Buckingham FC win their game of the season comfortably in an impressive outing against a side they have struggled against in the past.
The newly-elected MP for Buckingham, Callum Anderson, watched from the sideline. But early on, Mitch Clayson, one of last season’s top goalscorers, went off injured.
Two minutes into the second half, keeper Adim’s long ball, travelled 60 metres in the air and was nodded on by new signing Dalitso Chibwe, chipping the stranded keeper and bouncing into an empty net. A nice way to cap off an impressive first outing for the Swans.
Buckingham weren’t satisfied with the small margin however. They kept pressing for a second. And it came through Jamie Culley. Wes Britnell fed him the ball down the line. He carried it along the byline, cut back and bent it into the far corner. A fantastic finish.
A late penalty sealed the game for Buckingham. It also gave skipper Jack Clarkson the chance to get his season off to a scoring start. He tucked the ball into the corner, sending the keeper the wrong way. Full time 3-0. A strong start to the season from a side who looked destined to challenge for promotion this year.
Following the victory, Rory Williams said he was “Really happy”, adding: Coming into the game, I didn’t know what to expect. The other manager has had a tough preseason bringing in new players.
“I wasn’t coming here today expecting to control the game and win 3-0 but the lads have really made a statement here. We’re third in the league, one of the only teams to keep a clean sheet, so all positive things going forward.”
Sights set high, even after one game
With all these incomers, Buckingham look poised for a challenge for the highest positions in the league this season, with the coaching staff looking to push beyond that. Manager Williams is certainly hopeful of promotion.
Post-game he said: “I’ve always said, ‘why are you in football management if you aren’t trying to win the league?’ So I’m aiming to win this league. Obviously, others can give you more realistic expectations but for me we’re trying to win every game, otherwise what’s the point?”
Buckingham travel to Royston Town next weekend, who are coming off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Moulton. You can see a full list of fixtures here.
The promise and hope around the football club has been building ever since the merger between Buckingham Town and Buckingham Athletic. Last season, the veterans side reached a cup semi final despite playing opposition two or three leagues higher than themselves. The U23s won The Home Counties Football League Cup last season and have had Ollie Atkinson promoted into the first-team.
The new signings making a big impact
During the six-week preseason, a few new players were brought over to train with the first team. After one game and one win, the impact they’ve had on the pitch has not gone unnoticed.
Samir Masad, signed as a central midfield, “just worked relentlessly and is the engine of the team” was awarded man of the match for his efforts.
Yousef Karim, also known as “YK”, played in the holding midfield role and controlled the game alongside Masad. The aforementioned Dalitso Chibwe, bagging his first goal on debut, a promising sign for the striker signed from Unite MK.
Nathan Hawkins, the experienced centre-half playing alongside home-grown talent Ollie Atkinson, keeping a “well-earned and well-deserved” clean sheet.
The new-look Buckingham outfit had seven new players integrated into the starting lineup for their opening game of the season. When speaking about how easy it is to assimilate so many fresh players into the squad, Rory Williams said: “It’s never an easy thing to do. It’s about getting the right personalities in first. If we can make it an enjoyable environment for these lads, then normally they can go and play some good football.
“It’s really important to me that everyone’s enjoying it, positive and getting along. We’re all volunteers so no one wants to turn up and get shouted at.
“First thing is to assess whether they will get on with the current lads, and if they will, you can look at their football ability and they can come into the team. Today is a point to everybody that the work of the management team has paid off.”
