WIMBORNE Town went down 3-1 at fellow play-off hopefuls Bideford on Saturday afternoon.

It had been a positive start at the Sports Ground in Devon, with Jez Bedford putting Magpies ahead after four minutes.

A Bideford penalty late in the first half was initially stopped by Bert White, Matthew Buchan converting at the second attempt.

Substitute Ryan Turner put the hosts ahead shortly past the hour mark, before Buchan picked up his second late on.

Bedford arrived at the right place and time to head home Oakley Hanger’s cross, giving Wimborne an early lead.

Both sides enjoyed half-chances in the remainder of the first period, but were unable to convert.

Just before the break, Buchan was felled inside the area. The attacker dusted himself down to take the resultant spot-kick, only to be denied by White.

However, Buchan reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

Bideford enjoyed more chances in the second period, eventually taking the lead through sub Turner.

Turner was on hand to volley home Finn Roberts’ cross from deep, putting Bideford ahead for the first time.

The Robins would have the ball in the back of the net once before grabbing their third, a potential goal ruled out due to the fact it had flown into the goal from a throw-in without touching any player.

But Bideford would get their third, Buchan heading home a Gabriel Rogers free kick.

Magpies: White; Hanger, Cocklin (Scorey, 89), Roberts, Jackson; Carmichael, Bedford (Griffin, 62), Neale, Lovell, Beale; Baker (Munn, 68).

Unused subs: Johnston, Walker, Griffin.