Three first half goals from Ellis Laight (2) and Danny Harris were enough to see off Walsall Wood a pre-season friendly.

Todays match saw the return of Ben Wood, much to the delight of the Bideford fans after his trial at Dorchester came to an end. And just before the match, he signed his papers to remain at Bideford AFC for next season.

But he wasn't the only one, Jamie Densham has also resigned, and midfielder Clay Bond has signed, rejoining from Stoke Gabriel.

The team was missing Kevin Squire today who is suffering from flu, Billy Hopcroft was also missing. A minutes silence for Sir Bobby Robson was held before the kick off.

The match got underway, and a fast tempo was set by both teams, which continued through all of the first half. Bideford were making the most of the play for the opening 10 minutes, combining well and putting in some very impressive switching moves. Ben Wood had the first opportunity to open the scoring after about 8 minutes, when Ellis Laights powerful shot was deflected to him, but the ball got under his feet and his effort was scuffed wide.

Walsall Wood looked good on the ball too, and after 15 minutes had a goal chalked off for offside after a goalmouth scramble, Bideford responded 1 minute later when a cross in from the right found Ellis Laight free 9 yards out who blasted past Walsall Wood goalkeeperLuke Rollins with little chance to save.

On 21 minutes Danny Harris stepped up to take an outside of the box free kick, he struck it with great power and precision and it flew into the top right hand corner, leaving the goalkeeper stood there watching it.

And then on 35 minutes, Bideford went three up when Matt Downing launched a perfect ball into the path of Ellis Laight who with his first touch smashed it into the net with his right foot.

A slight deflection denied Matt Downing from scoring himself minutes later when his long range effort went inches wide.

At the other end, Walsall were still on thier toes, and on 40 minutes were awarded a corner. The corner cross was driven in fast and low, and a miskick from Danny Harris saw his second goal of the game, this time in the wrong net. 3-1.

Laight nearly completed his hatrick on the stroke of halftime when his edge of the area strike whistled past the left post. Half time and this has been one of the most impressive halves of football i've witnessed by Bideford.

The second half got underway, and Walsall Wood looked more composed and consistant, it took 15 minutes for them to find the net, when Ahmed Bilgimer took hold of the ball inside of the box, turned and shot past Draper. 3-2.

The half was less exciting than the first, as both teams looked tired from the explosive first half. Walsall Wood were probably the more attacking of the two teams during the second period, but rarely went close, some brilliant defending by Danny Harris and Dom Rivans were keeping the Walsall forwards at bay. Everyone feared the worst when with 30 minutes left to play Rivans took an attempted overhead kick to the face during a Walsall attack. I was standing at the opposite end of the ground and heard the loud impact, but after some short treatment, Rivans was up walking and even smiling.

Some good linking up play on the hour mark between Densham and Andrew saw Andrew free for a shot on goal, but his effort was a little wide. Andrew has had another great game today, popping up all over and not afraid to make strong challenges and fight at every opportunity.

The last half hour saw both teams keeping each other at bay, with little chance of another goal at either end. The 77 strong crowd welcomed the final whistle which gives Bideford another very positive pre-season victory. Man of the match goes to Danny Harris, his free kick goal was awesome, maybee our own little David Beckham for next season :) Top notch defending too.

Bideford Squad:

Draper, Dpwning, Barker, Harris, Rivans, Brown, Down, Hockley, Andrew, Laight, Wood

Subs:

Densham, Francis, Bond, Duff, Scott

Walsall Squad:

Rollins, Deavall, Roberts, T. Bilgimer, Cox, Larkins, Cooper, Owen, A. Bilgimer, Aunlark, Purdey

Subs:

Murray, Harris, Forrest, McCormack, Taylor-Boyce, Walsh, Huchfield, Rogers, Reeves