Match Reports 2001

Match Reports 2001-02

Buckingham Town 4-2 Deeping Rangers 27 Apr 2002.

Buckingham Town 3-4 Cogenhoe United 25 Apr

A FANTASTIC save from goalkeeper Chris Chandler proved the turning point as the Robins ended their season with another impressive win, writes Jason Gibbins for the buckinghamadvertiser.co.uk website.

With Buckingham trailing 2-1 early in the second half, Chandler was on the floor as Deeping were presented with an open goal to restore a two-goal lead. But with a goal looking certain, Chandler got back on his feet and across the area to make one of the best saves he will ever make in his career.
While those at Ford Meadow were still talking about the save, play was switched to the other end courtesy of a 30-yard Darren Dykes run. By the time it fell to Nathan Bailey to fire home from 30 yards, the scores were level and there was only going to be one winner.
The Robins began the afternoon missing several players including Marcus McGillycuddy and Meshach Cole and after just 15 minutes they were two behind. Deeping were finding success in a neat counter attacking game, but Buckingham settled and grabbed a lifeline minutes before the break.
Dykes was released down the line and he continued his run as the ball was played inside and then on to Bailey. By the time Bailey returned the ball, Dykes had arrived to fire it into the bottom corner and complete a fine move.
The half-time whistle offered Robins boss Morell Maison the chance to make some tactical changes and it was clear from early in the second half that the next goal would be crucial.
That goal so very nearly belonged to Deeping, but Chandler's intervention was decisive and the Robins were set up to take all three points. Following Dykes' 51st-minute leveller, Buckingham pushed forward to claim what was arguably the goal of the game. Dykes drove in a corner and Abdul Abdi rose above everybody to execute a perfect header 3-2 to the Robins, game over.
The almost inevitable fourth goal was deservedly scored by Dykes, his second of the game. After picking up the ball near the halfway line, a one-two allowed him to turn and score.
Maison was delighted with the performance and, with all the current playing staff already committing themselves to Ford Meadow for next season, he can't wait for the new campaign to kick off in August.
He said: "I wish the season was just starting because we are really, really coming together. We have lost just twice in the last 10 games and it is fantastic news that all the current squad has re-signed because it gives us great consistency. I will be looking to bring in two or three more players to strengthen the squad, but at the moment I'm very happy."
Saturday's win followed another impressive performance in a 4-3 defeat to high-flying Cogenhoe at Ford Meadow last Thursday.
Former Derby County manager Jim Smith was among the crowd on a scouting mission as Buckingham raced into a 2-0 lead through Meshach Cole and Nathan Bailey.
An own goal by Stuart Blaik on 27 minutes got Cogenhoe back into it and the visitors opened up a 3-2 lead before half-time with goals from Dunkley and Westley.
The Robins were reduced to 10 men when McGillycuddy was sent off, but it looked as if they had earned a draw when Junior George equalised in the 83rd minute. Just two minutes later, however, Westley grabbed his second for Cogenhoe.

Two players Buckingham Town may lose before next season are Darren Dykes and Julian Goerge, who have been invited to pre-season trial with Swindon Town.
Pre-season training for Buckingham will begin on the Swan Pool astroturf at 7.30pm on June 18. Anyone interested in playing for the club is welcome to attend and club's looking for pre-season friendlies are invited to contact Morell Maison via Ford Meadow.

Buckingham Town 7-0 Bourne Town 20 Apr 2002.

There was certainly no end-of-season air about Buckingham Town's performance at Ford Meadow last Saturday.
The Robins produced a superb display of attacking football to trounce Bourne 7-0.
Perhapsthe visitors were under-strength, and they looked a poor side, but that should take nothing away from the Robins.
Their pace and accuracy of passing were a delight to watch and, with two wide men wreaking havoc down the flanks, they cut through the visitors' defence almost at will.
It was a performance that delighted manager Morell Maison.
"We've been threatening to do that for four or five weeks," he said.
"With two men playing wide, we've been looking to get at teams, and we've really put our game together in recent matches.
"It is really pleasing."
In truth, the Robins should have had more than seven as both Meshach Cole and Abdul Abdi missed golden point-blank opportunities inside the opening four minutes.
But the first goal duly arrived in the 11th minute as Cole sent the impressive Marcus McGillycuddy through in the inside-right channel to drill a shot into the far corner.
Bourne's Munton went close, but there was really only one team in it and in the 23rd minute Abdi found McGillycuddy, who jinked round two defenders and fired home.
Five minutes later Cole was bundled over in the box by Jesson but got up to easily convert the resulting penalty.
McGillycuddy had a shot deflected on to a post before, in the 34th minute, a corner was only half-cleared and Abdi scored with an angled drive.
Darren Dykes, playing wide out on the right, was running the Bourne defence ragged and it was from his cross that Bailey swept in the fifth a minute before half-time.
Measured against their very high first-half standards, it took the Robins a little while to get going after the break, but then Cole and Martin had shots blocked, a Dykes effort hit the bar and Abdi was denied by the keeper.
When another goal came it arrived courtesy of a terrible back pass by Horton, who presented the ball to Cole to score easily.
McGillycuddy wrapped up the scoring when he completed his hat trick in the 74th minute by bursting on to a loose ball and racing through the defence before finishing with aplomb.

Report from the buckinghamtoday.co.uk website.

