Penalties end Appledore’s FA Cup dream

Appledore Women fell on the wrong side of the penalty shoot-out lottery to bow out of the FA Cup after a thrilling tie with St Agnes Ladies.

Goals from Laylah Windsor (2) and Chelsea Cadle had earned Appledore a 3-3 draw in normal time but St Agnes prevailed 4-2 in the spot-kicks.

Ilfracombe Town will host Roman Glass in the first round proper of the FA Vase after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out win over Bovey Tracey at Marlborough Park.

New signing on loan from Willand Rovers, Tom Chastey, opened the scoring after just two minutes but the Bluebirds then found themselves 2-1 down heading into the closing stages. A strike from Ed Jenkins forced the spot-kicks, where the Combe held their nerve for victory.

It was not such good news for Bideford AFC, who exited the FA Trophy with a 2-0 defeat at Yate Town.

The Robins put up a brave fight against a side that has recorded eight wins from their first ten fixtures this season and Mike Searle was at his best between the sticks in the opening exchanges.

A header from Ryan Turner forced the home ‘keeper into a decent save but it continued to be a defensive shift for the Robins, who were finally breached midway through the second period and defeat was confirmed by a second Yate goal five minutes from time.

There was a rare defeat for Barnstaple Town in the Jewson Western League, going down to a 4-3 loss at home to league leaders Clevedon Town in another superb advert for North Devon football.

A penalty from Tommy Rogers gave Barum a narrow lead at the interval but Clevedon grabbed the advantage with a quickfire double after the break. Scott Piper levelled the scores for Barnstaple but two more Clevedon looked to have the job done.

Gabby Rogers bagged a late consolation to set up a tense finish but Barum will lick their wounds before a North Devon derby at Torrington in the St Luke’s Devon Cup and then a league visit from St Austell on Saturday.

Pictures from Nathan Bennett