Robins rally with two massive victories in the Southern League

Just when things were starting to look a tad worrying for Bideford AFC, the Robins have responded with two outstanding wins in the space of four days.

Travelling to Tavistock in midweek, Bideford badly needed a positive result to climb away from the bottom of the Southern League Division One South, and they duly delivered on an awkward pitch.

The opener arrived on the hour when Javan Wright latched on to a tidy pass down the left channel and guided a low finish beyond the advancing Tavi goalkeeper and inside the far post.

The Robins had to withstand an aerial bombardment from the hosts before sealing all three points with an excellent finish from Alex Moyse, expertly cushioning a tricky volley into the bottom corner.

It was just the boost Bideford needed ahead of a visit from league leaders Malvern Town, and the positive momentum was clear for all to see inside three minutes, as Scott Robinson provided the perfect start with a super header.

The Robins were rampant in the opening stages, Robinson and Ryan Turner both going close to doubling the lead before they did make another breakthrough on 16 minutes. The physical power of Robinson was again too much for the Malvern defence, as he won the header for Wright to convert from close range.

The afternoon got even better ten minutes before half-time, when Archie Reay took aim from 25 yards and speared a fantastic strike into the overworked bottom corner. The Robins even had the luxury of a missed penalty from Finn Roberts in a storming first-half display.

The visitors improved after the break and did grab a consolation, but the damage was done in a brilliant opening 45 minutes and the Robins have climbed to a position of relative safety ahead of the midweek visit from Bashley.

Barnstaple Town cruised into the next round of the FA Vase with a powerful 5-0 win over Newent Town, and it was another game where matters were all decided in the first period, as Barum raced into a 4-0 lead with goals from Brodie Montague, Luke Mortimore and a Josh Parry double.

Tornado Bello added gloss to the win after the break and there was still time for a fabulous cameo from goalkeeper Mike Searle, saving two penalties in the closing stages.

Torrington slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Honiton Town in the South West Peninsula League but it was a miraculous afternoon for Torridgeside, who hammered lowly Axminster Town 9-0. Josh Stoneman notched a hat-trick, George Nancekivell scored twice and there were further goals from Tyler Evans-Loude, Frank Rosenwald and Blake Shapland.

Ben Sharpe scored twice and there was a goal for Craig Penberthy as Holsworthy enjoyed an entertaining 3-2 win over Falmouth 2nds in the West Division.

The North Devon duo of Fremington and Appledore are both lurking around the top end of the Devon Football League, just a win away from overtaking leaders Alphington, while Boca Seniors are also neatly placed in sixth.

Aaron Souster bagged a brace, as Appledore won 3-1 at Ottery St Mary, but Fremington suffered a 3-2 home loss to University of Exeter, Luke Kerswell and Brandon Sharples notching for Fremmy. Jordan Wonnacott and Jake Hawkins were on target for Boca in a 2-1 win over Plymstock United.

In the North Devon Football League Premier Division, Shamwickshire Rovers are chasing down early pacesetters Landkey Town. Shammy were too strong for bottom club Hartland, winning 7-0 with a hat-trick from Evan Suggate alongside Jake England and Michael Skeete doubles. Landkey were held to a 1-1 draw by Torridgeside 2nds.

Bideford 2nds and Bradworthy are pulling clear of the rest in the Senior Division and both had strong away wins on the weekend, while Langtree Lions have a three-point lead at the top of the Intermediate Division, although they were made to work hard by bottom club Northam Lions before recording a 5-2 win.