Tring Athletic 4 - 1 Buckingham FC

GLADWISH CHALLENGE TROPHY - 2ND ROUND

WE SURVIVE A DELUGE – BUT ONLY JUST

The weather for this cup tie was far from ideal with a strong wind and heavy rain that later turned into a down pour of biblical proportions. The pitch was playable for most of the game but towards the end it definitely wasn’t as the conditions turned into a mud bath. The game would have surely been abandoned had it not been for the fact that there was only a few minutes remaining so the referee took the pragmatic view to let it run its course and avoid a replay.

The result suggests that this was a comprehensive victory for us but that was far from being the case, it took two late goals from Max Hercules to settle matters. Buckingham played well and could legitimately argue that they should have had a penalty in the 80th minute when the score was 2-1, but the referee disagreed. To make matters worse for them Max Hercules scored two minutes later to put the game out of their reach.

Our guests were formed in 2023 following the merger of Buckingham Athletic and Buckingham United. They play in Division 1 and cruised through the first round of this cup by comprehensively beating Letchworth Garden City Eagles 3-0 at home whilst we had the luxury of a bye following Long Buckby’s no show.

We made 5 changes from Saturday’s starting line up with new signing Freddie Moriarty making his first start as was Harrison Mead since his return to the club. Unfortunately Harrison was the victim of a poor challenge after only 20 minutes and was taken to hospital. Hopefully the damage will not be too bad and that the youngster will be back in action again soon.

Despite the rain the pitch in the early stages at least was fairly firm under foot with a fast surface. Liam Smyth took full advantage after only 10 minutes with a shot from nearly 30 yards out that zipped past the visitor’s keeper for his 5th goal of the season. Score 1-0. Later Liam tried to repeat this feat from a free kick about 28 yards out but this time his effort went just wide.

After the shock of conceding an early goal our opponents started to get into the game with their centre forward Mitch Clayson sending his shot into the side netting following a good run. They looked dangerous on the break and we had to be on our toes. In the period leading up to half time the visitor’s keeper Ben Ageymang made some good saves particularly from young Noah Butler. HT Score 1-0.

Just as we did in the first half we got an early goal after the break with Harry Shepherd placing his shot nicely past the keeper following some good play by Jonah Howgego. Score 2-0.

We had some chances to extend our lead with the keeper saving well again from Harry Jones and Liam Smyth shot wide of the post after the defender slipped. We then made a number of substitutions with Max Hercules soon into the action with his shot cleared off the line by a defender via the keeper. Max then set up Harry Shepherd whose shot was superbly tipped over by the keeper.

Buckingham kept going and got their reward when sub Ed Odley smashed the ball home in the 74th minute giving Owen in goal no chance. Score 2-1. Buckingham were lifted by this goal but within 3 minutes of the penalty incident must have been deflated when Max Hercules scored our 3rd goal from a Harry Shepherd pass. Max then grabbed his 2nd and our 4th goal after being set up by brother Frankie to give the scoreline a distorted look. FT Score 4-2.

Full credit to Buckingham for pushing us all the way and we wish them all the very best for the rest of the season. In the next round we are at home again against either Baldock Town or Huntingdon Town who are due to play on 27/2/24.

Hopefully if the pitch is playable on Saturday we are due to meet our old foes Biggleswade United in the 2nd Round of the Premier Division Cup with the winners playing London Lions away after their terrific 4- 1 win at 2nd in the table MK Irish.

TA: Owen Brooks-Tonkin, Lee Stobbs, Harry Jones, George Carbery (Capt), Harrison Cornick, Noah Butler (Jack Harvey 63), Greg Deer, Harrison Mead (Harry Shepherd 20), Jonah Howgego, Liam Smyth (Frankie Hercules 66), Freddie Moriarty (Max Hercules 69). Sub Not Used: Dave O’Connor.

Scorers:

TA: Liam Smyth (10), Harry Shepherd (49), Max Hercules (82, 86)

BFC: Ed Odley (74)

Crowd: ?