BUCKLAND Athletic came from behind on Saturday, July 26 to claim three points on the first day of the new Western League season.

Newquay AFC, playing their first ever game at step five level, opened the scoring through Jack Bray-Evans despite Buckland enjoying a strong start on home soil.

Yellows boss Matt Cusack was “absolutely delighted” to then see his side regain the initiative after the break, scoring thrice at Homers Heath to kickstart his tenure with a victory.

“The key thing for us was that we didn’t panic”, said Cusack. He continued, “Our boys are very fit so we can play at those high intensities for long periods of time and by doing that, you ask questions of the opposition. I felt, come the end, we got three, it could have been more and we were worthy of the win.”

It took a controversial penalty to get the home side on the board, fullback Rafael Beadman driving towards the area before he was scythed down. The Newquay players were convinced that the contact took place outside of the box and they may have had a case, but the forthright referee pointed to the spot all the same.

Jared Lewington made no mistake from 12 yards out and this served as a further catalyst to the infectious energy on display from Buckland.

Strong defending from the Cornish side throughout reduced their hosts to efforts from range and after many were blocked or off target, Sean Thomson was the one to finally find the back of the net.

The former Ivybridge Town midfielder opened his account for the season on his competitive debut for the club, joking that it “Must have been 45 yards [out] at least.”

On his goal and the win, Thomson commented: “The keeper has probably done me a favour as it has bounced right in front of him but I’ll take it. Really happy with it [the goal], great three points for the team and we start as we mean to go on.”

Buckland continued to take control of the fixture in front of their own supporters and the clincher came late on, courtesy of the two wingers.

Phil Mendonca on the left and Luke Forward on the right were prominent outlets, the former in particular causing his fullback a lot of discomfort. It was Mendonca, another summer arrival, who drove to the byline and squared the ball towards Forward whose eyes must have lit up at the ease of his goal.

Cusack, after the final whistle, highlighted the impact of Mendonca as well, the youngster earning the man of the match prize.

“We felt that only one player, Phil, won his duel in the first half. Others maybe tied their duels but some were losing them and so we reminded them of that at half-time and they responded well.

“Also, I want to give a shoutout to the boys that came from the bench, we are a squad, we’re not an 11 and they came on and impacted the game well and made sure that we could get the three points.”

The only negative on an otherwise positive beginning to Cusack’s tenure was the unfortunate update on Sammy Stayt’s injury, who had to be carried off a few days prior in Buckland’s final pre-season outing.

“It’s bad news, as was first feared. He’s had an X-ray and he’s fractured part of his tibia, we’re now awaiting an MRI scan on his knee to see if there is any ligament damage.

“It gives someone else an opportunity but of course, first and foremost, we wish Sam really well and look forward to seeing him as soon as possible.”

Buckland have a quick turnaround now as they travel to Barnstaple Town on Tuesday, July 29 before getting August underway with a visit to St. Blazey in the FA Cup on Saturday, 2.