Robins relieve relegation fears in thrilling draw

In a wonderful rollercoaster advert for Southern League football, Bideford fought back from a two-goal deficit at Shaftesbury, only to have their dreams of victory snatched away deep into stoppage time.

Despite the last-gasp disappointment, it was another valuable point for the Robins, giving them a healthy six-point cushion above the relegation zone as we approach the final month of the season.

Shaftesbury are in a similar position to Bideford, desperately trying to keep their heads above dangerous waters, and they showed that in a whirlwind start, as goals from Toby Holmes and Luke Burbidge gave the home side a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes.

Bideford rallied quickly, Jack Winsor shifting the ball wide for Finn Roberts to unleash a sensational angled strike with that wand of a left foot, which is fast becoming a very welcome trademark.

Scott Robinson forced a decent save from home custodian Shane Murphy to end a breathless first period and the Robins continued to crank up the pressure after the break, Javan Wright flicking the outside of the post with a deft header.

Eventually, on 70 minutes, Shaftesbury cracked. Winsor had Murphy at full stretch with a well-placed free-kick, a top save, but Robinson was on to the rebound in a flash and the Robins had deservedly drawn level.

Bideford continued that momentum to grab the lead, Alex Moyse fizzing a low drive into the net, but there was still plenty of minutes left to play and with the referee adding on a hefty amount of injury time, tension filled the Dorset air.

The aerial prowess of Robinson created a chance for Josh Webber to seal the win but when he shot narrowly wide, Shaftesbury swiftly launched the ball forward and a cross fell from the grasp of goalkeeper Liam Kingston for Conor Cocklin to pounce and confirm an epic 3-3 draw. Bideford host Didcot Town on Saturday.

Barnstaple Town remain in a strong position to qualify for the Western League play-offs, despite an unexpected heavy defeat at Ivybridge Town. Stuart Bowker struck twice for Barum but the Ivies ran out 5-2 victors. Barnstaple welcome Street this weekend.

Struggling Ilfracombe Town travelled to another play-off contender, Buckland Athletic, and came within a minute of securing an outstanding point. Aidy Barrow had given the Bluebirds a first-half lead but Buckland levelled and then pinched all three points with a scrambled finish in stoppage time.