Category: Herald Cup

the windmill dartmouth cup winners 2025

17 games survived a Friday downpour – and between them notched up 85 goals!

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 28th FEB, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of The Windmill contributed by SDFL

Windmill FC (pictured) extended their lead at the top of the Premier Division to four points when they quickly got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over fellow title contenders Newton Abbot ’66, with goals from Brodie Simpson and Louis Godwin. ’66 now find themselves third from bottom but with enough games in hand to move into second place should they pick up maximum points from them.

True Blues were in cup action against Division Two side Ipplepen Athletic Seconds and the Gers boys made easy work of the game by winning 9-1 and progressing to the next round of the Herald Cup. They stay in second place, but Lakeside Athletic completed a Plymouth one-two-three at the top once again, with a fine four-nil win over Paignton Saints, who slip back into mid-table and are one of five teams with a negative goal difference. The result of the day must be awarded to Chudleigh Athletic for their 5-1 win at Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves; George Davidson, Gavin Hammon, Sam Clarke and Hayden Cox did the damage, but both teams are still considered to be title contenders, although Spurs have lost a bit of ground. It is a great result for Chudleigh who remain a very difficult team to beat. In the basement battle, Kingsteignton Athletic put aside their disappointment of going out of the Herald Cup a week ago to beat Buckfastleigh Rangers by two goals to one thanks to goals from Tom Reeves and Matt Elmore that leaves the visitors and Totnes and Dartington adrift at the bottom.

In Division One, Paignton Villa stay in pole position by virtue of a superior goal difference of just one thanks to a 2-1 home win over bottom club Buckland Athletic Reserves in what is a very tight division and about to get a bit tighter at the bottom as Watcombe Wanderers failed to travel to Mount Gould, gifting them three points and likely to lose three points themselves. Watts Blake Bearne were the big movers in this division, up three places to second with a great two-nil win at Brixham Town thanks to goals from Jay Orchard and Ryan Clarke. Town now drop to fourth following another home reverse that could come back to haunt them, but with only five points separating the top six teams, this division will go to the wire. Beesands Rovers moved back into third place with a comfortable 10-nil win at Liverton United. The transfer of Louis Brace from True Blues back to Beesands went through in the morning of the fixture, and it took him just 14 seconds to pay back the transfer fee by putting the Bees in front. Brad Williams completed a hat-trick and Sid Baker, Joe Craig and Alex Watts also found the net. Liverton were reduced to ten players after just ten minutes when Oli Shelton was carried off with an injury, but he was walking again when the food came out.

Division Two is no longer as close as the other divisions as Signal Box Oak Villa moved 13 points clear with a tough 4-2 win at fellow contenders Ashburton. Callum Austin, Joe Haslem and Jordan Rickards were on target for the Plymouth side who now look unstoppable. East Allington United Reserves moved into third place with a close 2-1 victory over Harbertonford, and Paignton Saints Seconds moved up to fifth place with a two-nil win over Newton Rovers.

Galmpton United are the new leaders of Division Three following a thumping 11-1 win over bottom team Waldon Athletic Reserves who are one of three teams level on four points at the bottom. The Greens are now three points clear of Kingskerswell who remain unbeaten in the league, but ‘Kerswell have four games in hand. Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds showed just how much they have improved this season. A 3-3 draw with Stoke Gabriel TP keeps both teams in the lower part of mid-table and safe from the drop. However, SGTP will be hoping to put their games in hand to good use for a top six finish. In an all-Division Three cup game, Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds made it through to the semi-final of the Fred Hewings Cup with a close 2-1 victory at Totnes and Dartington Seconds. Mark Prowse scored both goals for the Rams who will need to wait for the semi-final draw on 16th March to find out who the opposition will be. Still in the competition, and as a Division One team, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds are the favourites to lift the trophy. Also through to the semi-final are Barton Athletic Reserves from Division Four. They had a great result thanks to two goals from Alfie Butler that knocked out Division Three side Liverton United Reserves. Simon Ross scored a late consolation for Livvy, but the Blues held out against an experienced team that ran out of steam.

Division Four has a different look at the top as Paignton Villa Thirds moved into second place with a 2-1 win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United. The result breaks up the Chudleigh Athletic Seconds and Teign Village dominance that has been in place since the start of the season. Brixham Town Seconds have moved up to fifth place and are only seven points from second, with three games in hand, thanks to a 4-1 win versus bottom team Newton Rovers Seconds at Bakers Park. The top six could all feature in the promotion race, and down in seventh place, Waldon Athletic Thirds remain unbeaten but have only played five games, which should be a concern for both league and club.

Games to catch on the first Saturday of spring!!

Some cracking games to watch on Saturday 7th March: In the top division, in-form Chudleigh will come face to face with The Windmill at Kate Brook, and there is a Newton Abbot derby at the Rec when Spurs meet ’66, and in the South Hams, East Allington United welcome Ilsington Villa to Poole Lane. In Division Two, Babbacombe Corries face Ashburton at Long Lane, which could be a game that tilts the favourites to finish in the runners-up spot, and in Division Four, its second versus first at White Rock when Paignton Villa Thirds meet Chudleigh Athletic Seconds.

Most of the divisional cups get started this week, and all fixtures are on the league’s full time webpage and in the relevant cup sections of this website.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

ilsington villa sdfl premier division 2025

49 out of 50 days with rain and just seven games are played – but Ilsington Villa are in seventh heaven

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 21st FEB, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Ilsington Villa contributed by SDFL

The game of the day went ahead at Lewthorne Cross between two teams with title hopes in mind, and it was Ilsington Villa who came out on top against a very good Windmill side by two goals to one, thanks to strikes from George Dixon and Jamie Beer.

