Buchan treble as Bideford bid farewell to a legend

A fabulous hat-trick from Matt Buchan lifted Bideford into the play-off positions in the Southern League Division One South, leapfrogging Devon rivals Willand Rovers.

Bishops Cleeve were the visitors to a frosty Sports Ground on Saturday and Buchan took just seven minutes to warm the home faithful, smashing home the rebound after an initial strike by Ryan Turner had cannoned into the post.

A brilliant save from Adam Seedhouse Evans prolonged the lead for Bideford on 27 minutes but there was nothing he could do about the eventual Cleeve equaliser, Toby Holland levelling matters at half-time.

Bideford, however, dealt with that minor disappointment and, after creating so many chances in the opening 45 minutes, Buchan was again the man to show a clinical edge immediately after the restart, slotting home from a goalmouth scramble.

The crucial third goal arrived midway through the second period and Buchan was on target to complete his treble. Chances continued to flow at both ends of the pitch, with the Bishops more than playing their part in a super game but it was the Robins who added gloss to their win with a late goal from Lewis Hill.

Bideford AFC have said farewell to club stalwart and Assistant Player/Manager Ben Wood, who has made the move to Sherborne Town to prolong his playing career.

Across 15 glorious years at the Sports Ground, Wood made 381 appearances for the Robins and scored 38 goals. He was part of the team to win the Western League, Southern League Division One South and two Devon St Luke’s Bowls.

Manager Sean Joyce told the club website: “Woody has been a brilliant servant to the club over the years and has been a great help to me more recently as Assistant Manager. I’ve been looking at transitioning more into a younger side, so it’s meant less game time for Woody, and I understand his desire to keep playing and why he’s made this decision. He’s been a big part of this club since he first joined in 2008 and he’ll always be welcome here at the Sports Ground.”