Buckingham 2-5 Stotfold Tue 16 Apr 2002

Wellingborough T 1-5 Buckingham Town Sat 13 Apr

Buckingham Town made it five league games without defeat with a comprehensive 5-1 victory at doomed Wellingborough.
In fact, there could have been few complaints from the home team had the margin of their defeat been wider as the Robins made light of the poor surface.
Yet they went 1-0 down inside the first five minutes when Adam Dryden failed to get out quick enough and Wellingborough sprung the offside trap.
But Dryden made amends by starting the superb move that led to the equaliser. He played the ball out to Darren Dykes who cut inside before finding Jason Hagglewood on the other flank and he crossed for Abdul Abdi to head home from just inside the box.
Ten minutes later the Robins were in front as Dykes was elbowed in the box and Meshach Cole converted from the spot.
They were in complete control now and another good move saw Nathan Bailey break left before cutting back and crossing for Dykes to score at the far post.
There could have been more goals early in the second half with Cole hitting the bar with a glorious chance and Abdi failing with only the keeper to beat.
But the fourth was not long in arriving when, from a similar move that led to the third, a great cross by Bailey was again converted at the far post by Dykes.
Man of the match Mark Yearwood, in for the unavailable Junior George, set up the fifth for Abdi with a perfectly-timed pass to beat the offside trap.

However, on Tuesday evening they crashed 5-2 at home against Stotfold, although it was a completely misleading scoreline as the Robins produced some lovely football and outplayed their visitors for lengthy spells.
But their defending was at best naive, at worst disastrous, and four of the goals were conceded at set-pieces.
The first three resulted from terrible defending at corners, leading to an own goal by Mark Yearwood and further goals from Griffiths and Stanley.
Nathan Bailey pulled one back and, as the Robins turned it on , Marcus McGillycuddy, Meshach Cole and Darren Dykes all missed easy chances.
They were battering at the Stotfold defence at times, but more poor defending allowed Saunders to grab a quick-fire double before Cole added the Robins' second.
It was a cracking game for the spectators, but a nightmare for the Robins' defenders.

From the Buckinghamtoday.co.uk site.

Buckingham Town 1-1 Kempston Rovers Sat 30 Mar 2002

Buckingham Town stretched their unbeaten run to four games last Saturday with a 1-1 home draw with Kempston Rovers.
But this was one they should have won comfortably.
Even without Darren Dykes and Adam Turner, they had enough chances to have wrapped it up by half-time.
They got the boost of an early goal when Junior George and Mark Ewood combined well down the right for the former to deceive the keeper with his shot. Chances continued to be created and Meshach Cole had two one-on-ones only for the keeper, who had an outstanding match, to save both times.
A second goal at that stage would have killed the visitors off but, struggling against the threat of relegation, Kempston kept battling away and with four minutes left grabbed an equaliser.
From the Robins' point of view, it was a bad goal to concede.
They failed to pick up a runner from deep and his shot struck central defender Stuart Blaik on the heel and flew into the corner.

Taken from the Buckingham Today website.
http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/sportstory.asp?storyid=3

Buckingham Town 3-2 Northampton Spencer Sat 23 Mar 2002

Buckingham Town scored their third consecutive victory last Saturday, 3-2 over Northampton Spencer at Ford Meadow.
It was their first back-to-back league wins since November.
It was another encouraging performance, blotted only by the visitors grabbing two late goals which gave the final score line a rather misleading look.
Manager Morell Maison was again heartened by his team's display.
"We are currently building for next season and it's all coming together very nicely," he said.
"I've got to be happy when we keep winning, while everyone at the club is working diligently to ensure we make progress."
The Robins started well and took the lead after just five minutes. Adam Turner, who recently returned to Ford Meadow, produced a shot the keeper failed to hold and Abdul Abdi was the first to react and tap in the loose ball.
Turner was also involved in the second goal after 35 minutes. Stuart Blaik met his good in swinging corner with a header, the keeper again failed to hold and the result was the same Abdi pouncing to sweep the loose ball home.
They finished the first half well on top, with the visitors defence constantly stretched while, at the other end, Blaik and Michael Cox were dominant at the back for the Robins.
It was 3-0 just 10 minutes into the second half when Blaik headed home from a Darren Dykes corner.
Both sides tended to become frustrated with several decisions made by the officials and some tension crept into the exchanges.
To the players' credit, things calmed down and Spencer got back into the game with a disputed 80th-minute penalty, the Robins players feeling the offence had occurred outside the box.
The visitors grabbed a second in the last minute, but it came too late to really threaten a Robins win.
From the Buckinghamtoday website:

http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/sportstory.asp?storyid=3

Long Buckby 1-3 Buckingham Town Sat 16 March 2002.

Meshack Cole was back in the Robins' colours and hit two of the goals in their thoroughly deserved 3-1 victory at Long Buckby.
But if Cole takes the scoring plaudits, it was certainly not a one-man show as the Robins produced a good all-round performance and some fine football for a result that finally ends any fears that they may be dragged into a relegation dogfight.
As manager Morell Maison said: "People have been expressing fears about relegation, but we proved we are too good for that.
"Long Buckby have had a decent run lately, but they were never in it.
"I firmly believe we have the foundation for next season, it's looking good and I'm very happy.
"It was also good to see everyone with a smile on their faces."
Cole gave the Robins the lead with a fantastic goal in the eighth minute. He brilliantly controlled Junior George's fine ball on the volley, lobbed it over a defender and then chipped it delicately over the keeper.
His second came courtesy of a fine run by Abdul Abdi who squared the ball for him to tap in.
It could have been more than 2-0 at half-time as Stuart Blaik hit the bar and George was robbed by a last-ditch tackle.
Long Buckby, in desperate need of points, came out for the second half really fired up and the Robins had to withstand some pressure.
But they relieved that pressure in the best possible way as George, Abdi and Cole combined for the latter to deftly back heel the ball into the path of Abdi who scored the third.
The home side did pull one back from a late in swinging corner that went straight into the far corner, but the Robins continued in control to record a valuable and encouraging victory.