The result opens up the division again, and seven of the teams are now within touching distance of the top two if they win their games in hand. Ilsington are one of the seven, and they move into seventh place with four games in hand. The current champions, Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves, continue to fire on all cylinders and a 6-nil win versus bottom of the table Totnes and Dartington puts them into fifth place with two games in hand to make up a seven point deficit. The Totnes team have had an awful first half of the season, and their only win, against Lakeside back in September, must seem a long time ago. Lakeside Athletic gave up home advantage to an improving Buckfastleigh Rangers to get their delayed Herald Cup game played, and the game went as planned for the Plymouth side who returned home with a place in the next round after a 6-2 victory. The other Herald Cup tie played was at Kingsteignton Athletic in front of a big crowd, and on treacle-like conditions, where the visitors were in form East Allington United. They came away with a 2-1 victory in a game that was short on quality mainly due to the conditions and, it has to be said, a lot of missed chances in front of goal. The game was nil-nil at the break, and within six minutes of the second half, East Allington had a two goal lead thanks to Rob Tapper and an unfortunate own goal. The Rams won a penalty in the 80th minute that was tucked away by Ashton Hogarth to give them some hope, but those missed chances continued to haunt them, and the visitors held out to meet Division Two side Ivybridge Town Reserves in the next round.

Barton Athletic stirred the pot in Division One by beating Bovey Tracey Reserves 6-2, and they are now just four points off the top spot and have two games in hand. Bovey stay in seventh place, eight points off the top and with four games in hand. In fact, there are now eight contenders for promotion in this division, and one of them is Elburton Villa Reserves who suffered another postponement and have only played six league games so far and still have 16 to play in the league and an interest in three cups. It is sure to be a busy end of season for them.

In Division Two, it was a weekend of double joy for East Allington United, as their reserves moved up a place to fourth following a 4-nil win at a squelchy Bakers Park which is not famous for surviving wet weather. Goals from Sam Quick, Rob Hutchings and a brace from Aiden Corcoran sealed the points for the Pirates who now only have seven games left to play!!! Another team with the same number of games left to play are Paignton Saints Seconds who beat Harbertonford in a seven goal thriller by the odd goal at Coach Road. Mykytya Chernetski found the net twice, and there were singles for Darren Millea and Mike Hernandez. The result puts Saints into the top half and only five points off of third place with a superior goal advantage.

Devon County Cup Action

Watts Blake Bearne travelled to Tiverton to take on Elmore Seconds in the quarter-final of the Senior Cup which, by the way, has been in the safe hands of a South Devon League club for the past two seasons, and they once again raised their game to beat the mid-Devon side by three goals to two. Strikes from Cam Gill, Fraser Hossack and Sam Stowell ensured a county cup semi-final for Wattsies to look forward too. In the same competition, favourites Mount Gould surprisingly lost at home to South Zeal United by four goals to three, and they can now concentrate on making up some of their games in hand in the league program. South Zeal are they only non-South Devon League club left in the competition and join Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds or Elburton Villa Reserves; Bovey Tracey Reserves and WBB in the semi final.

In the Intermediate Cup, the unthinkable happened when favourites Kingskerswell were beaten by three goals to one at Bampton to leave South Brent as the only South Devon League club with an interest in this competition. They play Alphington Thirds on 28th February at Palstone Park, 2pm KO.

Games to catch on Saturday 28th February

There are some intriguing games this week, and none less than a moorland cup derby at Division One Bovey Tracey Reserves where the visitors are Premier Division Ilsington Villa who will be looking to keep a cup run going. In the top division, Windmill will be hoping to get back to winning ways when Newton Abbot ’66 pay a visit to Millennium Fields, and at the bottom of the division, there is a six-pointer at Broadpark where Kingsteignton Athletic host Buckfastleigh Rangers in a don’t lose game. Two of the top division’s challengers, Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves and Chudleigh Athletic face each other in what should be a great game at the Rec. The top game in Division One is at Abbrook Park where its second versus third; WBB host Paignton Villa, and with both teams level on points, it should be a cracker of a game. Division Two offers what could be two fantastic games to watch, weather permitting: Ashburton welcome top of the table Signal Box Oak Villa to Chuley Road for the first time, and Drake FC host a Babbacombe Corries side looking to get back to winning ways again. In Division Four, Bere Alston United Reserves, in fourth place, host Teign Village in second in a game that will no doubt affect the top three places at the referee’s final whistle.

Enjoy your grassroots football. Spring is just around the corner.

the windmill dartmouth cup winners 2025

17 games finally beat the weather with 11 going ahead on grass!

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 14th FEB, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of The Windmill contributed by SDFL

Only one Premier Division league game went ahead, and it was at Poole Lane where East Allington United moved into third place to disrupt the Plymouth dominance with a hard fought 4-2 win over fellow title contenders Newton Abbot ’66.

Ben Tapper scored a brace, there was an unfortunate own goal, and a special mention to Finn Bullen who also got on the scoresheet to notch up his 147th goal in his 150th appearance. The result was not a disaster for Sixes, as they remain within touching distance of second place if they win their five games in hand.

Two league games were played in Division One, with Brixham Town returning to pole position with a payback win against Beesands Rovers by four goals to one, and with just two points separating the top four teams, this, like other divisions, will go to the wire. Mount Gould also got a game played, and a 3-nil win versus bottom club Buckland Athletic Rerserves sees them into fifth place with four games in hand; Bentley Alcantara was a hat-trick hero, and the home team were full of praise for the way the visitors approached the game and stated that Buckland were one of the better teams they have played this season, and they could do with a win to give them some confidence for what’s left of the season.

