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BIDEFORD were just not firing on all cylinders at Hitchin on Saturday and were beaten 1-0.

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It was a disappointing result, especially after their run of good results against higher-placed opposition.

But two games a week for nearly a month and a string of long journeys have taken their toll and several of the Robins had a jaded look.

There were few chances for either side, with the only goal coming after 52 minutes when what looked to be a cross rather than a shot at goal rebounded in off the post.

Until then the Robins had had the best opportunities. With Matt Hockley and Sean Downing both denied by the home keeper and Kevin squire also missing a chance after a cross from Downing.

After Hitchin took the lead in this scrappy encounter they could well have added another, but for a good save from alert keeper Tim Sandercombe.

Defender Rob Farkins and Nick Barker at left back were the pick of the Bideford players and it was Farkins who almost salvaged a point with a powerful late strike just knocked away by the home keeper.

With James Richards gone overseas and Richard Groves nursing injury, new loanees from Torquay Carl Baker and Saul Halpin were both given a run-out, Baker starting the match and Halpin replacing him in the second half.

The defeat was followed by more bad news for the Robins when they found someone had stolen cash and mobile phones from the changing rooms.

Midweek the Robins progressed in the Devon St Luke’s Bowl with a 2-1 win over Plymouth Parkway.

The Plymouth side came out like a whirlwind and took a 1-0 lead which they held until half-time. But the storm was calmed after the break as Bideford took control with goals by sean downing and Ellis Laight.

They will now travel to meet Torquay United in the next round next Tuesday.

Meanwhile Bideford look forward to a home match against Bashley this Saturday. On Easter Monday they renew old rivalry with Frome Town. They first met the Somerset side in 1950 and since then have played them 95 times in different competitions, winning 47, drawing 27 and losing 28.