With constant heavy rain all afternoon we set off for Bideford for this Westinsure St Lukes Bowl 1st Round tie hoping the 140 mile round trip would not be in vain as the rain didn’t let during the journey to north Devon. But our fears were put to one side when we arrived at Kingsley Road to see the pitch in great condition and our lads warming up behind the goal at the far end from the clubhouse.
They kicked off promptly at 7.45pm and with just five minutes gone a defensive error cost us dearly allowing Bideford to take the lead, when Ellis Laight was left with a simple tap-in from three yards. The travelling band of die-hards, myself included feared the worst with the hosts taking such an early lead. But our worries were soon put to one side as we got to grips with playing a team in third place in the Western League Premier Division. We not only held our own but also played some good passing football and even created a chance or two ourselves. With six minutes of the first half remaining an injury meant we had to reshuffle our defence and whilst the lads were settling into the new formation the hosts struck for a second time. A good passing move from inside their own half and down the right flank saw an inch perfect cross powerfully headed home by Clay Bond to put Bideford 2-0 up at the break.
During the interval myself and eleven other die-hards who had made the long trek enjoyed a nice burger and a cup of tea before taking top our seats in the well appointed grandstand ready for the second half. There was little to choose between the two sides during the second half, with once again both teams playing some attractive passing football and both making chances to score. In fact at times it was difficult to see which team came from the higher league. But for all our efforts we could not get on the score sheet and the final whistle blew with the hosts running out 2-0 winners. They will now be at home to Exeter City in the next round; we at Buckland wish them good luck in the 2nd round.
Finally to sum up, we played well on the night. The whole set-up at Bideford was second to none, the home supporters we sat with in the grandstand made us very welcome and we had some good banter during the ninety minutes with them. Also after the match they were full of praise for the efforts of our young squad, which was nice to hear. Also my thanks go to all the officials at Bideford, who treated our team and officials to the best of hospitality through out the evening. We finally set off on the return journey with the rain still falli9ng but not quite so hard, but the mood on the long trek home was a good one.
Buckland Athletic Team: Neil Montandon, Karl Green, Grant Laslie, Ben Williamson (Capt), Liam Drew, Craig Stonelake Jimmy Clutton, Gavin Hammon, Harry Taylor and Danny Gaze.
Subs: Adam Blackie, Mile Pegley, Phil Bayliss
Roy Homer Holmes- Buckland Athletic FC Club Chairman