Barum bragging rights in pre-season derby

Less than two months after Bideford overpowered Barnstaple Town to secure the Devon St Luke’s Challenge Cup, it was the turn of Barum to inflict some mild revenge on their local rivals.

Preparing for another tilt on promotion from the Western League, Barnstaple have been back in pre-season training for a couple of weeks and that extra sharpness showed in a well-attended friendly at the Persimmon Homes Sports Ground.

Despite some rustiness in the Bideford ranks, a penalty from Finn Roberts did give the hosts a half-time lead, but Barum levelled with a lovely controlled volley from Luke Mortimore, and the same man grabbed the winner with a sublime lob.

Barum also now know their FA Cup opponents when the famous old competition kicks off on August 2, and it is a tough trip to Willand Rovers from the Southern League, while the FA Vase draw has handed them a home tie with Wadebridge Town.

The Western League campaign starts on July 26 and Barnstaple have an away game at Paulton Rovers before a tantalising opening home fixture on July 29 against Buckland Athletic, the club that reached the play-off semi-finals alongside Barum last term.

The Christmas schedule will see Barnstaple travel to Wellington on Boxing Day and then host Street on January 3. The league season is due to finish with a trip to Oldland Abbotonians on April 18.

Bideford, meanwhile, will host Peninsula League outfit Launceston in their next pre-season game on Saturday and the Robins will also be at home for their FA Cup clash with Wellington on August 2. In the FA Trophy, Bideford have another home draw, this time against Mousehole on September 6.

Ilfracombe Town begin their preparations for the Peninsula League campaign with a friendly at home to Boca Seniors on July 11. The Bluebirds are then on the road for pre-season games at Bude Town, Appledore and Holsworthy before their first league game at home to Teignmouth on August 2.

Torridgeside are another North Devon club returning to action on Friday, when they travel to Devon League outfit Elmore. Also on the summer menu for the T-Siders is Appledore (A), Boca Seniors (A), Bude Town (H) and Fremington (A). Torridgeside start their league season with a visit from Ilminster Town.

Torrington began their pre-season with a defeat to Barnstaple Town, while Holsworthy have games planned against Alphington (A), Torrington (A) and Ilfracombe (H). Torrington travel to Axminster for the first league game and Holsworthy, again competing in the Peninsula West, start at home to Launceston.