Dominant Athletic Cruise to Victory

Late victories have become the norm for Buckingham Athletic’s Under 18’s this season, but registered the biggest league win in the Allied Counties central division for nearly two years after a 9-0 drubbing of Henley. In the reverse fixture Buckingham actually lost 3-1 back in the Autumn, but proved that it was one off by dismantling them this time with ease.

Buckingham started the game very lively, taking the game by the scruff of the neck and were rewarded for their fine start as Rory Busby finished well inside the box to open the scoring, playing the game in a deeper position in midfield rather than up front. The new formation of 3-1-4-2 worked well for them in this game as their press constantly unsettled Henley and a good run from Ore Soetan on the run created the second as his cut back was reached by Jordan Tavener, who slid to find the net.

Buckingham sealed the victory by half time as they scored two more goals before the break. Rory Busby scored the third of the game with a left-footed finish into the bottom corner, before Geraint Minney continued his recent goal-scoring run when he finished past the keeper from the edge of the box after latching onto a through ball.

The second half delivered much of the same as the Ath remained in control, but took a while to get the fifth as their opponents came back out with slightly more ambition. Henley failed to find a route to grab a consolation and left Robbie Carter to score a delightful curling effort from 30 yards, showing he doesn’t always have to be paying at the back. The rout continued when Minney doubled his tally for the night with a great first touch to break past the defensive line in the box after the ball fell to him, and his finish was simple to slot it past the keeper.

The goals just kept on coming and this time it was Ben Acquaye who joined the score-sheet when his shot at the edge of the box left the keeper helpless as he had to pick the ball out from the back of the net for the seventh time of the game. The game was rounded off with a late brace from Sam Olawale, who became the sixth different scorer of the night, showing the squads depth of talent. Both inside the box this time, the first a calm finish into the box and the second showing the wingers blistering pace to keep getting in behind throughout the entire game, before scoring.

The emphatic victory was much needed for Buckingham as they have been struggling to get comfortable victories in recent weeks, but this will give them huge confidence going into the final seven league games of the season, where they continue their pursuit to the title. They face Thatcham on Monday where they could open up a six point gap at the top of the league.