After a breathless 3-3 draw on Wednesday evening, Rovers would have been looking to stop the silly errors at the back for this fixture. Buoyed by the return of Jack Dancey and the re-signing of Tom Bradley, Rovers made a good start.

In the opening minutes there was a penalty shout when Cam Allen was bundled over in the box, followed seconds later by Brandon Bak seemingly opening the scoring only to have the goal ruled out for a foul in the build up. Two minutes later, Martin Lenihan struck a freekick low but just wide of the post.

Bideford began to come into the game and also thought they’d scored but was also ruled out for a foul in the buildup.

They also went close with a header from a freekick in the 24th minute and bar a chance for Will Osborne at the hear post for Rovers, neither team were able to test the keeper.

The second half had more to offer the supporters of both teams and chances came for both teams. Can Allen had a shot go just wide early on and moments later he swung in a freekick that missed everyone and nearly caught the keeper out on the line.

Bideford had their best chance of the game in the 55th minute when a shot from distance was parried by Archie Matthews but only out to an oncoming forward. He seemed to have the goal at his mercy but somehow the ball stayed out.

Rovers were defensively strong and hitting Bideford on the break. More chances came for Alfie Kelleher and Can Allen but the Bideford defence also stayed strong.

The 80th minute saw Rovers best chance as they broke with a three on one. Substitute Krystian Woods brought the ball forward and picked out Dylan Gould but the keeper made a great save. The ball fell to Brandon Bak who worked some space but his shot was stunted by an outstretched leg and the ball fell easily for the keeper.

Bideford were reduced to ten men two minutes later when Ryan Turner seemed to elbow Chris Peck in the face. Naturally, they sat in for the last few minutes and Rovers were unable to force a goal.

Both teams will think they could have won the game but arguably Rovers made the Bideford keeper have to make more saves. Another frustrating point but maybe one that will become important as the season progresses.

Next Up:
Nailsea United (A), Tuesday 22nd September, 7.30pm - Francis Hillier Cup