Frome’s first away trip of 2020 saw them venture to North Devon and Bideford Town where there is a long history of games between the respective clubs. With Mark Cooper suspended and Dan Cottle sick Chris Peck came into the starting 11.
The pattern of the game was unusual with both teams playing the long ball and Frome not really settling into their usual passing game. The first chance for the visitors came in the 9th minute when Kane Simpson did well to create himself a chance, beating the goalkeeper only to see his shot rebound off the inside of the post.
The deadlock was broken on 18 minutes when a long pass from Maidment found Simpson who cleverly flicked on for Davies to beat the last defender and score. Frome survived a penalty appeal before Bideford had their best chance of the first half, Brown saving a forced strike well and the rebounded effort being blocked by the defence to go in with a slender lead at half time.
Bideford emerged a changed team in the second half and had the visitors under almost constant pressure from the start with Frome rarely threatening until the half hour mark when Kane Simpson appeared to be impeded as he rounded the goalkeeper but nothing was given and Brown was again called upon to keep the lead intact.
Bideford secured a somewhat freak equaliser when a clearance smashed an attacking player in the face and rebounded to the striker who was free to score easily past Brown on 74 minutes. A minute later Alex Hallett recieved a straight red card for a foul as the last defender.
Bideford’s second, and winning goal came on 82 when a free kick from the right side was steered back across the face of goal for an easy tap in.
Frome has one chance to draw level through Davies but the home goalkeeper made a great save and Frome were unable to convert the resultant corner.
Frome Town man of the match: Kane Simpson
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