In miserable Winter conditions, Buckner's troops started well and forced their visitors onto the back foot.

Despite two short corners, Saxons couldn't find a way past a stubborn defence. And the visitors almost took the lead on 18 minutes when a quick break saw a shot rebound off the left post.

Saxons responded when Dom Whitaker leapt into the D and unleashed a fierce shot past the St Francis keeper on 23 minutes.

In the second half Saxons pushed to extend their lead but were hamstrung when Buckner was yellow carded on 50 minutes for retaliating after being deliberately tripped up. And St Francis were gifted an equaliser on 55 minutes when a defensive mix-up saw John Lowe run the ball past stranded keeper Derek Pharaoh into the goal.

Buckner said: "We deserved to win but lost our way in the second half when the red mist came down.
"The team rallied and showed desire and passion in very difficult conditions."
Report by Sol Buckner