A LATE winner from Ben Carter sparked wild celebrations at Homers Heath as Buckland Athletic booked their spot in the FA Vase last 16 earlier today [Saturday].

The Bucks led 1-0 at half-time against Egham Town after Carter put away a 10th-minute penalty, and perhaps should’ve been further in front had Charlie Johansen not missed a couple of great chances.

Brenden Matthew equalised from the spot just after the hour after Frazer Clark was penalised for a handball, but man of the match Carter popped up with six minutes left to lash a loose ball into the bottom left-hand corner from 25 yards.

An injury time brawl between the dugouts saw Johansen sent off for Paul Froude’s side, while Egham winger Trevan Robinson was also sent for a slightly early bath.

It’s just the second time in Buckland’s history that they’ve reached the last 16. They will find out on Monday who they will face for a spot in the quarter-finals.

At full-time, Buckland boss Froude couldn’t hide his delight – while also admitting that his side still had more to give.

‘I’m elated,’ Froude revealed. ‘The lads are all buzzing, and it’s really satisfying to get over the line after the way the game went.

‘I think we could’ve played better – on the ball we weren’t as good as we usually are – but the lads’ spirit and character got us over the line today.

‘Egham were very good. You don’t really know what to expect, but they were very strong and physical.

‘They caused us a lot of problems but we didn’t expect anything different. What we heard was what we got and I’m just buzzing we’re into the next round.’

Elsewhere, manager Will Small earned his first win since returning to Bovey Tracey as the Moorlanders thrashed Honiton Town 5-1 in the Peninsula Premier East.

Lewis Perring bagged a hat-trick while there were individual efforts from Sam Chorley and Finn Roberts. The hosts finished the game with nine men.

Newton Abbot Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw by Crediton United.

For extended reports and pictures from Buckland, Bovey, Spurs and across the Devon Football League, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Mid-Devon Advertiser, Teignmouth Post or Dawlish Gazette.