Clanfield Halt Buckingham’s Title Hopes

Buckingham Athletic’s under 18’s were tied at the top of the table with two games in hand, but after a draw against Clanfield 85, they are now just a point clear with a single game in hand, going into their final four games of the season. It also came in disappointing circumstances as they lead 2-0 up until the final 15 minutes.

The game was approached in a different way by Buckingham Athletic’s management team as they rested several key players in the build up to an important set of fixtures for them and for the first team at the club. This meant that Robbie Carter, Ben Acquaye, Nathan Tshikuna, and Rory Busby were all on the bench in this game, but were ready to come on if things didn’t go to plan.

The first half was extremely frustrating for Buckingham as they struggled to get any clear-cut chances, with a lack of control in midfield being a key problem for them when trying to start an attack. Their visitors actually had the better chances and if it wasn’t for some poor finishing, they perhaps would have been in the lead at half time.

As the teams came out for the second half, Buckingham felt the need to bring on Robbie Carter and Rory Busby where the latter slotted into midfield alongside Jamie Sylvester, who had dropped back from up front, where Carter would go in to join Jordan Tavener in a front two. It clearly worked as well, as Carter’s ball through was met by Tavener who could take his man on before slotting it into the far post.

Athletic kept the pressure on and Acquaye came on at right midfield, where he would attempt to add some more speed and ruthlessness in attack. His headed flick on down the right wing was latched onto by Tavener, whose cross wasn’t cleared, as Busby capitalised to score his eleventh goal of the season and cement his place as the sides top scorer this season.

The introduction of Caleb Adegola and Tshikuna was made and the game looked to be as if it was to be wrapped up by Buckingham. However, in the 78th minute, a long range effort from a Clanfield midfielder avoided everyone and caught out Laurence Mills, who made a rare mistake in goal, after a string of impressive performances. Just two minutes later, Buckingham were in trouble again though, as they pushed forward to reinstate their two goal lead, but left themselves open to the counter which was executed to level the game.

The game fizzled out into a 2-2 draw in an extremely disappointing result for Buckingham Athletic’s under 18’s as it was the first time they had dropped points at home all season, and they were now just a point clear, although they do have a game in hand. The title is still very much in their hands, but with a county cup final against Mursley on Sunday, it looks to be a tense ending to a, so far, eventful season.