ATTACKING THREAT: Sarah Louise Stacey added an extra attacking edge after the break but it was skipper Courtney Butt (right) who struck the decisive blow for Bucks. Photograph by Dave Roach

It may not have been one for the football purists but Buckland Athletic showed grit and determination to come through Sunday’s battling encounter with Brislington with all three points.

Neither side created much in the way of chances in the first half but the visitors took one of theirs, Paige Sawyer turning and hitting a fierce shot from the right across Abbi Bond’s goal and into the left corner. Buckland’s best chance came from a Taylor Beales cross which was hit wide by Laura Gough.

The game opened up a little more in the second half but was still dominated by aerial balls and strong tackles. Abbi Bond was forced into a couple of good saves but it was Buckland who scored the next goal, Alex Sheppard arriving at the back post three minutes into the second half to get the final touch on a cross. Sarah Louise Stacey had joined Gough up front after the break and it looked as if the pairing might pay off. However, an incident flared up between Gough and Brislington’s Chelsea Heal which left the referee with little option but to send both to the dressing room. With ten minutes remaining, captain Courtney Butt clinched the game, controlling the ball 25 yards from goal before returning it, with interest, into the top of the Brislington net.