Buckland Athletic kicked off their Toolstation Western League campaign in front of their home fans but it was fellow Devon side Willand Rovers who ended the afternoon celebrating after Brad Ausden scored the only goal of the game early in the second half.
A new look Bucks featured no fewer than five new signings including goalkeeper Josh Cowill and defender Dan Harrison who had recently arrived from Bideford. And the defences were on top for both sides in a first half of few chances which saw neither team able to break the other down.
Buckland came close to opening their goals account after the break when Harrison headed a Lewis Tasker free-kick against the Willand bar just before the hour mark. But Rovers’ response was quick and decisive, Ausden firing home from outside the area after a sweeping counter-attack to break the deadlock. That strike proved enough to deny new manager Craig Duff a home point.
Buckland will be looking for a better result in Tuesday’s evening clash away at Bridgwater before entertaining Hellenic League outfit Pewsey Vale in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Buckland: J.Cowill, J. Richards, T. Down, C. McPhee, D. Harrison, L. Head (c), N. Rudge, D. Griffiths, L. Afful, R. Groves, L. Tasker, L. Drew, M. Roberts, C. Johansen, R. Bush, C. Duff.
Willand: M. Searl, J. Searle, R. Guppy, A. Hill (c), G. Gould, R. Morrish, L. Moretimore, B. Worbey, B. Ausden, N. Heeney, L. Alden, B. Allen, J. Harper-Penman, R. Turner, D. Steele, R. Jee.