In Division Two, every team bar Watcombe Wanderers played a game, and in the league, the top two fixture turned out to be a one-sided affair, with Signal Box Oak Villa running rampant against Babbacombe Corries with a 7-1 win to move ten points clear at the top. On target for Villa were Joseph Haslem and Jake Cribb (two apiece), with singles from Bobby Stone, Coy Breirley and Keiron Roberts. Corries remain in second with a game in hand and will be hoping that Ashburton, in eighth place, can use their five games in hand to inflict a defeat on the leaders to open it up again. Drake FC got back to winning ways with a close 2-nil win over Paignton Villa Seconds and remain as contenders with two games in hand and just seven points from Corries. Ivybridge Town Reserves hold on to third place, thanks to a bruising 8-nil win over Newton Rovers at Erme Valley, and are two points behind Corries having played two more games. Paignton Saints Reserves had a good result on the day. A 4-1 win at Coach Road versus East Allington United Reserves moves Saints into the bottom of a mid-table group of teams that can beat any team on their day, and I am sure there are more rollercoaster results to come in this division.

In Division Three, just two league games went ahead, and perennial underachievers Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves moved away from the bottom three with a comfortable 6-nil win versus Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds. The result leaves Stoke with five games in hand and within touching distance of second place if they can win them. Rangers remain in seventh place in a division that seems to be split in two halves. Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves moved into fourth place with a 3-nil win over bottom team Waldon Athletic Reserves. Goals from squad players Tom Reeves, Kelsey Leach and Ashley Hayworth keeps the Rams in contention in a division where somebody needs to beat the two runaway leaders to open it up.

At the top of Division Four, Chudleigh Athletic Seconds extended their lead to six points as a result of beating Broadhempston United by eight goals to one. They were also assisted by Paignton Villa Thirds who beat Teign Village by two goals to one, in a scrappy affair, and move within one point of Village into third place. Another contender at the moment are Bere Alston Reserves who had a walkover as Paignton Saints Thirds could not raise a team for the fixture; that leaves Alston just two points from Village, but Brixham Town Seconds, Barton Athletic Seconds and Waldon Athletic Thirds, who are still unbeaten, all have games in hand to have a final say in where this division’s honours will end up.

There were seven cup ties that either survived the rain or were played on an artificial pitch, and they all went with the form book.

In the Torbay Clearance Services-sponsored Herald Cup, the biggest scoreline of the day belonged to Ipplepen Athletic Seconds who put 13 goals past Upton Athletic and end this season’s cup hopes for the Torquay side, and Elburton Villa Reserves saw off the challenge from Harbertonford by six goals to nil in a game that was played at Plymstock School. There were two other fixtures that paired teams from different divisions, and Galmpton United (Division Three) gave Windmill (Premier, pictured) a real fright, but the Plymouth-based team got over the line with a 3-2 victory and a reason to celebrate their place in the quarter-final. WBB (Division One) switched their tie against Ashburton (Division Two) to the Ashmoor 3g at South Dartmoor School, and they needed an 85th minute penalty to seal the game. Ashes gave up a 2-nil lead, but a second-half hat-trick from substitute Jake Cuff sees the Claymen into their second cup quarter-final this season.

The Fred Hewings Cup is also at the quarter-final stage, and the highest-ranked reserve team left in the competition, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, are safely through with a 5-nil win over Brixham Town Seconds thanks to goals from Zak Carnell, Oliver Bellotti, Nik Garrett and Frank Oyrnik. Joining them are Totnes and Dartington Seconds who enjoyed a 5-nil win over Newton Rovers Seconds. There was a hat-trick for Owen Osman, with singles from Jake Osman and Jordan Baxter. The teams won’t have long to wait for the quarter-finals, as they are fixtured for 21st February.

Games to catch on Saturday 21st February:

Match of the day is at Lewthorne Cross, where Ilsington Villa will be looking to close the gap on visitors Windmill in what should be a great advert for the league. Elsewhere, Chudleigh Athletic face Newton Abbot ’66 who will be looking to get back to winning ways, and in the Herald Cup, Kingsteignton Athletic and East Allington United will have some deja vu when they meet at 2pm. There will also be more of that at Long Lane, when Babbacombe Corries meet Signal Box for the second week running and will be looking to put up a better show than last week. In Division Four, Bere Alston United host Chudleigh Athletic Seconds, and Teign Village face Brixham Town Seconds in what should be two great games.

Finally, the SDFL have a number of teams looking to progress in county cups, and all are at the quarter-final stage. WBB travel to Tiverton to play Elmore Seconds, Mount Gould face South Zeal, and in the same competition, Elburton Villa travel to Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds in an all-SDFL tie. In the Intermediate Cup, Kingskerswell travel up the North Devon link road to face Bampton, and in the same cup, South Brent welcome Alphington Thirds to Palstone Park. Good luck to all of the SDFL teams in the county cups.

League games start at 2.30pm. Cup games start at 2pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football!

newton abbot spurs reserves

Clubs think outside the box to get games played

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 31st JAN, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves contributed by SDFL

Devon Premier Cup quarter-final

The last SDFL survivors in the county Premier Cup, Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds (pictured), made the trip to Step 7 club Alphington on Thursday evening to play the twice-postponed fixture on the 3g at Exwick, and in the end they just fell short. Goals from Matt Williams and Lewis Jordain-Garner were not enough against the team sitting at the top of the Devon League, and the Exeter side were able to find the net on five occasions leaving the final four teams in the competition all coming from Step 7, and all four could be playing at Step 6 SWPL next season. So well done to Spurs and Ilsington Villa from the Torbay Clearance Services League for reaching the quarter-finals.

