A giant game awaits Barnstaple Town in the Western League promotion race

Football does not get bigger than this for Barnstaple Town, as they prepare to welcome Clevedon Town for a potential title decider in the Jewson Western League.

After their wonderful run in the FA Vase, Barum have been playing catch-up in the league and it now comes down to the final fortnight, starting with the visit of Clevedon, who are top of the table and just two points ahead of Barnstaple, with Torpoint Athletic sandwiched between them.

Barum set up the showdown on Saturday with a determined 2-0 victory at Bridgwater Town on Easter Monday, three points that were particularly impressive given they travelled to Somerset with a depleted squad.

Josh Parry provided the ideal start for Barum when he headed in a Gabby Rogers free-kick and they retained that lead until the half-time break. Barnstaple had to defend stoutly before Oscar Knight sealed the three points.

Barum secured a valuable three points on Good Friday, overcoming blustery conditions and a determined Wellington A.F.C. side to strengthen their position among the promotion contenders.

In front of a healthy holiday crowd, Barnstaple produced a composed and disciplined display, taking a 2-0 lead into half-time after a controlled opening period.

The breakthrough came from Shea Mannings, who continued his fine scoring form with a low drive from just inside the box—his fourth goal in as many games since joining the club. Tommy Rogers then doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, making amends for a miss in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Torpoint Athletic.

Wellington, with the wind at their backs, enjoyed a strong spell in the first half and went close on several occasions, striking the woodwork and seeing a goalbound effort cleared off the line during a sustained period of pressure.

After the break, Barnstaple asserted greater control, pinning much of the play in the visitors’ half. However, Wellington briefly threatened a comeback when Charlie Shearer produced an unexpected strike in the 70th minute to reduce the deficit.

The response from Barnstaple was swift. Substitute Tre Davey made an immediate impact, turning in a low cross just four minutes after entering the fray to restore the two-goal cushion.

With chances continuing to fall the home side’s way, the result was sealed in the 85th minute when defender Neil Slateford reacted quickest to a rebound after the goalkeeper’s save, putting the contest beyond doubt.