13/12/20 - Poole Town Ladies (h)
FAWNL Div 1 South West

Report by Greg Mogford

After a 43 day break Buckland emerged from the second lockdown period with a second victory over Poole Town. It was the visitors who had the first chance of the match, as an early corner was headed wide of Abbi Bond’s post. Bucks sprung into life, and a mazy run from Zoe Cunningham, which she followed up with a sublime ball to the feet of Sarah Stacey, who rifled her shot past the post. On 7 minutes, Poole took the lead, as the Devon side were dispossessed by the right corner flag, before a cross was diverted home via a wicked deflection which wrong-footed the helpless Bond.

Buckland responded well, as Abi Meyer drove down the right, delivering a devilish cross which was fired agonisingly over the bar by Emily Hannaford. Less than a minute later, Hannaford was scythed down on the edge of the box, and up stepped Cunningham to deliver a devilish free kick which left the keeper clawing at thin air.

The next big chance also saw Meyer cross to Hannaford, as the wide players really caused the Dorset sides defence major issues, but Hannaford failed to hit the target at the back post, before another dazzling run from Cunningham again played in the ever dangerous Stacey, but the Poole stopper produced a fine save.

Half time: Buckland Athletic Women 1-1 Poole Town Ladies

The yellows started the second half looking very dangerous, as Carla Staddon fired straight at the keeper, but moments later, after some good pressing from half time substitute Natalie Warman, who fed Stacey, who in turn was cleaned out by the keeper, earning the yellows a spot kick. Stacey hauled herself off the turf, but fired her penalty over the bar.

Courtney Butt then fired wide from close range, after the Poole Goalkeeper spilt a free kick. On the hour mark, Alex Hugh, who had put in a marvellous performance from central midfield, rattled the bar with a fierce drive from distance. Then, there was a huge appeal for a second penalty, as another Bucks shot seemed to have been blocked by a white arm, but the referee was unmoved. Hannaford was then replaced by Carmen Morison, who’s impact was almost instantaneous, as Sarah Smith & Natalie Warman linked up well to create an overload down the left, before the latter delivered a delightful ball, which fell at the feet of Morison who finished with aplomb.

Butt was replaced by Lolly Foulds for the last few minutes, who promptly collected the ball in her own half, before playing a delightful ball into Morison, who beat the keeper to the ball & fed Stacey who slotted into an empty net to complete the scoring. There were smiles all round at the final whistle as Bucks climbed to 4th in the table after this victory.

Full Time: Buckland Athletic Women 3-1 Poole Town Ladies