Fishermen slip back in the Western League

It was a frustrating trip north for Brixham AFC in the Jewson Western League, as the Fishermen slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Nailsea & Twickenham.

The home side enjoyed an ideal start, grabbing the lead on seven minutes with a sweeping move that culminated in Charlie Saunders bundling past Brixham custodian James Weeks before gleefully slipping the ball into an empty net.

Brixham toiled hard all afternoon but were unable to find their normal attacking rhythm and a second on the hour from Luke Osgood confirmed defeat. The Fishermen are now five points behind leaders Portishead Town and a face a tough home game against fourth-placed Clevedon Town this weekend.

Buckland Athletic, who travel to Nailsea on Saturday, remain in contention, 11 points behind the leaders but with a game in hand, following a determined 2-1 victory at home to Ivybridge Town.

The Bucks were another side to make a powerful start, breaking the deadlock on nine minutes when Jared Lewington released strike-partner Ryan Bush, who calmly rounded the Ivybridge ‘keeper to slot an accomplished finish.

Bush was denied a second by a fine save before Ivybridge, making a decent showing in their first season at this level, drew level on the half-hour with a clever headed finish.

Lewington was thwarted by more goalkeeping heroics to end an entertaining first period but he would not be denied with 17 minutes remaining on a soggy afternoon. A super low cross from Ben Fowles presented Lewington with the perfect opportunity to convert the winner from close range.

It was a free weekend for Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police, who return to action with a visit from Torridgeside on Saturday. Leaders Sidmouth Town took the chance to widen the gap at the top to six points with a 2-0 victory at Crediton United.