Page 3 - Ashton & Backwell FC v Buckland Athletic 300722

Welcome to the Lancer Scott Stadum

Good afternoon, I would like to offer a warm
welcome to you all, particularly to the
officials, players and supporters of Buckland
Athletic, we hope you had a good journey up
the M5 and wish you a safe trip home.
It seems only a short time ago we were in
Tavistock playing our part in the drama of the
Premiership title decider on the final day of
the21/22 season going into injury time. With
Tavi needing to do 1 goal better than
whatever Exmouth did at Shepton Mallet, In
the 5th minute of injury time, the score was
0-0, only 1 person in the ground thought it
was a penalty, he happened to be wearing
black and have a whistle!! Tavi scored,
gaining revenge for us beating them here in March, took the 3 points and deservedly
clinch the title and promotion to the Southern league.
Despite finishing 2nd from bottom, well clear of relegated Bridport, and just behind
Brislington (who opted for voluntary relegation) we were reprieved from the drop. A
decision we are all happy with and looking forward to the new season.
I was delighted when Beech told me that he was happy to carry on the great work of
the 2nd half of last season to continue to be our manager for 22/23 along with Ryan
and Jim. We really do have a very good management team. Plus its just a relief to
actually have a manager this time of the year, compared to this time last year!
Massive congratulations to Smarty, Radders, Matt and all the lads who represented the
Reserves last season, in winning the Somerset county league Division 2 title in
convincing manner. They have had a good pre-season as well, getting to the Frys cup
semi-final, battling a good Cribbs side to a 4-4 draw, unluckily losing on penalties. They
will be looking forward to their campaign in Division 1 starting in mid-August.
We have been busy in the break, we have spent more money on the pitch than previous
seasons including completely digging up both goal mouths, installing drainage channels
and brand new re-turfing. The men’s toilets are receiving a long overdue refurbishment
and should be operational a week today ready for the FA Cup tie here Vs Aylesbury Utd.
Apologies for the state of the club house floor, we had to effect some emergency repairs
this week Thank you to Nick Smart and supporter Ian Foot. We did well to get the area
ripped out and grateful to Matt Southern ( SMG ) to screed it. Thankfully we have a vice
chairman who owns a screeding company.
Today will be a tough game, Buckland finished 11 th last season and im sure they feel
they have the ability to push on a lot higher. Last season we met twice in the same
week, we travelled south in midweek and the hosts enjoyed a convincing 3-0 victory. 4
days later we had a much better squad available and I felt we had much the better of
a 2-2 draw.
I will touch on the comings and goings next week. Thank you for your support today,
enjoy the game and please respect the officials.
UP THE STAGS,
Mike, Chairman