Bideford blank plumps the safety cushion

A hard-fought, well-earned 0-0 draw for Bideford at home to Bristol Manor Farm increased the gap to seven points for the Robins above the Southern League relegation zone.

Despite the lack of goals, it was a thoroughly entertaining encounter at the Sports Ground, with both sides creating chances to pinch the victory.

Manor Farm forced a decent early save from home ‘keeper Mike Searle before Josh Webber twice went close for the Robins. Back came the visitors, only to be repelled by an excellent goal-line clearance from Louie Slough.

Searle produced more heroics between the sticks for Bideford, with Webber keeping his counterpart busy at the other end. In tricky weather conditions, home forward Scott Robinson squirted a shot inches wide but the point was only confirmed by a superb last-minute save from Searle. The Robins resume action with a tough trip to third-placed Evesham United this weekend.

Budding footballers from Bideford Blues JFC are celebrating being awarded a grant for brand-new kits as part of Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids programme. The team received the funding as part of the company’s drive to support employees’ local grassroots teams and help young people get active.

The team was nominated for funding by Darren Pilkington, a postie in Bideford and a Bideford Blues volunteer whose son plays for the team. Royal Mail’s logo now features on the front of the team’s training jackets.

Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids was launched in response to many requests from colleagues across the country who want to help their local youth sports teams by funding new kit. Royal Mail and Parcelforce employees were encouraged to nominate their local grassroots youth sports teams to receive grant funding. 1,500 nominations were received, with successful clubs chosen randomly by region.

Since 1999, Bideford Blues & Appledore JFC has been giving footballing opportunities to the local youth. From coaching them on the ins-and-outs of the sport to honing their athletic skills, the club is proud to teach not only the love of the game, but to also impart the ideals of good sportsmanship, teamwork and loyalty. Bideford Blues JFC has not lost or drawn a game in two years, and ten of its members also play in the Junior Premier League.

Greg Sage, Royal Mail’s Deputy Director for Corporate Affairs and ESG, said: “Our 130,000 people are at the heart of their communities across the UK, and Royal Mail’s Kits 4 Kids gives colleagues the opportunity to show their support and help young people get active in their local area. Unwavering pride and passion, forging through all weathers, out in the community – grassroots sport has a lot in common with Royal Mail. This exciting new initiative brings the two together and we are delighted to be able to support Bideford Blues JFC.”

Darren Pilkington, postie and Bideford Blues JFC volunteer, said: “The team and I were very grateful to Royal Mail for funding this awesome kit, which the kids look great in and will help through the winter months.”