Getting Closer: Barton Athletic lost out 2-0 at home to Newton Abbot ’66, the closest yet to their first point of the season. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR
There was another big upset in the Herald Cup last weekend with bottom tier side Bovey Tracey Reserves dispatching Premier Division outfit Galmpton United 2-0 on their return to the recently refurbished Mill Marsh Park.
After an even and entertaining first half, Bovey took the lead on the hour mark, Brad Rooney’s shot saved, but Ben Moyle putting away the rebound. It took just seven minutes for the Moorlanders to double their lead. Moyle released Alistair Chuchuk down the left and Bovey’s top scorer found Matt Churchill who sealed the win and set up a last 16 home tie against Paignton Saints Reserves from Division One.
“We’re absolutely over the moon,” said Bovey manager Sean Hawkins. “There’s a great feeling in the changing room – a really good atmosphere among the lads after a deserved result.
“We always believed that we could get a result if we put a performance in and work harder than the team that we face. It was just about coming in today and making sure we put in that performance out on the pitch.
“We stuck to the game plan really well. The lads were massively disciplined, the work ethic across the pitch to a man was sensational and the lads really stood up and showed what they can do today.
“It’s a fantastic club and a fantastic community that we’re a part of,” he added. “It’s great to put in a performance like we did today for that community, the people who dedicate their time to the club.
“Today was our first time on the new pitch and the first time here since the club have re-done the home changing room. The lads were really looking forward to it and they’ve done it justice.”
Sadly for Galmpton United, cup defeat was followed by league exit as the club made the decision to pull out of the SDFL.
The all-Premier Division clash at Bull Point saw The Windmill run out clear winners over Meadowbrook Athletic. Rhys Walton scored four of the hosts’ goals as they won 7-1, Andrew Crowmac, Steven Edwards and substitute Owen Grimes completing the rout. Liam Collings scored Brook’s consolation. The Windmill will face East Allington United at Poole Lane for a place in the quarter finals.
The tussle for top spot in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division saw Brixham AFC Reserves move above opponents Buckfastleigh Rangers with a 1-0 win at Wall Park. Mark Griffiths scored the decider in a hard fought game.
Salcombe Town increased the pressure on the top three with an impressive victory at Watts Blake Bearne. Ash Yeoman scored twice as the Crabs won 5-3, John Barrow, Lee Morgan and Ben Tapper also contributing goals. Elburton Villa Reserves climbed to fifth with a 3-0 triumph away at Ivybridge Town Reserves. Bayley Williams added another two goals to his tally with Marley Cunningham their other goalscorer.
Barton Athletic still seek their first point of the season after they went down 2-0 at home to Newton Abbot ’66, Joe Clark-Farley and Callum Foskett with the goals at Paignton Community College. The two sides face each other again this weekend at Osborne Park.
Kingsteignton Athletic were without a game last weekend, opening the door for Waldon Athletic to return to the top of Division One, courtesy of a home walkover against Ashburton, who were unable to raise a side.
A point behind the Clarets, and with two games in hand, are Paignton Saints Reserves who enjoyed a comprehensive 5-0 derby win over Paignton Villa at Coach Road. Jake Powell moved into top spot in the division’s top scorer list with a hat-trick. Sam Winstanley and Thomas Thorpe were also on target.
Two goals from Daniel Grute helped Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves into the quarter-finals of the Fred Hewings Cup, Rangers beating Newton Rovers Reserves 4-1 at the Duckspond. They will be the highest ranked team in the last eight.
Division Two team Paignton Villa Reserves automatically progressed, due to the withdrawal of Galmpton, while Ryan Thompson’s brace helped Division Three side Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves knock out Waldon Athletic Reserves from Division Four.
Brixham Town Reserves, from Division Four, celebrated something of an upset with a
4-1 win against Division Two side East Allington United Reserves. The two all Division Four clashes went the way of the visitors. Craig Brenton scored four goals for Ivybridge Town Development as they won 7-1 at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves. Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves are also through as they enjoyed a 4-0 victory at Watcombe Wanderers Thirds. The last remaining quarter final place will go to either Torquay Town Reserves or Watts Blake Bearne Reserves who play each other on 12th February.
Unbeaten Torquay Town and Ilsington Villa are still going strong at the top of Division Two. Town won 3-0 away to Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds while Villa won 4-0 over SGT Police Reserves, Dan Langford and Matt Warman with two goals apiece.
Brixham Town extended their lead at the top of Division Three with a 2-1 win away at Totnes and Dartington Reserves, and in the only league game in Division Four, South Brent won 5-0 at Discoveries Devon to move up to third place. They host Herald Cup heroes and division leaders Bovey Reserves on Saturday.