Comeback Kings at it Again

After some memorable late goals this season, Buckingham Athletic’s under 18’s were at it again as they left it late to overcome a one goal deficit in the last 5 minutes to beat Clanfield 85. It seemed like it was going to be one of those days as Athletic became frustrated at not being able to score for so long, however a couple of goals late on ensured their spot at the top of the league in the Allied Counties Central Divisions.

Buckingham took control of this game and looked the more likely to take the lead, but were left frustrated countless times as they failed to strike an early goal after failing to create enough chances. They left themselves suspect to the counter attacks of Clanfield and gave them a couple of opportunities to score and they finally took one.

Buckingham had a couple of chances in the first half to score from corners as the hosts, Clanfield, couldn't keep track of Robbie Carter, however his free headers could only miss the target as they questioned where their goals would come from. The bad surface wasn't suiting Athletic however they did well to carry on playing good football with successive passes. Half time quickly loomed as Buckingham had to rejuvenate for the second half.

The second half saw much of the same as they continued to control the game and possibly even more than they did in the first as the hosts planned to counter and grab a second. Buckingham looked very comfortable in the second half as they never looked like conceding, but still needed to go for an equaliser. The game dragged on as and still left Buckingham without a goal and couldn't convert with chances from Jordan Tavener and long range efforts from Jamie Sylvester.

As the game looked to be out of reach, Buckingham won a free kick on the edge of the box where Antonio Bellardo stepped up. His effort was saved but was followed up like a true poacher in the frame of Rory Busby with a header. With only 5 minutes to go it seemed like they had salvaged a point from the game, however a flick on in the last couple of minutes found Geraint Minney, who was fortunate to keep the ball after it rebounded off a defender, but he kept his cool and finished into the bottom corner to seal another huge comeback and three points.

On the day, Didcot also beat Thame United 2-1 which leaves Buckingham 3 points clear of Thame with a game in hand and 4 points ahead of Didcot having both played 14 games. They now have 8 games of the season left, in which they will continue to fight for the title.

Athletic celebrate Minney's last gasp winner