DEVIZES chief Mark Godley bemoaned a long trek on a Tuesday night but said that was no excuse for their heavy defeat.

Godley said Bideford were the best team in the league and that he had been amazed by some of their play, but was disappointed they had to travel almost 150 miles midweek.

Godley said: "We came second to the best team in the league.

"We went up there with about as good a squad as I could get together and credit to the guys for making themselves available.

"At times I found myself just admiring some of their play. I think everyone knows when they are on form they really are a gifted side.

"But I cannot question the effort and commitment from our team. They worked hard.

"I sincerely hope Bideford win the league because they are undoubtedly the best footballing side in the division. They are too good for our league and what I like is they try to play football in the right way.

"We have taken points off every one of the top six sides but not even come within a sniff of Bideford."

The hosts opened the scoring with a dubious penalty five minutes before half time and doubled their lead a minute later when their striker struck the ball through a Devizes defender's legs and past the keeper.

After half time Devizes came out brighter and Nathan Perkins scored on 55 minutes with an unstoppable shot from 18 yards which bulleted into the top corner.

Fifteen minutes later the deficit increased to two goals when a fast cross into the box cannoned in off Ashley Nichols when he tried to clear, and on 75 minutes Bideford wrapped up the game with their fourth.

Godley said he hoped the travelling situation would be sorted out for next season: "It was an absolute disgrace that we were forced to go up on a Tuesday night. It's the longest distance between two Screwfix clubs.

"Our secretary had put several requests in to change the game I don't know if we could have taken it further to the league.

"This club is not wealthy enough to cover these midweek games."