Athletic Go Into 2017 as Leaders

Buckingham Athletic's promising U18’s side have had a remarkable and similar run of games to Chelsea this season. After a disappointing defeat to Henley Town at the start of October, they have gone from strength to strength and after seven wins in the bounce they now sit nicely at the top of the league. The depth of the squad is clearly seen as well as in this game against title rivals Didcot, two of the four goals came from substitutes. The win leaves them only level of points with Thame, but a far superior goal difference and with two games in hand, they look favourites for the title at the moment.

Beating your rivals in six pointer games is something you need to do if you're to go on and win league titles in football, and you're expected to beat those at the bottom of the table. Didcot proved themselves to be a tough test in the first half of this game as they pressed well and looked like a good unit rather than a team of individuals. The hosts, Didcot were the better team in the first half and they deserved to take the lead after half an hour as they created a great piece of build up play and finished simply into an open net after dragging the Athletic defence apart.

Buckingham were fortunate however, and got a goal against the run of play when Nathan Tshikuna scored his sixth goal in four games as his fantastic finish saw it fly into the top corner as the visitors showed their quality was still there. The first half was full of negatives for Buckingham as Ben Acquaye and Tshikuna also saw themselves pick up yellow cards for descent.

The second half was completely different for both sides as Buckingham were on the front foot and seemed like they were now the team to grab this game and run away with it. Didcot were no longer able to press Buckingham as much and the constant running of front men saw Buckingham take the lead when Jamie Sylvester’s shot was parried to Phumlani Bhembe who finished easily. The lead was doubled within another 20 minutes when substitute, Sam Olawale found the ball at his feet in the box after a set piece and he dispatched his shot into the bottom corner.

The victory looked to be in some doubt when Acquaye received his second yellow and was shown his marching orders. But the game was wrapped up without enough effort from Didcot as another substitute Rory Busby finished the scoring a few minutes from time and saw Buckingham complete the double over Didcot this season. Next up for Buckingham is Highmoor Ibis on the fifth of January as they continue to push for the league title.

Phumlani Bhembe scored the goal that put Buckingham in front