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Search forBarnstaple ready to restore fans' faith in Mill Road double header
Thursday, August 28, 2008, 07:00
Melksham Town come to Mill Road in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division on Saturday, before Chard Town are the visitors on Tuesday evening.
And manager Pete Buckingham expects his team to continue their unbeaten start to the league season.
The Mill Road faithful had little to cheer during Barum's previous home game — the shock FA Cup exit to Bridport last week.
But following a much-improved display in the 1-1 draw at Welton Rovers, Buckingham hopes his team are ready to banish the memories of a bad day at the office.
"I'm over the Bridport game now — nearly — although the supporters probably aren't yet," he said.
"Hopefully we can take six points from the next two games and cement our position in the top six.
"I know the supporters were extremely disappointed with the performance and result against Bridport but it's the league table that tells you how well the club have done.
"If you look at our league record from last season as well, we've only lost two in the last 13 — that's top-six form."
Buckingham felt Barnstaple deserved to take all three points at Welton, where they made a determined start to the game.
Kevin Squire met a cross from Steve Shore to give the visitors a 40th-minute lead with his second goal of the season.
"Before that, we played exceptionally well and created chance after chance," said the manager. "On another day we could have been three or four up."
Responding strongly, Welton threw men forward to dominate during the last 20 minutes.
Although Squire saw another effort ruled out for offside, finally Welton levelled from the penalty spot 10 minutes from time.
James Turner was judged to have handled and Dean Evans tucked the ball past Jimmy Thorne.
The game was marred by a double sending-off in the final moments when Barum defender Jamie Frickleton and Alex Brain of Welton were involved in scuffle.
"It was quite a robust game — put it that way," said Buckingham. "Frickleton and their player were sent off for a skirmish which was supported by both sides.
"There were 15 or 16 men with their handbags, they looked like they were dancing in a nightclub.
"I felt Jamie was a bit hard done by — he retaliated after being stamped on."
Ex-Willand Rovers player Ian Patchett, signed on Friday, came into the squad as Buckingham looked to shake things up after the Bridport game.
"He's an accomplished player who can play in lots of different positions and he'll give us width which I felt we didn't have in the Bridport game," said the Barum boss.
The 23-year-old has previously had spells with Yeovil Town and Exeter City.
Patchett took a place on the bench alongside Ben Layland and Mike Biggs, who was back in the squad after returning from holiday.
Jake Barwick travelled with the squad but did not get changed. He is expected to return for the Melksham match as Buckingham looks to utilise a large squad.
Barnstaple: Jimmy Thorne, Steve Shore, Steve Avery, Darren Goff, Danny Tapp, Jamie Frickleton, Matt Deakin, James Turner, Lewis Irish, Kevin Squire, Simon Bochenski.
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