League Buckland Athletic V Slimbridge 14th September 2013

[Dave]

Toolstation Western League... Buckland Athletic V Slimbridge AFC

Saturday 14th September 2013

Venue.. Homers Heath.

Kick-0ff 3pm

After spending the last two weekends watching games from the Premier South Devon League, its time to make a return to Homers Heath, or wasp alley as I have come to call it. I will be taking a drink with a proper top on it this time just in case any of those nasty little wasps are still around.

Any new manager would surely be happy with four wins out of seven starts and sitting six in the table at this early point of the season. I have tipped Buckland to do well this season and I’m sure the more games this set of lads play together, the better they are going to get.

Buckland has most certainly had a much better start to the season than Slimbridge, but they will need to be at their very best if they hope to claim all three points. I’m sure Bucklandgull will give us an update on team news later in the week so I will leave that to him.

If any of the Buckland members of Daves World read this and have offered to lend me some of their cup programmes, then if possible can you bring them with you on Saturday.

Many thanks

Dave.

Report to follow with match pictures some time before 7.30pm on the match day.

[bucklandgull]

Slimbridge make the 110 mile journey down the M5 for a first ever visit to Homers Heath. Slimbridge are based just outside Cheltenham in Glocestershire.

With Torquay away a good chance for any one with nothing to do, and come up to the Heath and watch a good close game. kick off 3.00 pm £5.00 adults. concessions £3.50

Team news

Alex Jeannin has served his one match ban and must be in contention to start.
Marc Revell on the bench last week but not used.
Gavin Hammon Ankle problem will have a fitness test.

C O Y Y.

[Dave]

Thanks for the team news Bucklandgull. While it rained last night, it was not as heavy as forecast and as I write it’s dry but a little cloudy this morning. The pitch like so many others have needed some rain and all I’m hoping is it stays dry today for the actual match.

It would be good to see some TUFC fans come over to the Heath and watch what will be I’m sure a good game of football. Where better to get your football fix when Torquay United are playing away.

[Dave]

we all know so much about Buckland but might know very little about Slimbridge. This is their first season in the Western League and below taken from their club website is an account of how they got there.



In The Beginning

The Gloucestershire village of Slimbridge is world renowned for its Bird Sanctuary, but in recent years much hard work has gone into making Slimbridge better known in football circles.

The Club’s history can be traced back to the 1899/1900 season playing in local football at various venues in and around the village. A gap in the records suggests there may have been a couple of seasons when no games were played, and thus, officially, the Club’s centenary was celebrated in 2002/03.

It was not until 1951 that the current ground at Wisloe Road was acquired, after a former player, Evi Thornhill, bequeathed it to the Club in his Will.
For the next forty-odd years the Club were predominantly members of the Stroud and District League with varying degrees of success and failure, except for a period between 1960 and 1968 when they were in the Gloucester Northern Senior League.

Point Of Collapse

By 1988, a point of collapse approached, but fortunately, a handful of committee members led by Gordon King and Gordon Tudor kept the Club afloat. The following season local businessman Paul Chappell arrived. The Club was stabilised and construction of new changing facilities, to County League standard, were completed.

Start Of A New Reign

As playing standards improved, the building of a long awaited Social Club commenced in the 1998/99 season. The following year saw the introduction of John Mack, a successful local entrepreneur, as Chairman. In the summer of 2001, Doug Gray was appointed Manager.

After achieving the Runners-up spot in their first season in the Gloucester County League, the club were accepted into the Hellenic League. Hellenic Division One West was won by an eleven point margin in 2002/03 and with it, promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division, where a creditable fourth place finish was achieved in 2003/04. In a marvelous season the club also claimed the Hellenic ‘Norman Matthews’ Floodlit Cup and the G.F.A. Challenge Trophy.

Arrival Of Floodlights

The summer of 2003 saw the floodlights installed. A pre-season visit from Conference side Forest Green Rovers on 22nd July, produced a then ground record attendance of 427 to witness the inaugural floodlit game at Wisloe Road.

A few weeks later on Sunday 24th August, that ground record was beaten at a Bank Holiday Hellenic Premier Division fixture that was part of the 2003/04 annual ‘Ground Hop’ weekend. Local rivals Shortwood United provided the opposition in front of a crowd of 525.

