Page 14 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Barnstaple Town 110223

Match Report

BUCKLAND ATHLETIC 3 ASHTON & BACKWELL UTD 1
The game was billed as 6th host 7th, unfortunately for us it finished 5th V 9th.
To the Stags credit, they contributed to a very competitive and entertaining
game, so prove that it’s no fluke that they find themselves at the higher end of
the table this season. Whilst it’s not much consolation, we receive plenty of
compliments and plaudits from the hosts regarding our performance and
progress from last season.
It was Ashton Backwell who dominated the opening exchanges of the game,
tremendous pressing from Joe Banks on the halfway line, created a great
opportunity for Miles Hardidge. Miles, perhaps could’ve took a shot early but
opted to turn inside and forced a great save from the Buckland keeper. Minutes
later, the same man produced another good save to stop Hardidge’s header to
go for another corner.
It took the Hosts 25 minutes for an attempt on the Backwell goal, a curling free
kick from Josh Webber, evaded everybody, towards the far post but impressive
keeper, Tom Roberts palmed away.
Ashton Backwell finished the half strongly. Lewis Hedges had a great
opportunity, but headed wide, then Reece Hedges couldn’t connect properly
when in space 10 yards out from goal. H/T 0–0.

From the restart we forced a corner, however, Buckland broke quickly with a
long ball out of defence, Zach Ford, unfortunately misjudged his header. X-
Taunton town striker, Jared Lewington, capitalised on the mistake, rounded
Roberts to give his side the lead. Scott Crocker nearly doubled the lead but
Roberts made another good save. With 20 minutes remaining, the Stags
deservedly equalised with a well flighted James White corner, finding Charlie
Saunders unmarked, who headed home from close range.
12 minutes later, unfortunately Joe Cattermole didn’t clear our lines on the
edge of the area, the ball fell kindly for Webber to volley home with a great
strike to for the home side to regain the lead. With 5 minutes remaining,
Buckland increased the lead, Tom made a good save from another Webber free
kick, but could only carry the ball into the path of Kieron Bridger, who stabbed
home from 2 yards.
In the week, where we faced 7th, 6 & 2nd, I’m sure we would have settled for
th
6 points from 9.
M.O.M Tom Roberts.
Team Roberts, Ford, Bishop, Reece Hedges, Walker (Anthony), Conner
Saunders (Mannings), White, Lewis Hedges (Cattamole), Hardidge (Jayeoba))
Banks (Cummings), Charlie Saunders