Category: Features

buckland athletic lfc v bristol city wfc

Historic Day for Buckland Athletic as Ladies Kick Off National League Campaign

TOUGH TEST: Buckland Athletic overcame a young, athletic Bristol City side 1-0 in a promising pre-season.  Photograph contributed by club (c)HML Photographic

As far as opening fixtures go, Buckland Athletic Ladies couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to their inaugural campaign in the FA Women’s National League South West. Grant Fisher’s side will travel to Keynsham Town this afternoon, a team that many fancy for the title.

But Buckland have title aspirations of their own and if their pre-season preparations are anything to go by, this is no fanciful target. In particular, the 1-0 home victory over Women’s Premier League side Bristol City should have been an eye-opener, Laura Gough’s early second-half lob from outside of the box giving the Yellows the win over a side featuring no fewer than nine youth internationals: Aimee Watson, Lucia Carpanini, Sam Wynne, Ellie Mai Sanford and Anais Trinci (Wales Under-17/19); Eartha Cumings (Scotland Under-19s); Libby Gilmore (Northern Ireland Under-17s) and Georgia Wilson (England Under-17s)

Even with the caveat that this was ‘only’ a pre-season game, that was some achievement against a very young, fit side.

“We knew that they were going to bring a young side but one that would still pose many different challenges to what we had faced in the pre-season to date,” said first team manager and Director of Ladies and Girls football Grant Fisher. “The message before they went out there was firstly, enjoy it. To have a team like that come to us is always a big event for us and the community. We are so happy and honoured that Bristol City bring down a team to us every pre-season and give our local community the opportunity to watch them on a local stage.

lauren hemp bristol city wfc
YOUNG STAR: Lauren Hemp of Manchester City pictured playing for Bristol at Buckland in last-season’s friendly. (c)MiraclePR

“Secondly, it was to not be scared of what they might bring because ultimately there was no reward for winning the game. It was about testing ourselves against players that will, without doubt, become Super League and international players in one to two years. You’ve just got to look at Lauren Hemp who just scored a hat-trick in the Women’s Under-20 World Cup and now she’s playing for Manchester City. Last season she was here at Buckland on our fantastic pitch.”

“I think the team that we have now is far more established,” continued Fisher. “We have players in there who understand how we play and understand my way as a manager. We’ve been together for a longer period now and have signed some great recruits in the summer. We’ve improved dramatically in terms of how we play football. We’ve got players buying into the Buckland way and I feel we are stronger as a team than we ever were before, without a doubt.”

hayley chamberlain
LOOKING FORWARD: Captain Hayley Chamberlain is relishing the challenge of the National League. (c)MiraclePR

“We have come quite far,” echoed captain Hayley Chamberlain. “But there’s always something to improve on. If we keep working hard together then it will all come together. It’s always in Grant’s mind to go for promotion and, with a reasonably new team, we’re quite confident.”

So who have Buckland brought into their SWWFL Premier winning side?

“Firstly I should mention Alex Sheppard who was last year’s Torquay United captain,” said Fisher. “She is a phenomenal, quick, brave centre-half who will be a massive addition to the spine of the squad alongside Jodie Chubb. Both are only in their 20s and have many great years to come at this football club.

“Secondly, in comes Adele Rogers. She is a full-back, either side by trade, but can play in multiple positions and will be a great utility player. That was something we didn’t really have a lot of.

“Then we add in Sarah Smith who is currently taking her Level 2 coaching badge and will be involved with the girls, coaching the teams. She has a super left foot and will bring great balance to the team because the left foot is something we are not blessed with. She can run all day, has huge energy, great tenacity and will be another tremendous signing for this season.

“Last but not least we mustn’t forget Taylor Beales who suffered with health problems at the end of last season and has just signed for the club. Only 18 years’ old, she tackles like a rock, she is an absolute brute force and with some work she has great potential which can be unlocked.”

