Ath's U18’s Shine On Competitive Debut

A huge number of new faces joined the Buckingham Athletic U18’s side this summer and with all looking at a new challenge, they seemed at home with the league and found themselves comfortable victors of 7-2, travelling to Wantage Town in their opener. With only four players in the 16 man squad from last years side, 12 new players joined to experience the next level of football. The Allied Counties division sees them against stronger sides than some of the players have faced but they didn’t seem fazed as all goals were scored by debutants.

The youngsters were finding their feet quickly as they manipulated the ball with ease when distributing it between themselves. As the travelling side, they failed to show intimidation, and relentless pressure eventually finally ended in a goal as Sam Olawale latched onto a through ball, beating the keeper to the 50/50 and simply slotting home. The problem for Buckingham was set pieces. Defending and attacking were poor from them as a free-kick from a tight angle was crossed and the Wantage striker beat two men to the ball to level the game.

The visitors were easily motivated to get back into the lead when Rory Busby converted a fine strike from 25 yards past the keeper, and they didn’t end the wonder-goals there. Antonio Belardo saw the ball drop from 30 yards and his half volley rocketed straight into the corner of the net to take a 3-1 lead into half-time.

The second half saw little change. The visitors took control of the game and never looked threatened. It was a quick-fire double from Fikayo Adelowo made the lead increase to four and set the score-line at 5-1, the first of his efforts was a low finish on the finish on the turn and the second a delightful chip, scavenging on loose defending from the hosts. The attention turned to substitute Ore Soetan, who ran onto a diagonal ball and beat his man for pace before slotting home. Wantage did get a goal back from another set piece, but it was always going to be too late and Rory Busby proved that when he sealed the game and wrapped up the scoring with perhaps the pick of the bunch with another chip. A fantastic performance from the side.

Rory Busby claimed man of the match for his brace and all round performance, and Buckingham Athletic’s U18’s have got huge confidence going into a tough season.

Rory Busby reinstated Buckingham’s lead to make it 2-1 with a fantastic 25 yard strike