LEADERS HELD: Torbay Police dropped their first points in tough conditions at Poole Lane. (c) MiraclePR
After a week’s hiatus, a handful of games went ahead on Saturday in the WBW (Solicitors) South Devon Football League.
The last 100% record in the Premier Division fell as league leaders Torbay Police were held 1-1 at Poole Lane by fifth-placed East Allington United. The difficult playing conditions meant that neither side could play their preferred style of football and it was perhaps no surprise that the opener came from a set piece, Dan Bowles powering the Pirates ahead in the first half with a header from Josh Pascoe’s corner. But the Bees levelled before the break when Sonwabile Mlenze set up Bobby Chancellor to score.
After three consecutive losses, Brixham AFC Reserves finally had something to cheer about as they heaped more disappointment on bottom club Beesands Rovers with a 3-1 victory at Wall Park. Jacob Durrant scored twice for the Fishermen and Steven Smith joined him on the score sheet. Jack Eades scored a consolation goal for the Bees who have just one point to their name so far this campaign.
After two draws in a row, Galmpton United got back to winning ways in their Division Two game at home to Torquay Town. A second half brace by Craig White helped the Greens to a 2-0 victory which edges them closer to leaders Upton Athletic. Upton were also celebrating as they booked their spot in the Third Round of the Firewatch Devon Senior Cup after a tense penalty shoot-out victory over local rivals Waldon Athletic Reserves who play in the division above. Fellow Division Two side Dartmouth AFC Reserves were unable to join Upton in the hat as they lost out 5-2 away at Millbridge Thirds.
The Division Two league game between Babbacombe Corinthians and Ipplepen Athletic Reserves ended in an emphatic win for Corries. Daniel Garswood, Curtis Marshall, Tom Pennicott and Samuel Swann all found the net in a 4-0 triumph.
The only game in Division Three saw leaders Bishopsteignton United extend their unbeaten start to five games and open up a three point gap at the top. Gary Moore continued his rich vein of form with a hat-trick while Tommy Kenneth Trout and Michael Collins ensured another five goals for the home side as Bishops won 5-2 against Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds.
Three SDFL teams were also in action in the Second Round of the A&S Paving Devon Intermediate Cup. All were away from home but two of the three made it through regardless. Barton Athletic Reserves knocked out Kenn Valley 4-2 while Watts Blake Bearne Reserves dispatched Kingsley Park 3-1. Newton Rovers Reserves were unable to make it a clean sweep though as they went down 4-0 at Bradninch Town.