BIDEFORD 1 BEMERTON HEATH HARLEQUINS 1

Bideford ended the 2023/24 season with a 1-1 draw with Bemerton Heath Harlequins at the Sports Ground on Saturday.

A quality goal from Stu Bowker in the first half was equalised in the second period by Daniel Young but Bideford really should have put the game to bed before half time.

The Robins’ opening goal came in the 11th minute as James Mayne sent a free kick forward where George Higgins headed the ball into his own box. Bowker was able to control the ball on his right thigh and hit a left footed volley on the spin giving Patrick Creese no chance.

Bowker almost doubled the lead six minutes later but powered a header wide from a Josh Webber corner.

Finn Roberts struck a cross-shot across the face of goal in the 24th minute and Ryan Turner forced a smart save from Creese at the near post five minutes later.

Bowker saw a shot deflected just wide after a good run from Webber and Aaron Taylor drove a low strike just wide of the post as Bemerton looked to be hanging on.

Remus Nixon had the visitors only attempt on goal in the first half but Adam Seedhouse Evans was able to save before another good cross from Roberts found Bowker at the back post but the striker seemed to slip as he connected and the ball went wide.

Creese had to save again from Turner early in the second half before the visitors made Bideford pay for their lack of cutting edge. Muhammed Jatta played the ball inside to Young in the box who dropped a shoulder then squeezed a shot past Seedhouse Evans at the near post.

Webber found himself in a good position to put The Robins back in front just two minutes later but dragged his shot well wide of goal.

Seedhouse Evans made a really good save to deny Nixon just past the hour before the game began to peter somewhat.

Bideford did come close to winning it in the final minute with a really good strike from outside of the box from Taylor but Creese made a great save at full stretch.

The Robins end the campaign in 12th place in Division One South after a disappointing run of form since January but unlike the previous two seasons, in no danger whatsoever of relegation which should be seen as a step forward for Sean Joyce’s men.

Bideford: Seedhouse Evans, Taylor, Mayne, Slough, Byrne, Webber (Hill 82), Reay (Down 82), Moyse, Roberts, Turner, Bowker (Ewing 77).

Goals:
Bideford: Bowker 11
Bemerton Heath Harlequins: Young 57

Attendance: 206