Bush and Buckland prevail in Western League showdown

It had all the ingredients for a Western League classic at Homers Heath, and both Buckland and Brixham AFC demonstrated why they are leading contenders in the division.

The Fishermen made the short trip after suffering their suffering their first loss since August, 3-2 at Paulton Rovers, and Buckland enjoyed the ideal start when in-form Ryan Bush calmly converted a penalty midway through the first period.

The challenge doubled for Brixham on the half-hour, when Teigan Rosenquest pounced on a loose pass to release Bush for another calm finish, lobbing the advancing custodian for a quickfire brace.

However, the complexion changed dramatically when Reece Shanley was shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time. Brixham had their lifeline and they set about peppering the home defence throughout the second period.

The pressure became relentless in the closing stages but huge credit to the organisation and discipline of the Buckland players, who held firm to secure an impressive 2-0 victory.

The result means Brixham have been overtaken by Clevedon Town at the top, while the Bucks are just four points off the summit and they have games in hand on both the leading duo.