County Cup chances for North Devon clubs

The draw for the last 16 in the St Luke’s Devon Bowl has been kind to North Devon clubs, with the four remaining in the hat all presented with ‘winnable’ ties.

Avoiding the big three of Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United, there is a trip to Peninsula League outfit Cullompton Rangers for Barnstaple Town, while Bideford host the Peninsula leaders, Sidmouth Town.

Torridgeside are on the road to Ivybridge Town from the Western League but Ilfracombe Town arguably face the toughest assignment, away to Southern League side Tiverton Town.

In Division One South of the Southern League, Bideford are up to 14th after a frustrating 0-0 draw with lowly Cinderford Town.

Ryan Turner struck the post on seven minutes for the Robins but that was about it for attacking action in a tepid first half at the Sports Ground. Bideford increased their tempo in a blustery second half, Josh Webber and Will Tucker both going close.

Turner then created a super chance for Jordan Ewing, who was denied by a top save from the Cinderford custodian, and when Tucker nodded wide in stoppage time, the final opportunity to pinch all three points had slipped away.

The Robins are on the road to Westbury United this weekend.

In the Jewson Western League, Barnstaple Town slipped out of the top three after a surprise 2-1 loss at lowly St Austell.

The Cornish hosts grabbed an early lead and did a fine job of frustrating Barum until Ryan Keates popped up with an equaliser before half-time. In an even second period, St Austell grabbed the winner with a super strike into the top corner and, after a tricky midweek trip to Buckland, Barnstaple are back on the road to Saltash United on Saturday.

Ilfracombe Town have an early relegation six-pointer at home to Torpoint Athletic in midweek, both sides locked on nine points and desperate for a win to pull away from the bottom three.

The Bluebirds began their new era after the departure of long-serving boss Clem Bennellick with a tough game at home to Ivybridge Town. Both teams toiled in a strong wind and Ilfracombe looked to have done enough for a point, only to be foiled by a late winner for the visitors.

Holsworthy remain in mid-table of the Peninsula League West after going down to a 3-1 defeat at leaders Newquay, Jedd Peschke scoring the consolation for the Magpies.

It has been a great few days for Torridgeside, who lead the way in the Peninsula League Team of the Week poll after backing up their midweek win at Crediton with a 3-0 defeat of Bishops Lydeard, Tyler Evans-Loude grabbing a brace for the T-Siders.

Torrington, on the other hand, extended their unwanted losing run by going down 3-0 at Stoke Gabriel, as they struggled to contain the lively young forward line of their South Devon hosts.

It is all about Peninsula Cup action this weekend, Holsworthy host Cullompton, Torridgeside are at home to Bovey Tracey and Torrington welcome Penzance.