BUCKLAND Athletic held Torquay United to a goalless draw in a pre-season friendly on the evening of Friday July 12, in front of 1,781 supporters.

The Gulls visited Buckland at the VX3 Stadium to get the Paul Wotton era underway and neither side were able to find the back of the net. Wotton is a beloved figure at Plymouth Argyle having played over 400 times in green and white and then going on to coach there- now this is his second managerial role following five years with Truro City.

It goes without saying that pre-season fixtures are much more about building fitness and trialling players and tactics than they are winning.

Speaking to the club’s media after the final whistle, Buckland head coach Dan Hart had this to say on the outing: “I don’t think you can put out defensive displays like that, even in pre-season, together if you’re not a group and I’m really impressed with the new lads that have come in.”

Buckland’s U11s were mascots on the day and the club’s youth also had a message of support to give to the England men’s national team because apparently, they’re playing a game of some importance today.

Gareth Southgate sent on Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer late on in the semi-final clash with the Netherlands and the pair combined for that last-gasp winner.

Chelsea’s Palmer played the through ball and then Newton Abbot schoolboy Watkins, formerly of Buckland Athletic, picked out the bottom corner with great aplomb.

The club, the town, the county and of course the whole country will be roaring on the Three Lions when they cross paths with Spain and any involvement from Watkins would be an added bonus for those with ties to Devon.

Can Southgate’s side replicate the achievement of their female counterparts from two years ago and bring football home once again?