Bideford edge closer to Southern League safety

A second-half equaliser from Scott Robinson earned Bideford another crucial point in their bid to stay clear of the Southern League Division One South relegation zone.

Travelling to play-off chasing Bemerton Heath Harlequins, the Robins matched their hosts in a tight opening to the game, with chances limited for both sides. The game turned in favour of the hosts on the half-hour, when Brad Waters slotted a penalty for Bemerton Heath.

Bideford responded by creating a fine chance for Robinson, who burst clear of the home defence but his final shot lashed wide of the post. Jordan Ewing also went close for the Robins but they remained a goal behind at the break.

On the hour, a long throw caused some mayhem in the home defence but Javan Wright could only head straight at the goalkeeper. It was, however, a warning from the Robins, and they were level on 68 minutes when Robinson powered into space and smashed an emphatic finish past the Bemerton stopper.

Ewing almost pinched all three points with a late header but the draw was still a top result. After the midweek Devon Bowl clash with Plymouth Argyle, Bideford will turn their attention to a visit from lowly Thatcham Town. The Robins have a six-point gap over the bottom four as we head into the closing weeks of the campaign.

Tavistock are the side currently occupying the final relegation place after they were beaten 2-0 at home by Malvern Town. Willand Rovers are the club immediately above Tavi in the table but their game at Didcot Town was abandoned after a home supporter fell ill in the stands and sadly passed away.

Plymouth Parkway look to be clear of relegation trouble in the Premier Division after a 3-1 win at Bracknell but Tiverton’s plight looks increasingly bleak following the 5-0 home loss to Basingstoke.

The semi-final line-ups are complete in the North Devon League cup competitions, with all ties due to be played on Saturday, March 22.

In the Brayford Cup, Torridgeside 2nds will host Shamwickshire Rovers and favourites Boca Seniors welcome Braunton. Lynton are at home to Braunton 2nds in the Combe Martin Cup, while Boca Seniors 2nds travel to Shebbear United. In the Arlington Cup, it will be Hartland 2nds v Combe Martin 2nds and Bradworthy v Braunton 3rds.

Torridgeside 2nds booked their place in the last four with a comfortable win at Hartland, thanks to doubles from James Greenaway and Ollie Sussex, with Marc Bettiss and Cameron Rowlands also on target for the T-Siders.

Braunton 2nds battled through via penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw with AFC Dumnonii 2nds. Dylan Evans opened the scoring with a spot-kick for Braunton and the second came from an Alex Symcox curler. The visitors surged back to lead 3-2 but a Logan Warren header took the game to penalties and a Braunton win.

As well as three men’s teams in cup semi-finals, Braunton Women turned on the style with a 5-0 defeat of local rivals Fremington, thanks to goals from Ellie Joyce (2), Olivia Hopson, Ruby Hern and Anya Burley.

First-half goals from Tyler Evans-Loude and George Shapland proved just enough for Torridgeside to secure a battling 2-1 win over Middlezoy Rovers in the South West Peninsula League.

The T-Siders are within touching distance of the top half but they have played more games than the teams around them. Torridgeside have a break this weekend before resuming with a trip to Bishops Lydeard on March 15.

Torrington suffered a painful 6-0 defeat at a powerful Bridport side and now have one objective left for the remainder of the season: stay above bottom club Axminster Town.