AN inspired display by Josh Webber was the catalyst behind Buckland Athletic’s 6-0 Western League win over Bitton this afternoon.

The winger didn’t find the net himself but was a constant threat as the Bucks accelerated away to a convincing victory in their final home game of the season.

Half of the hosts’ goals were scored by substitutes – namely JJ Evans (2) and Luis Edmondson – with Rich Groves, Ryan Bush and Cieran Bridger getting the others.

Nick Milton’s men made their intentions clear as early as the sixth minute when Bridger rattled the underside of the crossbar with a curling effort from a corner.

And visiting stopper Matt Dunk was picking the ball out of the net two minutes later when Webber did well to keep the ball in down the left-hand side. His delivery found Groves, who danced into the area and picked out the far corner.

Despite having lost each of their previous seven games, Bitton did carry a brief goal threat of their own.

David Dunn got in behind but could only fire straight at Andy Collings – the Bucks stopper again on hand to deny Jordan Williams on the rebound.

Three minutes after half-time Buckland doubled their lead and Webber was involved again. Bridger, who also impressed in the middle of the park, flicked the ball on in midfield for the wide man to put it on a plate for Evans – who had entered the fray midway through the first half for the stricken Groves.

Five minutes later and the Bucks had a third after Bridger and Webber linked up once more, this time with centre-forward Bush being in the right place at the right time to nudge home.

Goals four and five came four minutes apart as the game entered the final quarter. First Evans fired home after Bridger had a shot saved, then Edmondson – a half-time change in place of Nick Milton Jnr – rifled in after Frazer Clark had headed against the bar.

The cherry on top came two minutes from the end when Bridger was given far too much space and time before placing a shot in at the near post.

After the game, Buckland interim manager Milton said he was happy with what he saw from his side on the pitch.

‘I’m really pleased because there was only two days’ rest after the previous game, which will have taken a lot out of the lads,’ said Milton.

‘But to come in today and play with the intensity we did, especially in the middle of the park, I was really pleased.

‘It’s always what I say to them [the substitutes] – you have the chance to come on and make an impact. They very much did today.’

The win rounds off a run of three straight home games for the Bucks, which has seen them go unbeaten and take seven points out of a possible nine.

‘I look back on that with immense pride,’ Milton added. ‘Between myself and [reserve team manager] Craig Hutcheson, who has come in, we’ve taken the opportunity.

‘We wanted to stabilize this team and we couldn’t ask for more, really. We’re playing good, exciting football, scoring goals and keeping clean sheets against really good sides.’