Inspired Javan Wright hat-trick steers Robins to a memorable victory

Javan Wright was the star of the show as Bideford returned to winning ways with a hard-earned 3–2 victory over Mousehole in the Southern League.

The Robins responded well to their recent defeat at Exmouth, producing an energetic and disciplined performance to overcome a Mousehole side unbeaten in their previous eight away matches.

However, it was the visitors who struck first when Aaron Taylor conceded an early penalty, bringing down Alex Cairo inside the box. Hayden Turner made no mistake from the spot in the seventh minute.

Bideford quickly shook off the setback and turned the game on its head in devastating fashion. Wright levelled in the 16th minute after being sent through by Alex Byrne, finishing calmly beneath Ollie Chenoweth. Barely a minute later, Wright doubled his tally by charging down the goalkeeper’s clearance and rolling the ball into an empty net.

The hosts pressed for more and created a series of chances before the break but were unable to extend their lead. Mousehole offered little in response, aside from a rare opening that Ed Harrison fired over.

Bideford maintained control after the interval and Wright completed his superb hat-trick in the 53rd minute, latching on to a pass from Hayden Turner to slot past Chenoweth. Mousehole rarely threatened but pulled a goal back in stoppage time through Liam Prynn, setting up a tense finish.

Bideford held firm through a lengthy added period to secure a deserved three points. Next on the menu for the Robins is a trip to Malvern Town, who currently occupy one of the four play-off positions.

The Robins have steadied their ship nicely over the winter months and now have an eight-point cushion above the relegation zone. Tavistock, however, are starting to look doomed at the bottom as they lost 2-0 at fellow strugglers Brixham. Willand Rovers are another Devon club in trouble, as they went down to a defeat at Falmouth.

Barnstaple Town produced a terrific all-round display at Street FC to book their place in the semi-finals of the Les Phillips Cup with a 4-2 victory.

Barum custodian Mike Searle had to make a top save in the opening minute and his outfield team-mates took the hint with an early goal to break the deadlock, Josh Parry slotting home to keep up his excellent recent form.

Parity was restored just before the half-hour, Street pouncing on some slack Barum defending, but redemption was swift. Gabby Rogers was the catalyst, dazzling the home defence with neat footwork and when he was brought down for a penalty, the same man in red slotted from the spot.

Barnstaple were given a healthy cushion in the first-half injury-time, when a second penalty was converted, this time by Tommy Rogers, and it should have been cruise to the finishing line.

Street, however, had different plans and they set up a tense finish by scoring a penalty of their own. Thankfully, Parry ended home hopes with a decisive fourth in stoppage time.