Report from the Buckingham Today website - http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/sportstory.asp?storyid=1

Buckingham Town 2-0 Stony Stratford Tue 12 March 2002

Buckingham Town 1-2 Wootton Blue Cross Sat 9 March

BUCKINGHAM Town will take a two-goal lead into the second leg of their Buckingham Charity Cup semi-final following a convincing 2-0 first-leg win over Stony Stratford.

They had former strikers Meshach Cole and Reuben Max Grant back in the side after an absence of almost 12 months, and it was the movement up front that gave the visitors' defence plenty of problems.
Cole celebrated his return by scoring the first goal, while Darren Dykes hit the second.
And but for a string of fine saves by the Stony keeper, the second leg could have been irrelevant.
However, manager Morell Maison is confident that 2-0 will be enough.
"I believe we have one foot in the final," he said afterwards.
"I expect a hard second game, but am confident we can go through."

However, it was a case of the same old story at Ford Meadow on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 by Wootton Blue Cross.
Yet again, the Robins went into an important match well under-strength, this time with five regulars missing.
Again the reserves that came in did well, but constant changes to the playing personnel are not helping the Robins' cause.
Wootton played with the gale-force wind at their backs in the first half, but the Robins defended well and half-time arrived with the game still goal-less.
However, having done the hard work, the Robins gave it away as, immediately on the restart, a glaring defensive howler presented Jozwiak with the opening goal.
Wootton's second again resulted from the Robins giving the ball away. This time Griggs made ground down the right and crossed for Giscombe to score easily.
With the wind abating considerably, the Robins battled hard, but when they did pull one back, a fine header from 17-year-old Craig Tocknell, there were only five minutes left and it came too late for them to salvage something from the match.

Report taken from the Buckingham online website: http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/sportstory.asp?storyid=6

Buckingham Town 3-3 Raunds Town Sat 9 February 2002

Buckingham Town manager Morell Maison was a little disappointed his side did not get three points after staging a tremendous comeback from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Raunds.

With Aaron Brennan and Darren Dykes making welcome returns to the side, once they got their passing game going they took command over Raunds at times and could well have stolen the win at the end.
Yet it started very ominously for them as in only the second minute they failed to close the opposition down quickly enough and Coleman gave Raunds took the lead.
Five minutes later they were level as Abdul Abdi and Dykes worked the opening for Dykes to cross for the impressive Dave Fenton to finish well.
However, almost immediately, Michael Cox and Stuart Blaik both failed to get their tackles in and Knight put the Robins behind again.
And it got worse as, 10 minutes later, the same two were again caught out as Knight made it 3-1.
But, to their credit, the Robins hauled themselves back into the game and, with some neat passing, got well on top, with Abdi, Fenton and Dykes particularly prominent.
Perhaps the turning-point came early in the second half when Raunds were awarded a disputed penalty. It was certainly not a bad spot-kick, but Chris Chandler pulled off an outstanding save, leaping to reach the ball as it headed for the top right-hand corner.
Following that, the Robins took the game by the scruff of the neck.
They pulled one back when Dykes ghosted past a couple of men and delivered a teasing cross between keeper and defenders which Abdi converted.
And they equalised when Brennan's brilliant ball sent Dykes clear.
Although the ball was pushed away as he tried to slide it past the keeper, Abdi pounced on it and chipped home from the edge of the D.
The Robins continued to attack and forced the Raunds keeper into a couple of saves although, as they pushed forward in search of the winner, they were indebted to the impressive Chandler for keeping the visitors out as they were caught on the break.
Meanwhile, the Robins' reserves had a good 2-1 win over Blisworth.

Pete Riches, recently sacked as Buckingham Athletic manager, has joined the Robins as coach. He will primarily work with the keepers, but will also help out in other areas.
He replaces Martin Mullen.

Taken from the Buckingham Advertiser website:

http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/

Buckingham Town 2-1 Wellingborough Town Sat 19 Jan

The Robins picked up their first league points since 27 Nov.

They were 2-0 up after just 6 minutes, goals from

Abdul Abdi (3 mins) and Nathan Bailey on 6 minutes.

Wellingborough pulled one back after 75 minutes from Drinkwater on his debut, who was one of several players who have recently been signed by the bottom club.

Daventry Town 0-2 Buckingham Town Sat 10 November

Buckingham Town entertain Holbeach this weekend following a week of mixed fortunes.

Last Saturday, the Robins returned from their trip to Daventry with maximum points despite having been defeated by the Northants side only a few weeks earlier.

Town started the game without Danny Griggs, who has opted to join Wootton Blue Cross after only being at Ford Meadow two months. In his place saw a welcome return to Dave Fenton, who made his first appearance of this term after injury.

The Robins started brightly and after an excellent opening it was Scott Ladley's lob over the advancing Daventry keeper that gave his side a deserved lead.

The game was effectively won on the stroke of half-time when it was the returning Fenton who doubled Town's advantage.

Town controlled much of the second period as they recorded a valuable three points.

Unfortunately Morell Maison's bright start to November took a setback when the Robins went down 4 - 1 at Northampton Spencer. Spencer were three goals up at the break thanks to O'Connor (17), Coleman (31) and Sampson (40).

Jamie Darby scored in the 65th minute for the Robins, but the points were wrapped up for the home side by McCarthy, just four minutes from time.

Buckingham Town 3-2 Boston Town Sat 3 November

A Nathan Bailey goal just three minutes from time gave the Robins a sensational victory over the reigning league champions, Boston, in an incident-filled thriller last Saturday.

Town, who were watched by their biggest attendance at Ford Meadow for three years, put on a second half display to give them their first victory in seven games.

