SATURDAY
Barnstaple Town U18s 4-3 Wimborne Town U18s

The South West Counties side went into the game looking to bounce back after two straight defeats away to Bath and Champion Sports. Barnstaple started the game brightly in a new-look 4-4-2 formation.

It didn't take long for Barum to open the scoring, with Finn Galliford putting the hosts 1-0 up early on. Wimborne tried to force their way back into the game, but they were no match for the Barnstaple back four, who dealt confidently with everything that came their way.

Rio Bishop then picked up a booking (shock!) for stopping a breakaway by the visitors, but just a few minutes later Finn Galliford struck again to double Barum's advantage and make it 2-0.

Barnstaple went into the break with a comfortable lead and started the second half just as strongly as they had the first. Alfie Brown scored with a clever backheel, with Galliford picking up his third goal contribution of the morning.

Barnstaple made several substitutions after 55 minutes, with debutants Jack Brown and Freddie Avery entering the game and looking to make an impression on their first outings.

Wimborne pulled a goal back in the 57th minute to make it 3-1, but less than 10 minutes later Barnstaple came close to extending their lead, hitting the post twice in quick succession before another effort sailed over the bar. A few minutes later, Freddie Avery marked his debut with a tidy finish to restore the three-goal cushion.

Wimborne continued to battle and pushed hard to get themselves back into the game. Goals in the 84th and 89th minutes reduced the deficit to 4-3, but despite their late comeback, Barum held on to secure all three points, moving to within three points of the top of the table.

Barum Line-up

Harley Pow, Rio Bishop, Jordan Davis, Lucas Elston, Reece Knewham, Leo Pearson, Alfie Brown, Alfie Sullivan, Finn Galliford, Jack Rothwell-Todd, Alfie Jones.

Substitutes

Freddie Avery, Jack Brown, Lucas Atkins, Finn Carroll, Lewis Kemp.

Goalscorers
- Finn Galliford (2)
- Alfie Brown
- Freddie Avery

MOTM - Jordan Davis

SUNDAY
Cullompton Rangers 0-2 Barnstaple U18s

The Devon Youth League side travelled to Cullompton for their third league game of the season, looking to continue their perfect start after victories over Okehampton and Budleigh Salterton in their previous fixtures.

Barnstaple, favourites going into the match, put the Cullompton defence under pressure early on, with the home goalkeeper forced into action several times during the opening 15 minutes.

It didn't take long for Barum to take the lead. Some great skill from Henry Hamilton created the opportunity before he calmly finished to open the scoring for Barnstaple.

Barnstaple soon had another chance when Jack Rothwell-Todd was fouled in the penalty area. He stepped up and confidently converted the resulting spot-kick to put Barum 2-0 ahead.

Cullompton began to grow into the game as the first half progressed, with Barnstaple goalkeeper Jack Ruddock forced to make several important saves before the break.

Barum started the second half having made two changes, and it wasn't long before they made an impact. Both Alfie Jones and Ollie Laird created good opportunities as Barnstaple looked to extend their lead.

Both goalkeepers and defences were kept busy throughout the second half as Cullompton continued to battle their way back into the contest. However, Barnstaple remained in control and ultimately secured a comfortable 2-0 victory to maintain their excellent start to the season.

Barum Line-up

Jack Ruddock, Rio Bishop, Leo Pearson, Matt Jones, Lewis Kemp, Lucas Elston, Jay Wheaton, Henry Hamilton, Jack Rothwell-Todd, Alfie Sullivan, Alfie Brown.

Substitutes

Dan Norman, Alfie Jones, Ollie Laird.

Goalscorers
Henry Hamilton
Jack Rothwell-Todd

MOTM - Henry Hamilton