Saturday, April 27

Arlington Cup final at Torrington FC

Bridgerule 1

Putford 0

ROB Pearce’s brilliant late free-kick secured Bridgerule the Arlington Cup after beating plucky Putford on Saturday night.

The Arlington Cup is the league cup for sides in Intermediate One of the North Devon League and attracted a decent sized crowd under the Torrington floodlights.

Played in blustery conditions, promotion-chasing Bridgerule created a couple of early chances, but from there on, mid-table Putford had the better of the play without creating any meaningful openings to test George Tozer in the Bridgerule goal. As the half wore on, Bridgerule grew into the game, putting pressure on the Putford backline who appeared to be dropping deeper right up until the half-time whistle.

The second half started much the same as the first, with both sides looking nervy and more importantly conscious that one mistake could lead to the goal that would settle the tie.

Into the final 20 minutes and Bridgerule saw a header from Jedd Peschke cleared off the line before Todd Peschke saw his effort fly over the bar after a good counter attack.

Despite Bridgerule looking the more likely to score, Putford still managed a half chance of their own after a long-range free-kick was punched away by Tozer.

With just a few minutes remaining Jacob Nosworthy was fouled on the edge of the Putford penalty area which appeared to suit the left foot of Frank Barriball. However, top scorer Pearce stepped up and curled his effort around the wall and into the near post to spark jubilant celebrations amongst the Bridgerule players and supporters.

Despite Putford’s best efforts, there was little time for them to find an equaliser and Bridgerule held on for a deserved trophy to kickstart an exciting end to the 2018/19 season, which could see them secure promotion in the league and win the Launceston Cup, where they face St Cleer in the final at Pennygillam on Sunday (6pm).

A Bridgerule spokesperson said: “The club would like to thank the volunteers at Torrington FC for hosting the event and a huge mention must also go to the groundstaff who had the pitch looking immaculate! Huge thanks also goes to Putford FC for a great final, our supporters for making the trip and the officials who conducted themselves brilliantly throughout.”