The first half saw the visitors take the lead after just ten minutes when Dean Elson headed home unmarked at the far post from just three yards out from a Paul Wright corner.

After falling behind the Robins enjoyed a good spell although too often the final ball lacked conviction. Matthew Price's left foot volley for the visitors went inches wide of the left upright as Jamie Graham continued to probe the home rearguard.

Five minutes before the break Boston doubled their advantage with a carbon copy of their first goal when Rob Speechley had time to plant home his header.

Morell Maison's side emerged from the dressing room for the second period in determined mood and were soon playing at a higher tempo.

On 51 minutes Nathan Bailey held the ball up before releasing Danny Griggs, whose pace stretched the visiting defence as he beat three players. When he attempted to go around Jason Vaughan, the Boston defender brought him down and the Referee pointed to the spot. From the penalty kick, Jamie Darby confidently stroked the ball past Mick Brown.

Three minutes later Bailey beat Wright and his appeal for a penalty for being pulled back was turned down by the Referee, who instead awarded a corner. From the resultant set-play, Stuart Blaik's header was directed past Brown, by Darby for the equaliser.

With passions running high, the game saw Town continue to press, although once Boston settled from conceding two quick goals, they again looked dangerous. Graham showed great skill around the edge of the Robins' penalty area before his left foot shot went agonizingly past the post.

With Griggs and Bailey tormenting the visiting defence the Robins went into the final fifteen minutes looking for victory.

As the drama unfolded it was a long ball over the top of the Robins defence that saw Graham sprint clear on goal. The Boston forward managed to avoid the challenge of Michael Cox before trying to go round Robins' 'keeper Ben Green. As the ball was deflected, Blaik's challenge saw him win the ball unfairly in the opinion of the Referee, who pointed to the spot. Graham's spot kick was dramatically saved by Green, with just six minutes remaining.

With three minutes left on the clock, plus stoppage time, the Robins broke up a Boston attack and Abdul Abdi's through ball found the advancing Bailey. The Robins forward controlled the ball before bringing it in field and drilling a low shot past Brown to give his side a dramatic winner.

Team: Green, Primus, Hagglewood, Blaik, Cox, Smith, Whiteock, Griggs, Darby, Bailey, Ladley.

Subs Abdi replaced Ladley (H/T) Forbes replaced Darby (62 mins)

Attendance 139

Thanks to Andy Bone for the match report.

Stotfold 1-1 Buckingham Town Sat 6 October

A Scott Ladley strike gave Buckingham Town their second away draw in five days at Stotfold last Saturday.

The fast-improving Robins created enough chances though to have left Roker Park with all three points.

Despite a strong diagonal wind, the Robins dominate the early exchanges, although ironically it was Stotfold who should have taken the lead in the fifth minute. Paul Shepherd's bravery foiled Cottenden, before the loose ball was chipped over by Fallano.

With Stotfold pegged into their own half, Michael Cox nicked the ball and fed Ladley. The Town forward ran through and calmly beat the advancing home 'keeper, Nick Foulkes to give his side a 13th minute lead and score his first goal for the club.

The Robins continued to press with Danny Griggs in particular giving Dave Drury a torrid time down the right-hand flank.

As Stotfold recovered and produced some neat play, they came back into the game. A long Paul Stanley throw in the 27th minute was cleared only as far as Pete Saunders. The Stotfold marksman hit a powerful volley through a melee of players that gave the unsighted Shepherd no chance and levelled the scoring.

Ladley was in the action as his centre across the six yard box avoided Aaron Brennan by inches, before his header from Abdul Abdi's set play was saved at full stretch by Foulkes. Cottenden's pace was giving the Robins a few problems in the rare occasions he managed to run at the visiting defense.

On 40 Minutes, Ladley latched onto another through ball from Cox, but his left-footed hooked-shot went inches wide of the left up-right. In first half stoppage time, Shepherd, despite having a quiet opening period, made an excellent save with his legs from another well struck Saunders' effort.

In the second half, Foulkes continued to deny the Robins with a string of fine saves and excellent handling, typified when he saved from Cox's header following Brennan's corner.

In their best spell of the game, Shepherd tipped over from O'Neill's strike, although they failed to create the clear cut chance for despite all of their possession.

Graham Forbes replaced Brennan with thirteen minutes remaining as Morell Maison looked to pursue victory. With ten minutes remaining, a left wing centre ended at Griggs feet, who in turn found Cox. The Robins midfielder shot over the bar and his side had to settle for a share of the spoils.

SHEPHERD, PRIMUS, HAGGLEWOOD, BLAIK, COX, BRYDON, MILLS, GRIGGS, ABDI, LADLEY, BRENNAN.

SUB FORBES REPLACED BRENNAN (77 MINS)

Thanks to Andy Bone for the report.

Wootton Blue Cross 1-1 Buckingham Town Tue 2 October

A goal from substitute Graham Forbes nine minutes from time gave the Robins a well earned draw at league leaders, Wootton Blue Cross on Tuesday evening.

With Morell Maison unavailable after his wife was rushed to hospital, Reserve Manager Paul London joined Coach Martin Mullen in taking charge of the side.

The Robins gave a debut to 'keeper Paul Shepherd, signed from Shepshed, who replaced Carl Yeomanson, who was on the bench.

It was Town who started brightly with Aaron Brennan and Scott Ladley both going close in the opening minutes. Wootton's first chance came when Steve Brown's twenty yard shot was well saved by Shepherd in the 14th minute. The Robins' 'keeper was again in fine form as he showed a good pair of hands to catch a Russell Lawes shot, with Paul Barnes following in.

