back-to-back wins

With our first back-to-back wins of the season we now have some momentum going into the last 2 weeks of the season.

I am very pleased with the win Saturday for different reasons to the other victories we’ve had this season. We weren’t at our best but in truth we didn’t need to be. It’s these type of games that are difficult, we took the lead early and controlled the game. We needed a second and got that. It was a hot day but we kept the ball well, leading by two goals is a dangerous scoreline. It gives you a sense of comfort that one goal from the opposition can change the shape of the game.

 

 Bourne got that goal and got it early in second half. When your down the bottom, the mental side of the game is huge. The effect of conceding a goal plays on your mind and confidence 10-fold to when you are at the top and confident. So for us to show a mental toughness, not to wilt away and to withstand some pressure and go and grab a 3rd shows a significantly positive development in the squads character.

 That’s why for different reasons, Saturday’s result is every bit as satisfying as the 5-0 at Bugbrooke. Realistically were not going to produce 5-0 wins every week but if we can show the character we showed against Bourne. It’s that attitude that will win us games on a consistent basis.

“We now face Bugbrooke at home in what will be a feisty encounter. I have no doubt they will be coming very determined and very focused on avenging the hammering we gave them. We will need to be at our best but we have no midweek, so we can be fresh and hungry to tackle that challenge”.

Buckingham V Thrapston

This was about a reaction to a below par Robins performance on Saturday and to say our preparation was not ideal would be an understatement.

“Due to roadwork’s on the Wellingborough Road and a serious crash on A45 we only had seven players there for 6.45. The rest arrived at around 7.15 if not later. The kit was also caught up on the A45 and Thrapston kindly lent us there away kit to use. The warm up was ten minutes at best. Two players didn’t make it back from Leicester and we went into the game with only twelve players.

“However, once again through adversity the players stuck together, worked twice as hard and returned to the quality levels we have seen this season. Goals from Tony Hill and Dom Marsala gave us a good lead and we continued to stay on top second half without causing too many problems but at the same time never looking under any pressure.

“I cannot say how proud I am of everyone involved, it would have been so easy to have been beaten. The lads who did make it there would have had some very valid excuses as well given the build up. That’s not in their character and they’ve shown the fight we need to win games. All other teams around us won, which makes the win even more important as to lose another 3 points on teams around us would have been a disaster.

“We now go into Saturday’s game with a spring in our step and a great chance to get back to back wins for the first time this season”.

Remaining fixtures:

Buckingham Town v Bourne Town Saturday, 20 April 2013
Buckingham Town v Bugbrooke St Michaels Saturday, 27 April 2013
Northampton Spencer v Buckingham Town Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Burton Park Wanderers v Buckingham Town Saturday, 04 May 2013
Buckingham Town v Northampton ON Chenecks Tuesday, 07 May 2013

Robins rue missed chances

Buckingham Town suffered a 0-3 defeat against high-flying Oadby Town but the scoreline does not reflect the performance by the Robins at Manor Fields this afternoon.

Manager Neil Griffiths can be proud of his players’ display but would probably leave frustrated as missed chances and a handball shout for a penalty, clearly captured by Sports Shots, saw them leave empty handed.

New goalkeeper Deigo Vazquez took his place in goal while Tony Hill was named on the bench after to returning to the club after playing for Mursley United this season.

On a solid Manor Fields pitch it was the visitors who had more of a cutting edge in the final third but the midfield battle was fairly even.

Oadby striker Michael Reeve had two shot which saw Vazquez produce fine saves.

As Oadby applied pressure they won a penalty which saw former Leicester City and Swindon Town midfielder Jon Stevenson convert form the spot.

Before the break they doubled their lead as they broke the Robins rearguard.

Griffiths half time team talk saw a change in the home side as they enjoyed a fine twenty-five minute spell.

Hill twice had chances where the pitch could have been much kinder while a cross to the far post appeared to hit the raised arm of the visiting defender but the Referee waved appeals away.

Oadby weathered the storm and went down the other end and Stevenson, the league’s leading goalscorer calmly notched his 29th strike of the season.

Ben Shepherd’s shot was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper near the end.

The Robins performed well against a leadin side in the division who had the likes of Stevenson and Matt Piper, the ex Sunderland man, in their ranks.

Deigo Vazquez, Paul Blackwell, Massimo Colucci, Kyle Stimpson, Dan Lydiatt, Joe O’Reagan (Connor Ecclestone), Ieuen Riley, Ben Shepherd, Dom Marsala, Ashley Wadhams (Nick Bines), Joel McCormick (Tony Hill).