Bideford fight back from two goals down but suffer late defeat at Inkberrow

Bideford AFC suffered another frustrating visit to Worcestershire as they went down 3-2 to Sporting Club Inkberrow, repeating the scoreline from their previous trip to Sands Road in April.

The Robins showed tremendous character to recover from a two-goal deficit, with excellent strikes from Harley Sneap and Ryan Turner bringing them level, but Connor Stanley's 75th-minute winner left the visitors empty-handed.

Bideford made a positive start, with Farren Simons winning a free kick on the edge of the area. Luke Forward's effort was turned around the post by goalkeeper Brendon Bunn.

At the other end, Luke Gwillam produced several fine saves to keep the hosts at bay, but Inkberrow eventually broke through in the 39th minute when Aidan Clark converted a penalty following a foul on Jake Waterfield.

Clark doubled the advantage just before half-time, capitalising on a Bideford turnover before eventually finding the bottom corner.

However, the Robins came flying out after the break and reduced the deficit just 49 seconds into the second half. Jordan Ewing's clever pass found Sneap, who fired a superb effort into the top corner.

Bideford were level five minutes later through a moment of individual brilliance from Turner. After controlling Forward's hooked pass, he lifted the ball over Bunn before heading into the unguarded net.

The visitors looked capable of completing the comeback, but an injury to Turner temporarily left them with ten men. Inkberrow took advantage, with Stanley firing home through a crowded penalty area after Bideford failed to clear their lines.

The Robins pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, but the hosts held firm to claim all three points.

Bideford AFC has received a further £5,000 boost from Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon as the housebuilder celebrates another milestone in its partnership with the club.

The latest donation, made through Persimmon's Community Champions scheme, is the third £5,000 contribution to the Robins as part of the sponsorship agreement.

The partnership has also seen Bideford's home ground renamed the Persimmon Homes Sports Ground, marking a new chapter for the club and the developer.

Persimmon Homes Sales Director Jane Cartwright said the company was delighted to continue supporting the club, praising both its players and volunteers.

She said: "Bideford AFC has been one of our biggest winners of Community Champions funding and we are really pleased to be continuing our partnership with this great club."

Bideford AFC chairman Ian Knight welcomed the continued support, saying the funding had helped the club strengthen its grassroots development and improve facilities for players and supporters.

The housebuilder is currently developing Abbotsham Park, off Clovelly Road, where its plans include 200 new homes, green spaces, play areas and a community orchard.

Persimmon also supports other local organisations through its Community Champions programme, distributing £24,000 annually across Cornwall and West Devon.