05/08/2026
Torridge Cup Final
Appledore 1-2 Barnstaple Town AET
Appledore may have come away defeated last night, but every single player can hold their head high after an outstanding performance against opponents three leagues above them. Going into the game many expected Barnstaple to dominate, but Appledore proved from the first whistle that they were more than capable of competing.
The fishermen started brightly, working hard all over the pitch, defending together and playing some really good football when in possession. Appledore created a couple of good opportunities early on and looked dangerous every time they got forward, but couldn’t quite find the finishing touch.
Barnstaple eventually broke the deadlock in the first half after the ball dropped to one of their substitutes on the edge of the area, and he produced a quality finish into the top corner.
Half-time: 0-1
Despite going behind, Appledore came out for the second half full of belief and continued to match Barnstaple in every area of the pitch. The game stayed evenly balanced, with Appledore defending superbly and throwing bodies on the line to keep themselves in the contest.
As the game entered stoppage time, it looked like Barnstaple may just hold on, but Appledore had other ideas. In the 95th minute, a corner was delivered into the box and the ball fell kindly to Jamie Bowden, who showed great composure to chest it down before smashing a volley into the back of the net. The celebrations from the players and supporters said it all, with everyone believing penalties were next, only to then find out the final would go to extra time, a rule change brought in for this year’s competition despite every previous round going straight to penalties!
Extra time was always going to be a huge test physically, but Appledore kept battling and refused to give in. Aston produced some massive saves to keep the lads level, with tired legs across the pitch they continued to dig deep for one another.
The first half of extra time ended 1-1, but unfortunately Barnstaple found the winning goal late on after bringing down a long ball and finishing low into the corner.
Appledore continued to push right until the final whistle but couldn’t find another equaliser. At the final whistle, Barnstaple knew they had been in a tough game against a hardworking Appledore side that pushed them all the way.
Defeat in the final is obviously disappointing, but the performance, effort and togetherness shown by every player was something to be proud of. Congratulations to Barnstaple Town and thank you to everyone who came down and supported the lads.
Attention now turns back to league action on Saturday.
