Bluebirds begin to soar at a new level in Peninsula football

It was never going to be an easy ride for Ilfracombe Town, adjusting to a new challenge in the South West Peninsula League after relegation from the Western League.

The Bluebirds have struggled to find consistency in a division currently being dominated by Bovey Tracey and Bridport, but there was plenty of encouragement in a narrow loss at Bovey and Ilfracombe took that impetus into a midweek North Devon derby at Torrington.

Player-manager Jack Jenkins provided the perfect start with a sublime finish from the edge of the box and Jake Chesworth doubled the lead with his left peg for a 2-0 half-time advantage. Torrington did pull one back after the break but it was derby delight for the Bluebirds.

Back to Marlborough Park for the visit of Honiton Town, and Ilfracombe dished out arguably their finest performance of the campaign in thrashing the East Devon outfit 7-1.

Chesworth started the fun with a neat finish from a Charlie Roach assist, but Honiton levelled almost immediately. Unfortunately for the visitors, their day plummeted from that moment forward.

Ilfracombe took complete control in the second period, Riley Malin curling the ball past the goalkeeper to restore the advantage before Honiton were reduced to ten men for a dangerous tackle.

Aidan Barrow extended the lead and a deflected strike from Ollie Stevens made it 4-1. Stevens then added his second and the next goal was an extraordinary effort from Charlie Prentice, lobbing the Honiton ‘keeper from inside his own half.

Tom Marsh completed the scoring and the Combe are next in action on November 15, when their credentials will be tested by a trip to second-placed Bridport.

Torridgeside suffered a 3-0 defeat at Teignmouth on the weekend and will be hoping for a return to the winning wagon at Crediton United. Torrington, meanwhile, welcome a Honiton side probably a bit fed up with North Devon trips.

Barnstaple Town remain in the play-off hunt in the Jewson Western League following an efficient 3-1 defeat of Helston Athletic in treacherous conditions at Mill Road.

Barum edged a tight first period with Brodie Montague heading home a Gabby Rogers corner for the opening goal, but the Cornishmen struck back to level after the break.

It was a game in the balance, as heavy rain made the pitch increasingly tricky for both sets of players. Eventually, Barum snatched the lead when a Rogers’ header struck the post and rebounded off the visiting ‘keeper and into the net.

Victory was sealed by tremendous play from Josh Parry setting up substitute Oscar Knight for the third. Barum switch to the FA Vase this weekend and a visit from Sherborne Town.

Bideford slipped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Frome Town in the Southern League. The Robins fell behind on two minutes and there was no way back when Frome added a second early in the second period.

After a midweek trip to Winchester City, the Robins are on the road again on Saturday, taking on Bristol Manor Farm.