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Search forJoyce frustrated as Bideford bedrock is looking shaky
Thursday, August 28, 2008, 07:00
DEFENSIVE strength has provided the basis for Bideford's Western League success throughout the last decade.
Sean Joyce sets his teams up with three imposing central defenders who usually provide a strong backbone.
But the long-serving manager was far from happy on Saturday as standards slipped among his reliable defensive trio.
Bideford stuttered to a 2-2 draw against unfancied Bishop Sutton on a day when Darren Hawkings, Neil Bettiss and Tom Stocco looked vulnerable to a ball over the top.
"My three centre-halves didn't know whether to shower or shave," said Joyce.
"It was like It's A Knockout at times. They were running into each other, falling into each other and not talking.
"On the first goal, Betts sold Kenny (Griffiths) short, the kid hit the crossbar and we still weren't quick enough to pick up the second ball.
"(On the second goal) Betts kicked Hawkie and the sub just ran through and scored.
"The three centre-halves are the bedrock but they were off it, nowhere near it. If they can't handle it, they can move on.
"Deep down, they are good players and that's what frustrates me. It's not like they're kids. They have won leagues and Les Phillips Cups and been on Vase runs with me."
One year on from a 10-0 mauling at the Sports Ground, Sutton proved far more organised and energetic opponents this time.
The Robins opened the scoring on 32 minutes when Ellis Laight flicked on a long throw from Hawkings and Robbie Gough evaded two challenges to produce a neat finish.
Following a sluggish start, home goalkeeper Griffiths twice had to deny Rob Dumphy at the other end.
Then came the ultimate defensive error of allowing a long punt from Sutton keeper Ashley Clark to bounce.
Dave Burrough found himself in space and when his lob hit the bar, Dumphy set up Ashley Farrell for a 37th-minute equaliser.
The game's one contentious moment came just before the break when Bideford wing-back Ben Woods was upended by Clark just outside the area. While Joyce believed the goalie should have been sent off for the foul, Clark was probably saved by two defenders who were getting back to cover the line.
"Their manager came across and said their goalie never touched him, but everybody in the ground could see he tripped him," added Joyce.
If Bettiss was at fault for the first goal, he looked to have redeemed himself by edging the Robins back in front 12 minutes after the restart.
From a Clay Bond corner, Shaun Lewis didn't quite get hold of a close-range overhead, but Bettiss toe-poked the ball over the line.
Straight from the kick-off Bettiss had to make a telling intervention in his own box when Dumphy went on another speedy surge.
When substitute Simon Bone tucked a shot beyond Griffiths to bring his team level again, few could argue the visitors didn't deserve their point.
"No disrespect to Bishop Sutton but if you play them down here, you've got to win," said Joyce.
"They'll be all right, they can upset teams as long as they give the same energy and oomph against other teams. We never got going. No excuses, it just didn't happen.
"We looked tired and sloppy and lacked spark and I thought a draw was a fair result."
On Saturday Bideford travel to Street for the first preliminary round of the FA Cup.
Nick Barker should be available after missing the Bishop Sutton game while he attended a wedding, and new signing Jamie Skinner may also come into contention.
Bideford: Kenny Griffiths, Reece Moseley (Jamie Densham 84), Ben Woods (Robbie Herrera 73), Darren Hawkings, Tom Stocco, Neil Bettiss, Clay Bond, Ian Down, Robbie Gough, Ellis Laight, Shaun Lewis. Not used: Rob Francis.
● For details of last night's Toolstation League match at Sherborne, go to www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk.
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