Long Buckby 4-1 Whittlesey Athletic: Lodge remains upbeat despite UCL baptism of fire

Whittlesey Athletic boss Andy Lodge says the scoreline flattered Long Buckby after the Northamptonshire side condemned his men to a 4-1 defeat in their first ever UCL Division One encounter.

The Fenland side trailed 1-0 at the break, but three quick-fire second half goals from the hosts sent Lodge’s side to their first Step Six defeat.

However, Lodge suggested that the scoreline didn’t reflect his side’s performance and that his squad are looking forward to their next game - a home clash with Bugbrooke St Michaels.

“The lads performed quite well,” Lodge said. “The scoreline did flatter them but they were the better team on the night.

“If you were to ask me if 4-1 was the right score I’d say probably not but they did deserve to win.

“Even on the back of a defeat the lads are keeping positive and we’ll train tonight and look to bounce back on Saturday.”

Joe Butterworth netted Whittlesey’s only goal late on with an excellent volley, and Lodge says that he wasn’t surprised to see the midfielder hit such a special strike.

“It was a great strike from Joe,” he said. “We know he’s got goals like that in his locker and we’re starting to expect stuff like that from him.”