“If a team isn’t aspiring to win the league then I think there’s a problem, full stop.” – Grant Fisher, Buckland LFC Manager and Director of Ladies and Girls Football

On the subject of potential, Buckland are about more than the headline-grabbing first team with a development team and rapidly growing youth section adding strength and stability to the club. The development team had a fine season last year, winning the Devon FA Women’s Supplementary Cup and finishing runners-up in the Devon Women’s League Premier Division. The under-13s (moving up to under-14s) won the Devon Girl’s League and cup double with a 100% record and have now entered the Pioneer Youth League which, until now, has featured boys’ teams only.

“We never envisioned that it would come to this stage so quickly,” said Fisher. “It’s been an absolute rollercoaster and we learn every day about what we are doing, about things that should be done and what’s right and what’s not.

“The first team’s rise has been tremendous. They are the flagship for our club. They are the ones that everyone sees in the limelight.

“The development team this year, I think, will be the strongest they have ever been. They had a super result against St. Nicholas Reserves, beating them 7-0. I know that Al and Nyssa have done a super job and I think they are going to be real contenders to get promoted into the South West Women’s Football League Division One.

laura gough buckland athletic lfc
GOAL MACHINE: Laura Gough will be sharpening her sights ahead of the trip to Keynsham. (c)MiraclePR

“The youth section speaks for itself. We have now got six county players at under-14 level out of 14 girls which is truly outstanding. They all deserve it, they have all worked hard and even those who didn’t get in are super talents who have stuck together through thick and thin. They will embark on a terribly tough journey as they go into the Pioneer League. It is a brave one which will develop them as players. We are hugely proud that they are willing to go and take on that challenge but they will become far greater players no matter what anyone may think.

“As for the under-12s, I’ve watched them many times and I love what Mark is doing with that team. I think they play some super football at times. I think they have some enthusiastic, tremendously good players who have got so much potential. They are infectious, they are hungry and they make you have a smile on your face every time you watch them.

“As for the under-10s, we’ll soon see what’s to come. We have super coaching staff in place, loads of girls wanting to join already and I don’t see why they won’t become another huge part of this family that we’ve got at this club.”

This bodes well for the long-term future of the club as a force in the ladies’ game but what of their short-term potential? Plymouth Argyle made the step up to the third tier of the women’s pyramid and now stand on the fringe of the Women’s Super League itself. Could Fisher’s side follow the Pilgrims into the National League Southern Division by achieving promotion at their first attempt?

“If a team isn’t aspiring to win the league then I think there’s a problem, full stop, whether you think you’re the best or worst team,” said Fisher. “We will strive to be at the top of the league. We have a tremendously difficult opening fixture against a team which is tipped to win the league purely because of their budget. They have the ability to bring in much higher quality players. In our squad, we only have six players who have ever played at this level in their careers.

“For us, it’s a much bigger challenge but I know what’s in my dressing room and I know that this team can get promoted if it wants to do it. There is no doubt about it.”

 

lauren hemp bristol city wfc

Buckland Ladies Take on WPL Stars as Bristol Women Visit Homers

INTERNATIONAL CLASS: Former Bristol City striker and PFL Women’s Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp in action in last season’s pre-friendly with Buckland.  (c)MiraclePR

Buckland Athletic LFC take on their toughest opponents yet as Bristol City WFC, who play their football in the top tier of women’s football, visit Homers Heath on Wednesday evening for a pre-season friendly.

It is a repeat of last year’s pre-season fixture but whereas it was the development and youth team who made the trip down that time, this time it will be the first team. The teams are also a division closer this season with Buckland achieving promotion to the FA Women’s National League South West Division after their 100 per cent league campaign last season. This puts them in the fourth tier of Women’s football and among the top 100 ladies clubs in the country.

Bristol City are in the Women’s Super League and will play the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool when their campaign kicks off in September.

Last year, Bristol’s line-up included England Under-19 international and current PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp. Lauren lit up Homer’s Heath with a dazzling display before going on to score 9 goals for Bristol City in a solid season which saw them finish 8th.

Lauren won’t be among the stars on Wednesday night – she has since joined Manchester City – but with Bristol boasting internationals from the Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland and Wales – as well as numerous England youth internationals – there is certainly going to be plenty of talent on display.

