Robins seek return to form

AVOIDING an upset will be the priority for Bideford when they face lower-division opponents in the Les Phillips Cup.

Chard Town of the Toolstation First Division come to the Sports Ground for a first-round clash on Saturday (3pm).

After last week's Premier Division trip to Larkhall Athletic was postponed, it will be Bideford's first game since their FA Carlsberg Vase exit against Welton Rovers.

Chard were also disrupted by the weekend downpours when their game at Bridport was abandoned at half-time.

The Somerset club have struggled badly since they were relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season.

They are currently third from bottom in Division One having won just two of their 15 games so far.

On paper, Bideford should have few problems, but they have not always found it easy against awkward opponents.

Although they eventually went down, Chard won 1-0 on their previous visit to the Sports Ground last November.

And they beat Bideford in the Les Phillips Cup when the two clubs last met in the competition in March 2007.

Defender Dom Rivans will be suspended but otherwise the Robins are at full strength.

● See tomorrow's Journal to find out why chairman Roy Portch is counting the cost of Bideford's FA Vase exit.