Robins racing for the title

It is official: Bideford AFC are serious title contenders in Division One South of the Southern League.

The Robins entered a bruising double header against Mousehole this week with a six-match winning streak to protect after a dramatic late victory at Bristol Manor Farm.

The three points moved Bideford into third position and just four points behind leaders Wimborne Town, with Cribbs sandwiched in the middle.

The latest victory came at a cost, however, as they lost influential forward Mattie Buchan to a straight red card on the hour, which will lead to an inevitable suspension, but there is a readymade replacement already staking a claim.

Josh Webber recently swapped Willand white for Robins red and his last-minute winner at Bristol Manor Farm has made him an instant hero with the Bideford faithful.

The late drama was a distant hope when Bideford fell behind to a goal from Owen Brain inside six minutes, as he waltzed through a gaping hole in the visiting defence to prod a finish beyond an exposed Adam Seedhouse Evans.

The Bideford custodian then produced an excellent save to limit the damage and the Robins were on level terms after 25 minutes. After a quick game of pinball in the Manor Farm defence, Ryan Turner was fouled and Buchan calmly slotted the penalty.

Jordan Ewing rattled the post with a superb strike before the second goal arrived for Bideford, and it was a special one as well. Finn Roberts lined up a free-kick 25 yards from goal and curled a sumptuous effort into the top corner for a half-time lead.

Manor Farm responded in positive fashion after the break and restored parity with a second goal for Brain. The mountain became a lot steeper when Buchan was dismissed following an exchange with the assistant referee.

The Robins had to withstand a home barrage, Seedhouse Evans was inspired between the sticks while the defenders in front of him put their bodies on the line.

In the circumstances, a draw was a good result but Webber wanted more, and he delivered a fabulous winner in the final minute, volleying a fine strike into the bottom corner. Bideford survived the late onslaught from Manor Farm to confirm a brilliant three points on the road.