Axminster Ladies travelled up to Bideford on Sunday to experience playing against a team in the Premier Division of the South West Regional Women's Football League, a level of football approximately four leagues higher.

Despite a result (9-0) that may not have looked like something to be proud of against a team playing at a level of this magnitude. However, it was a very good result for Ax Ladies with the team and every player working hard until the final whistle and they learnt a great deal.

Bideford Ladies showed great sportsmanship, were very welcoming and fired some absolute wonder goals into against the well respected Axminster keeper who has come on leaps and bounds since she first joined and played an absolute blinder of a game, receiving praise regularly from the opponents.

Our new signings Millie, Darci and Tamara, got in some good game time and experience at a high level competitive football match whilst we were without some of our starting players.

We tried different formations and players in different positions to really assess the best formation for the coming season, especially in consideration of new players welcomed during pre-season and others departing.

Axminster Ladies managed to keep a clean sheet for about 15 minutes with a number of attempts at some attacks before Bideford slotted one in the net.

The defensive line was well held and managed to catch Bideford offside a few times allowing Axminster the free-kick and a welcome opportunity to counter-attack, but unfortunately attempts were swiftly picked up by the opposition's strong defensive players.

Axminster continued to fight hard throughout the first half before the half-time whistle blew at 4-0 to Bideford.

Despite tiring against a very strong and fit Bideford side, Ax ladies continued to battle with some tremendous saves from the keeper, good passing amongst the team and some attacking opportunities with players being switched about.

Axminster just missed out with new signing Millie hitting the bar in the last ten minutes. In the second half Axminster conceded a further 5 goals resulting in a 9-0 defeat to Bideford.