A great workout v Rushden's Centre of Excellence. Buckby introduced 3 trialists for this game, Logan Roberts, Robson Kieghtley and Randeep Mandair.
The game was played in 4 x 20 minutes sessions.
Buckby took the lead in the 2nd quarter when debutant Mandair spectacularly lobbed the keeper from 25 yards. Rushden then equalised in the 3rd quarter when Buckby lost possession and Sturgess tried to clear from a few yards out but the ball hit Hurst and trickled into an empty net. Rushden then scored 2 goals in the final 8 minutes, the first a stunning 25 yard drive when Buckby failed to close the man down. Rushden made it 3-1 in the final minute from the spot when Matt Harrison pushed the forward as he was running away from goal. A draw would have been a fair result but Rushden showed at this level that you get punished for simple mistakes.
This game was not so much about the result as it was more about the performance of players and team.
Buckby played some very good football and created numerous chances. The 3 trialists were excellent and Logan Roberts deservedly was man of the match.
Our thanks to Rushden for a great workout.