Unbeaten Run Continues for Athletic

A recent run of form has seen Buckingham Athletic close the gap on the top 8 to just four points after beating eighth place Southall 4-3, their second successive victory of that score. After this recent purple patch it seems that breaking into that top 8 is no longer an unrealistic goal for Buckingham with the points totals being very close from third down to Buckingham in eleventh, the gap being just 9 points.

This game started extremely well for Athletic as they managed to get a strong foothold on the game with all players playing their part. It was the top scorer, Robbie Carter who opened the scoring for Athletic, who has become a key figure to the side with his strikes bringing them some much needed goals when they were drying up. His total now reaches 12 for the season in just 18 games after Jack Menday’s cross was nodded by Sid Hawkins down to Carter, allowing him to volley past the keeper.

The forward went close on a couple of occasions to try and extend the lead but some good goalkeeping stopped him from increasing his tally. Buckingham knew Southall were a good side however and they began to show it when Lewis Dench had to make a couple of good saves to keep them out until they finally found an equaliser. Athletic struggled to react to a flick on by their visitors and allowed their forward to score to level the tie at half time.

The second half saw Southall take the lead for the first time after creating a well worked goal, but Buckingham weren't behind for long as they managed to find the equaliser immediately after Hawkins scored another volley from close range, also increasing his personal goal tally, taking him up to 10 goals this season. Buckingham managed to get back into the lead when another youngster, Ben Acquaye scored his sixth in nine games with a header at the far post.

It was Acquaye who managed to break through again soon after but was brought down to claim a penalty. Usual penalty taker Neil King slotted home once again. Dench had to be on top form to keep them out and fortunately he was as he kept the game at 4-2 until the last few minutes where Southall finally got through, however it was too late and the final whistle brought a good three points for the hosts.

Manager, Mark Carter was full of praise for his team, “we managed to hang on for the much deserved three points against a very good Southall side that were six places above us and had reached the last 16 of the FA Vase the week before. It was a fantastic team effort with everyone giving their all.” Buckingham face Wodson Park on Saturday looking to take their unbeaten run to five games.

Ben Acquaye has become an integral part of the first team the last few months