A FEROCIOUS first-half shot from Nick Barker set Bideford on their way to a 2-0 win over Corsham Town in the Toolstation Premier Division on Tuesday night.

By blasting the opening goal in off the post, the wing-back succeeded from 25 yards where he previously failed from 12.

Having missed a penalty in the 3-1 win at Larkhall Athletic on Saturday, Barker showed how potent his left foot can be.

It was the one moment of genuine quality in a low-key game which the leaders were always expected to win.

But for anyone who believes Biddy already have one hand on the league title, the match proved they still have some awkward hurdles to pass.

Although Corsham are stuck at the foot of the table, they came to the Sports Ground in positive mood.

Buoyed by two wins against Bitton, the Wiltshire club gave a good account of themselves, only conceding the second goal to Ellis Laight in the last 10 minutes.

Bideford manager Sean Joyce said: "I've seen these top-versus-bottom games before — people expect a turkey shoot.

"They're a young team, a bit naive, but they've got enough about them and you've got to give them a bit of respect — which we did."

The hosts had plenty of neat possession in the first half but Matt Andrew and Laight both had shots saved by Liam Bell and Ashley Yeoman saw a strike ruled out for offside.

"In the second half we just dropped a bit too deep and it isolated our front two, Ashley Yeoman and Kevin Squire," said Joyce.

"It felt comfortable but you just never know. It only takes one slip and all the work you've done goes out the window.

"I want to play nice attractive football but, at the end of the day, if we win, that's all that matters."

By pressing high up the pitch, the Robins finally put the result beyond doubt.

Goalkeeper Bell was closed down quickly by Squire, and Laight looped the ball into the empty net.

"Once the second one went in you could just see the whole ground relax," said Joyce.

With 10 games to go and a lead of 11 points, the players could be forgiven for relaxing, particularly after fellow contenders Willand Rovers and Welton Rovers shared a 1-1 draw. But Joyce will not allow that to happen.

He wasn't satisfied with the performance at Larkhall where the team looked sluggish as they fell behind to a penalty from Ross Beazer.

Recalled to the line-up after two games on the bench, Squire scored twice to reach 19 goals for the season after Laight headed the equaliser.

After creating the first goal, Barker blotted his copybook by drilling his penalty straight at the goalkeeper.

Beware of the backlash is the message from Joyce this Saturday as Biddy face the Sherborne Town team they walloped 7-2 last month.

Since that heavy defeat the Dorset club have beaten Longwell Green Sports 3-0 and Radstock Town 6-0.

On Tuesday, Torquay United come to the Sports Ground in the quarter-finals of the Westinsure Devon St Luke's Cup (7.45pm).

Dominic Rivans, who took part in the warm-up against Corsham, is likely to return from his hip injury for the tie.

"I want to win it, being an ex-Torquay player," said Joyce.

"It should be a good game. You know a pro team will come and play good football and we'll play good football."