks felt very much in control of the game although they knew that they had not been at their best.
The second half started much like the first had ended with the home team having no success with their long ball and the away side unable to produce any final balls of real quality. With 20 minutes remaining the quality through ball that had deserted Bucks did arrive. Ray Long was obviously in an off-side position and therefore made no attempt for the ball and as Carl Moreton ran past the defence and rounded the keeper to finish from a tightening angle, the linesman’s flag went up. The referee initially seemed adamant that Moreton had not been in an off-side position and awarded the goal, but following extensive discussions with the linesman he reversed the decision. Again it looked as though this missed opportunity would come back to bite Bucks as a through ball released the Singh Sabha forward in behind the back four and charging down on goal. Matt Moran always looked second favourite but stood up long enough to force the striker into a shot which he then saved well down to his left. It was not long before Bucks had the ball in the back of the net again and this time there was nothing dubious about it. A ball from Rikki Sinfield released Carl Clay down the left who whipped in a cross that Ray Long could not miss and he duly volleyed home from the back post.
Time was running out for the home team and so were their ideas with their direct style of play not causing Bucks many problems, however they were committing more men forward which required solid defending from the away team. Mark Swiercynski gave way to Jack Page to make his first competitive appearance for the club and Bucks knew that his pace would prove a useful outlet if they could get the ball to him. Shortly after the introduction of Page, Bucks were forced in to a second change as the injured Carl Moreton was replaced by Michael Ainger which also caused some confusion as player positions were shuffled. The away team were still a little out of sorts when Singh Sabha won a corner and when the ball was delivered in to the crowded box, it was deemed that Ray Long had impeded the home teams player and the referee pointed to the spot. Moran was unable to save the penalty, for the second time in 2 games despite going in the right direction again, with the ball flying into the top corner. A Vinny Greco strike rattled the bar at the death but an extra 30 minutes was going to be required to determine a winner!
Bucks started the extra-time period very much on the front foot, having felt that they should have won the game in normal time, and were creating chances at will as the home team began to tire. However it wasn’t until the second period that Bucks took the lead again, when a Vinny Greco corner was met by a glancing header from Ainger at the front post which left the keeper helpless. With the home side looking very leggy but searching for another equaliser none the less, gaps were being left at the back and Jack Page took advantage to open his account for the club. Having been played in the channel by Ray Long, Page composed himself before dispatching a clean strike past the Singh Sabha keeper.
Bucks were far from their best on the day, but a great togetherness and will to win saw them through to the next round where they will again travel to an unknown opponent in the form of Iver Heath Rovers. Man of the match this week was Carl Clay who returned to the team with a performance that seemed to raise those around him.
Next up for Bucks is a home game on Saturday 20th September against AFC Victoria. (2:30pm kick off)
