BRADWORTHY missed the chance to move into the top five of the North Devon League Premier Division on Saturday as they were beaten at leaders Shamwickshire Rovers.

The Horniwinks headed to the ‘Sham Siro’ knowing the hosts would be keen for revenge on their 3-2 defeat back in September, but after a lively start found themselves two goals down inside half an hour with both goals coming from long throws.

Bradworthy pulled one back when the in-form Tudor Placinta volleyed in following Callum Johns’ corner, but their task was made far more difficult five minutes into the second half when Harrison Palmer saw red for catching an opponent on the knee.

However, that seemed to galvanise the visitors who gradually started to play their usual football, and nearly equalised in remarkable fashion as skipper Lee Clarke spotted the goalkeeper off his line, only to see his free-kick hit the post from 70 yards.

But Shammy showed why they won the treble last year, as a third goal arrived from a throw-in with five minutes remaining.

Strugglers Holsworthy Reserves picked up an excellent home point as they shared a goalless draw with high-flying Combe Martin at Upcott Field, while Morwenstow took a break league action with a 2-1 success at Millbrook in the Cornwall Intermediate Cup.

In the Senior Division, both Putford and Shebbear United were beaten at home by the odd goal in five.

Putford netted via striker Gary Clarke and sub Brandon Nicholls against Sandymere Blues, while Matthew Facey grabbed both of Sheb’s goals in their home reversal to Braunton Seconds. Both sides remain in the bottom three, although Putford are just a point from safety and three ahead of Shebbear.

Morwenstow Reserves are right in the promotion mix from Intermediate One after easing past fellow Post area side Holsworthy Thirds at Shop Playing Field.

The Greens led 2-0 at the break, and although the Magpies made life tougher in the second half with Ian Rowe and Dean Holness on target, Morwenstow powered on to remain third and within five points of top spot. Phil Horton helped himself to a brace with an own goal, James Marsh and Mark Skelton also rounding off the scoring.