Again. the weather spoiled the weekend’s grassroots program making play impossible on grass, and with only four games surviving this week’s storm, Windmill FC became the latest team to hire a 3g pitch to get a game played, and with Chudleigh Athletic the visitors to Ivybridge School, it pitched the two teams in the top division with the meanest defences having both conceded just 12 goals each so far this season. The game, as expected, turned out to be a tight and messy affair; it ended with a 2-1 win for the home team thanks to goals from Miles Hunt and Jack Briscoe, which takes them one point ahead of True Blues at the top of the Premier Division, and for the first time in the league’s history, Plymouth-based teams hold the top three places, as Lakeside Athletic came away from Coach Road with all three points in a very entertaining game versus Paignton Saints. The final result was 3-2, but Saints will be kicking themselves. Had it not been for their missed goalscoring chances, the outcome could have been very different. However, Lakeside can also claim a host of missed chances, but they will be pleased to get David Moore, who scored a brace, and JJ Honeywell back in goal-scoring form and completing a Plymouth one, two and three for the end of January. The only disappointment for the visitors would have been to finish the game with ten players courtesy of a last minute sin bin. Strangely enough, the biggest challengers to the top three currently sit in sixth, seventh and eight place with a number of games in hand, and if they could only get them played, the division should open up again.

In Division Two, Signal Box Oak Villa have opened up a seven point lead at the top albeit having played more games. A 5-3 victory at the Manadon 3g over close neighbours Ivybridge Town Reserves, thanks to goals from Callum Austin, Harley Mitchell, Bobby Stone and a brace for Finley Demsey Comerford, sees Villa extend their lead to realistically leave Corries and Ashburton as their main challengers at the moment.

In Division Four, Teign Village managed to keep the pressure on the leaders with a close 2-1 win versus Paignton Saints Thirds at South Devon College 3g (full report on Daves World). Goals from Alex Easson and Tom Beer sealed the points for the village team in a division that is looking like a two horse race depending on what unbeaten Waldon Athletic Thirds can do with their games in hand.

Games to hopefully catch on Saturday 7th February:

The Third Round of the Herald Cup, kindly sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services, has produced some belters as cup ties go.

There is a moorland derby at Mill Marsh Park (river levels permitting), where Premier Division Ilsington Villa play an in form Bovey Tracey Reserves from Division One. Division Three side Galmpton United host Premier Division side Windmill, who will need to be at their best to beat a team that are upwardly mobile. And then there are two virtual local derbies: Lakeside Athletic face a Buckfastleigh Rangers side with a large Cornish contingent, and Paignton Saints welcome Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves to their Coach Road ground in a fixture that will definitely go ahead. Harbertonford may have to switch their game to Elburton Villa to get it played. Having seen the amount of water on the pitch, I don’t think the RNLI will allow it to be played at the Steve Jane ground.

In the league’s Division Two, Ashburton travel to Ivybridge Town Reserves, and with both teams looking for promotion, it could be a great game.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

kyle doughty waldon athletic herald cup final 2025

South Devon Football League Cup Draws 25/26

Photo from 2024/25 Herald Cup contributed by SDFL

Herald Cup, sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services, Round Three

WBB v Ashburton

Galmpton Utd v Windmill FC

Elburton Villa Reserves or Harbertonford v Chudleigh Athletic

Paignton Saints v Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds

Lakeside Athletic v Buckfastleigh Rangers

Plymouth True Blues v Ipplepen Athletic Seconds or Upton Athletic

Bovey Tracey Reserves v Ilsington Villa

Ivybridge Town Reserves v Kingsteignton Athletic

Games will be fixtured to be played 7th February depending on ground availability.

Fred Hewings Cup, Quarter Finals

Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds v Watcombe Wanderers Seconds

Barton Athletic Seconds v Liverton United Seconds

Newton Rovers Seconds or Totnes and Dartington Seconds v Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds

East Allington Utd Seconds v Brixham Town Seconds or Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds

Games will be fixtured to be played 7th February depending on ground availability.

George Belli Cup. Premier Division

Windmill FC v Chudleigh Athletic

East Allington Utd v Ilsington Villa

Plymouth True Blues v Kingsteignton Athletic

Lakeside Athletic v Totnes and Dartington

Byes: Buckfastleigh Rangers, Newton Abbot ’66, Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds, Paignton Saints

Games will be played 14th February depending on ground availability.

Dartmouth Cup. Division One

Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds v Bovey Tracey Reserves

Watcombe Wanderers v Mount Gould

Brixham Town v WBB

Buckland Athletic Reserves v Paignton Villa

Byes: Barton Athletic, Beesands Rovers, Elburton Villa Reserves, Liverton Utd.

Games will be played 14th February depending on ground availability.

Lidstone Cup. Division Two

Paignton Saints Seconds v Signal Box Oak Villa

Newton Rovers v Harbertonford

Paignton Villa Seconds v Ivybridge Town Reserves

East Allington Utd Seconds v Ashburton

Byes: Babbacombe Corries, Drake FC, Upton Athletic, Watcombe Wanderers Seconds

Games will be played 14th February depending on ground availability.

