Brix and Bucks fighting at the top

Mark the calendar for Saturday, November 2, when Buckland Athletic host Brixham in an epic South Devon showdown in the Western League.

Both sides needed late goals to bag victories on the weekend, although Buckland’s success came in the FA Vase, where they defeated visiting Millbrook deep into stoppage time with an assured finish from the in-form Ryan Bush.

Brixham welcomed Bridgwater to Wall Park for a tricky league encounter that saw the Fishermen fall behind to an early goal.

But there is a reason Brixham have won eight games on the trot and they began the journey to opening up a four-point gap at the top with an equaliser from Alfie Slough on 80 minutes.

The game was then turned on its head by a slightly soft penalty awarded to the Fishermen, Charlie Johansen held his nerve to seal the comeback victory. As it stands, Buckland are seven points behind Brixham but have three games in hand.

Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police extended their impressive unbeaten run in the South-West Peninsula League with a determined 2-0 victory at Honiton Town. Saul Vanes broke the deadlock with a stunning strike and Cole Harford’s near-post finish sealed the points midway through the second half.

Newton Abbot Spurs, who visit Stoke on Tuesday night, swept past Torridgeside with a 3-1 victory. After an own goal had set Newton on their way, Owen Green and Tom Lobb both notched to keep Spurs nicely positioned in fourth, two places above Stoke.

Picture from Dave Roach