16-game winless streak comes to an end

It was a first win since October for Barum and the first for managers Kevin Darch and Dave Griffiths

Barnstaple Town brought a 16-game winless run in Evo-Stik League South West to an end on Saturday against high fliers Salisbury.

Billy Hopcroft’s goal on the hour was enough for Barum to come away from the Raymond McEnhill Stadium with three points, an undoubted confidence boost and a first win under managers Kevin Darch and Dave Griffiths.

It was also the perfect tonic to a dissapointing 3-0 defeat at home to Totton four days earlier.

“Obviously it’s a massive three points that we needed, but almost more importantly than the result was the performance, the way we played and the desire to get that result,” said Darch.

“Everyone played to their maximum.

“We would have been happy to nick a draw, but it was more pleasing they had that amount of effort and determination in the game.

“If we maintain those levels I would be confident we could pick up the points we need.

“It’s down to the lads to do it for 90 minutes.

“It’s probably the second time we’ve played and kept our concentration for the whole 90, and we’ve got results on both of those occasions, the other one being the draw at Bideford.

“It shows them what’s achievable if they manage to put the effort in, and it should give them a bit of belief.”

Barum hadn’t won in the league since a 5-1 victory at Bishops Cleeve on October 14.

With that in mind, no one would have been expecting Barum to get anything at Salisbury.

Steve Claridge’s side had won their last seven going into the game – eight of their last nine – and looked ironed on for second spot in League South West.

Source North Devon Gazette