Clinical strikes the difference
Street's long unbeaten run came to an end in Devon this evening as two well taken goals gave promotion hunting Buckland all 3 points. A respectful guard of honour was giving by the home team before the game in recognition of the Cobblers title win, a class touch.
Buckland were fast out of the blocks and were ahead after only 7 minutes when left back Connor Clifford smashed a direct free kick in off the post given Joe Moore in the Street goal no chance. Street's best period in the game came came in the next 30 minutes of the match and Ross McErlain twice went close. His first effort was a direct free kick that was tipped over and then found himself free in the box following a Aidan Chainey free kick but his snap shot was palmed away.
Buckland exerted plenty of pressure on the Street goal after the break with Craig Duff missing two great opportunities to give the home side a two goal cushion.On the hour mark Buckland did score again as Les Afful smashed a superb dipping effort over Moore from 25 yards out. The game got a little scrappy after that with tackles going in and tempers flaring on occasions. It was Street with the next opportunity when Steve Murray made room for himself and hit a stinging left foot drive from the edge of the box that the keeper tipped onto the cross bar.
Duff had another chance when he went through one on one but couldn't convert as the home side saw the game out to gain a deserved 3 points on the night and keep their quest for promotion alive. Thank you Buckland for the superb hospitality, with the Cobblers afforded the opportunity to return the favour when the two sides meet in the Les Phillips Cup semi-final on Monday evening, this time at the Tannery Ground.
Action from Buckland