Season 2004/05 again saw a fourth place finish in the Hellenic Premier Division, along with a first entry into the F.A. Vase competition which resulted in a useful run to the third round proper before a 2-1 extra time defeat at ‘Screwfix’ Western League side Backwell United concluded an enjoyable campaign. Sadly, in the February, Gray stood down after nearly four seasons at the helm of the club.

The club started season 2005/06 under newly appointed Manager Doug Foxwell. A first entry into the F.A. cup saw a visit from Wessex League side Wimborne Town. A 1-0 defeat did not dampen the sense of occasion on the first day of the season. A second successful run in the F.A. Vase again came to an end in the Third Round Proper, with a 3-1 defeat at South Midland Premier, Welwyn Garden City. After a record-breaking 64 game season, the team managed a fifth place finish in the Hellenic Premier Division. The club also won the Hellenic ‘Norman Matthews’ Floodlit Cup and the GFA Challenge Trophy, both for the second time in three seasons.

Reserves Make Headway

After two successive third place finishes in the Stroud and District League First Division, season 2005/06 saw the Reserve side finally win the title and with it, promotion to the Gloucester Northern Senior League Division Two. This was the same League title that the first team won in season 1998/99 which proved the springboard for five successive first team promotions.

Rise To New Heights

Season 2006/07 proved the most successful in the Club’s history to date, with both the First Team and Reserve side recording League and Cup doubles, with the added bonus of record-breaking F. A. Cup and Vase runs for the senior side as well.

In the F.A. Cup, a five match run from the Extra-Preliminary Round finished at Merthyr Tydfil in the Third Qualifying Round. Along the way there were memorable wins against two other Southern Premier sides, 2-1 at Yate Town and 3-1 at home to Chippenham Town.

It was six matches in the F.A. Vase before defeat was tasted, the run ending in the Fifth Round Proper at home to the eventual winners, Truro City.

In the Hellenic Premier Division, a solid start was established. Due to the Cup runs, and then bad weather, which led to a record number of postponements during the subsequently extended season, half a seasons fixtures had to be played in the final two months. A tremendous effort saw the Club bring the Championship Shield to Wisloe Road, the winning margin being three points over second placed North Leigh.

There was a rousing performance in the G.F.A. Trophy Final against Almondsbury Town. A 3-1 victory not only retained the Trophy, but recorded a third success in four seasons in that competition.

The Reserve side had an early success in the Gloucester Northern Senior League Cup with a 2-0 win against Division One Tuffley Rovers. This saw confidence rise and they went on to break a Gloucestershire Northern Senior League record in winning Division Two with a Played 30, Won 30 record.

Promotion To The Southern League

Alongside the playing success, progress in the improvement of facilities allowed the First Team to be accepted into the BGB Southern League Division One Midlands for Season 2007/08, the highest level that the Club have ever operated at.

Return To A New Beginning

On July 10th 2007 the club decided not to take up the opportunity of playing in the BGB Southern League Division One Midlands for Season 2007/08, instead the club reverted back to the Gloucester Northern Senior League. This meant a big upheaval in the club both on and off the field with the manager Doug Foxwell and several senior players moving on the pastures new, however a loyal band of players stayed on including James Cole taking over as player manager with assistance from long term club captain Leon Sterling.

Climb Back Up The Ladder

Four promotions followed as the club regained their previous status. The reins where handed over to Leon Sterling, who moved into the Manager's role, joined by Assistant and long time Slimbridge stalwart Freddy Ward. The two have guided the side to a very respectable sixth and fifth place in their first two seasons back in the Hellenic Premier, and will be looking to build on their progress during the coming season.

Switching Leagues

After three top six finishes in the Hellenic Premier League, The Swans applied for a transfer to the Toolstation Western Premier League, a move approved by the FA in the Summer of 2013. This season represents the Club's first season in this league.

[Dave]

Final score Buckland 2 Slimbridge 0


The best first half performance I have seen from a Buckland side so far this season, today they played like a team who really know each other and looked liked a well oiled machine. Slimbridge arrived in their own team coach, but they might as well stayed on it for the first half at least. The only disappointment might have been that Buckland only went in at halftime winning by a goal to nil, a goal that was gifted to them as it turned out.

Still to many of them dammed wasps flying around Homers Heath and a check was made by a pest control man recently who was unable to find any signs of any nests. Not to worry as I took along a home made milkshake that I put in a bottle with a top on it, sure did not want to home again from the Heath with a swollen face.

