Bideford a match for Gosport Borough despite defeat
THREE games against Gosport Borough have all ended in 2-0 defeats for Bideford this season.
But Sean Joyce, the manager, can take consolation from the fact his team are getting closer.
After being outplayed in the first week of the season and then ousted from the FA Cup, Bideford were more than a match for their Hampshire hosts on Saturday.
However, two deadly finishes from Adam Wilde in the first half saw them beaten in the Evo-Stik League Southern again.
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Joyce said: "Down here they were head and shoulders above us, then, at their place in the FA Cup, we didn't believe in ourselves enough.
"On Saturday we created enough chances to win by two or three. I was really pleased with the performance.
"In the last six months we have improved so much and if we play like that all season we'll be all right."
Before Gosport gained control, Bideford had looked the brighter team.
Ian Sampson was unable to apply a finishing touch from close range, Matt Andrew was denied by a fine double save from Nathan Ashmore and home defender Brett Poate thwarted Andrew with a goal-saving block.
Wilde composed himself to score brilliantly with a lob after seizing possession from a punch by Bideford goalkeeper Paul Hider.
He then curled in a free kick to make it 2-0 before half time. "I think they had two shots on goal and they were clinical," said Joyce.
As the visitors tried to fight back, Andrew and substitutes Ellis Laight and Richard Groves were denied by the goalkeeper.
Joyce took the opportunity to look at some fringe players and potential new signings in a hastily-arranged friendly against Barnstaple Town on Tuesday.
Goals from Ellis Laight and Sam Stephens, the reserve-team manager, put Bideford 2-0 up at half time and they sealed a 4-0 win with further strikes from Rob Farkins and Sean Downing.
Tim Sandercombe, formerly of Truro City, played in goal on his return from a knee injury and Josh Fenwick, of Torpoint Athletic, was in defence.
Andrew left the field early with a hamstring problem but is expected to be fit for Saturday's home match against Banbury United.
"It was a great run-out," said Joyce. "Five lads have been sat on the bench and one or two needed a blast.
"I appreciate their gaffer putting the game on so quickly and I think they got a lot out of it as well."
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