Torridgeside triumph in North Devon derby doubled up as East v West

The Walter C Parson League Cup took centre-stage for Peninsula League clubs over the weekend and it was a battle between East and West with a major North Devon twist.

Holsworthy FC are the only Devon-based club competing in the West Division of the League, which means regular jaunts down to the depths of Cornwall, but the Cup draw handed them a much easier journey up the A388 to take on Torridgeside from the East Division.

Unfortunately, the relatively local surroundings proved less hospitable than the Magpies probably expected, as the T-Siders set themselves on course for victory with a goal from Blake Shapland.

Holsworthy hopes were dented even further when they were reduced to ten men but the Magpies fought back bravely to level through Ben Sharpe, only for the T-Siders to book their place in the next round with a penalty from Tyler Evans-Loude.

Results elsewhere mean that Torridgeside will be flying the North Devon flag alone, as both Ilfracombe and Torrington suffered 3-1 defeats at home. Riley Malin scored the Bluebirds’ consolation as they went down against Dobwalls, while Torrington lost to Teignmouth.

Bideford AFC have slipped to the bottom of the Southern League Division One South after scrambling to a draw at home to fellow strugglers Sporting Club Inkberrow.

The Robins struggled to get going in a frustrating first period at The Sports Ground, as the visitors from Worcestershire enjoyed the better chances. Their compact defence and swift counter-attack was proving a real problem for Bideford, who had to wait until the stroke of half-time before a Scott Robinson overhead provided some goal threat.

Robinson was denied by a good save immediately after the restart but Inkberrow then snatched the lead with an extraordinary effort from the halfway line soaring over the head of goalkeeper Shaun Semmens to find the back of the net.

Bideford were toiling until a terrific cross from Jordan Ewing finally breached the visitors, Ryan Turner heading goalwards for Robinson to force the ball over the line from close range.

A draw was just about all the Robins deserved and they now face a midweek trip to Tavistock, who have just climbed out of the bottom four, before welcoming high-flying Malvern Town next weekend. Third-placed Exmouth Town are the lead Devon club in this division, while Willand Rovers have improved under new boss Ben Watson.

Barnstaple Town are up to sixth in the Jewson Western League after an efficient 2-0 victory over Bradford Town. Luke Mortimore and Oscar Knight were the men on target for Barum, while defender Adam Hill gave a man of the match display at the back. Barnstaple host Gloucestershire club Newent Town in the FA Vase on Saturday.