Robins rallying against relegation concerns

Two wins on the bounce have lifted Bideford AFC out of the relegation zone in Division One South of the Southern League.

After the excellent victory over Bemerton Heath Harlequins and an enforced break due to Storm Bert, the Robins welcomed in-form Larkhall Athletic to the Sports Ground on Saturday.

A tough game on paper was given an immediate jolt when a splendid pass over the top from Billy Tucker released Jamie Hearsey, who was hauled to the ground by a cynical tug and Bideford had a penalty inside two minutes, Tucker confidently slotting a low spot-kick beyond goalkeeper Adam Forster.

The Robins had literal wind in their sails on a breezy day, birthday boy Jordan Ewing nodding narrowly wide from a Tucker cross before Larkhall mounted their first foray forward, Jack Camm forcing a save from Mike Searle.

Momentum quickly shifted back in favour of the hosts, Finn Roberts feeding a delightful pass into the path of Hearsey, who steered his shot inches over the bar.

The next attempt on goal was even closer.

Roberts, again, was a menace down the left, fizzing a low cross into the danger area, which was met by Josh Webber, and his touch fell for Jordan Ewing but his clever backheel rebounded off the post and into the arms of Forster.

The Robins continued their relentless surge forward, Alex Byrne feeding a pass to Ewing for a shot palmed on to the bar by an overworked Forster. The luckless Ewing then had an effort cleared off the line.

Bideford finally got the second goal their opening half warranted, and particularly deserved for the goalscorer Roberts, who drilled a tremendous 25-yard free-kick beyond the diving Forster.

After the first-half battering, Larkhall found some fluency in the second period, Searle making a top reaction save from close range on the hour. The visitors then cracked a decent effort over the bar from a glorious position.

Eventually, the Larkhall pressure told, Harvey Pritchard notching from close range to set up a tense final ten minutes. It was a nervous ending for Bideford, Searle expertly commanding his penalty area to thwart the Larkhall siege.

Three superb points in the bag, and the ideal preparation for a huge test this weekend, when the Robins travel to runaway leaders Yate Town, who have only been defeated once in their 17 leagues games so far this term.