FROME TOWN 4 BIDEFORD 0

Sean Joyce’s injury hit Bideford were soundly beaten by title chasing Frome Town at Badger’s Hill on Saturday.

The Robins were without captain Aaron Taylor, Ryan Turner, Mattie Buchan, Niall Heeney, Charlie Madden and Rob Farkins meaning Joyce needed to hand debuts to centre back pairing Louie Slough and Owen Stockton as well as bringing in Stu Bowker on loan from neighbours Barnstaple.

It would prove to be a tough afternoon for Bideford, particularly in the first half as Frome ripped through The Robins at will. They took the lead in the 18th minute as Sam Teale buried a header from a Jon Davies corner.

Adam Seedhouse Evans came out on top in a one-on-one battle with Zak Drew but the hosts doubled their lead soon after as Teale fired home from the edge of the box.

Kane Simpson made it three with another strike from just outside of the box before Seedhouse Evans once again saved in a one-on-one situation with James Ollis. Ollis did make it 4-0 at the end of the half with a well taken finish from another Davies’ corner.

Bideford were successful in at least limiting the damage by not conceding in the second half despite more pressure from the home side. Seedhouse Evans made a third save from a one-on-one, this time from Davies, with Sam Meakes and Ross Staley also going close.

In response, Bowker and Finn Roberts tested Kyle Phillips late on but Bideford were well and truly second best throughout the contest.

Bideford: Seedhouse Evans, Mitchell, Slough (Down 85), Stockton, Byrne, Hill (Webber 68), Moyse, Winsor, Roberts, Reay, Ewing (Bowker 68). Sub not used: Clark.

Goals: Teale 18, 27, Simpson 38, Ollis 45+1

Attendance: 615