Homers Heath festival of football ends with ladies win

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Fans of ladies and girls football were treated to a triple treat on Sunday with Buckland Athletic hosting two youth league games ahead of the ladies' third game in the FA Women's Pemier League.

First, Buckland Athletic Under 12 Girls continued their strong start in the Devon Girl's League with a 13-0 win over Torquay United CST.

Next up, Buckland Athletic Under 14 Girls played their first ever game in the Pioneer Youth League, against Galmpton United Under 14 (Boys). Galmpton went ahead with a great shot from the right but Buckland fought back with Taylor Ford equalising with an equally fine strike from the left. The game stayed 1-1 for some time until a decisive spell early in the second half, Galmpton scoring twice in quick succession to go 3-1 up.

But Buckland continued to fight and were rewarded with the goal of the game – a peach of a free-kick by Cicely Downs which cleared the Galmpton wall and hit the top of the net via the goalkeeper's fingertips. The game ended 3-2.

“I'm proud of the way the girls handled a tough game and showed true determination and spirit right to the final whistle,” said manager Dean Mitchell.

“This season is about development of the girls' team and individuals by testing them each week.”

The afternoon ended on a high note as Grant Fisher's first team picked up their first win in the Premier League’s South

Courtney Butt West division.

Despite going a goal down to visiting Brislington, Buckland kept battling and equalised early in the second half, Alex Sheppard arriving at the back post to head home.

With frustrations boiling over, both teams were reduced to ten players before captain Courtney Butt sealed the win, clearing the visiting goalkeeper with a composed strike from outside of the box.

Andy Uglow/Pyramid