TORQUAY UNITED youngster Ashley Yeoman scored the sixth and seventh goals of his loan spell at Bideford in the 4-0 win over Larkhall Athletic this afternoon.

Yeoman's clinical finish from Matt Andrew's pass was the only difference between the sides in a scrappy first half at the Sports Ground.

And the teenager added his second goal and Bideford's third after Larkhall's Ben Horan was sent off for a stamp on Andrew.

The Robins never produced the slick football of the previous home game, against Torquay United in the Westinsure Devon St Luke's Cup.

But they always looked likely to seal a sixth straight league win, particularly after the visiting skipper Horan needlessly kicked out at Andrew 13 minutes into the second half.

Four minutes later and Andrew's 20-yard drive sneaked past goalkeeper Owen Dunn to double the advantage.

The goalkeeper was beaten again from the edge of the area when Yeoman jinked onto his right foot to drill home the third.

Substitute Jamie Densham marked his first appearance for several weeks, forcing in the fourth with the help of a defender sliding in on the line.

After one early scare when Kieran Baggs lobbed Ryan Draper only for Rob Francis to clear the danger, Bideford always looked set to secure a third consecutive clean sheet.

Yeoman saw an early effort blocked by Horan.

But the striker produced an excellent finish after Andrew robbed Horan in midfield and picked him out with a defence splitting pass.

Francis glanced a free header wide from Ben Wood's corner before Biddy got on top against the ten men in the second half.

Wood's close-range effort was saved by Dunn, Ellis Laight blazed over and Kevin Squire lobbed off target before the hosts made their pressure count.

With a 15 point lead and six games to go, Bideford are almost home and dry in the title race.

However, next week's derby double-header, against Barnstaple Town on Good Friday, and Ilfracombe Town on Easter Monday, will provide a stiff test.

For reaction from the Larkhall Athletic game and all the build-up to the Easter fixtures, see Thursday's Journal.

Bideford: Ryan Draper, Nick Barker, Ben Wood, Rob Francis, Darren Hawkings, Chris Brown, Ian Down, Ellis Laight, Matt Andrew (Matt Hockley 81), Ashley Yeoman, Kevin Squire (Jamie Densham 76). Sub not used: Clay Bond.

Larkhall Athletic: Owen Dunn, Sean Percival (Joe Fitzpatrick 44), Luke Scott, Andy Gilbert, Rich Griffiths, Ben Horan, Kieran Baggs, Ross Lye, Jamie Lyons (Rod Smith 80), Lee Bowan (Theo Salassi 60), Ross Beazer.