A DRAW and a win over the past week have extended Buckland Athletic’s unbeaten start in the Western League to four games.

The 0-0 stalemate away at Shepton Mallet on Saturday was a good point earned as far as manager Paul Froude was concerned, in what hasn’t historically been a happy hunting ground for his team.

The Bucks knocked fairly hard on the door of another side who are yet to be beaten in the league – with both Ryan Bush and Rich Groves forcing good saves. The latter also struck the woodwork.

Ben Carter was sent off for the visitors in the second half after picking up two bookings.

And despite ultimately being unable to break the deadlock, Froude was still satisfied with the job his side did.

‘We were really good,’ said Froude. ‘For the first hour or so there was no doubt we were the much better team.

‘We had a fair few half-chances and then Carts [Ben Carter] was sent off and we had to sit back a little bit more.

‘In my opinion the first yellow wasn’t even a foul, but we can’t really have any complaints about the second one.

‘Luckily he was set to be away this weekend anyway, so his suspension won’t hurt as much as it otherwise might have.

‘The attitude from our lads was first class. Shepton Mallet will be up there in that top four and historically it hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for us.’

After a couple of players were missing on Saturday, Buckland will be without the services of Cieran Bridger, Owen Stockton and Rob Farkins this weekend because of a wedding. As far as Froude is concerned, that’s just one of those things.

He explained: ‘Charlie Johansen was isolating and Josh Webber was away, so I thought we really missed the pace and quality they both bring.

‘That said, Tor Swann came on for his debut and looked sharp. He was direct, took people on and basically showed us what we all knew.

‘It’s just one of those things. When you have a close knit group who are all friends there are going to be times when groups are unavailable. That’s why squad depth is so important.’

The unbeaten start was extended further on Tuesday night when winless Bridport were beaten 4-0 at Homers Heath.

Groves’ penalty on half an hour put the Bucks in front after Nathan Cooper was felled in the box. Cooper himself got the second goal after the break before Johansen and Frazer Clark rounded off the scoring.

Tomorrow [Saturday], Buckland are set to welcome Keynsham Town to Homers Heath (3pm).