Abigail Meyer in action against Poole Ladies last season. (c)MiraclePR

Despite losing 2-1 to Keynsham who play in the league above, Buckland played some fantastic football.

The visitors started the stronger of the teams, Abigail Meyer (pictured) finding a great pass across the box on the 13th minute for Sarah’s Stacey to hit first time giving the goalkeeper no chance. Courtney Butt and Maria Warman dominated the middle of the park and pushed play down the channels utilising the pace of Natalie Warman and Meyer who had the run on the full-backs. With the blistering heat, both sets of players tired towards the end of the first half but Keynsham’s Number 15 came on the blind side of Buckland’s defence, slotting past Abigail Bond after 40 minutes to make the game level at half time.

Buckland started the second half strong with some great play from Emily Hannaford who dropped into the starting line-up in place of the unavailable Leah Brooks. She switched the ball to Natalie Warman who put in a great ball to Stacey whose shot hit the inside of the post and found its way to safety. The visitors continued to dominate and looked the better side, our two centre-halves Alex Sheppard and Jana Richards frustrating Keynsham’s formidable number 10, not allowing her any time or space. Keynsham almost took the lead on the 68th minute with a long range shot hitting the post but Bond managed to catch the rebound. A surging run from left back Sarah Smith, on 70 minutes, saw another good save from the Keynsham ‘keeper. With the game looking to go to extra time, Hannaford made way for Megan Strong in the 75th minute, to give Bucks some fresh legs, and the attacking surge continued from both teams! Another good performance from right-back Alex Hugh was dampened slightly with a yellow card in the 88th minute for a slight push on Keynsham’s winger. The game was finely poised with both teams pushing hard to avoid another 30 minutes but, in the 90th minute, Keynsham’s midfielder fired home a long range shot to seal the win.

Overall, I couldn’t be prouder of the 12 girls that travelled and gave their all.