Whatever the result (Buckland lost 5-1 last season), Wednesday night’s game is sure to be a fantastic showcase of women’s football and valuable preparation as the Yellows look to secure a fourth successive title.

hayley chamberlain

Player in Focus: Hayley Chamberlain

Image (c) MiraclePR.com

Taken from last Sunday’s BALFC Review, here is the lowdown on Buckland Athletic LFC’s new captain!

NAME:

Hayley Chamberlain

TIME AT CLUB:

SINCE THE START OF THE CLUB IN 2015

BEST MOMENT IN FOOTBALL:

WINNING THE TREBLE WITH BUCKLAND ATHLETIC LFC

BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR FOOTBALLING LIFE:

MY ELDEST BROTHER

FUNNIEST PLAYER IN THE TEAM:

EMILY HANNAFORD IS HILARIOUS

BEST DRESSED ON A NIGHT OUT:

HAVE TO SAY THE GAFFER; HE’S ALWAYS SUITED AND BOOTED

FAVOURITE MEAL:

CHILLI

TEAM YOU SUPPORT:

COVENTRY CITY

FAVOURITE TYPES OF MUSIC:

I LIKE ALL TYPES OF MUSIC REALLY BUT LOVE A BIT OF RAP AND GRIME BEFORE A GAME

IF YOU COULD BE ANY PLAYER IN THE WORLD, PAST OR PRESENT, WHO WOULD YOU BE?

PAUL SCHOLES OR ZINEDINE ZIDANE

 

buckland athletic lfc v exeter city lfc

Buckland Hit Nine to Send Exeter Out of FA Cup

Happy Days: Kirsty Caunter (centre) celebrates with Buckland team-mates Jodie Chubb (left) and Laura Gough following one of her three goals at Homers Heath on Sunday. (c)MiraclePR.com. More pictures available to browse/buy on the Buckland LFC gallery.

The first of many derbies for Buckland Athletic LFC this season saw Grant Fisher’s side host Exeter City LFC in the First Round Qualifying stage of the SSE FA Women’s Cup.

The last time the sides met was in last season’s SWH Devon Senior Cup with Buckland’s Hayley Chamberlain scoring the only goal to put Bucks through, Buckland going on to also knock out Plymouth Argyle en route to lifting the cup.

Exeter have since been relegated and Buckland promoted, with both sides now playing in the SWWFL Premier Division – along with Torquay United. Having also drawn Argyle at home in this season’s Senior Cup, Buckland are looking forward to some good crowds this season.

Around 100 turned out on Sunday afternoon for what many might have expected to be a close game. It turned out to be anything but as Buckland’s front line tore Exeter’s defence apart time and time again to rack up a 9-2 victory.

Exeter actually started the game brightly with two good chances in the first five minutes, the first fizzing wide of the right-hand post and the second missing the left-hand upright after Abbi Bond had rushed out to charge down a dangerous attack.

Two goals in three minutes for Buckland settled the nerves though. Laura Gough played the ball in from the right for strike partner Kirsty Caunter to tap in after five minutes. Then, a great move up the right-hand side, orchestrated by Jodie Chubb, ended in a corner on the left. The ball was worked back to captain Hayley Chamberlain who placed a superb strike high into the net out of the reach of Exeter Goalkeeper Shannon Watts. Buckland then turned up the pressure and threatened a third before Exeter broke away and won a corner at the other end.

The respite didn’t last long though. On 15 minutes, Gough burst past her marker on the right before cutting the ball back from the byline for Caunter again who doubled up. From the restart, Gough forced another smart save from Watts as the home side looked to press home their advantage.

Exeter had a chance to narrow the gap as they found space on the right on 23 minutes but there was no one in the box and the delivery went harmlessly out. Five minutes later, Gough’s acrobatic overhead kick was well-executed but just at the right height for Watts who gathered gratefully.

Exeter had a couple of decent chances before half-time, both of them falling to Dani Skinner who hit the first narrowly over and then missed her kick as a cross from the right saw her with a clear sight on goal.

