Big win for Bideford in the fight for Southern League survival

The pressure was on, big time, and Bideford AFC delivered a superb result to defeat Devon rivals Willand Rovers in a relegation six-pointer at the Sports Ground.

The Robins have been fully dragged into the scrap for survival in recent weeks, particularly after a humbling loss at Brixham, while Willand have been entrenched in the bottom four for much of the season.

The context was clear for Bideford, another defeat to a relegation rival and things could start to look very ominous.

There was little between the two teams in the opening stages, as both sets of players adjusted to the breezy conditions. Willand were first to threaten with a serious chance, Bailey Kempster forcing Shaun Semmens into a fine save on the half-hour.

Moments later, Bideford broke the deadlock with an excellent cross from Javan Wright picking out an unmarked Ryan Turner to head home from close range.

Jamie Hearsay came within a whisker of adding the second but momentum was with the Robins, and it was the same combination who doubled the lead, Wright slipping a pass to Turner, and he rounded the visiting ‘keeper before slotting into an empty net.

Bideford continued to pile on the pressure in early stages of the second period, Archie Reay smashing a decent effort against the post, but the home faithful didn’t have to wait long for a match-winning third.

Hearsay chased down a ball on the wing and squared a lovely assist for Wright to convert from inside the six-yard box. Kempster did pull one back for Willand but Bideford were never really under serious pressure, and fully deserving of the three points.

Heading into the Easter weekend, the Robins have a five-point cushion above the relegation zone, and a few sides will need to overtake them for things to get nervy. Keep an eye out for Brixham v Willand on Easter Monday, a game that could decided who goes down.

Barnstaple Town are guaranteed a place in the Western League play-offs but there is still a chance they could pip Clevedon Town to the title and automatic promotion.

Barum endured a stodgy start at home to struggling Shepton Mallet and fell behind to a penalty, but nerves were settled by a leveller from Shea Mannings, and the scores remained locked at 1-1 at half-time.

A few words at half-time galvanised the home team and Luke Mortimore celebrated his birthday by edging Barum into the lead with a powerful header and victory was sealed by Josh Parry gobbling up the rebound after the ball had struck the bar.

Barum are six points behind Clevedon with two games in hand but Torpoint are also in the mix, and they visit Mill Road in midweek, while the home game with Clevedon on April 11 could be pivotal.