Report

Even without 4 recognised regulars, Bucks took Central apart with some cracking attacking play.  Central have been abit unlucky with results this term, often taking the top 3 close but frailties at the back don’t seem to support their strong attacking play.  Bucks meant business from the off and in Boldick and Fath, they have two players who could unlock any defence.  They did just that only five minutes in when Boldick won the ball powerfully in midfield before releasing Fath to hold off two challenges and place the ball wide of the keeper from 18 yards.  The goal helped settle Bucks and further through balls saw the keeper make two important saves from Fath.  Bucks went further ahead when Fath and Clarke played a neat one two left side of the penalty area and when Fath touched it past the defender he was upended for a certain penalty.  Gough strode up and planted it firmly into the corner.  Central’s attack is based on the speed of the main strikers but in Reed and Tilling, they were held comfortably until one break caught out the central two out, only for Bristow to make the tackle of the game to foil the attack on the edge of the box. The other danger from Scorpions was their long Stoke style throw ins.  Too many times Bucks failed to head clear and a bouncing ball caused a few nervous moments for Daly in goal.  Reed clearing off the line on one occasion.  Bristow and Thompson down the right and Montgomery and Payne down the left were linking well together.  Clarke and Gough were holding the talented Scorpions skipper in midfield and Gough in particular has upped his game by 3 levels in recent months.

Skipper Fox was introduced at half time following injury but only succeeded lasting 30 minutes before his problems re surfaced and more time on the treatment table beckons for the frustrated lad.  Bucks were playing some nice football and the understanding is visibly growing, whereas Scorpions long ball was all too predictable for the home defence.  Gough ventured up front and following a poor clearance he seized on the ball just left of goal and some fine control was followed by a vicious shot into the opposite corner.  Payne in an almost identical position some 15 yards out then saw his left footer fly into the same corner and Bucks were cruising.  Central were given a slight lift when a shot from 25 yards took a nasty skid off the mud in front of the diving Daly and just made it over the line before Ormerod could hack it clear.   Any chance of a comeback was finished when Churchill, himself back from injury took the ball on the right before clipping a lovely finish into the far top corner.  Bucks enjoyed the final 10 minutes with Stopcynski almost scoring the goal of the season when a fine move saw him skip past a full back before a delicate chip was wonderfully clawed out by the keeper. Stopcynski could have had a hat trick late on and Fath will be disappointed he didn’t add to his tally as the home team romped home.