SCREWFIX PREMIER DIVISION: THE prolific front-line of league leaders Bideford proved too hot to handle for a spirited Devizes Town side.

Dave Hopkins' men went in at the break on level terms but it was the Bideford marksmen who stole the show after the restart.

The home team marched into a four-goal lead through two Mike Southgate efforts, one from Leon Hapgood and Andrew Coombes own goal before Steve Bush netted a consolation.

Hopkins said: "We had five lads missing from last Saturday so to be 0-0 at half-time I was not disappointed at all.

"In the first half everyone was buzzing and we tried to sit deep and close space down. Our effort was very good but we were just not strong enough against them.

"We made the decision to bring on all our subs who had made the trip when we were 2-0 down with 20 minutes left. Bideford got a couple of sucker punch goals because of that and I think if we hadn't changed things it would have been 2-0 or 2-1.

"Bideford have got a good side and a big wage bill and I think the score-line flattered them."

Devizes defended deep in the first half and kept the game goalless until the break.

They could have gone in front through Justin Porter or Marcus Wallen but it was Bideford who struck first two minutes after the break when Southgate slotted past Jez Hare.

The goal eased the pressure on the home team and they went two ahead when Coombes headed a Robbie Herrera cross into his own net.

Devizes made three substitutions but it was Bideford who scored again when Herrera crossed again and Hapgood smashed home.

Southgate made the score 4-0 soon after when he burst into the Devizes box and beat Hare for a second time.

But it was the visitors who had the last word when they netted a consolation through Steve Bush's superb volley.

On Saturday Devizes take a break from league action when they entertain Barnstaple Town in the second round of the Les Phillips Cup.

Hopkins said: "We were disappointed to go out of the Wilts Senior Cup so I hope we can progress in this competition.

"With our full side out we will definitely give a good account of ourselves and it would be good to stay in the cup because it's a nice sideline."

Hopkins expects to see Nathan Perkins, Justin Lisle, Dave Lloyd and Kevin Bush all available for selection again and is hoping for a good end of season run-in.

"Bideford was the last top team we had to play," he continued. "It's bottom eight teams all the rest of the season now. If we can get a consistent side together I am really hoping to pick up another 18 to 20 points."