On 26 minutes, the Robins lost the ball after Ladley took a nasty knock and from the long ball over the top, it turned the Robins' defence and the pacey Lawes latched onto to the through ball. With Shepherd advancing, Lawes squared the ball to Barnes, who tapped in from six yards.

Before the restart, Nathan Bailey replaced Ladley, who had a knee injury.

After defending for much of the remainder of the half, the Robins could have scored on fifty minutes when Bailey took advantage of a quick throw by Griggs, but his cross went agonizingly across the six yard box and no player could get the required vital touch.

On 69 minutes a Brennan corner again went across the goalmouth and was somehow missed by the melee of players in the box. In chasing the ball, Michael Cox was brought down by Andy Carey, although the referee gave a free-kick on the edge of the area despite the appeals for penalty.

On 70 minutes, Forbes replaced the tired-looking Abdi and was soon in the action.

Despite Town's efforts, Lawes blazed over from fifteen yards following the rare occasion that Carey had got the better of Jason Hagglewood.

Within a minute, the Robins were level with a move that started in their own half.

Jon Mills, Dean Chapman and Bailey played some excellent passing as they opened up the Wootton defence. As Chapman was challenged, the ball ran to Forbes, whose first time left-foot shot from the edge of the area flew past Daniel Tate, in the Wootton goal. His first goal for the club.

Brennan could have snatched all three points after being released late on, but his shot was well blocked by a covering defender.

Although a draw was a fair result, the manner in which Town played would have pleased the acting management team.

SHEPHERD, PRIMUS, HAGGLEWOOD, BLAIK, COX, D.CHAPMAN, MILLS, GRIGGS, ABDI, LADLEY, BRENNAN.

SUBS BAILEY FOR LADLEY, FORBES FOR ABDI.

SUBS NOT USED D.O'LEARY, K.YEOMANSON, CLARKE

ATTENDANCE 58

Thanks to Andy Bone for the match report.

Blackstone 3-2 Buckingham Town Sat 29 September

A lapse in concentration by the Robins' 'keeper, Carl Yeomanson, cost Buckingham Town dearly in their 3-2 defeat at Blackstone.

The Robins welcomed back Danny Griggs, Jason Hagglewood and Jamie Darby to their starting line-up for the trip to Lincolnshire but were soon on the back foot in the opening exchanges.

Gianni Santoro side footed wide after just 46 seconds, while Gareth Williams' eighth minute cross clipped the bar and Matthew Primus cleared the danger.

After enjoying a positive opening, Blackstone finally took the lead in the 15th minute when Williams right wing cross saw Yeomanson collide with team mate, Dean Chapman, and Stones forward, Paul Sharp, in attempting to clear the danger. The ball fell to Paul Reece, who calmly lifted the ball over the covering Town players, Jon Mills and Primus, and into the roof of the net.

With Town still reeling, Santoro released the lively Sharp, who ran through and placed past Yeomanson, just two minutes later, to double his sides advantage.

The Robins then came into the game after the disappointing start with Darby combining with Abdul Abdi, who shot into the side netting. With more chances being created by Town as the game went on, Abdi pulled a goal back on 30 minutes. Good work by Danny Griggs saw him release Abdi, who shot across Aaron Bannie and into the far left hand corner of the net.

Griggs then had a shot deflected following a corner and shot inches wide after more good work just before the break.

Town started the second half brightly, although a counter attack by Stones in the 56th minute was thwarted by Primus, who intelligently read the danger, before clearing the ball.

A minute later, Griggs run got the better of Reece, who hauled the Robins winger to the deck and conceded a free kick in the process. Aaron Brennan's centre was powerfully headed past Bannie, off the post, by Damien Smith, who did well to direct the header, to level the score.

With the Robins very much in the ascendancy, Morell Maison introduced Stuart Blaik to the game in place of Primus on the hour mark.

Reece's free kick, that restarted the game following the substitution, saw Yeomanson, unchallenged, drop the ball into his own net and gift Stones the lead.

Nathan Bailey replaced the injured Darby for his first game back since he broke his toe and this only gave the Stones defense more problems.

Blaik's header from a Brennan corner was pushed over by Bannie, while both Smith and Dean Chapman had efforts saved. Graham Forbes replaced Brennan with only minutes to go, but it the Robins who left empty handed due to one moment of madness.

Thanks to Andy Bone for the match report.

Wootton Blue Cross 1-2 Buckingham Town Sat 21 September FA Vase.

Buckingham Town produced an outstanding display to win at the previously undefeated league leaders, Wootton Blue Cross, 2-1, in the Carlsberg F.A.Vase on Saturday.

Town went into the game without the injured trio of Nathan Bailey, Stuart Blaik and Darren Dykes, while Andy Partlow, Jason Hagglewood, Jamie Darby and Danny Griggs were all unavailable for various reasons.

This meant Morell Maison had to re-shuffle his side with 'keeper Carl Yeomanson recalled from his loan to Buckingham Athletic, while Cameron Clarke was asked to play at left back despite having a broken bone in his hand.

Maison's game plan was perfect as Town defended in two banks of four, with every player working tremendously hard, as they played a patient game.

Wootton, as expected, attacked Town from the start and after only five minutes Luigi Rocco's cross was headed over Yeomanson's bar by Darak Jozwiak from just six yards out.

Despite their early dominance, Wootton had a lot of possession but struggled to pierce the Robins rearguard with central defenders, Skipper Dean Chapman and Michael Cox, both enjoying outstanding displays.

While Town continued to frustrate the home side, they gradually grew in confidence themselves. On eighteen minutes Scott Ladley had a shot well saved by Jack Rashid, while Aaron Brennan's effort was deflected a minute later.

Wootton continued to probe with Danny Bartley and Ian Evason both having attempts at goal but neither forced Yeomanson to make a save.

