The Somerset Robins, flying high in Division One South, were quick off the mark and opened the scoring in the fourth minute as the heaven’s opened at the Persimmon Homes Sports Ground.

Young debutant goalkeeper Leo McCormick made up for his bad clearance by making an excellent save to keep out Archie Ferris, however the ball rebounded back to Ferris who then squared for David Duru to score from close range.

Bideford responded with Alex Moyse twice going close – his first effort curling just wide of the target and Kyle Phillips saving well low down to his left for the other.

Zac Drew then clipped the top of the crossbar for the visitors and McCormick saved a Drew header which really the Frome frontman should have buried.

The Devon Robins were dealt another blow as Alex Byrne was forced off with an injury, before Jamie Hearsey flashed a shot wide of the target prior to half time.

Bideford offered very little attacking threat in the second half on what had become a very boggy pitch. They were punished on the break in the 55th minute as Drew ran through only to see his cut back well intercepted by Finn Roberts, but much like the first goal the ball fell nicely again for the Frome striker to score at the second attempt.

McCormick made two excellent save from Albie Hopkins - with Sam Wright also clearing off the line – and then from Duru at point blank range.

Jordan Ewing and Krystian Woods were introduced as Bideford attempted to rally in the late stages but Frome held firm to take maximum points back to Somerset.

Bideford: McCormick, Winsor, S Wright, Slough, Byrne (C Wright 27), J Wright, Moyse, Hearsey (Ewing 68), Roberts, Robinson, Buchan (Woods 75). Subs not used: Turner, Gardner.

Goals: Duru 4, Drew 55

Attendance: 248