Steve Jupp, BA11's Club Historian, contemplates another pivotal trip to Devon.
The Robins head to North Devon on Saturday for a crucial encounter with old foes Bideford.
Back-to-back wins have enabled Wimborne to regain the title initiative and, although Danny Greaves' side have a game in hand, they would not want to see the Dorset outfit extend their current four-point buffer.
A few short days ago, there was nothing more than a cigarette paper separating the top three but following Cribbs' eyebrow-raising 5-1 defeat at Larkhall on Wednesday, there is, all of a sudden, more of a 'spread out' feel at the business end of the table.
Pld Pts Gdif
1 Wimborne 27 57 +27
2 FROME 26 53 +22
3 Cribbs 26 50 +10
On the first Saturday of 2024, when Bideford won 3-2 at Bristol Manor Farm, it was a four-horse race but remarkably, the North Devon Robins have picked-up just a single point in the two months since, losing their last four fixtures.
They have slipped to seventh place but having played fewer games than anyone else in Division One South, a play-off spot is within their grasp if they can rekindle some of their pre-New Year form.
Frome's most recent visits to The Sports Ground have brought mixed results with one win, one draw and a loss from their last three but they will be encouraged by Bide's modest home record this season (Pld 12 W 5 D 3 L 4) and their own recent haul of ten points out of a possible twelve.
The Supporters Club coach to the game still has one or two seats available, free to members, £15 for non-members and departure from Badgers Hill will be 11.30 am.
Match Details
For those who plan on travelling to Bideford, tickets can be purchased on the gate with adult entry priced at £10, concession entry at £6 and U16s' entry is £2.
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Hopefully we'll get something more than just clotted cream or Ambrosia Rice pudding from our trip to Devon. It's a tricky one for sure.
I think Wimborne will most likely win at home to Tavistock., Whilst Cribbs will want to bounce back, but they have two more difficult away games this week... at Mousehole and Bristol MF.
I think there's a case for Meaksie to be given a run now for 2-3 games. ahead of Kane, who would be an asset off the bench.. Meaksie is far better in the air when challenging the opposition's centre backs , he helps to keep the ball going towards the opposition's goal - it's something that Kane hasn't the ability to d…
Thank you Steve for your contemplations, always informative and interesting.
The following is an appreciation of two Robins who have, and continue to, give so much to the club:
Captain Sam Teale.
There are few defenders in our league who can match Sam's composure on the ball, it is rare to see a defender who is so comfortable orchestrating the team play from defensive positions.
Sam is unflappable with the ball at his feet and always seems to have time to pick out one of his colleagues.
Some of Sam's defensive duties can easily be overlooked because he is so good at reading where the ball is going. He regularly intercepts an indended pass, before setting the team away again.