Wadebridge Town - Bodieve Park

Wadebridge Town FC

Bodieve Park

Wadebridge

Cornwall

PL27 6DJ

01208 812537

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Ground Number: 1417
Friday 18th April 2025

Wadebridge Town 1-1 Camelford
South West Peninsula West

WADEBRIDGE TOWN - A BRIEF HISTORY

The club was established in 1894 and played in local leagues for the first sixty or so years of their history. They joined the South Western League in 1952 and although they never won the title, they were runners-up on three occasions. In 2007, the league merged with the Devon County League to form the South West Peninsula League. Wadebridge Town were Division 1 West champions in its inaugural season.  They won promotion to the step 6 Premier Division in the process. Their debut season of 2008/09 saw a finish of 13th, which remains their best since the non-league pyramid was established. The club was relegated back down in 2011 but they are back at step 6 now as in 2019, the league took the decision to scrap the two tiers and go instead for a regional approach. Wadebridge enjoyed their best-ever season last year when they finished in 3rd place.

In the FA Cup, Wadebridge Town have not competed for over a decade, but they have reached the 3rd Qualifying Round four times. The 3rd Qualifying Round is also as far as they could manage in the FA Trophy, this occurred in 1970 when they beat Cowes but went on to lose to St Blazey. In 1983, the club reached the FA Vase Round, beating Torrington, Glastonbury & Newquay before losing out to Forest Green Rovers in a replay. In local competitions, the SWP Charity Vase was won in 2008 and the Cornwall Senior Cup in 1980. The South Western League Cup was won on five occasions whilst the Cornwall Charity Cup has been won eight times. The town of Wadebridge is near the River Camel and has a population of just under 8,000. The town also has cricket and rugby teams whilst the local leisure centre hosts Cornish wrestling bouts.  Andrew Ridgeley, a member of the pop music duo, Wham! and his partner Keren Woodward, from the group Bananarama, lived in a converted farmhouse near the town. Rugby player Olly Barkley was raised in the town.

MY VISIT

I was originally due to visit Wadebridge Town on Friday 16th July 2021 for their friendly against St Mawgan. The UK was taking cautious steps between Covid lockdowns at the time and a trip down to Devon & Cornwall for my birthday weekend was just about as much as was allowed at the time. I left in the morning heading to a pre-booked campsite and fully intending to head to my first choice of game. However, in the afternoon, St Mawgan pulled out due to Covid issues. I ended up having to pitch my tent and then do yet more driving to get to St Austell v Sticker. It was a shame, but it was the fault of nobody, at least in the UK. I ended up going to look at the ground the next day, and it looked a cracker. The club were also friendly, and it was disappointing that I'd have to wait four years to visit.

From the game at Truro, we made a quick dart to get away. I needed petrol at some point and as Sainsbury's in Truro was way cheaper than anywhere else, I filled up there. It was then half an hour to Wadebridge. It was a great result for Wycombe Wanderers as they won 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers, meaning we were both in a good mood. We got to the ground at 5.45 and parked up opposite. I went to the ground and got a decent bacon cheeseburger for £4. As the cider was exactly the same as at Truro, I decided against a pint. It was good to be at the ground early with most of the hoppers still stuck in the car park in Truro presumably. A lot of work happened on the pitch pre-game as the rain continued to fall. It paid off with the game starting as scheduled.

 

Wadebridge Town were 7th, having won eleven, drawn five and lost twelve of their games so far. They were in mixed form and had drawn 2-2 at Truro City Reserves last time out. Camelford were sitting in 9th and had won nine, drawn seven and lost twelve of their games so far. They'd lost one of their last eight, and their last game had beaten Wendron United 3-0. It was a mixed first half with Wadebridge starting well but Camelford having the better of the game later on. Either way, it was goalless at the break. The second half was weather-affected. The ball got caught held up in the water and although the keeper was stranded, the shot from Camelford was screwed wide. Just as it was looking like we were gonna get a 0-0, a great cross from the right was headed home at the back post to give Camelford the lead. A minute or so later, it was 1-1, a shot into the roof of the net from close range.

 

THE GROUND

BODIEVE PARK is a decent venue for the level. There's an elevated main stand holding around 150 and a further seated stand behind the goal with some standing space. The food and bar are pretty decent and there is a small range of merchandise. A large car park is available, plus more across the road. There are presumably bus routes as it's not too far from the town.