Youth Starlets Fire Athletic to Victory

Buckingham Athletic showed off their impressive under 18’s players when they faced Arlesey Town Reserves as they started four players from the youth system. Impressive performances from Antonio Belardo, Sam McCarthy, Ben Acquaye, and Jamie Sylvester helped to secure the three points and get some much need goals on the board.

It wasn't just the youngsters who delivered on the day, as a solid team performance meant they secured a second win on the bounce and successive three goals in a game. Hosts on the day, Buckingham took the lead after 25 minutes when a penalty was awarded, and was subsequently converted by the exciting, Sylvester, scoring his fourth in four games. It didn't take then long to extend their lead either, when Acquaye scored his first goal for the first team, replicating his form from the under 18’s this season.

The second half brought a more settled attitude to the hosts as they grew in confidence and proved there was a much needed lack of nervousness. The third shortly followed when Acquaye doubled his tally and all but secured the win with a neat finish. With the points in the bag, manager Mark Carter may be slightly concerned at the lack of concentration by his side to concede a last gasp consolation goal. However, he will certainly enjoy the points.

The win takes them up to 11th in a competitive league as they sit just 6 points off fifth. They go to Hadley Wood and Wingate on Saturday looking to continue this short but if form, but with the under 18’s playing on Sunday, they may resort back to their more experienced players to try and secure the points.

Antonio Belardo was a standout player for the first team