Teams 
Bideford’s new coach Simon Morrell is determined to avoid being distracted by the Chiefs’ worrying start to the season.
Last Saturday’s 17-0 defeat at Chard may seem like an improvement on the 31-0 reverse at Winscombe on day one, but it’s still two loses and not a point scored yet.
The side relegated from South West One last season is already bouncing along the bottom of the next division down.
Morrell can see things lacking, such as experience and game management, but does not want to drown out the positives either.
“We have plenty going right that must not be overlooked in defeat,” said Morrell, who is preparing the side for a Devon derby against Crediton at KGV this Saturday.
“We have seen signs our attacking shape will be half decent as the season unfolds and we should also credit some of the younger lads, who are really rising to the challenge.
“Dean Folland is leading as he always does, with some man-of-the-match performances.”
That’s the good stuff out of the way. As for what is going not so well, Morrell said it is the lack of experienced players on the teamsheet.
“You do need them when travelling to places like Chard and I can’t wait to see them back,” said Morrell.
“We do have a few such blokes on what is quite an impressive list of injured or unavailable players.
“Sam Olde, Jamie Giddy, Olly Sanders, Pat Sanders, Rob Elliot, Shaun East, George Snell, Will Copp, John Mock and Alex Smith have all been unavailable so far.”
A further blow for Bideford was losing Harry Jones and Alex Priest in the first 10 minutes at Chard.
“That is a lot of South West One experience to lose which we could have done with to compliment some of the youthful exuberance we have brought into the team,” said Morrell.
“Knowing when to be dull as dish water, or to lift the tempo, is certainly an area we have come up short thus far.”
It’s Crediton at home this Saturday, a side who have won both their opening matches.
“We will have another strong week preparing for another huge game and I am sure we will add another 5-10 per cent to our performance,” said Morrell.
