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NEALE STRIKE SEES FOXES BUCK THE TREND IN STYLE
- philbrisjrs
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Match Report: Brislington 2–1 Buckland Athletic
Western League Premier Division, Ironmould Lane
Scorers: Kyte, Neale
There was some pre-match anxiety around whether this fixture would even go ahead, with persistent rain throughout the week threatening the surface at Ironmould Lane. But much to everyone’s delight, the ever-reliable groundsman gave it the green light - and those who braved the conditions were rewarded with a superb pitch and a cracking afternoon of football.
The visitors, flying high in the table, started with the confidence of a side expecting to collect a routine three points. They moved the ball quickly, probing down both flanks, but Brislington showed early on they were up for the fight.
After weathering a couple of early scares, the Foxes began to grow into the contest. Their first meaningful chance came when Mannings beat the centre-half and let fly from over 30 yards; the Buckland keeper could only parry, and while Kyte couldn’t quite reach the rebound, debutant Lewis Saunders picked up the loose ball and curled narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
Moments later, Buckland responded with a half-chance of their own, an advancing midfielder leaning back and sending his effort over the bar.
Brislington were more than matching their visitors now, and on 26 minutes Mannings came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. After rounding the keeper, his shot was goal-bound until a retreating defender produced a superb block on the line.
As half-time approached, Kyte embarked on a mazy run from halfway, weaving through defenders before unselfishly squaring for Mannings, who could only fire high and wide.
An entertaining first half ended goalless — and while Buckland enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, it was the home side who might have felt they should have been in front.
The Bucks emerged from the break quickly, and on 48 minutes capitalised on a turnover in midfield. When Winstone was dispossessed, Buckland countered swiftly - only for the striker to stumble under pressure from the advancing young keeper in what looked a certain one-on-one chance.
But just a few minutes later, another quick counter proved costly. With Ames unable to halt the breakaway, the visitors squared for a simple tap-in to take the lead.
It was a familiar script - Brislington creating chances but finding themselves behind - yet this time, the response was superb.
On the hour mark, Saunders played a beautifully weighted pass into Mannings, whose strike was parried by the Buckland keeper, but Kyte reacted fastest to slot home the rebound and level the scores. Game on.
That goal lifted the hosts and the Poplar began to believe. Five minutes later, Millard’s clever footwork almost produced a spectacular winner, only for his effort to rise over the bar.
As both sides pushed forward in the closing stages, Buckland thought they’d nicked it on 83 minutes - a neat passing move ending with a shot that fizzed narrowly wide of the post.
Then, deep into the 90th minute, came a moment to savour. Defender Ames stepped in to intercept and launched a long ball forward for substitute Jaden Neale. The 18-year-old showed strength and pace to hold off two defenders before drilling a low strike across the keeper and into the far corner.
Pandemonium at the Poplar. Wild scenes of celebration followed as Brislington recorded a dramatic and richly deserved win - one that felt symbolic of a new chapter under Lewton.
It capped a week of positivity on and off the pitch and showed the grit, belief, and togetherness that the manager has been fostering since his arrival.
Match Highlights: You can view the match highlights on our youtube channel:
🏆Man of the Match: Louie Millard - tireless throughout, and instrumental in nullifying Buckland’s dangerous left winger.