Buckland started so well and were passing the ball around like Brazil and it did not take them to long to score their first goal. A ball was pumped up towards the edge of the Slimbridge box and their defender just stood still probably expecting his keeper to come and claim the ball. The keeper should really have shouted out what he wanted the defender to do, but Jordan Havlin was not going to wait around for either of them to make their minds up and he quickly got on to the lose ball and rounded the keeper as he came out and fired home the ball into the back of the net.

It was a lead Buckland fully deserved and at this stage of the match it looked liked Buckland were going to run out easy winners. Bucks Dan Griffiths found himself on the edge of the Slimbridge box with a clear sight of goal after the ball came to him off the head of a Slimbridge player, but he hit his shot over the crossbar.

Simon Revell hit a power blaster from the edge of the box that just took a nick of a Slimbridge boot on its way into the bottom left hand corner, that little nick took the ball just wide of the left hand post when it looked to be going in. there was so much neat and tidy passing between the Buckland players and one very good one two nearly saw Dan Griffiths get on the score sheet. Dan played a short ball to Jordan Havlin who then played it back to Dan who had moved to the edge of the box. He hit a good clean shot but the shot lacked the power to beat Dave Evans in goal for Slimbridge.

Dan Griffiths had a very nice touch on the ball that set up Simon Revell on the edge of the area, the ball sat up nicely for a half volley and the shot had real power in and stung the keepers hands as me made the save. That was it for the first half and my only concerns were that Buckland were only one goal in front and you always expect the losing team to come out second half all guns blazing.

But it was Buckland that completely dominated the first fifteen minutes of the second half not letting Slimbridge even get out of their own half. They won corner after corner and could not get the ball into the net no matter how hard they tried. Headers just wide or just over the crossbar, the ball was simply refusing to go over the line and into the back of the net.

Bucks won a throw-in on the right some thirty yards from the corner flag; Liam Drew made a great run into some space to receive the ball from the thrower, he advanced a few yards to the edge of the box before hitting a great shot across the keeper who at full stretch just managed to get his hands onto the ball and push it out for yet another Buckland corner.

But then Slimbridge started to get on top for a short period and I felt at this stage of the match Buckland might end up having to pay for not scoring more goals when they were so much the better team and on top for most of the match.

Buckland got very lucky when they failed to clear the ball out of their box and Sean Bennett hit a power driver from just inside the area that had Kenny Griffiths well beaten, but Kenny and the Bucks players breathed a sigh of relief when the ball smashed against the right hand post and went behind for a goal kick.

The buck’s players and the fans were then able to get over this slightly nervous period of the game thanks to a wonderful individual goal that was scored by Dan Griffiths. He picked the ball up just inside the right hand side of the Slimbridge half as it was rolled out to him by Kenny Griffiths, and he then got his head down and ran at pace towards the Slimbridge area. Once he got there he coolly picked his spot and slotted the ball past Dave Evans who stood no chance of making a save.

Slimbridge were still looking to try and get back into the game and one goal bound shot by Alex Parrot got blocked close in on goal and the shouts went up for a handball, but from where I was standing it looked as if the ball it a chest of a Buckland player.

The game was now very stretched and Buckland always looked like they had more goals in them. They came close to getting a third goal when the ball came into the box heading for the far post and sadly for Bucks Jordan Liam was just a yard to short from getting his foot onto the ball and steering it into the net.

A really enjoyable game and it’s always good to go to the Heath and watch a fine display by a Buckland side and also see them win. No games at the Heath for a few weeks as they have a number of away fixtures. But then they are home again and if you are free, pop over and watch a good game of football and at a price no one minds paying.

Thanks to Amy for doing her usual for me and also to her dad who has lent me a great old photo I will put up very soon.

[bucklandgull]

Excellent match report on Slimbridge afc web site,

[Dave]

Sept 18, 2013 10:28:46 GMT bucklandgull said:

Excellent match report on Slimbridge afc web site,

I thought mine was half decent lol

from the Slimbridge website


www.slimbridgeafc.co.uk/



Buckland Athletic 2-0 Slimbridge AFC

Saturday 14th September
Undertaking one of their longer trips of the season, the Swans never recovered from conceding a sixth minute goal, with Buckland controlling the game and, despite an improved second period from the visitors, seeing out a comfortable victory. Jordan Havlin seized early upon a misplaced pass to put the home side ahead, and although it took until the 74th minute for the hosts to add a second through Dan Griffiths, the scoreline reflected the balance of play at Kingkerswell Road.