On 39 minutes, Town took the lead when Abdul Abdi latched onto a ball over the top and he calmly lobbed it over the advancing Rashid, into the Wootton net.

The Robins then pegged Wootton back into their own half as they won their first corner of the match in the 44th minute. Four minutes into first half injury time, a long ball was flicked on by Jozwaik to Bartley, who was given the benefit of a tight offside decision, and he ran clear on goal. The Wootton forward knocked the ball past the advancing Yeomanson and, after jumping over the Robins' 'keeper, he lost his footing. The Referee adjudged a penalty should be awarded and with the last kick of the half, Evason levelled from the spot.

The Robins started the second period brightly with Graham Forbes and Abdi working hard in holding the ball and keeping possession.

Following a free-kick on the right-hand side, mid-way into the Wootton half, Cox lost his marker and ran in to powerfully head past a static Rashid.

For the rest of the game the Robins defence remained strong, while the midfield had the physical strength with which to battle, with Jon Mills and Damien Smith working tremendously hard all afternoon.

This was, without doubt, the finest performance for the Robins under the guidance of Maison.

YEOMANSON, PRIMUS, CLARKE, D.CHAPMAN, COX, SMITH, MILLS, LADLEY, FORBES, ABDI, BRENNAN.

SUBS (ALL UNUSED) ALOSI, ASH, MAISON.

ATTENDANCE 54

Next week's fixtures - SATURDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER BLACKSTONE V ROBINS - EAGLE BITTER LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

MICHAEL ANTHONY V ROBINS RESERVES - BERKS AND BUCKS RESERVE DIVISION CUP

TUESDAY 2ND OCTOBER WOOTTON BLUE CROSS V ROBINS - EAGLE BITTER LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION KO 7.45PM

(THIS GAME HAS BEEN SWITCH FROM TUESDAY 25TH SEPT. BUT IS SUBJECT TO WOOTTON HAVING AN FA CUP REPLAY)

Thanks to Andy Bone for the Match Report and further information.

Buckingham Town 3-1 Long Buckby Tue 18 September

Buckingham Town returned to winning ways with a much-improved performance on Tuesday evening.

Town created endless chances in the 3-1 victory over Long Buckby, although they never scored the goal to kill the game until the last kick of the match.

The Robins' Aaron Brennan and Scott Ladley both had shots saved, while at the other end Mark Patterson spectacular bicycle-kick went inches over.

Town opened the scoring on 20 minutes when the lively Ladley latched onto a through ball and squared past the advancing 'keeper, Kevin Woods. Graham Forbes managed to lay the ball of to Daniel Griggs who scored on his home debut.

Within a minute Long Buckby were level, after Brennan gave away a needless free-kick near the corner flag, and the vastly experienced Peter McBean lost his marker and glanced home. The dangerous McBean then latched onto a ball over the top and it was ever-reliable Jason Hagglewood, who produced a timely tackle, to deny him advancing.

The Robins pegged the visitors in their own half for the final ten minutes of the first half and it was no surprise when they regained the lead. Griggs cross to the far post came out of a melee of players and Damien Smith shot home from an acute angle. Brennan's cross was cleverly poked past Woods by Griggs in first half injury time but was cleared off of the line. HALF TIME 2-1

Ladley then had two shots saved, Forbes placed a header wide, Dean Chapman, who work tirelessly all game, poked a rebounded Smith shot over and Stuart Blaik looped the ball over Woods, and also the bar.

Despite the chances missed, Buckby always looked dangerous on the counter attack and two free-kicks on the edge of the area showed that despite Town's dominance, the Robins needed another goal.

Substitute Cameron Clarke missed another chance before the much-needed goal finally came. Smith was caught late by Tiernan and despite an altercation in the centre circle with players from both sides trying to keep them apart, Jon Mills went through and calmly scored with the last kick of the game.

PARTLOW, PRIMUS, HAGGLEWOOD, BLAIK, COX, DEAN CHAPMAN, SMITH, BRENNAN, FORBES, LADLEY, GRIGGS.

SUBS MILLS REPLACED FORBES CLARKE REPLACED BRENNAN

ATTENDANCE 32

Thanks to Andy Bone for the match report!

Raunds Town 3-0 Buckingham Town Sat 15 September

The Robins depleted side were beaten in a frustrating game at Raunds last Saturday.

The evidence of missing four players through injury and a strong wind made the game one to forget for Town.

Town started off on the back foot with Scott Goodacre's shot being well saved by Andy Partlow in the Robins' goal in only the first minute. On six minutes the home side went in front when Roy Anderson chipped to the far post after a strong run, and Wayne Richardson was presented with an easy header with which he scored. Town had Aaron Brennan shoot wide from thirty yards, before Abdul Abdi's battling presence created a good chance for debutant, Daniel Griggs, signed from Ampthill. Griggs low drive beat Raunds 'keeper, Stuart Knight, and was cleared off the line.

On 44 minutes, Russell Dunkley's run down the left flank, that started in his own half, saw him cross from the by-line and Jason Hagglewood calmly headed over his own crossbar to clear the danger. Stuart Smeather free kick was well saved by Partlow, before the Robins' 'keeper was forced in to action to save from Dunkley in another key position.

The Robins grew in confidence and the game changed in a minute of play. Scott Ladley was through on goal but failed to convert, before Goodacre's long ball over the top saw Richardson outpace the visiting defence before his rounded Partlow and calmly finished with nine minutes remaining. Substitute

Paul Bennett grabbed an injury time goal to add to what was a frustrating day for Morell Maison's side.

PARTLOW, PRIMUS, HAGGLEWOOD, BLAIK, COX, MILLS, DAMIEN GRIGGS, BRENNAN, LADLEY, ABDI, DEAN CHAPMAN.

