Ilfracombe Town 4

Street 1

Street ended their season in disappointing fashion as they were beaten 4-1 at Ilfracombe.

It ended a fairly miserable second half of the season as just one league victory over Barnstaple proved to be the Cobblers' only success in their final 19 league encounters since the middle of January.

On the plus side, and it is a definite plus, Street can look back and know they have shown a marked improvement compared with the previous season as they finished five places higher in the table and are 13 points better off.

The disappointing factor, however, stemmed back from Street's victory over Ilfracombe in January when they were lying in fifth spot at the time and, although manager Dave Pople was realistic in his assessment at the time, a top-10 finish was certainly on the cards.

Injuries and suspensions were always likely to take a hold at some point and with a lack of strength in depth this was a major issue. The manager will no doubt spend a large chunk of his summer break looking to increase the number of players who are capable of playing at Western League level.

Travelling to Ilfracombe was never going to be easy against a side who have picked themselves up in recent weeks, but, after a promising opening, Street went a goal behind after Ben Higgins was adjudged by referee Knowles to have committed a foul in the penalty area after what looked to be more like a stumble over the Street wing-back.

Madge put away the spot kick with comparative ease.

Street were deservedly back on level terms just before the interval with a fine strike from Kye Palmer. The second half was not as good for Street as the home side scored three times without reply.

Goals from Madge, Mayne and Marinaro were good enough to give Ilfracombe a comprehensive victory and the final game of the season for Street proved to be a long journey back.