Ronald Cup. Division Three

Kingskerswell v Totnes and Dartington Seconds

Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves v Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds

Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds v South Brent

Byes: Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds, Galmpton Utd, Ipplepen Athletic Reserves, Liverton Utd Seconds, Waldon Athletic Seconds

Games will be played on 14th February depending on ground availability.

Les Bishop Cup. Division Four

Kingsbridge and Kellaton Utd v Broadhempston Utd

Waldon Athletic Thirds v Newton Rovers Seconds

Bere Alston Utd v Brixham Town Seconds

Byes: Barton Athletic Seconds, Chudleigh Athletic Seconds, Paignton Saits Thirds, Paignton Villa Thirds, Teign Village

Games will be played 14th February depending on ground availability.

ilsington villa sdfl premier division 2025

South Devon’s groundstaff win the day over storm Goretti

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 10th JAN, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Ilsington Villa contributed by SDFL

With just a handful of weather-related postponements, the South Devon Football League were able to not only catch up with the delayed Herald Cup fixtures, but also get some much needed league games played.

There were several massive results across the divisions, and we can start at East Allington United, who moved into third place with a comprehensive three-nil win against the league leaders, with goals from Finn Bullen and Finn Billingham which will get the home team over the disappointment of their previous week’s result; the result leaves True Blues still at the summit but with a game more in the bank. Chudleigh Athletic had yet another great result. A 3-1 home win over Paignton Saints, with goals from Kia Stocker and a double from Gavin Lake, lets them leapfrog Ilsington Villa (pictured) and create a seven point gap between themselves and any danger. Kingsteignton Athletic also had a very important victory in a six-pointer at the wrong end of the table; a 2-1 win over Totnes and Dartington lets the Rams join Chudleigh and Ilsington on that seven point gap. The result leaves the visitors joint bottom with Buckfastleigh Rangers, who were on Herald cup duty. Lakeside Athletic finally got a league game played; after four postponements and two cup games, the last time they played in the league was 1st November. But it was worth the wait. A much needed three points, with a close 3-2 win over the reigning champions Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves, with goals from Carlton Allen, Adam Carter and Taylor Owen, puts them not where they want to be but six points behind the second placed team with no games in hand over them.

Two Premier Division teams played in the Herald Cup over lower league opposition, and whilst the results went to form, both teams took a different route. Ilsington Villa put 14 goals past Division Two side Newton Rovers, who never gave up at Bakers Park; Dan Langford was the star of the show with six goals on the day, and there were hat-tricks for brother Jack and James Kervella.

In the A38 derby game at Division Three outfit South Brent, a shock was, at several times, on the cards, but Buckfastleigh Rangers dug in and took the game to extra time after it ended 3-3. Fortunately, the visitors did not need a penalty shootout, as new signing Dylan Rangecroft popped up with a fine strike to give Buckfastleigh their first taste of victory since 18th October and a place in the hat for Round Three, which will be drawn on Monday 19th January.

Nerves must be setting in at the top of Division One with the strangest set of results in one day that I can remember. There are now eight teams that are in the mix for promotion after this week’s results. Barton Athletic put in a shift at Mount Gould, and a 1-1 draw was no less than they deserved, and to come away from Plymouth with points is a feat that not many will achieve. The result leaves the Torquay side eight points off the lead with two games in hand, and who would bet against them? Beesands Rovers came from behind twice to move joint top with a hard fought 3-2 win at Brixham Town, with goals from Joe Craig (2) and Jack Hopkiss. Beesands have now reached the halfway point with fixtures, and Town have now lost two on the bounce, but both are just one point short of Paignton Villa who drew 1-1 with Bovey Tracey Reserves at South Devon College in a game where the draw seemed to be a fair result and keeps Villa top of the division by just one point. The two teams that benefited the most from this week’s results were WBB (postponed) and Elburton Villa Reserves (cup duty); they remain eight points behind Villa in seventh place with four games in hand, in a very competitive competition.

The final Division One team in action was Buckland Athletic Reserves who hosted Galmpton United from Division Three, and it turned out to be a great game of football in front of a good attendance, and the underdogs from Galmpton had a great result by winning by four goals to one, which keeps their good restart to life in the SDFL on track.

In Division Two, Signal Box Oak Villa remain on track for their next station stop (Div 1) after a comfortable afternoon at Armada Park with a 9-1 win over Upton Athletic who will be glad to see the last of the Plymouth outfit having lost twice to them in the last month, and hopefully they can pick up some points from here on in. Babbacombe Corries’ unbeaten record is still intact, but they dropped a couple of points in their 2-2 draw with Paignton Villa Seconds; Alex Chamberlain and Joshua Easterbrook were on target for Corries who remain in second place, four points behind the leaders but with a game in hand. Drake FC also lost some ground on the leading pack, as they were held to a 3-3 draw at home against East Allington United Seconds, and both teams are now in mid-table. Drake’s two games in hand are now just a bit more valuable, but they have to win them first.

In the Herald Cup, Division Two side Ashburton made short work of Bere Alston United from Division Four with a four-nil win, and a big shout out to Watcombe Wanderers Seconds who nearly folded in December but managed to not only get a team on the pitch, they managed to beat in form Chudleigh Athletic Seconds in the Fred Hewings Cup; Jordan Peircy and Will Godfrey were on target with club legend Sean Finch helping out with a hat-trick.

Just the one league game in Division Three, and Liverton United Seconds won 8-1 versus Waldon Athletic Seconds thanks to goals from Kye Graham, Tom Roddy, Oliver West, George Stahlman, Steve Reilly and Harvey Kendall. The result leaves Livvy safe in mid-table and the Clarets joint bottom with Ipplepen Athletic Reserves and T&D Seconds. Interestingly, Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves are fourth from bottom with five games in hand, and if they won them, they would be a top three team.

