Bideford fight back twice to claim first away win

The Robins produce a stunning second-half comeback to secure a crucial 3–2 victory at high-flying Bishop’s Cleeve.

Bideford secured their first away win of the season on Saturday with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Bishop’s Cleeve, twice coming from behind to claim a vital three points in Division One South.

The Robins travelled to Gloucestershire sitting inside the bottom four, while their hosts began the day in fourth place. Having also suffered the loss of midfielder Archie Reay to rivals Willand Rovers, Bideford needed a positive response — and delivered one in impressive fashion.

However, the visitors made the worst possible start, falling behind inside three minutes when Harvey Field inadvertently headed Devanti McInerney’s cross into his own net.

Bideford responded positively and drew level when Finn King-Smith cut inside from the left before drilling a superb finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

The Robins almost took the lead shortly afterwards, but Ryan Downing was denied by Lewis Clayton’s legs following a fine pass from Harley Sneap. Clayton then produced further excellent saves to keep out efforts from Luke Forward and Downing as Bideford threatened to take control.

Despite the visitors’ pressure, Bishop’s Cleeve regained the advantage in the 38th minute when Ross Langworthy looped a header over Luke Gwillam.

Bideford nearly restored parity before the break, but Henry Richards headed narrowly wide after being left unmarked from a corner.

The hosts began the second half strongly, forcing Gwillam into a series of outstanding saves. He turned Aaron Evans-Harriott’s strike around the post before Charlie Holliday was also denied, while McInerney headed over from a promising position.

Those saves proved crucial as Bideford gradually regained their momentum.

Sneap fired over before the Robins were awarded a penalty when Downing was brought down inside the box. Jordan Ewing stepped up and confidently smashed the spot-kick into the net to make it 2–2.

Bideford almost completed the turnaround moments later. Downing powered through the middle before his effort deflected into the path of Farren Simons, whose shot was kept out by Clayton.

Simons would not be denied again, however, and delivered the decisive moment in the 80th minute. Ryan Turner launched a counter-attack and found Ewing on the right, who supplied Simons. The forward shifted past his marker before calmly guiding the ball into the bottom corner to put Bideford ahead for the first time.

There was still time for one final scare as Gwillam produced another superb save to deny Ben McLean from close range.

The Robins held firm through the closing stages to secure a memorable victory and a potentially significant boost to their survival hopes.

Having shown character, attacking quality and resilience under pressure, Bideford will hope this hard-earned success proves a turning point in their campaign.