buckley then moved into non-league football. he had an unsuccessful trial with ilkeston town, which was followed by a short spell with brigg town. he then joined harrowby united in march 2004. in october 2005, he signed for stamford, linking up with his former harrowby boss graham drury. in february 2006, buckley joined spalding united on loan, debuting in the defeat to kidsgrove athletic on 19 february 2006; the move became permanent in april 2006.