D-day for Town

BARNSTAPLE Town have two games this week to save their status in the Western League Premier Division and shed some light on what has been a long gloomy season at Mill Road. Taunton Town s last-minute reprieve in the Southern League might still prove pivo

BARNSTAPLE Town have two games this week to save their status in the Western League Premier Division and shed some light on what has been a long gloomy season at Mill Road.Taunton Town's last-minute reprieve in the Southern League might still prove pivotal when Western League officials meet to decide how many sides will go up and down between the two divisions; but wins in Barum's last two remaining fixtures should be enough to ensure the club's Premier Division survival.First up is a trip to fellow strugglers Corsham on Saturday, followed by a final game at home to league-leaders Bitton on Tuesday night.When manager Owen Pickard replaced Pete Buckingham at the club back in November last year, Town were rooted to the bottom with just six points from 13 games. It's not been an easy ride, but the new boss has helped to galvanise a side that was desperately short on confidence. Jon Bradford's deflected 68th minute drive gave Barum a vital 1-0 win against Hallen on Saturday, a victory that lifted them out of the bottom two on 33 points - a point ahead, with a game in hand over rivals Chard Town.And after Ilfracombe celebrated their survival with a thumping last-minute 2-1 win against Brislington on Saturday, Barnstaple will be hoping their North Devon rivals will do them a favour by beating Chard in their last game on Saturday.'Combe's Lee Francis gave the Bluebirds a first half lead before the mid-table visitors hit back with the wind at their backs with 15 minutes to go. But a late, late long range Karl Madge effort gave Town the points that keep them out of the drop zone.Ilfracombe play their final home fixture against Street tomorrow (Thursday) evening before wrapping up this season's campaign at Chard on Saturday.