Hat-trick heroine Sarah Stacey in action last season. Photo (c) Dave’s World Photography

The ladies have in previous seasons started nervously but it wasn’t the case for the first game of this season.

The girls settled in well, getting used to passing the ball around, and the first goal game after some good pressure by Natalie Warman on the Maidenhead ‘keeper leaving Sarah Stacey with a tap in on 14 minutes. Buckland continued to control the game with Maria Warman breaking up any Maidenhead possession. The second goal came on 40 minutes with a fantastic cross from new signing Alex Hugh finding Sarah Stacey.

The second half started just as the first had finished with Buckland in full control, Natalie Warman slotting home in the 46th minute after some lovely play in the middle of the park by captain Courtney Butt and Leah Brooks.

Stacey then completed her hat-trick three minutes later.

Maidenhead then lost their ‘keeper on the 56th minute with a straight red after handling outside the area to block Abi Meyer’s strike.

The home team started to look a little more dangerous when they went down to ten; Abigail Bond in the Buckland Goal didn’t have much to do but kept her concentration when needed, her defensive line marshalled well by Alex Sheppard and Jana Richards.

With a slight knee strain, Natalie Warman made way for new signing Megan Strong who came on at left back to leave Sarah Smith to push up the pitch on the left wing. 

The final change came on the 75th minute when new duel signing Sian Miller came on up top to replace Sarah Stacey. 

Despite some tired legs the ladies saw the game out well. 

Buckland now prepare for a stern test at National League South side Keynsham in next Sunday’s FA Women’s National League Cup.