HT: Buckland Athletic LFC 3 – 0 Exeter City LFC

buckland athletic lfc v exeter city lfc
Match action from Sunday’s memorable win. (c)MiraclePR.com

It didn’t take Buckland long to extend their lead after the break, Caunter glancing a header past the goalkeeper from a right-hand cross for her hat-trick. Buckland then gave possession away which culminated in a lobbed goal for Exeter. Both sides traded chances but Buckland always looked the most likely to score again, Amber Coates forcing two saves before Gough slotted home her first of the afternoon.

Chamberlain left the field to a deserved cheer and her replacement Emily Hannaford was next on the score-sheet with a composed finish from the left-hand side of the box. As the Exeter rearguard capitulated, Gough smelled blood and swiftly completed her hat-trick, outpacing her marker for Buckland’s seventh and finishing off a superb ball in from Natalie Warman for number eight. Hannaford chested the ball against the bar before Exeter scored their second, a textbook direct free-kick into the right-hand corner. Substitute Abigail Meyer completed the rout, smashing home as she surged free on the right-hand side and Caunter almost made it double figures, placing the ball home after good work by Sarah Louise Stacey but the referee ruling the goal out.

With a bye in the next round, Buckland will go straight into the Third Qualifying Round. Their next game will be their league opener away at Bishops Lydeard on Sunday.

jodie chubb buckland lfc v ellie strippel bristol city wfc

Bristol Bring Super League Talent to Homers Heath

Main Image: Buckland’s Jodie Chubb races to intercept Bristol’s Ellie Strippel (c)MiraclePR. To view/purchase pictures from the game please visit the match gallery.

 Losing a football match is never a pleasant experience but when defeat comes against one of the top ten football clubs in the country, the learning experience is a huge consolation – not to mention the chance to share the pitch with some of the country’s brightest prospects.

Bristol City WFC kick off their Women’s Super League winter season campaign away at Chelsea LFC on the 24th September. Their squad will contain a number of England Youth players including goalkeeper Caitlin Leech; defenders Ellie Wilson and Jasmine Matthews, midfielders Flo Allen, Jodie Brett and Megan Alexander and striker Millie Farrow.

Defender Corinne Yorston has a handful of England senior caps to her name while seasoned international defender Frankie Brown and fellow Scot Chloe Arthur competed for Scotland in last month’s 6-0 defeat at the hands of England. Loren Dykes, another Vixens defender, has pulled on the Welsh shirt over 50 times while midfielders Hayley Ladd and Georgia Evans are also part of the current Welsh squad.

So it was a real treat for local football fans when Bristol City WFC brought a combined college/development squad down to Homers Heath last Sunday for their first pre-season game.

Buckland started positively but the first chance went the visitors’ way, Chloe Gilroy heading wide of Abbi Bond’s goal, Bond pulling on her gloves for the first time since being sidelined with a broken ankle.

Moments later, the Buckland defence received the first signs that they were in for a difficult afternoon when England Under-17 forward Lauren Hemp got behind the full-back and sent a dangerous low ball into the box, Gilroy again wide of the mark.

helen kukor buckland lfc
Helen Kukor (c)MiraclePR

Buckland then fashioned their first real attempt when the industrious Laura Gough latched on to a Bristol back-header before rifling her shot past the near post. Buckland were on the back foot again soon after as Bristol attacked with intent, Gilroy and Holly Chandler both seeing shots blocked by the Yellows defence.

Buckland then had their best spell of the half. First, a superb ball from stand-in captain Hayley Chamberlain put Gough and Abigail Meyer through, the latter shooting wide. Soon after, Kirsty Caunter put Gough through once more only for her shot to miss the target again. In between those efforts, Bristol had a penalty appeal waved away after one of their players went down on the edge of the box.

With Bristol looking dangerous with every attack, it was no surprise when they scored the opener, Courtney Murphy’s low ball across the box converted by Hemp. To their credit, Buckland immediately responded, Natalie Warman sending in a cross from the left that Gough only just failed to connect with. But it was Bristol who found the net again soon after, tall centre-back Amy Goddard coming up for a corner and heading past Bond.

