Brixham win battle with the Bucks

Brixham emerged victorious from a tight and tense South Devon showdown with Buckland Athletic in the Jewson Western League.

The Fishermen have already confirmed their play-off position at the end of the season, so the pressure was definitely on Buckland to deliver a result that cements their place in the top five.

The visitors conjured a couple of early chances but Brixham were the side to break the deadlock, Fin Newell forcing the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble. The Fishermen also struck the bar in a frenetic first period.

Ryan Bush forced a decent save from home custodian Marco Radovanovic before the hour and that set the platform for Newell to notch a crucial second. Buckland responded with admirable determination, Teigan Rosenquest slotting a tidy near-post finish to set up a tense finale.

The Bucks laid siege on the Birxham goal for 20 minutes, Bush spurning the best chance for an equaliser, as the hosts held on for local bragging rights.

While Buckland remain in the top five, there are three chasing clubs within two points, which makes the Easter weekend absolutely pivotal. The Bucks host mid-table Wellington on Good Friday and then travel to struggling Ilfracombe on Bank Holiday Monday.

Congratulations to Sidmouth Town, who have won the South West Peninsula League East Division title, sealing the crown with a 5- victory over Newton Abbot Spurs. A rough end to the season continued for Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police, as they went down to a 3-1 defeat at Elburton Villa.