Brixham bump back to earth in difficult Southern League debut

The long wait for a first ever game at Southern League level finally came to an end for Brixham on Saturday but it turned out to be ruthless baptism.

Welcoming a strong Shaftesbury side to Wall Park, the Fishermen fell behind on nine minutes and the first half soon became a brutal examination, as the visitors rattled in more goals to lead 4-0 at the break.

Brixham improved in the second period, although they did concede a fifth before Charlie Johansen notched a late consolation. A tough start for the Fishermen, who follow up a midweek trip to Mousehole with a home game against Larkhall Athletic on Saturday.

It has been a perfect start to the Western League campaign for Buckland Athletic, as they made it three wins from three with a 1-0 triumph at home to Wellington.

The winning goal arrived just two minutes into the second half, when a clever corner routine was finished off by Ryan Bush. The Bucks had to withstand some hefty late pressure but held on for three more valuable points.

Next up is a trip to Southern League Exmouth Town in the Emirates FA Cup.