Bush brace earns Buckland a big point

Just a week after being dumped out of the FA Vase by Clevedon Town, Buckland Athletic welcomed the same opponent for a top-of-the-table clash in the Western League.

The Bucks started with a point to prove, deservedly grabbing the lead when a delicious cross from Sammy Stayt was nodded over the line by in-form striker Ryan Bush, who didn’t wait long to add his second in front of 170 supporters at Homers Heath.

The lead was doubled via a Sam Morcom free-kick on the half-hour, with the ball bouncing around the box before Bush prodded it into a waiting net. Clevedon, however, have only been beaten once in the league this term, and they responded with a goal back before half-time.

The second period was a proper winter battle. Adam Seedhouse-Evans produced a superb save to preserve the Bukland lead ten minutes from but home hearts were broken when Clevedon levelled in the closing moments.

The result leaves Buckland nine points behind leaders Brixham but with three games in hand. The Fishermen, meanwhile, comfortably despatched lowly Welton Rovers, despite a sluggish first-half display.

A goal from Jaden Maslen had Brixham level at 1-1 at the break but they then turned the screw, adding strikes from Callum Thomas, George Dandridge, Charlie Johansen, Alfie Slough and an own goal to run out 6-1 winners.

Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police made it seven wins in a row and 11 unbeaten with an efficient 5-1 victory over struggling Middlezoy Rovers at in the Peninsula League.

Cole Harford opened the scoring with an accomplished finish from a Fin Herbert pass before Josh Haynes executed a delightful lob to double the lead. Middlezoy pulled a goal back before the break but Stoke raced to the win with further goals from Saul Vanes, Jordan Thomas and Harford again.