Merry Christmas from a brilliant Bideford victory

The Robins of Bideford produced an outstanding defensive display to secure three brilliant points at high-flying Exmouth Town in Division One of the Southern League.

Few gave Bideford much chance from a difficult trip to East Devon, where Exmouth have put together a storming season to sit just behind leaders Yate Town, but the Robins were inspired in opening up a healthy cushion on the bottom four.

Josh Webber and Scott Robinson both struck for Bideford in the first half and it was then a case of defensive resilience after the break. Exmouth did pull one back through Tom Bath but the Robins held on for a marvellous win.

Next up for Bideford is a trip to Tavistock on New Year’s Day, where they will face a wounded animal, with the Lambs suffering a painful 3-2 loss at home to fellow strugglers Falmouth Town.

Elsewhere in the division, Willand Rovers delivered a scintillating attacking display to squash Helston Athletic 4-0 at Silver Street. Finley Rooke bagged a hat-trick for Willand and there was also a goal for Josh Searle.

In the Premier Division, Tiverton Town looked to ease their relegation fears after surging into a 2-0 lead at Chertsey Town thanks to a double from Gabriel Billington, but the hosts fought back for a 2-2 draw.

Mitch Beardmore and Callum Hall scored in a vital 2-1 win for Plymouth Parkway over Havant & Waterlooville. Parkway and Tiverton remain in the bottom four, making their NYD clash in Plymouth a massive game for both clubs.