This was a big game for both teams, Bideford sit two places below Paulton in the league, by two points and with two matches in hand. On the Ref’s whistle, a rousing minute’s applause was held as a moving tribute to two Bideford stalwart supporters, Craig Watt and George Lockyer, who recently passed away.

The first shot on goal came from Bideford's Lewis Brooks, which a well placed Aaron Sainsbury comfortably held. Quick thinking by Sainsbury launched a long ball forward for Paulton to return fire, only for Bideford’s keeper, Adam Seedhouse to gather.

Bideford continued to attack Paulton on their left wing, Paulton's number four, Dan Restorick, was immense at right back making numerous headed clearances and displaying skilful footwork, linking play with Paulton's Mike Ilea, to break down Bideford’s attacking play. End to end play continued with both keepers making long kicks forward. A few strong challenges started to creep into the game with Paulton's Nick Hewlett needing treatment. After 10 minutes Bideford's Archie Reay threatened Paulton's box but the Paulton defence was playing very well and cleared the danger.

The first offside occured on 11 minutes with Bideford attacking on their left wing. The resulting free kick saw Paulton play a long ball forward to Martin Lenihan who passed to Dan Dempsey who saw his shot blocked. On 13 minutes, Ed collected the rebound and created some space on the edge of the Bideford box and struck a hard, low shot for Paulton's first goal, 1-0 to Paulton.

The game became livelier as Bideford responded. Paulton's defence were composed and collectively suppressed sustained Bideford attacking moves. On 26 minutes Bideford applied more attacking pressure resulting in a free kick 20 yards out from the Paulton goal.

Paulton tried to reverse the flow of Bideford attacking play. Ed Butcher and Will Hailston combined well and winning a free kick 30 yards out. Paulton's David O'Hare blasted a powerful shot on target drawing an impressive save from Bideford's keeper, Adam Seedhouse, as he dived forward to gather the ball at ground level.

Paulton began to deploy a long throw tactic, by Dan Restorick, causing problems for Bideford in the box. Bideford's keeper making superb saves from a barrage of shots from Paulton. Paulton had Bideford under pressure and continued to threaten the Bideford goal.

Will Hailstone, Ed Butcher and Martin Lenihan all combining well to force more saves from Adam Seedhouse in Bideford’s goal. Paulton gained a corner on 45 minutes, Butcher shoots, Seedhouse saves and Paulton's Dan Restorick pokes the ball over the line from 6 yards out. Paulton 2-0.

The second half began, as expected, with Bideford fired up to make an early breakthrough.

Several shots from Bideford missed just wide of the target. Paulton tried to counter with Ed Butcher down the right side who was tripped twice before he eventually fell.

After 15 minutes Bideford won a free kick 25 yards out. Bideford substitute Craig Duff produce an amazing strike heading across Paulton's goal for the top corner only for Aaron Sainsbury in Paulton's goal fly across his goal to tip the ball onto the post and out for a corner.

Bideford continued this good spell with Paulton's defence keeping shape and making crucial inceptions to break up Bideford attacks. However, Sainsbury was still required to make amazing saves as the shots got through.

Dan Restorick continued to be immense in defence for Paulton as Bideford press even more.

Halfway through the second half more Bideford shots fire across Sainsbury's goal requiring more diving saves.

Paulton's first substitution was Will Hailston off for Joe Paradise.

Now in extra time Paulton's keeper, Sainsbury, pulls off 3 incredible saves in rapid succession to keep the score at 2-0.

Overall a well deserved and much needed win for Paulton against a Bideford side who definitely had the better of the second half.

Our thoughts are with Craig Watt, George Lockyer and their friends and family.

Barry Knott