Big day for Buckland Athletic is a big success

All the pre-match noise at Buckland Athletic was about the Forever Yellow Day, as former players helped swell the crowd to 328 for a must-win game in the Jewson Western League.

As it stands, it appears the title and automatic promotion will be a straight scrap between Portishead Town and Clevedon Town, but the remaining play-off spots remain very much in the balance.

In that context, the likes of Brixham (3rd) and Buckland (4th) must keep winning, and a home game with mid-table Brislington was, on paper, the type of fixture where the Bucks could not afford any slip-ups.

Teigan Rosenquest took just six minutes to quell any concerns on a rare sunny day in South Devon, cutting inside from the right for a looping cross that sailed over the visiting custodian for a slightly fortuitous opener.

The lead was doubled on 15 minutes, Ben Carter winning the ball in midfield to release Ben Fowles, who calmly slotted the ball beyond Brislington’s advancing goalkeeper.

It turned out to be the end of the scoring, despite continued attacking from the Yellows. Fowles went close again and Ryan Bush shaved the bar with a super strike before half-time. After the break, Cieran Bridger warmed the hands of the ‘keeper before Adam Seedhouse-Evans preserved the home clean sheet with a top save.

Job done for Buckland, who next face the daunting trip to Portishead and a massive test of their promotion credentials.

The Fishermen of Brixham endured a stuttering start to 2025 but have since rediscovered the consistent form that took them to the top of the table before Christmas.

Paulton Rovers were the latest visitors to Wall Park and, after a tight first half, Brixham grabbed the lead with a goal from James Moxon immediately after the restart. Moxon sealed the 2-0 victory seven minutes from time and Brixham travel to Ivybridge on Wednesday night before a weekend visit from Street.

It was always going to be a long shot for Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police to topple leaders Sidmouth Town in the South West Peninsula League, with the Bees realistically needing to win their final eight games.

A trip to lowly Middlezoy Rovers was, unfortunately, a banana skin Stoke were unavailable to avoid, although the home side were clearly bolstered by some recruits from nearby Bridgwater Town.

Stoke fell behind in a first period edged by Middlezoy but came back fighting with a strong spell after the break. The hosts held firm, however, and extended their lead with a neat finish into the bottom corner. The day was summed up by Tom Dunlop being denied a goal back as the Middlezoy goalkeeper produced an amazing point-blank save.

Stoke must regroup for the home clash with Bridport on March 8.