Buffs FC (Scottish Team) - server 112

[Buffs Mad]

Buffs FC travelled to France today to meet a side bouyant after recent run of victories.

This French side were in no mood to allow Buffs to take root at the top. If evidence was needed then it came staight at the start as Mattie Butler broke clear and was roundly up-ended in 3 mins. We can only assume the ref was unsighted - although how his guide dog missed it is a mystery? No foul, no card, no lecture just a stretcher and, as became clear post-match, a 4-game absence (ACL tear) . Gibson came off the bench intent on atoning for his recent form and in 20 mins a fine solo effort saw him find the selfish streak he had lacked, rounding the keeper for the opener. Poison spilled from the stands as the Buffs saw out the half.

As the visitors emerged for the second half the away fans gave voice but that was immediately quelled in this cauldron of a stadium. Couple of early forays into Buffs territory by the home side were confidently dealt with by the Buffs defence. You could feel the confidence build as Buffs gave up territory but contained the attacking side. The Buffs would see it out, wouldn't they? Alas football is a cruel mistress. Buffs Keeper Campbell leaped with grace and intent to intercept a swinging corner, clutched the ball, landed and went down writhing in agony. Buffs Mad looked anxiously at his keeper - who drew a finger across his throat. The stretcher was on and Erol Kahya was pitched in on 68 mins. Time for Buffs to settle? Think again - a speculative 30 metre shot for the French rocketed home within a minute. The home side clearly had the Buffs rattled and their tackling remained fierce and, according to the referee at least, fair. That was until a yellow was flashed in 74 mins for a knee in the back. Free kick to the Buffs and as Savage stepped up, he swung and it curled to the far corner. It looked a certaint goal. But the home keeper thought different and valiantly managed to tip it over. Buffs set about trying to see the match out - a point from here would be a decent result. But the lack of depth in the squad that saw young Kahya put on was again cruelly exposed as he was again beaten from distance by a screamer on 86 mins. The home side tried to play keep-ball and although a late flurry of 3 corners seemed to offer Buffs some hope it all came to nought. For Buffs it was time to return home, lick those wounds (and there are many) and ready themselves to come again.

Both 2nd and 3rd returned wins today to leapfrog Buffs FC.