Goals either side of the interval proved crucial as the Stags resisted the Guils’ late pressure to claim victory.

However Barton remained upbeat and insisted the Guils would prove competitive this season.

“The result was a firm second to the performance and the lads on show underlined their commitment to Guilsfield Football Club,” he said. “It has been a difficult summer but I can assure you there are a lot of things to look forward to at Guilsfield.

“The club has a lot of detractors right now but this performance should have gone some way to silencing them and there is more to come.”

Much of the first-half was contained to midfield with both sides struggling to find their early season edge.

However Buckley broke the deadlock five minutes into first-half injury-time with Mark Roberts netting.

Guilsfield found themselves further adrift within a minute of the second-half with Alan Dawson netting following a long throw.

Far from capitulating the villagers went on to dominate the rest of the rainswept game to the delight of the returning Barton.

With 12 minutes remaining former Llanfyllin Town midfielder Dylan Ellis scrambled home from close range to offer hope of a comeback.

The introduction of summer signings Ian Kynaston and Gareth Jones immediately put Buckley under greater pressure as the hosts went in search of an equaliser.

Jones blasted over while fellow new signing Tom Reynolds was frustrated after failing to control a bobbling pass while clean through.

Guilsfield saw late penalty claims ignored as Buckley grimly held on to claim the opening day spoils.

GUILSFIELD: Andrew, Parkes, Roberts, McGill, Stephens, Ellis, White, Edwards, G Jones, S Jones, Reynolds. Subs: G Jones, Kynas-ton, Austin, Barton, Blakemore