Oldland Abbotonians 0-2 Barnstaple Town
Western League Premier Division
Saturday 18th April 2026

Barum did what was within their control by winning their last match of the regular League season to guarantee at least second place in the League – but it would be out of their hands on Tuesday evening, when only a Torpoint victory in their final game at Home against Wellington would deny Ben Potter’s side the title.

On a sunny afternoon in semi-rural surroundings on the eastern fringes of Bristol, and with a large colourful contingent of travelling supporters in fine voice, a goal in each half by Gabby Rogers was enough to overcome the Os.

The opener came after Shea Mannings’ strong hold-up play was checked by a foul on the edge of the penalty area, the free kick then squeezed past the defensive wall and inches inside the near post in the 32nd minute; the second a controlled 15-yard side-foot through a crowd of players from a carefully paced low corner by River Allen after 70.

The hosts battled energetically throughout, with speedy break-aways the main tactic, but despite striking the woodwork in each half with two very good efforts, they did not otherwise pose a great threat to the visitors' overall superiority.

Barnstaple’s most successful season for a great many years still has an exciting climax to look forward to when they contest two Cup Finals: the Torridge Cup at Torrington FC on Thursday evening 7th May against Appledore; and the Western League’s Les Phillips Cup at Tiverton Town FC on Saturday 9th May (3pm) against Bradford Town.

Barnstaple at Oldland:
Ollie Saunders (GK), Joe Grigg, Tommy Rogers, Neil Slateford, Adam Hill, Lee Gardener (Capt), Luke Mortimore (Riley Malin 90+3’), River Allen, Shea Mannings (Oscar Knight 66'), Gabby Rogers (Ryan Keates 74'), Josh Parry (Tallan Burns 83’). Unused substitute: Luke Potter.

Attendance: 168

Scorer: Gabby Rogers (32’, 70’)

Barnstaple Town FC

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