Sweet revenge for the Robins

Bideford recovered from conceding an early goal to inflict a satisfying defeat over Wimborne Town on Saturday, just a fortnight after losing the reverse fixture in Dorset.

Wimborne, like the Robins, have made a fine start to the season and could have leapfrogged Willand Rovers at the top of the Southern League Division One South table with a victory.

It was looking like a realistic ambition in the early stages, as Wimborne snatched the lead on four minutes, Jez Bedford heading into the home net after a fine cross from Oakley Hanger. Bedford almost doubled the lead for Wimborne on 17 minutes, as the Robins struggled to get going.

A delicious volley from Gabriel Rogers, which forced a top save from the Wimborne stopper, awoke Bideford from their slumber, although Adam Seedhouse Evans was required to make an equally smart stop at the other end.

Gradually, however, the Robins were growing in belief and they levelled matters at the perfect time, just seconds before the interval. Mattie Buchan was hauled down in the box and, although his spot-kick was saved, Buchan was alert enough to convert the rebound.

Substitute Ryan Turner headed narrowly wide after the restart but his next attempt was perfectly on target. Sam Roberts was the creative force for the goal, whipping over a wonderful cross from the left and Turner volleyed into the net with a calm assurance.

Bideford kept up the pressure in search of a third goal and thought they had it when Rogers delivered a pinpoint cross for Buchan but credit to the Wimborne ‘keeper for making a point blank save from the powerful header.

It was, however, a reprieve for the visitors and Buchan got the goal again, just three minutes from time, when his downward header from another delightful Rogers’ cross was enough to seal the points.

Bideford: Seedhouse Evans, Heeney, Taylor, Madden (Turner 53), Byrne, Wright, Rogers, Winsor, Roberts, Reay, Buchan. Subs not used: Bye, Down, Wood, Duff.