At the top of Division Four, Teign Village moved within three points of the leaders Chudleigh Athletic with a six-nil victory over Paignton Saints Thirds; they also have a game in hand. Paignton Villa Thirds remain well-placed, and a 4-2 win at Broadhempston United puts them into fourth place and completes half of their fixtures for the season.

Two of the division’s sides were in cup action, and Kingsbridge and Kellaton United could not match Division Two side Ivybridge Town Reserves in the Herald Cup and had to endure a seven-nil defeat at Loddiswell, whilst Barton Athletic Seconds caused a shock by knocking out Division Two side Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds by five goals to two to give the club a good weekend of results.

Games to catch on Saturday 17th January:

There are three very interesting games that could shape the look of the division for January. In-form Chudleigh Athletic face a Lakeside Athletic team at Kate Brook with both teams desperate for a clean January. East Allington United are also looking for a bit more consistency but have, out of the blue, set up a third v second game at Poole Lane; a result against Windmill could set them up for the second half of the program. In Division One, there is a promotion six-pointer at JC park, where Brixham Town face Barton Athletic in what should be a great game. Division Two offers some watchable games with Ashburton paying a visit to Watcombe Wanderers Seconds, and the visitors will be hoping for a repeat of the home tie which ended 24-nil, but the Greens will be out for revenge and to show how far they have come since October. Ivybridge Town will not have their own way when Paignton Villa Seconds travel to Erme Valley looking to bring some points home, and in Division Three, there is a local derby at Broadpark where Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds host Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds, and with both teams on the cusp of a position challenge, this could be a cracker, and finally, in Division Four, unbeaten Waldon Athletic Thirds take their record to Bere Alston United, and the only thing they will be hoping to lose is their jet lag on route.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

Saints and Broads serve up a Christmas feast on fair play Friday

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 20th DEC, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Watts Blake Bearne contributed by SDFL

Was this really a game between two of the bottom three teams in Division Four? The pace and quality of the play had many of the 100 plus supporters scratching their heads for answers.

It took just two minutes for Saints to get the opening goal from Keiron Seatherton who went on to get the Man of the Match award, but they could only hold on to that lead for nine minutes until the other contender for Man of the Match, Dan Wells, equalised with a goal that would grace any fixture in any division. Saints were under a lot of pressure, and their full-backs were not up to speed with Broads’ Ben Muller, and just four minutes after, they drew level; Muller ran past three defenders and pulled the ball back to the edge of the box, where Dan Wells side-footed a curling shot into the top right-hand corner, and both sets of supporters could do nothing else but applaud the finish. With just 12 minutes on the clock, and the score already at 2-1, it was turning into a great game. With play end-to-end and and two more Saints goals from Keiron Seatherton and Darren Millea and, in first-half stoppage time, yet another equaliser from Stuart Hanney sent the supporters for a welcome hot chocolate, and at 3-3, all the talk in the clubhouse was about the quality of the goals, and it had the writer checking to see if his pre-match prediction of 6-6 was actually on his super six selection.

The dynamic of the game seem to change in the second half as Saints were clearly more used to playing on a 3g pitch, and the legs of the Broads players seemed to be getting heavy, and one or two challenges were either too early or too late depending on your speed. but the referee kept good control and did not need to show any cards to either of the two best teams on the discipline charts. Then came a managerial masterclass from Saints when Dylan Cousins was introduced from the bench and he not only upped the pace of the game for Saints, but went on to score two great goals to seal the win 5-3 for the home team in what was a night to remember for both outfits. The result puts Saints one of three teams on nine points, and whilst still third from bottom, they are the second highest goal scorers in the division. At the other end, they are the league’s highest conceders of goals having let in 58 which is 22 more than Broadhempston United who remain second from bottom, two points behind Saints but with four games in hand. Just one other stat is that Saints only have eight league games remaining to finish the season.

The only other league game played was in Division One where Watts Blake Bearne (pictured) climbed onto the top of the table for Christmas with a well-earned 4-nil win at Bovey Tracey Reserves; Jake Cuff, Cam Gill, Ashton Sowerby and Fraser Hossack were all on target for the Claymen who were good value for the win. Bovey lost their goalkeeper in the 51st minute with a red card following a moment of madness which gave them a mountain to climb. Bovey remain in fifth place. seven points off the lead but with three games in hand, and Wattsies leapfrog Brixham Town and Paignton Villa to lead the division by one point going into the Christmas break. This remains a very competitive division with eight teams still in the mix to gain promotion to the Premier Division

The second round of the Herald Cup has thrown up some great ties that will be fixtured for 3rd January with a 2pm kick off.