SUBS: ANDY CHAPMAN REPLACED PRIMUS

GRAHAM FORBES REPLACED ABDI

CAMERON CLARKE REPLACED BRENNAN

ATT 82

Thanks to Andy Bone for the report.

Buckingham Town 2-1 Yaxley Sat 8 September.

Aaron Brennan's first half brace helped give the Robins a well deserved

victory over Yaxley last Saturday.

Town started the game without the injured front pairing of Jamie Darby

(ankle) and Nathan Bailey (broken toe). They were further hampered when

Darren Dykes had a re-occurrence of a back injury in the pre-match warm-up

and was forced to withdraw from the initial starting line-up.

Despite there apparent attacking frailties, Brennan popped up to score Town's

quickest goal of the season in only first minute.

After that the Robins looked in fine form with the defense looking solid,

while at the other end the recent Barnet trialist, Scott Ladley, showed

skills that created a number of chances that his side failed to convert.

On 27 minutes, Brennan's run saw him cut in from the left and score from a

powerful low drive past Simon Ward from 25 yards.

Town started the second period where they left off with Ladley's nifty

footwork and cross finding Brennan hesitate, before laying the ball to Jon

Mills, who shot straight at Ward.

Yaxley's first clear chance came in the 59th minute when Matty Doyle nipped

in between Andy Partlow and Dean Chapman and, after keeping the ball in play,

his chip hit the crossbar before Liam Southgate's shot was cleared by Michael

Cox.

Simon Acton should have scored when he lobbed Partlow, only to see his effort

go three yards wide of the target.

On 69 minutes, Yaxley were awarded a penalty when Michael Cox tussled with

Lee Clarke and the Robins player fell on the ball and was adjudged to have

handled. Lee Minett converted from the spot.

Acton then had shots saved by the feet of Partlow and an excellent block by

Chapman as Yaxley's confidence grew and the pattern of the game was reversed.

Adam Chapman and Greg Hardie replaced the two debutantes, Cameron Clarke, from

Ampthill, and Damien Smith, formerly with Wembley, as the Robins introduced

some fresh legs.

Town's defense looked solid in the final ten minutes, although it took an

injury time clearance off the line from man of the match, Skipper Dean

Chapman, to ensure they took the points.

Afterwards Morell Maison said he was pleased with the side’s performance. "We

played well today. We have now recorded two wins and a draw from our opening

three games at Ford Meadow and we are making ourselves harder to beat".

PARTLOW, PRIMUS, HAGGLEWOOD, DEAN CHAPMAN, COX, SMITH, MILLS, CLARKE, FORBES,

LADLEY, BRENNAN.

SUBS

ABDI REPLACED FORBES

ADAM CHAPMAN REPLACED SMITH

HARDIE REPLACED CLARKE

Attendance 58

Thanks to Andy Bone for the report.

Buckingham Town 2-4 Maldon Town Tue 4 September.

The Robins went out of the AXA F.A.Cup when they crashed to a 2-4 against
Maldon in an incident filled game on Tuesday evening.

Darren Dykes gave the Robins the lead from a corner after the ball fell
kindly at his feet.

Then Terry Warwick had a goal disallowed following a tight offside decision,
but just two minutes later he had equalised.

Karl Yeomanson dropped an inswinging corner and the ball hit the income
Warwick and went in.

The introduction of Nathan Bailey during the early part of the second period
gave Town more power up front.

As Town went forward a long ball over their own defense saw the dangerous
Scot Whitney volley home off the post from twenty-five yards out.

Despite trailing, the Robins dominated a period of the game and Brennan and
Mills both went close with long range efforts.

Aaron Brennan's free-kick on the left was whipped in with pace and Abdul
Abdi's touch beat Jon Cardy in the Maldon goal. The goal was ruled out as
Nathan Bailey was harshly adjudged offside despite the fact he was not in an
active zone at any time of the play.

The equaliser finally came when Brennan's through ball unlocked the
defense and Dykes managed to chip the ball in over Cardy, while avoiding the
challenge of Craig Huttley, from the acutest of angles.

With Town in command, Andy Partlow replaced Yeomanson in goal, and what
followed was a mad minute for the Robins.

A through ball saw Partlow misjudge the bounce and Keeble went down as he
attempted to keep the loose ball in play. Partlow was adjudged to have pushed
the Maldon player although appeared to even be not within touching distance
and a lone appeal saw the Referee point to the spot. Whitney calmly slotted
past Partlow to give his side a lead.

Whitney then proceeded to hit a post and miss a header, before Mill's bullet
shot went inches wide and Dykes had a shot well saved by Cardy, who was
enjoying an outstanding display.

As Town pressed again, a Brennan corner was headed out to the edge of the
area and as Mills was set to volley the ball, a two-footed lunge by Daly, who
was attempting to block the shot, clearly angered Mills. From the Melee that
ensued, Owers threw a punch, while Mills and Daly continued their
disagreement and had to be parted.

The referee mistakenly booked Michael Cox, while he correctly sent Owers from
the field of play.

Town threw bodies forward in the remaining moments and on the counter-attack
Keeble went through to give his side a trip to Wembley in the next round.

Thanks to Andy Bone for the report.

Deeping Rangers 4-3 Buckingham Town Sat 25 August.

Simon Mead opened for Deeping, James Darby equalized after 23 mins. Ronnie Fortune 50 and Mead 72 made it 3-1 for Deeping before the Robins drew level with goals from Darby 73 and Matthew Primus 77. Mark Drake got the winner for Deeping on 83 minutes. Stuart Blaik was sent of two minutes from time.

