The Peacocks are on the road when they travel to Bideford in the 1st Round of the Southern League Challenge Cup tomorrow evening (1st October), kick-off 7.45pm.
Saturday’s draw at Metropolitan Police made it seven games unbeaten in the league for Town and only one defeat from their last ten competitive matches, one of which was the penalty shoot-out victory over Willand Rovers in the previous round of the Challenge Cup. The Peacocks should therefore not be short of confidence going into the tie in North Devon against a Robins side which gained their first win in six games on Saturday when they beat AFC Totton 2-1 at the Sports Ground, a result which sees them sit in 11th spot in Division One South. September proved a disappointing month for Bideford, for despite scoring ten goals in four games prior to Saturday, they ended up losing all four including league defeats to Paulton and Thatcham plus cup exits in both the Emirates FA Cup and Devon St Lukes Challenge Cup. The win over Totton stopped the rot and they will no doubt be hoping to cause an upset tomorrow evening.
The sides have already met in pre-season, the Peacocks winning 1-0 at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium courtesy of a late goal from Jack Rice who subsequently enjoyed a successful loan spell at Bideford, scoring five goals in four games. He is now back with the Peacocks and is in the squad tomorrow along with some Bridgwater and Taunton College students. Shane White serves the second game of his suspension while Nick Grimes is still injured and Bristol City loanee Bradley Webb has ended his spell with the club and gone on loan to Yate Town to guarantee more game time.
On The Road – Bideford
Ground: The Sports Ground, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2NG
Directions: Follow A361 to Barnstaple. At Barnstaple turn left onto A39 to Bideford. After 9 miles and crossing bridge over river, turn left at roundabout into Bideford. The Ground is on the right hand side as you enter the Town centre.
Admission: Adults £10, Concessions £6, Under 16’s £2, Under 12’s Free
Most recent meetings: The two teams last met competitively in Town’s promotion season two years ago. Dan Sullivan’s goal was cancelled out by Ben Seymour’s penalty as the sides drew 1-1 at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in February but Town had better luck in the away fixture, winning 1-0 in April thanks to Matt Wright’s effort.