Brixham scrap to crucial Western League win

After a sensational first half to the Western League season, a tricky winter spell has seen Brixham fall ten points behind leaders Clevedon Town but a dramatic 2-1 win over Oldland Abbotonians on Saturday has kept the title hopes alive.

The Fishermen made a bright start at Wall Park, grabbing an early lead with an own goal, but were pegged back by the Abbots before half-time. Two red cards added to the drama and there was still time, just, for a thrilling winner from Sean Adderley, scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time…a theme repeated in South Devon football!

While Clevedon continued their dominant form with a 3-0 triumph at Brislington, a shock 4-0 defeat for Barnstaple at lowly Torpoint allowed Brixham to jump into third position ahead of a trip to second-placed Portishead this weekend.

Buckland Athletic are sixth in the table after an ill-tempered 0-0 draw at Ivybridge Town. Chances were limited in a dour first half and the big opportunity to pinch victory came to Ben Fowles on 70 minutes, but he was thwarted by a fine save.

Fowles then saw red for two bookable offences and the Bucks played the closing minutes with nine men after Jared Lewington was sent to the sin bin. Buckland host Torpoint this weekend.

One final Western League word of congratulations to Welton Rovers, who finally got off the mark with a 7-4 win over St Blazey. After 27 straight defeats and a goal difference of minus 132, congratulations to Welton for a special result.

Back to the eighth minute of stoppage time, and Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police deservedly bagged a dramatic 1-1 draw at home to Crediton United in the South West Peninsula League, Josh Haynes slotting the equaliser after a second half of relentless pressure from the Bees.