St Blazey showed some character and spirit in a second half which brought them two goals – unfortunately they were already four goals adrift after a one-way first half at Homers Heath.

And Blazey boss Mark Carter said: “Not much I can say about yesterday – it was a tough one.

“We were second best in the first half and didn’t defend well enough. Credit to Buckland; they were sharp and showed their quality.

“At half-time, after some stern words, I asked for a reaction – just a bit of pride and a stronger performance – and to be fair to the lads, they responded. The second half was much improved.

“Now, all focus turns to this Wednesday (September 10) against Ivybridge. We need a big reaction.”

The Green and Blacks made a disastrous start to their trip to South Devon when they conceded twice in the opening eight minutes to leave themselves with a mountain to climb against a strong home team.

Ryan Bush (four minutes) and Ruben Kane were on target and Bush struck again in the 31st minute to make it 3-0 before former Saltash striker Sean Thomson rounded off a great 45 minutes for Buckland with a fourth goal in time added on.

After a dressing room dressing down at half-time, St Blazey looked more compact and organised in the second half and Teigan Rosenquest reduced the arrears in the 58th minute with his third goal of the season.

Four minutes from time Noah Maund pulled another goal back to give the scoreline some respectability.

ST BLAZEY: Kyle Moore, Noah Maund, Tom Hensman, Charlie Hambly (capt), Brad Rowe, Jordan Bentley, Rio Daly, Sam Clifton, Callum McGhee, Tyler Elliott, Teigan Rosenquest. Subs: Mac Dewsnap (gk), Isaac Rider, Will Tinsley, Charlie Menear.