Bickleigh 6, Newton Poppleford 2 Newton Poppleford once again tasted defeat despite a strong first-half performance.

Following a good showing at East Budleigh in midweek, in which Newton Pop eventually lost the game 2-0, the side went into the game with confidence.

Confidence that was shattered within five minutes as Bickleigh took an early lead!

However, credit must be given to the players, who rallied and began to get a foothold in the game. A succession of corners eventually led to the equaliser, Jordan Cooper first denied by the Bickleigh ‘keeper before Mark Tett headed home from the resulting corner.

With the scores tied going into the interval, there was a genuine confidence amongst the visitors that they could go on to win the game.

A slow start to the second half ended any hope of taking something from the contest as Bickleigh struck three times within ten minutes of the restart.

The remainder of the second half was a struggle for Newton Pop as fitness levels began to show and the small size of the squad became evident, with veteran player-manager, 56-year-old Cliff Cooper, replacing the injured Zak Harwood midway through the half.

Harrison Jones’ superb long distance effort into the top corner proved a mere consolation in the end as Bickleigh added two more late on to close out an emphatic victory.

Newton Poppleford play at home for the first time this season tomorrow (Saturday) as they host Bow AAC.