BUCKLAND Athletic snatched a draw out of the jaws of defeat when they visited Saltash United on Saturday, December 20.

The Yellows won the reverse fixture against Saltash 3-0 in mid-October with Ryan Bush scoring twice that day and the now-departed Sean Thomson also finding the net.

Matt Cusack’s side went in search of a double over the Cornish outfit, who themselves are also in Western League playoff picture.

It looked certain that Saltash were going to exact their revenge though, Reece Thomson giving them the lead just before the break and then his brother Deacon doubling their advantage.

2-0 remained the score heading into the final five minutes at Kimberley Stadium until an own goal halved the deficit. Substitute Jamie Simmonds then saw his cross drift in in added time to secure a big point for the Bucks.

Buckland might be winless in five and they might remain three points behind Saltash, who sit in the final playoff spot currently, but the spirit shown on the weekend was “tremendous” in the words of Cusack.

Elsewhere in the Western League, there were wins for leaders Clevedon Town and third-placed Torpoint Athletic, beating St. Blazey and Shepton Mallet respectively. Also, Brislington and Wellington shared the spoils, Newquay AFC tasted victory against Bridgwater United and Street FC put five past Oldland Abbotonians.

Buckland now have a derby game to look forward to as they welcome Ivybridge Town to The VX3 Stadium for a Boxing Day showdown.