1st Round Derby Sees Athletic Through

Buckingham Athletic U18’s saw off Winslow in the first round of the County Cup, in a derby game that saw the score finish 5-3. The score was predicted to be of a higher deficit than the outcome but parts of the game was very much controlled by Athletic.

The game was based on tactics for the hosts, Buckingham, as they looked to control possession and move the ball quickly. Central Midfielder Rey Maki was an excellent example of this as he managed a pass completion of over 80%, as he dictated the pace of the game for large periods. The first 20 minutes was mostly in the hands of Buckingham, however there was a lack of clear cut chances. The best chances came for the visitors as Charlie Willis went close but couldn’t finish his one on one and Dan Chittenden was a threat to the defence on a couple of occasions.

The breakthrough came from Buckingham and Jordan Tavener as he turned past one defender and took the ball past the keeper to finish from close range. The second came quickly after when Fikayo Adelowo latched onto a through ball to finish well beyond goalkeeper Sam Walker., after some fantastic build up play by the hosts. The first half looked to be over, but a last minute penalty was given when a needless foul saw Winslow have a chance to get back into the game. Harry Heritage sent Laurence Mills the wrong way to half the deficit at the break.

The second half was again controlled by Athletic as they, at some points, really displayed a gulf in class between the sides. Countlessly retaining the ball, and over-running the Winslow midfield, the fitness proved to be a turning point in the game as Buckingham looked tireless at points. The next goal actually ended up coming for Winslow though, as Buckingham pushed for a third, a long ball by Jamie Wickham found Chittenden, to run onto the ball and passed the keeper, to level the scores.

The game was quickly lead by Buckingham again, as a penalty was this time given for the hosts when Adelowo was brought down, and Rory Busby made no mistake from the spot to reinstate the foothold on the game. The lead was again doubled for Athletic when Sam Olawale again showed his impressive pace, just as he as countless times this season, to beat the full back and lob the keeper. The ball was was now kept by the hosts and some good play to pass and move off a couple of touches was clearly the aim.

The lead was taken to three for the first time in the game as Adelowo netted his second of the game, just as he did earlier in the season against Wantage, to secure a brace as he dribbled past the keeper and calmly passed it into the net, all but securing victory for Steve Farmborough’s Under 18’s. There was time for Winslow to get a consolation when Michael Donkor scored a half volley coming up for a set piece from centre back. The whistle blew seconds later however, and the victory was secured for Buckingham Athletic over a spirited Winslow United side, meaning they will face Mursley in the second round of the County Cup.