First-game stalemate for new boss

BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

Richard Pears declared himself ‘satisfied’ with Buckland Athletic’s point from the 1-1 draw at Cadbury Heath on Saturday – the new manager’s first game in charge.

Ryan Bush scored a second-half equaliser for the Bucks after an opening goal late in the first half by Matt Huxley. Earlier, Huxley had another chance stopped well by Bucks’ goalkeeper Kenny Griffiths. Substitute Bush found the net in the 76th minute.

George Boon rounded Griffiths late on but had his shot cleared off the line. Buckland winger Lloyd Gardner also had a chance saved in the final minutes – Jamie Powell making an outstanding stop.

“Overall I was satisfied with a point, but disappointed we didn’t take all three points,” said Pears, who is close to announcing the signing of Tiverton Town’s Ethan Phillips.

“We dominated for large periods but we were not clinical and ruthless in the final third to win the game.”

Pears was forced to make changes to the team that won 3-0 at home against Odd

Down under caretaker manager, the director of football Adam Castle, the previous weekend.

“I had to make three changes,” said Pears. “And we needed to find our feet in the first half and got caught on the counter-attack late in the half.

“I could not fault the players for their effort and commitment and we controlled the second half, Ryan Bush scoring a great equaliser.

“But we couldn’t kick on from there and Cadbury slowed the game down for a share of the spoils.”

One of the players coming in was 17-year-old Morgan Harford, whose brother Cole has also played for the Bucks.

“Morgan made his debut at left back and was man of the match,” said Pears.

Last night (Tuesday), Buckland were in Les Phillips Cup action. Last season they won the final with a dramatic penalty shootout against Shepton Mallet – at Longwell Green Sports, their visitors for the first round this time.

Meanwhile, there is more cup news with the date for Buckland’s home game against Exeter City in the Devon St Lukes Bowl competition confirmed as Tuesday, December 11.

More action from Teignmouth’s clash against Brixham in the South West Peninsula League Division One East

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