Bernard Barnes, the young ex-Plymouth Argyle footballer who was persuaded by Bideford player-manager Sam Booth to return to the Bideford club could well become one of the Western League’s top goal scorers this season.

Barnes snapped up three goals in Bideford’s 4-1 victory over Frome Town in the Robins’ opening match in a way which augers well for the future.
However, a big question mark hangs over this talented youngster’s future. Barnes finishes his training at Aldershot this week and he said on Saturday that he did not know where he would be posted.
Colin Beer, Booth’s new centre forward signing from Exeter City, tried desperately hard to get his name on the goal sheet.
Inside-man Jack Smith and wing halves Sam Booth and Bill Harrower formed the base from which mover after move began. Had it not been for a series of fine saves by Webb, the young Frome goalkeeper, Bideford would certainly have enjoyed a bigger advantage at half-time.
Bideford, however, allowed the initiative they had held throughout the first half to slip away after the break. Frome settled down in this period far better and twice the upright came to Bideford’s rescue. Sandwiched in between came Frome’s only goal, an individual effort by Eric Bryant, who last season was Bideford’s top goal scorer.
Bideford’s third goal was typical of the eager way in which the home forwards seized their chances. Beer failed to get an outstretched foot to a cross from Barnes and the ball seemed to be running dead until it was rescued by Trever Hall. The winger chipped the ball back and the curly head of Dave Ferguson did the rest.
Marsh, Doyle and Booth were outstanding in defence but my heart has palpitations when I see Alan Marsh coming up so far in attack.

After leading 3-1 at the interval, Bideford fell away in the second half when they met Newton Abbot Spurs in the Exeter and District League.
Spurs rallied well in the second period and, with their front line moving smoothly and well, pushed their way to a 5-4 win. Bideford’s danger man was Paddy Blatchford, who was a constant danger. Bideford scorers were Oke and Burnette.

Bideford Youth XI have started the season well.
On Saturday, Bideford were ahead within five minutes when Graham Moore netted from a penalty. A header from Derek May from a cross form Doug Fisher made it 2-0. Then Ray Prance scored three in a row.
The home side added further goals through Derek May, Graham Moore, Ray Prance and Dave Evans.
The full Gazette article is dated 29 August 1958