Grant Fisher introduced Helen Kukor up front, Caunter making way, and Kukor was immediately into the action, combining well with Chamberlain and Gough, but Bristol defending well. Warman also won a free-kick on the left-hand side as her attempted cross was cut out by a Bristol arm but the Bristol goalkeeper – who had been borrowed from Buckland for the day – gathered comfortably.

Even at two down, a Buckland goal before the break could have made things interesting but it was the team in red who notched next, Jess Wooley powering home a fine strike from the left-hand side of the box to send Bristol in three up. To make matters worse, the half ended with Kukor going down and picking up a hand injury as she attempted to drive up the left touchline.

HT: Buckland Athletic LFC 0 – 3 Bristol City WFC

carla staddon buckland lfc v bristol wfc

Unable to get the goal at the end of the half, Buckland did the next best thing with an early strike after the break, Warman with a great goal to reduce the arrears. Any hope of a comeback was soon thwarted though as Goddard converted substitute Ellie Strippel’s free-kick for a fourth.

Following that goal, the game turned into the Lauren Hemp show. If the just-turned 17-year old had been dangerous in the first half then she was positively lethal after the break and could have scored more than the one she did put away. Turning her marker with ease, Hemp sent a warning effort from the edge of the box crashing against the bar.

Substitute Libby Goater was wide with Exeter’s next effort before Buckland managed to force a save with a low shot at the other end. Then the ball was with Hemp again, her shot from the left cannoning back off the post this time before ending up in Bond’s grateful arms. Gilroy headed over and Hemp hit the side netting before the fifth goal finally arrived, Hemp again involved as her shot was blocked by Bond’s leg before Holly Reed netted from the follow-up. Moments later, Hemp was popping up on the right, bursting past Potts who went down for some time with an ankle injury. When the game resumed, Hemp tried one final time to bag herself a second goal but her shot cleared the bar.

hayley chamberlain buckland lfc libby goater bristol wfc
Hayley Chamberlain (c)MiraclePR

Looking beyond the scoreline, Buckland will have benefited greatly from their Bristol challenge and should feel ready to take on anyone the SWWFL can throw at them.

“I thought it was a great workout for us as our first pre-season game of the season against a good opposition,” said Bristol City WFC Development Coach James Thomas.

“Although we had a young squad we showed plenty of patience and composure in possession of the ball and the pace and incisiveness of our attacks were really pleasing to see.

“I’d also like to thank Buckland for their hospitality and the opportunity to bring a team down as part of our preparation for the coming season.”

 

FT: Buckland Athletic LFC 1 – 5 Bristol City WFC

Goals – Buckland: Natalie Warman

Bristol City: Amy Goddard x 2; Lauren Hemp; Holly Reed; Jess Wooley

Buckland Athletic LFC: 1. Abbi Bond; 2. Corinne Potts; 4. Carla Staddon; 5. Jodie Chubb; 6. Courtney Butt; 8. Gabi Trays; 9. Hayley Chamberlain (c); 10. Laura Gough; 12. Natalie Warman; 14. Abigail Meyer; 31. Kirsty Caunter

Substitutes Used: 3. Katie Sawyer; 7. Chloe Driscoll; 16. Leanne Kenward; 17. Charlie Maling; 27. Helen Kukor

Bristol City WFC: 4. Amy Goddard; 7. Chloe Gilroy; 11. Holly Reed; 15. Jess Wooley; 19. Courtney Murphy; 21. Holly Chandler; 23. Amina Vine; 24. Aimee Palmer; 26. Ellie Butler; 27. Lauren Hemp.

Substitutes Used: 10. Destiny McDonald-Ferguson; 12. Libby Goater; 14. Ellie Strippel

buckland athletic girls under-13 under-11

Buckland Girls Under 11s Join the BALFC Family

We are excited to announce that we have expanded again – this time our junior girls section.

Following on from the success of the Under 12s last season, winning the league at the first time of asking, we have entered an Under 11s team into the Devon Girls Football League.

The girls have already started weekly training in preparation for the coming season and we are really excited to be able to offer them a great environment in which to play football, develop skills and make friends while being part of a progressive club where developing players is at the forefront of our philosophy.

We look forward to seeing how they progress over the season.