Buckley Town 1 Penrhyncoch 1

The highlight of Buckley Town’s first half was a well-executed volley from Tom Gunson, in for the injured Jake Roberts, that pinged off the joint of crossbar and post. The 18-year-old had a good game holding the ball up well and laying off the ball to create opportunities throughout. He still has a lot to learn but showed that he has a future at this level having featured mostly for the Reserves this season.

Penrhyncoch is in a relegation battle at the bottom of the league and had no intention of making it easy for Buckley. In fact, they had the best of the first half and looked the most likely to score, looking dangerous from set plays and corners.

Buckley’s passing was poor and their play often disjointed with a make-shift defence due to the injury absence of Luke Blizard, Chris, and Dylan Roberts they gave the ball away far too many times with misplaced passes. Starting with three at the back, they quickly reverted to a 4-4-2 when Lewis Hone’s injury woes continued. Rhys Hewitt came in at left-back and Kieron Moore, who had started at left wing-back and with a change of boots, reverted to his more familiar offensive role.

The second half was much of the same with Penrhyncoch more than competitive but Buckley’s reshuffle made them a little more effective going forward. Yet, it was not until the 72^nd minute that we saw the best bit of quality in the game. With Aron Williams just off the bench, a great passage of passing play saw Tom Gunson play the ball wide to Williams on the right-wing and with almost his first touch he fired the ball across the box for Adam Eden to thump it home.

Penrhyncoch were gutted but to their credit, they went looking for an equaliser and for the Buckley faithful the prospect of missing out on another winning position was all too evident. You could see it coming and Buckley succumbed in the 85^th minute when Jon Evans bagged an equaliser.

Over the thirty games of the season, we have seen this happen too often. Had we taken the points in the games we have been ahead this season, who knows where we would have found ourselves come the end of the season? That said we have a young side and they can only learn from these harsh disappointments. Another year older, another year wiser, and a group of players that will only get stronger as they mature and come into the prime of their playing careers.

Finally, we would have to thank our supporters who again turned out in high numbers for our final game of the season. It was extremely pleasing to see so many youngsters in the crowd alongside those who have supported the club for many years. Our Presentation Evening is next Saturday starting at 4:00 pm at Buckley Cricket Club. It is open to all so come along and meet the players.

Pictures Courtesy of Nic Johnston

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