Fixtures out for Bideford AFC

The fixtures are out for the Southern League Division One South and the Robins of Bideford will start with a trip to Malvern Town on Saturday, August 12.

The first game at the Sports Ground will be a midweek visit from Bristol Manor Farm on August 15. Bideford have a Devon derby trip to Exmouth Town on the August Bank Holiday Monday.

The next Devon clash will see Willand Rovers travel to Bideford on November 4 and the Robins are on the road to Tavistock on Boxing Day. New Year’s Day will be celebrated at the Sports Ground with a visit from Exmouth. Bideford are scheduled to finish their campaign at home to Bemerton Heath Harlequins on April 27.

Bideford went down to a 3-1 defeat against Welsh side Pontypridd United on the weekend but did enjoy an impressive 5-0 friendly win over Helston Athletic last week.

Jack Winsor opened the scoring after a slick move and Josh Coles doubled the lead with a fabulous individual effort on the half-hour. Winsor cut inside from the left to fire in his second before half-time and completed the victory with further goals from Ben Wood and Craig Duff.

Barnstaple Town are in the recruitment business, as they seek a qualified physio to work with players across the whole squad and to support the first team, home and away. Interested parties should contact btfcsecretary@btinternet.com

On the pitch, Barum enjoyed an entertaining 5-3 victory at Crediton United in a pre-season friendly packed with great goals. Barnstaple also defeated Cullompton Rangers 3-1.

Goals from Dan Wilson, Harry Stevens, Tyler Evans-Loude helped Ilfracombe Town to a 5-2 pre-season success over Cheddar, and a great start for Wilson, who recently signed from Torrington.

Ilfracombe manager Clem Bennellick said: “We are excited to have Dan on board this season. He’s had a good pre-season so far and really impressed in our friendly (a 3-1 win over Holsworthy).

“He is comfortable out wide and at full-back, so he gives us really good competition in a variety of areas.”

Torrington FC are another local side who have been busy in the transfer market, as they welcome Alli Ward and Jamie Mirow to Vicarage Field.

The club said: “Mirow is the latest quality signing. He’s got bundles of energy, up and down the right. Even at his young age, he brings with him great experience and he’s an exciting full-back.

“Alli has been very exciting to watch so far. He’s quick, sharp and has that ‘love to win’ attitude, which will be crucial to winning games in this tough league.”

Torrington begin their South-West Peninsula League campaign with a tough trip to Teignmouth on August 5.