Devon rivals Bideford and Willand Rovers played out a 1-1 draw on Bank Holiday Monday, a result which leaves the Robins still looking for their first win of the season.

Ryan Turner equalised Harvey Dorothy’s opener, both goals coming in the first half of this hard fought contest at the Persimmon Homes Sports Ground.

The visitors’ opener came when Dorothy was left unmarked in the box from a deep cross. The Rovers’ striker was able to retain the ball through two challenges and poke the ball into the net past Luke Gwillam.

However, Bideford were only behind for four minutes. Jamie Hearsey found Jack Magarotto out on the right and his low cross was finished expertly by Turner, sweeping home from six yards out.

The move was almost repeated eight minutes later, this time Javan Wright delivered a low centre which Turner controlled, then shot on the spin, but this time didn’t connect well with the strike. Wright himself then saw a strike well saved low down by former Robin, Adam Seedhouse-Evans.

At the other end, an indirect free kick inside the box was headed off the goal line brilliantly by Javan Wright, just moments before the half time whistle.

Bideford were the team who were most on the offensive in the second period. A number of good crosses into the box were not capitalised on though as Willand defended stoutly.

Farren Simons found Turner on the far side of the box with a well directed ball, the Robins’ number nine then drilled a strike right across the face of goal and wide of the target.

Jordan Ewing was introduced just past the hour and went close with his first touch. Turner collected a forward ball and teed up Ewing to strike from 20 yards out, but Seedhouse was equal to it. Three minutes later, Turner chest controlled a Magarotto cross and sent a spectacular overhead kick narrowly wide of the post.

The final big chance of the game came in the 90th minute as Javan Wright turned a defender in the box and pulled a shot inches wide of the post.

Bideford: Gwillam, Taylor, Mayne, S Wright, Byrne, Simons (Field 83), Sneap, Magarotto, J Wright, Hearsey (Ewing 62), Turner (Forward 78). Subs not used: Clinton, Richards.

Goals:
Bideford: Turner 24
Willand: Dorothy 20

Attendance: 231