  • Newton Rovers (Div 2) v Ilsington Villa (Premier)
  • Ashburton (Div 2) v Bere Alston United (Div 4)
  • Paignton Saints (Premier) v Babbacombe Corries (Div 2)
  • WBB (Div 1) v Signal Box Oak Villa (Div 2)
  • Bovey Tracey Reserves (Div 1) v Paignton Villa (Div 1)
  • Kingsteignton Athletic (Premier) v East Allington United (Premier)
  • Buckland Athletic Reserves (Div 1) v Galmpton United (Div 3)
  • Kingsbridge/Kellaton (Div 4) v Ivybridge Town Reserves (Div 2)
  • Newton Abbot ’66 (Premier) v Chudleigh Athletic (Premier)
  • Broadhempston United (Div 4) v Windmill (Premier)
  • Barton Athletic (Div 1) v Lakeside Athletic (Premier)
  • Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves (Premier) v Teign Village (Div 4)
  • Ipplepen Athletic Reserves (Div 3) v Upton Athletic (Div 2)
  • Plymouth True Blues (Premier) v Stoke Gabriel TP (Div 3)
  • Harbertonford (Div 2) v Elburton Villa Reserves (Div 1)
  • South Brent (Div 3) v Buckfastleigh Rangers (Premier)

Enjoy your grassroots cup football.

kingsteignton athletic herald cup winners 2023

Penalty Drama in Both Semi-Finals as Clarets and Rams Make Herald Cup Final

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. HERALD CUP SPECIAL REPORT, by Alastair Muirden. Photo: Kingsteignton celebrating their 2023 Herald Cup win ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Tuesday 22nd April: Herald Cup Semi Final – Bovey Tracey 2nds v Kingsteignton Athletic

I think it is fair to say that this anticipated semi-final failed to deliver what was hoped for by both sets of supporters, and as the weather deteriorated just as fast as the missed chances in front of goal, you could probably not got a bet on a nil-nil draw. The first half was a fairly even contest and the divisional difference was hard to see; the second half belonged to the Division One side, and I am sure a few of the Bovey players will have had a sleepness night thinking about those missed chances; in total, I counted nine good scoring opportunities for the Moorlanders and a missed penalty kick. At the other end, Kingsteignton’s first real chance was not until the 92nd minute, and whilst keeping Bovey pegged back, they had a shot cleared off the line a minute later. Extra-time came and went, unlike the biblical rain which affected everybody, and in the penalty shootout, the Rams were the first team to miss and Bovey, having scored their first four, just needed to score the fifth to reach the final; good save by Ellis Rattue; Kings scored next meaning that Bovey were now chasing the game; another good save by the ‘keeper and Kingsteignton Athletic are into another Herald Cup Final

Wednesday 23rd April: Herald Cup Semi Final – Waldon Athletic v East Allington United

If the first semi-final failed to deliver, then this one surely kept the crowd glued to the pitch fencing: six goals, a ‘keeper carried off, a red card, a last minute penalty miss, extra-time followed by yet another penalty shoot out and after all of that, Waldon Athletic have made it through to only their third Herald Cup Final which will be played on Friday 2nd May at Newton Rec with a 7pm KO.

This was a game of two halves and a bit more. When East Allington United sailed into a 2-nil first half lead, with goals from Fin Bullen and Martin Finnerton, the supporters from the South Hams must have been checking their diaries for cup final night plans. But Waldon were doing what Waldon are good at, and they were slowly but surely getting back into the game and when Ashley Grimes pulled one back just before the break, it was definitely game on.

The first big talking point came early in the second half when Fin Bullen challenged the Waldon ‘keeper for a ball for which the referee judged as reckless and reduced East Allington to ten players; as a result of the challenge, the Waldon ‘keeper, Joe Whitehead, had to be replaced and Kyle Doughty volunteered to put on the number one shirt. Ater a lengthy stoppage, Waldon restarted the game and were in control, but they had to wait 20 minutes for Cole Feasby to be in the right place at the right time and he levelled the score. This seemed to give a second wind to the South Hams side who must have thought it’s now or never, and they came back into the game which made for great viewing. Next big talking point in the 88th minute: what appeared to some to be a 50 – 50 challenge were not the thoughts of the referee who did not hesitate in pointing to the spot in East Allington’s favour; up steps Josh Pascoe to put Allington into the final only for stand-in keeper Kyle Doughty to palm the ball onto the crossbar to send the game into extra-time. The extra period continued in the end-to-end play, and East Allington had settled back into playing with ten players and Waldon kept plugging away knowing it would take something special to break the deadlock, and in the tenth minute of extra time, the ball fell nicely for Cole Feasby some 20 yards from goal, and he hit a shot that flew past the Allington ‘keeper and it looked like game over, but with just two minutes left on the clock, Dan Joyce had the ball on the edge of the Waldon penalty box and they had all 11 players defending; he decided to take a speculative shot which seemed to bounce off two defenders and somehow found its way into the corner of the goal, and by the time they restarted, the referee blew for full-time and we had a second penalty shootout. East Allington’s Fred Massey was the only kick-taker to score and Waldon scored all four to put an end to a pulsating cup semi final.

Herald Cup Final 2025

Kingsteignton Athletic versus Waldon Athleic.

Newton Abbot Recreational Trust on Friday 2nd May, 7pm KO

This competition is kindly sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services

kingsteignton athletic herald cup semi finalists 2025

Spurs Stay on Course for the Double

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 29th MARCH, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Kingsteignton Athletic, who drew 4-4 with East Allington this week, contributed by SDFL

The game of the day in the Premier Division George Belli Cup went the distance in the favour of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves who edged out the current champions Ilsington Villa in a pulsating cup tie that needed extra time; 3 – 1 was the final score with goals from Jack Upshire, Luis Green and Lewis Jordain-Garner seeing Spurs into their first cup final since joining the league following a stint in the football pyramid. They will be joined in the final by Totnes and Dartington who, on the day, were too good for a weakened Paignton Saints side who made hard work of their afternoon. A 2 – 1 victory, thanks to goals from Ryan Walton and James Blackshaw, was more than enough to put Tots in the top division cup final on the 15th May, also for the first time since rejoining the competition from the football pyramid.

