Sunshine, cold air and a sticky pitch set the scene for this away clash with division leaders Wivelsfield.  The start was delayed, in the case of Buxted for some twenty minutes allowing the home side to put three goals past a nervous and disorganised defence.  All three goals emanated from poor marking and individual errors.  Eventually Buxtedkicked off and a move down the left culminated in a fine through pass from Dean Morris and a well taken goal by Tinker.  Sadly Wivelsfield benefited from more sloppy defending just before half time, seemingly putting them into an unassailable position.

The introduction of Lee Turners aggressive direct running and the move of Richard South to Midfield at half time galvanised Buxted into a fine second half display.  Wivelsfield were pinned into thier own half and were fortunate to survive a saved penalty taken by Ricky Parish, what seemed from the touchline to be a blatant handball and numerous missed chances, including an open goal. (The culprit will remain nameless, save to his unbelieving team-mates)

Turner, Morris, Parish, Tinker and South were combining well, such that an onlooker would be hard put to determine which team were the division leaders.  The defence had also pulled its socks up and only a well made break-away goal got past them before the whistle.  If Buxted could put two halves together and kick off at the whistle it would be a match for any team in the division.

 

For his tireless industry Tinker was deservedly named Man of the Match but there were good performances all round in the second half.  Wivelsfield look a good team but they owed some of their 5 - 1 win to a fine performance by their keeper.  The game was a credit to the division.  Oh, and the highlight of the game was an unusual nutmeg (If you count crawling between their legs!) on our opponents star player by young but fearless Pat West.