After Jamie Martin had an early effort blocked following Alex Parrott's corner, the Buckland combination of Marc Revell and Griffiths, who were to torment the Swans all afternoon, were soon looking dangerous for the home side.

Slimbridge gifted their opponents the opener with seven minutes on the clock - an Alex Parrott back pass ended in no mans land, and was sized upon by Havlin, who rounded Dave Evans and netted to give Buckland the lead. Griffths nearly doubled the advantage a couple of minutes later, when he beat Niall Halford, before shooting too high. Griffiths was instrumental in much of the home sides attacks, just overrunning the ball when Simon Revell attempted to play him in behind the Swans defence down the left flank.

Revell was next to try his luck for Buckland, but saw his shot deflected for a corner off Freddy Ward, and the resulting corner was pulled back after Dave Evans was fouled as he went to gather the cross.

As Slimbridge struggled to maintain any kind of possession, Griffiths was revelling in the home side's pressure, bringing a good save from Evans in the 26th minute as Buckland continued to attempt to convert their dominance into further scores.

With 28 minutes gone, it was the turn of Buckalnd Centre Back Michael Booth to go close, but his header from Revell's cross drifted just wide.

As the game approached half time, Griffiths again and Revell both worked Dave Evans, who was also called upon to make a sharp stop from a Danny Gaze effort just before the break. But the Swans hung on to go into the interval only a goal behind.

It was a better second period from Slimbridge, and early in the half, Jack Twyman and Adam Hughes combined well to set up Dominique Njoya, playing in an unaccustomed left wing position, but Njoya's cross was blocked. At the other end, Buckland continued to look dangerous, with Ellis Laight going close with a header from Ben Carter's cross.

The Swans suffered another of their seemingly never ending stream of injuries this season, when Niall Halford pulled up with a recurrence of his groin problem, and was replaced by Liam Harding, who has rejoined the club after, most recently, a spell at Cheltenham Saracens. Njoya went back to his usual position at Left Back, with Harding going into central midfield alongside Twyman.

On 54 minutes, a quickly taken free kick saw Gaze beat the Slimbridge wall, but just fail to find the net with Evans stranded on the other side of the goal. As Buckland continued to press, Evans was again called into action to make a fine diving save from Booth's goalbound header on 56 minutes.

Evans was again called upon to deal with Liam Drew's shot on 64 minutes, and although Slimbridge upped the tempo and started to play the ball around, they were still being contained by Buckland, who looked the more likely to pick up the second goal.

On 65 minutes, Slimbridge nearly notched an equaliser - Martin latched onto a through ball, rounded Kenny Griffiths in the Buckland goal, but was forced too wide, and only managed to hit the side netting from a very tight angle. It was to prove the best spell of pressure of the match for the visitors, as Sean Bennett saw his shot hit the outside of the Buckland post and go wide three minutes later.

Griffiths finally got the goal his play had deserved on 74 minutes, when he broke from midfield and went on a mazy run, slotting easily past Evans to double the home side's advantage.

To their credit, Slimbridge continued to play the ball around and make chances for themselves, with Twyman and Njoya showing some neat interplay, with Harding's resultant shot being blocked on the edge of the Buckland box, with the resulting corner producing a blocked shot from Parrott.

As the game moved towards a close, Twyman, who by now had been moved up front, went close after some good work between Will Wellon and Freddy Ward, and Ward himself saw his shot go too high in the final minute. There was still time for Griffiths to go very close with another superb effort in stoppage time, but in the end, the home side saw out a comfortable win.

The Swans travel to Farnham Town in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Vase next Saturday (3.00pm). There are still a few spaces available on the free supporters' coach, which the club are running to the game, leaving Wisloe Road at 11am. Please ring Colin Gay on 07702 070229 to reserve a place.

The Swans have been boosted by the loan signing of Shortwood's Adam Mace to help bolster the midfield. 'I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in' he said, 'and helping to kickstart the season.'

Team: Evans, Hughes, Wellon, Halford (Harding 48), Bennett, Ward, Twyman, Parrott, Martin (Sterling 77), Nash, Njoya

Supporters Man of the Match: Jack Twyman