Champions Stand in Way of Bucks and the Home Straight – Local Football Round-Up Part 1/3
If football clubs could write their own end of season run-ins then Buckland’s last four matches would probably be close to the ideal with all four against bottom half opponents and three at home, two of those against bottom three clubs.
To achieve promotion to the Southern League, Buckland’s task is to chase down and overtake Bristol Manor Farm, a task made a little easier by two successive away wins. Third-placed Manor Farm currently lead Buckland, one place behind, by five points, but Buckland have a game in hand and the Bristol side have some tough encounters in their final four matches including Saturday’s trip to party-poopers Shepton Mallet and a home tie against league leaders Odd Down.
But before Buckland can gear up for what should be a relatively comfortable run in, they have the small matter of defending champions Melksham Town to deal with on Saturday. Buckland will be buoyed by the fact that they have already beaten Town 4-0 on their patch this season, but their opponents have been anything but predictable and are one of only four sides to have beaten Odd Down.
Last Saturday, Buckland travelled to Brislington and a superb performance, capped by goals in each half from young Charlie Johansen – who struck a sublime volley from just inside the box – and experienced frontman Gavin Hammon, saw them return with three crucial points. Three day’s later they were on the road again, for the fourth time in eight days, to play Bristol side Hallen. Josh Digby had Buckland hearts in mouths with his 28th minute opener for the hosts, against the run of play, but two goals in five second half minutes turned the tie around. First Gavin Hammon scored the equaliser, on 65 minutes, before Liam Moseley found himself unmarked at the back post for a simple second. The points were bagged three minutes from time, Hammon again finding the net after the home defence once again switched off.
See our dedicated Buckland Athletic page for more information and stats.
