GNFC pictorial history

[Bloodnock]

In my local paper this week,(North Devon Gazzette) was a small article by Richard Ralph of Gravesend who is compiling a pictorial history of the Fleet.

He was asking if Bideford FC supporters had any photos taken when the clubs played each other.

As I live in Bideford I wondered if I could be of any assistance by maybe approaching Bideford FC personally.

If any one on here knows Richard perhaps they would be kind enough to inform him,

he lives in Smarts Road.

[Graham S]

I'd love to see a photo from our game at Bideford during the season we won the Southern League South, 1974-75.

 

I was in my 1st year at Exeter University & travelled up by bus in torrential rain. Fleet went behind early on, courtesy of Tony Weston giving away a penalty, but Brian Woolfe squared things up after a typical mazy run just before half time. Colin Norman put us in front in the 2nd half, only for a very spirited Bideford to peg us back to 2-2. Fleet weren't to be denied though, with Peter Hearn heading the winner to seal a cracking game. Tommy Watson man of the match, if my memory serves me correctly.

 

Funny how away wins stick in the mind for ever, but I'm hazy on some of this season's home games already.

 

Graham S

[Bloodnock]

I can remember a 5-2 victory at home but no details at all about it, I think we may have only met for a few seasons as we were promoted.

I remember the season your talking of Graham was this not Tony Sitfords first season as manager?

[Graham S]

I think he was appointed during the previous season, so it would have been his 1st full season in charge.

 

Bideford were in the middle of a big debate as to their future during the 74/75 season & this had reached its height prior to their home game against us. It was certainly a tough one to win as they really raised their game & fought right to the end. They elected when the season finished to move into the Western League, even though they were nowhere near the relegation zone. I was down in Exeter for the return fixture at Stonebridge Road, but I'm sure I can remember phoning my dad to get the result & it had been a rather dour draw.

 

[/i]Graham S

[Bloodnock]

You are probably correct, these days they are nearly always in the top three of the Western league, if not champions, and I think their aim is to get into the confernce south.

To be honest I am unsure as to how far they would have to go to acheive this in the pyramid system i'll have to have a look, as you can gather I never take in any matches down here, my heart lies firmly with the Fleet on match days, the last time I did go to Bideford was for a friendly they played against Dagenham a couple of ssasons ago.

Perhaps i did ought to go occassionally and see what the standards like.