Match Report
Match Report: Bees Sting on the North Devon Coast
Ilfracombe Town AFC 1 - 4 Bridport FC Venue: Marlborough Park Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
The Build-Up
After a frustrating month-long hiatus due to the relentless winter rain, Bridport FC finally returned to action yesterday. Traveling to Ilfracombe as league second-place holders, the Bees were under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
Memories of the abandoned home fixture—where Ilfracombe led 1-0 before a serious injury halted play—were fresh in the mind. On that note, everyone at Bridport FC was delighted to hear that Riley from Ilfracombe is making a steady recovery. Despite the recent deluge, the pitch at Marlborough Park was in fantastic condition, a massive credit to the hard work of the local grounds team.
First Half: Clinical Bees Take Control
The hosts started with real intent, nearly breaking the deadlock in the opening minutes. Bridport had to organize quickly to weather the initial storm, but once the rust was shaken off, Chris Herbst’s side got down to business.
17’ GOAL: The breakthrough came via Solomon Ayunga, who finished off a beautifully worked team move to make it 1-0 and set the tone for the afternoon.
18’ INJURY: Disaster struck almost immediately after the restart. A heavy tackle on Alec Thomas left the player unable to continue with a painful dead leg. It’s a long journey to the coast to be sidelined so early, but it paved the way for Owen Kemp to enter the fray. Kemp followed tactical instructions to the letter, growing into the game and giving the gaffer plenty to think about with a stellar performance.
35’ GOAL: Riley Weedon turned provider, whipping in a pinpoint cross for Isaac House to head home. House later remarked he knew it was in the moment it left Weedon's boot—pure telepathy between the front two.
40’ GOAL: The service didn't stop there. Harley Brook delivered a beauty from the opposite wing, finding House again, who buried a sharp shot to make it three.
Half Time: Ilfracombe Town 0 - 3 Bridport FC
Second Half: Seeing it Through
The Bees maintained their intensity after the break, though the physical nature of the game forced further changes. Darren Lock (ankle) and Isaac House (knock) were replaced by Matt Brown and Tony Pinder respectively. Pinder made an immediate impact, helping the Bees pin the hosts back deep into their own half.
77’ GOAL: The relentless work rate of the Bridport attack was rewarded yet again when Riley Weedon slotted home the fourth, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
90’ GOAL: To their credit, Ilfracombe never stopped fighting. During a spirited late rally, Stan Jenkins found the net for the hosts to pull one back, a deserved consolation for his second-half efforts.
The Verdict
A 4-1 victory on the road is the perfect way to restart the season. While the Joint Player of the Match honors went to the strike duo of Isaac House and Solomon Ayunga, this was a complete squad performance. The midfield and defense remained resolute throughout, and Jordon Scadding’s pinpoint distribution from goal kicks provided the perfect platform for the Bees to attack.
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