Buckland Athletic WFC

Report

Buckland Under-12s capitalised on a quick start to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Sportslighting Devon Under-12s Cup, beating a hard-working Stoke Hill Junior side 5-1.

Buckland continued their characteristic fast start with a goal from their first attack, Courtney Horne slotting home her first of the season. Buckland then hit the post but Stoke had a chance to pull level after they were awarded an indirect free-kick in the box for a passback. Buckland survived that attempt and goalkeeper Courtney Crocombe did well to catch a long shot as Stoke Hill continued to take advantage of a number of missed opportunities at the other end which should have seen Buckland more than one up at the break.

Georgia Turner eased the pressure when she scored early in the second half to make it 2-0 but Stoke retaliated with a fine goal, their player breaking through the defence and slipping the ball past Courtney and into the bottom right. It was Buckland’s first goal conceded this season and took away their cushion. With Stoke Hill getting better as the game wore on, Buckland needed a third and fortunately it arrived, either Georgia or Robyn Turner (I couldn’t tell) restoring the two goal advantage. If anything, Stoke Hill got even stronger and Courtney was forced into a fine save, deflecting a powerful goal-bound shot from the right out for a corner. Buckland were far more clinical in the second half than they had been before the break though and Ava Mitchell found the top left corner after a Buckland break to create some clear daylight between the sides. Again Stoke refused to give up and again Courtney produced a great save to keep the visitors out. But the game was finally put to bed once and for all when another Yellows break was finished by Codi Dicken to complete a hard earned 5-1 victory.

Buckland will face a stern test when they entertain Bideford in the quarter-finals. Their next league game will be a rematch against Stoke Hill Juniors who have definitely been the strongest opponents of the season so far!