Relegation fears grow for Robins after demoralising defeat in Bristol

Bideford AFC have dropped into the bottom four of the Southern League Division One South after a depressing 2-0 defeat at Bristol Manor Farm.

The Robins have improved in recent weeks and were starting to cast an eye up the table, but this was a day when their lacklustre opening to the game was punished with ruthless efficiency by the hosts.

The first ten minutes actually went quite well for Bideford, and they carried a decent threat, but then fell behind to a poor goal, as Manor Farm surged forward on the counter and Tom Blake gave his side the lead after an initial effort had been cleared off the line.

The goal seriously rocked the Robins and their failure to respond prompted a decisive second, although there was a big slice of luck for the hosts, as Josh Salmon’s strike took a big deflection before whistling past young goalkeeper Leo McCormick.

Only a goal-line clearance from Sam Wright prevented Manor Farm from extending the lead and McCormick also pulled out a couple of fine saves before Salmon struck the bar in a dominant display from the hosts.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, Manor Farm winning a penalty and it was a mighty relief for Bideford when the spot-kick rebounded clear off the post. Despite that reprieve, the Robins never looked like finding their way back into the game.

The relegation zone has a gloomy look for Devon sides, with Bideford joined by Brixham and Tavistock in the bottom four, while Willand Rovers are only a couple of points above the drop zone.

Bideford v Brixham is a huge midweek fixture for both clubs, and the Robins are at home again this weekend, Swindon Supermarine the visitors to The Sports Ground.

Barnstaple Town enjoyed a far happier afternoon back in North Devon, booking their place in the next round of the FA Vase with a terrific 3-1 win over Sherborne Town.

Barum were given an early boost when the visitors were reduced to ten men following a poor tackle and Scott Piper took full advantage with a thunderbolt strike to open the scoring.

Sherborne, to their credit, responded well and drew level at the break, but Barum pulled clear when Luke Mortimore headed in a fine cross from Gabby Rogers. Mortimore then sealed the deal with a penalty.

There was a superb game of football in the South West Peninsula League East Division, as Torrington and Honiton shared a fabulous 4-4 draw. Max Peach scored twice for Torrington but they were denied all three points by a last-gasp leveller.

Liam Short notched the only goal for Torridgeside at Crediton but Holsworthy lost 3-1 at home to Penzance in the West Division.