Two stunning goals from Billy Hopcroft in the second half gives Bideford a brilliant win over Southern League side Taunton Town.

Tonight Bideford took on Southern League Division 1 side Taunton Town in the final game before the League gets underway on Saturday. Taunton Town are a big step up in class compared to some of the preseason matches that Bideford have dominated.

Last week Taunton Town travelled to Hallen, who managed to beat them by a single goal to nil. Taunton were looking to eliminate further embarrassment tonight, fielding a strong first team.

Missing tonight from the Biddy squad was Francis (getting married this week), Wood (resting a knock picked up on Saturday) and Squire (flu). 16 players made the trip (plus Wood was watching from the sidelines).

Chard trialist Glen Armstrong was the replacement up front alongside Ellis Laight.

The game was all Bideford from the get go, they dominated possession and chances throughout the entire half. It was another impressive performance, and the new look team is shaping up very well for an impressive coming season.

Had the fixture not been a friendly, Bideford were sure to have been awarded a couple of blatant penalties during the course of the match. Then on 75 minutes, Jamie Densham crossed the ball into the box from the dead ball line, picking out Billy Hopcroft who slammed the ball home. And less than 10 minutes later  Hopcroft was once again on the score sheet, dodging 4 or 5 tackles and linking well with Clay Bond before firing an edge of the area shot that put the game out of reach for Taunton.

Bideford were very impressive, and Taunton were lucky to get away with the 2-0 loss, it could have easily been 4 or 5. Ryan Draper in the Bideford goal only had to make one save the entire evening.

Obviously Hopcroft gets the man of the match award, for his great double. All round a great team effort and an absolute joy to watch.

Bideford Squad:

Ryan Draper, Matt Downing, Nick Barker, Dominic Rivans, Danny Harris, Chris Brown, Ian Down, Matt Hockley, Matt Andrew, Glen Armstrong, Ellis Laight.

Subs:

Jamie Densham, Billy Hopcroft, Clay Bond, Craig Duff, Sam Scott.

Bideford take on Bishop Sutton in the League opener at home on Saturday at 3pm, it's gonna be great, see you all there!