Shepton Mallet were left to rue missed chances and cruel luck as their fading play-off hopes all but disappeared after a 1-0 home defeat to Buckland Athletic.

It was a bitter blow for Aaron Seviour's side, who dominated for long spells but somehow ended up on the wrong side of the scoreline — as Buckland kept their own promotion push alive with the ultimate smash-and-grab.

In truth, Shepton couldn't have done much more. They hit the post, saw efforts cleared off the line, and peppered the Buckland goal — but a second-half header from Jared Lewington, against the run of play, proved decisive.

The game started brightly for the hosts, with Charlie Walton and Jake Sloggett both going close early on. But the moment that summed up Shepton's afternoon came after 20 minutes, when Aaron Seviour — after skinning two defenders — crashed a stunning 25-yard strike off the inside of the post, the ball agonisingly bouncing across the goal-line before being scrambled away.

More chances followed — Sloggett denied on the line, Walton testing the keeper, and Will Banks heading just wide — but Buckland rode their luck.

Then came the sucker punch.

With 20 minutes left, Buckland's Ben Fowles swung in a cross and Lewington was left completely unmarked to head home from six yards — their first real opportunity of the half.

After that, the visitors slowed the game down, broke up play, and saw the clock out — frustrating Shepton's hopes of a comeback.

Despite late pressure, with Bateson and substitute Matt Morris both going close, Shepton couldn't find the equaliser their performance deserved.

Match sponsors Pat Baker and Graham Freestone named Kieran Bailey as their Man of the Match in front of a crowd of 184 at The Playing Fields.

Manager Aaron Seviour remained philosophical afterwards, saying: "I take huge positives out of this season — after every challenge we've faced this year we have still been in contention in April, that's credit to this group we've built. With a bit more consistency and maturity we will be right in the mix next season. I've learnt more this year about us from our failures than I ever did with our success last season. Enjoy the last few games — and trust the process."

Shepton now have three games left to finish their campaign — away at Nailsea & Tickenham on Saturday 12 April, a final home game against Welton Rovers on Friday 18 April, and a trip to Brislington on Monday 21 April.

Meanwhile, Shepton Mallet Reserves are flying high — moving top of the Mid Somerset League Premier Division after a 6-1 demolition of local rivals Chilcompton.

Manager Dean Loxton's side remain unbeaten in the league this season and are favourites to lift the title for the third year in a row — a remarkable achievement for a team still chasing success in multiple cup competitions.

Support at home is always welcome — and with both Shepton sides fighting hard, there's still plenty to play for.