Bideford march on

BIDEFORD recorded their eighth consecutive win in the Toolstation Premier Division, beating Brislington 3-0 at the Sports Ground this afternoon.

The league leaders gained a workmanlike victory thanks to Ellis Laight, Rob Francis and Kevin Squire.

And their formidable defensive record continued with a sixth clean sheet in the last seven games in all competitions.

Laight gave the hosts the lead in a tight first half, heading home a free-kick from Ben Wood after 30 minutes.

Then Wood and Nick Barker worked a short corner as Francis prodded the second goal in from close-range midway through the second half.

Visiting goalkeeper Chris Humphries and defender Jason Llama went for the same cross and Francis was on hand to claim his third goal in five games.

Neat footwork from Laight created the space for Squire to slot the third past Humphries with 20 minutes left.

Bideford: Ryan Draper, Nick Barker, Ben Wood, Darren Hawkings, Rob Francis (Chris Brown 86), Dominic Rivans, Ian Down, Clay Bond (Matt Downing 59), Matt Andrew (Matt Hockley 80), Kevin Squire, Ellis Laight.

● See Thursday's Journal for reaction to Bideford's victory over Brislington.