Bluebirds battle to important Western League point

Ilfracombe AFC delivered a superb battling performance to earn a 2-2 draw with mid-table Brislington in the Jewson Western League on Saturday.

The Bluebirds fell behind to a header from Dean Griffiths but battled back to equalise through young forward Tom Chastey, who then provided the cross for Jack Jenkins to slot home for an Ilfracombe lead.

Brislington responded to level matters again and the Bluebirds had to settle for a point, with Harry Taffs picking up the man of the match award. The point leaves the Combe fifth from bottom in the Western League but with a five-point cushion on the bottom four. They travel to Wellington in midweek before visiting Portishead Town on Saturday.

Barnstaple Town, who are fourth in the Western League, suffered a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat at Fareham Town in the FA Vase, despite playing 70 minutes with ten men after a dodgy red card decision.

There was nothing between the sides in the opening stages but Barnstaple’s platform was severely shaken by a straight red card shown to Dan Wilson, with subsequent video evidence showing the challenge was strong but fair.

Barum dug in brilliantly after the numerical setback and more than matched their hosts, deservedly holding out for a 0-0 draw, with goalkeeper Jim Weeks outstanding between the sticks. Unfortunately, the luck ran out as Fareham prevailed from the spot-kicks.

After a County Cup game at Cullompton Rangers in midweek, Barum return to league action with a home game against struggling St Blazey on Saturday. Barnstaple remain just three points behind leaders Clevedon Town and have games in hand on Brixham and Street in second and third.

Holsworthy are tenth in the South West Peninsula League West Division after a slightly disappointing 0-0 draw at bottom club Launceston. The Magpies travel to Bude Town on Saturday, a contest between two sides locked on 15 points. Newquay are the current leaders of the West Division, just ahead of Dobwalls and Liskeard Athletic.

In the Peninsula East, it was a tough weekend for North Devon clubs, as Torrington and Torridgeside slumped to defeats in the East of the County.

Torrington were beaten 3-0 at Honiton Town and are next in action on November 23, when fellow strugglers Axminster Town are the visitors. Torridgeside came up short at title-chasing Sidmouth Town, losing 2-0 in a close contest. The T-Siders welcome mid-table Bridport on Saturday.

In the Devon Football League, Appledore dropped to second place after a 3-0 loss at Plymouth Marjon saw their hosts leapfrog them in the table. Alphington remain eight points clear at the top after a 1-0 defeat of Thorverton. No game for North Molton, who return to action with a trip to Dartmouth this weekend.