Buckingham Town’s preparations for the 2014/15 season continued this week with the confirmation of six new signings as well as a 6-1 victory over Olney Town in a friendly.
The Robins made it two wins from two in pre-season as Drew Mitten bagged a hat-trick in a dominant win over an Olney Town XI.
On a humid day, the Robins were in complete control from start to finish, taking the lead on 15 minutes through Mitten’s well-taken goal.
Olney replied two minutes later with an emphatic finish that gave Rokas Jasiulevicius no chance in the Robins goal, but within 60 seconds Buckingham were ahead again thanks to Joel McCormick’s back post header.
Mitten then added his second and Buckingham’s third on 24 minutes with another great finish before he completed his hat-trick following good work from McCormick, who played through a delightful ball for Mitten to do the rest.
The Robins made a number of changes for the second period, including the introduction of Dom Schembre, who came on for the impressive Mitten and immediately made an impact when he was put through on goal, only to be brought down by an Olney defender. Schembre picked himself up to tuck away the spot-kick.
Schembre rounded off the scoring after showing great pace down the left, driving into the box and coolly rounding the goalkeeper to tap into an empty net.
Buckingham manager Chris Robson said afterwards: “ Overall, I was pleased with the boys, and the performance they gave. At times we played some wonderful football which we aim to do throughout the coming season.
“In the first half, we were very clinical in front of goal, and the work-rate on a hot summer’s day was superb.
“There were times where I felt we didn’t play too well during the game but that is expected still so early into pre-season with the boys still getting used to each other, and getting their fitness levels up to scratch.
“At the moment, I can’t ask any more from the squad as we have trained well and had two very good wins in our two pre-season games.
“We are now halfway through pre-season and we will continue to put the work in on the training ground to make sure we have it right for our first league game of the season.
“The squad is now starting to take shape and I believe by the time we play Stony Stratford in two weeks time we will know who will be the main 18 or so players we will take as a squad into the season.”
Buckingham have this week announced the signings of former midfielder Callum Tychowski, who has recently returned from America, James Keller, full-back Maxwell Dunwell, goalkeeper Rokas Jasiulevicius, defender Ben Rigby and striker Andy Cleere.
Robson added: “It was very important we got these guys over the line and signed as soon as possible as no doubt a few other clubs were sniffing around a few of them.
“I have been in talks with all of them since day one of pre-season and I am glad they have now officially joined or re-joined the club.”
“Rocky is a great goalkeeper and someone I have followed over the past 18 months. A fantastic shot stopper, and also a big guy who will command his box.
“Ben has been at the club for a long time now, I have seen him grow from a youngster with the successful U18 team back in 2007, to a solid UCL defender, and he will be very important for us this season.
“James was at the club last season, and he has impressed me with his work rate in training. Last weekend against Long Buckby I got to see him play and I was very impressed. A tough-tackling ball winner who will give his all to the team.
“Max, like James, was at the club last season. His attitude to everything since I took charge has been brilliant and he is a great guy around to have around the place. A versatile player who can player in either full back position as well as in midfield, he has great quality on the ball, and another player who will give his all.
“Callum may be familiar to the Robins fans as he was at the cub a few years back before he went over to the USA to play. As soon as I was told by Alex Court that he was available he was a player I wanted to sign. He has fantastic ability, and is a great technician in the middle of the park.
“Andy came to my attention last season scoring many goals for Mursley United. Another player that Alex Court told me will be available, so it was a no-brainer to get him on board. A natural finisher who will score goals for us this season.”