Today marked the first match of the season, and with high spirits Willand welcomed Barnstaple Town to Silver Street, and after an impressive pre-season run, things were looking up after an invincible pre-season and good draws at home to Taunton Town and Tiverton Town.
The Rovers had more household names back, with the skipper Jamie Richards slotting back into the defence. The home side has seen a big boost with more players returning, but there would be another injury setback with Ross Edwards out for this game.
Barnstaple came into this game looking to get the underdog victory, and it started well for them with the away side controlling most of the possession in the first half. It would be the away side that struck first as Barum found the back of the net in the 7th minute.
Barum would get another just a few minutes later; after what can only be described as a dream start for Barnstaple, in ten minutes they are up by two, and they would continue to dominate for the rest of the half. The first half ended 0-2 in favour of Barnstaple.
The second half started like the first, with Barnstaple controlling possession and having some close chances. But they couldn’t hit the back of the net, with Rovers having only a few chances. The game ended 0-2 in favour of the away side, which means our run in the cup has come to an end.
Our next game sees us back at Silver Street for the reversed fixture when we play Bristol Manor Farm. Get behind the lads, and let’s get the Southern League season off to a good start with a win at home against Manor Farm. Get behind the lads, and let’s start this season well!
