BUCKLAND Athletic slipped outside of the Western League playoff positions as a result of their defeat to Paulton Rovers.

On Saturday, February 21, the Bucks made the trip into Bristol and returned home to Newton Abbot empty-handed.

Sam Hill scored the only goal of the game after just seven minutes at The Winterfield Stadium and Paulton had a handful chances to extend their advantage.

The Yellows on the other hand were unable to make a dent and have now surrendered their spot in the top five, being replaced by Barnstaple Town.

Paulton on the other hand have remained in third and, in the process, strengthened their place in playoff positions.

There was one huge positive for Matt Cusack’s this weekend though with Sammy Stayt making a long-awaited return to action after injury.

Stayt was carried off during a pre-season fixture against Plymouth Parkway in July and hasn’t been since so it was big boost for all involved with the club to see him play again.

Four other games were also fulfilled in the Western League, one of which saw the aforementioned Barnstaple winning by two goals to nil at Bradford Town. Ryan Keates scored in the first half and then Gabriel Rogers doubled the visitors’ lead late on to seal the deal.

Elsewhere, a Luke Wilkinson strike made the difference for Shepton Mallet at Bridgwater United, Clevedon Town returned to the top of the table with a 4-0 win over playoff hopefuls Saltash United and Street FC put five unanswered goals past Helston Athletic.

Buckland’s Devon foes Ivybridge Town were scheduled to host St. Blazey, now led by former Bucks manager Dan Hart, only for the weather to rain on their parade.

Next up, on Saturday, February 28, Buckland Athletic return home to welcome ninth-placed Bridgwater to The VX3 Stadium.