Cogenhoe Utd 1-1 Buckingham Town Tue 21 August.

Buckingham Town produced a fine display and definitely had the edge in the

draw at Cogenhoe United on Tuesday.
Despite missing leading scorer Nathan Bailey with an arm injury, Darren Dykes
looked very suitable as a replacement.
A goalless first half saw Town look defensively as good as they have done in
any game since Morell Maison arrived.
Into the second half, Dykes scored a stunning volley to put the Robins ahead
after more good team-play.
Ex-Robin, Darren Harmon, levelled ten minutes later when he took his chance
and finished with style.
Town lost Stuart Blaik with an injury but he expects to be fit for Saturday.
A special mention of the Referee Stuart Burt who was outstanding in his first
season in the middle and will go far !!

ROBINS:- ANDY PARTLOW, MATT PRIMUSS, JASON HAGGLEWOOD, MATTHEW COX,

STUART BLAIK (CHRISTOPHER MARTIN), SIMON CAHILL, SCOTT LADLEY,

AARON BRENNAN, GRAHAM FORBES, DARREN DYKES, DEAN CHAPMAN.
ATTENDANCE 67

Report by Andy Bone.

Buckingham Town 2-2 St Neots Town Sat 18 August.

The Robins fought back from 0-2 down with two goals in the last six minutes, Nathan Bailey 84, and Michael Cox 90, to earn a draw after St Neots had scored goals in the 26th and 40th minutes by Kuhne and Byrne.

Report on the matches against Bourne Town and Bugbrooke St Michaels by the Buckingham Advertiser at http://www.buckinghamadvertiser.co.uk/

THE Robins shrugged off an opening-day defeat at Bourne to produce a fine performance to beat Bugbrooke 4-0 on Tuesday evening.

Reverting to a 4-4-2 formation from the start, they looked very solid and, at times, played some enterprising football.

"It was a great improvement on Saturday and I was very pleased with the quality of football we produced," commented manager Morell Maison.

They were given the boost of an early lead when central defender Stuart Blaik headed in from a corner in the third minute.

That forced Bugbrooke to try to push forward and, for the next 20 minutes or so, they had more of the game. But, with Blaik showing his defensive capabilities and keeper Andy Partlow organising his defence well and making a couple of vital saves, the Robins withstood the pressure comfortably.

And they soon regained the initiative, with Aaron Brennan superb on the right side of midfield and Jason Hagglewood impressive on the left.

Even so they had to wait until the final 15 minutes to add to their tally. Buxton gifted them an own goal, then substitute James Darby (a recent signing from Met Police) made it 3-0.

The best was saved until last as Brennan won the ball near halfway, advanced into the box and buried a shot beyond the keeper.

IN complete contrast to Tuesday evening, manager Maison admitted he had got it all wrong after watching his side lose their league opener 3-1 at Bourne last Saturday.

"I hold my hands up, I got it wrong," he said afterwards.

"I decided on a specific defensive formation, but we hadn’t done enough work with it and it all went wrong.

"There can be no excuses, we had a very strong squad out, but the mix was not quite right."

The Robins reverted to a more orthodox 4-4-2 formation after the opening half-hour and went on to dominate what followed.

But by then the damage had been done with the Robins finding themselves 3-0 down.

Maison thought his side did enough in the final hour to deserve a share of the points.

Nathan Bailey hit a post, Darren Dykes had an effort ruled out for offside and Scott Ladley missed twice when sent clear. But their only consolation came from Hagglewood in the 57th minute.

Buckingham Town 4-0 Bugbrooke St M Tue 14 August.

A good win for the Robins at home. Goals by Blail, 3rd minute, OG Buxron 75 and Darby 89, Brennan 90.

Bourne Town 3-1 Buckingham Town Sat 11 August. UCL

In the opening match of the league campaign, Buckingham were three goals down in the first 32 minutes, on 10, 17 and 32 minutes. They pulled one back in the 57th minute with a goal from Jason Hagglewood. That's how it finished.

Tring Town 6-0 Buckingham Town Tue 7 August. Friendly

A team containing six trialists went to Tring on Tuesday evening. It was a good workout for the players.

Buckingham Town 1-8 Leighton Town Sat 4 August. Friendly

After Nathan Bailey brilliantly replied to an early goal, the match slipped away from the Robins due to a poor defensive performance and two penalties that need not have been conceded.

Buckingham Town 1-1 Thame United Tue 31 July. Friendly

Although struggling for players the Robins produced a good fighting performance to score first and hang on for a well deserved draw, achieved with a young and promising team.

Buckingham Town 4-5 Bicester Town Sat 28 July. Friendly

A disappointing result which was not helped by the lack of a recognized goalkeeper for the Robins. Bicester worked hard for the result.

Buckingham Town 3-1 Aylesbury United. Mon 23 July. Friendly

Two goals in the first ten minutes gave the Robins the perfect start with Buckingham looking the sharper side for long spells.

A change of personnel for Aylesbury seemed to balance the game up in the second half with each side scoring once.

Final score Robins 3-1 Ducks

(BTFC scorers Graham Forbes 1, Nathan Bailey 2 )

Thanks to Dave Newton for the report.

Buckingham Town 1-1 Berkhamsted Town. Sat 21 July. Friendly

A much weakened Robins team (including a couple of their fringe players) sneaked a one all draw against a nearly full strength Berkhamsted side.

Berkhamsted scored from a second half goal scored when a central defender and our goalkeeper fell asleep for a few seconds and we paid the ultimate price.

As the game was closing 89:59 minutes that dynamic young striker Morell Maison latched on to a ball from 20yds out and beat the keeper with a drive that leveled the game for us.

Report received with thanks from Dave Newton.