In the Premier Division, with two of the top three on cup duty, Newton Abbot ’66 had the chance to close the gap to just 3 points at home to bottom side Beesands Rovers but they got well and truly stung by the Bees: a 3 – 1 win for the South Hams team moves them off the bottom and gives them real hope of a great escape; strikes from Alfie Prowse, Jack Eades and Alex Smith has put a dent in the ambitions of ’66 and, following this latest defeat, Ilsington Villa only need one more victory to make sure that Sixes cannot catch them. In the other relegation fixture, Chudleigh Athletic and Elburton Villa Seconds shared 6 goals in a very entertaining game where a draw was a fair result, but not one either team wanted, and leaves them both teetering with Division One next season. East Allington United and Kingsteignton Athletic also ended with four goals being shared, and with a point apiece, both would probably be happy with a mid-table berth knowing that anybody can beat anybody in this division. I also would like to give a shout out to Finn Bullen of East Allington United who scored his 137th goal this week in 133 appearances for the Pirates; well done Finn. The final shock result in the Prem was at Windmill Hill where ambitious Waldon Athletic lost 2-nil to Buckfastleigh Rangers who themselves could finish in the top three. The Clarets are now 9 points from fifth place and, whilst they have a few games in hand, they desperately need to find some form.

Two Division One teams served up a classic at Bovey Tracey Reserves where the home team prevented the last standing Plymouth-based team from reaching the jewel in the SDFL cup program. A 3-2 win over promotion rivals Windmill is a great result, and goals from Ben Moyle, Ryan Stanbridge and Ben Goble sets up a Herald Cup semi-final against Kingsteignton Athletic on Tuesday 22nd April at Newton Rec with a 7pm kick off.

Plymouth Phoenix continue to be unbeaten and they crushed Buckland Athletic Reserves 11-3 thanks to a double hat-trick by David Moore who set them on their way to their first Dartmouth Cup semi-final since joining the South Devon League from the Plymouth and District competition; they will meet the winners of the Bovey Tracey Reserves v Paignton Villa game that gets played this weekend.

In the league, True Blues continue to be unbeaten after their 7 – 2 home win against a Watcombe Wanderers team who must be looking at the league position and asking how did that happen: they are level on points with Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, third from bottom, and Paignton Villa together with Brixham Town could pulled back into this relegation scrap, and Villa only have two games to play against six for the other two. WBB have recovered well after their disbanding scare, and they continue to win the games against the teams around them; this week was a character-building exercise having been 2-nil down at the break to Newton Spurs Thirds, who went ahead thanks to Jack Taylor and Domanic Osbourne, Wattsies fought back with three second half goals to take the points and move safely into mid table.

The top of the table game in Division Two drew a big support and ended in a complete reverse of the scoreline when the teams clashed just seven days earlier; this week, it was the turn of Barton Athletic to inflict only the second loss of the season for Mount Gould in a 4-nil win that continues to make this division as open as it has been all season; goals from Zach Norton, Liam Walton, Dom Lavalee and an own goal takes the Torquay side 18 points clear at the top and reduces Mount Gould’s games in hand to nine. Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds had a great result in upsetting promotion contenders East Allington United Seconds by 3 goals to 1; Matt Maller, John Bovey and Isaac Potter were on target for the Rangers who won for only the second time this season, and with only four games to play, they will need to continue the same form to avoid the drop. Elsewhere, second from bottom club Ipplepen Athletic Reserves picked up their third win of the season at Bakers Park in a 4-2 win against Newton Rovers. The win brings them within touching distance of Upton Athletic who did not play. The situation at the top of this division is getting clearer by the week, but it is still between five or six teams: Barton Athletic, Mount Gould, Liverton, Watcombe Seconds and East Allington Seconds could all still finish top, but 2nd and 3rd placed Paignton Villa Reserves and Babbacombe Corries are running out of games with only 4 to play, so it looks like this competition will go to the end of May. In the division’s league cup semi-finals, Liverton United and Paignton Villa Seconds ended in a 2-2 draw and it was Liverton that held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out to progress to the Lidstone Cup final on Friday 25th April where they will meet Watcombe Wanderers Reserves who won 2-nil at Long Lane against Babbacombe Corries.

In Division Three, Drake FC took advantage of leaders Ashburton being on cup duty by leapfrogging them into pole position by beating a good Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves side by 3 goals to 1; Ben Ayre, Louis George and Kacper Gorecki were the points winners at Broadpark. Stoke Gabriel TP moved into 3rd place with a 10-3 demolition at Brixham Town Seconds who will be looking forward to a better season in Division Four; Daniel Tresize (3), Max Prestwood (4) and Adam Blackburn (3) did the damage at JC Park. Elburton Villa Thirds, who could also win this division, continue to be upwardly mobile; a 7-nil thrashing over a decent Liverton United Reserves side, who must have had their minds on an upcoming cup final, keeps Villa in fourth place with six games to play. Two teams in mid-table met at Windmill Hill where Waldon Athletic Seconds and Totnes and Dartington Seconds shared four goals and the points that keeps them both in the safety zone.

With Division Four almost done and dusted, thoughts turned to the Les Bishop league cup semi-finals that were closer than the form book predicted; Paignton Villa Thirds took Kingskerswell all the way in a pulsating game that ‘Kerswell just edged by 3 goals to 2 to reach the final on Thursday 17th April where they will clash with Templer Way who edged out Chudleigh Athletic Reserves by 5 goals to 4 in a game that went to extra-time; and Chudleigh had to play out the game with ten players. It is a credit to both of the finalists who have a different story to tell from making the step from Sunday morning football to disbanding to reforming and most importantly enjoying playing football again; well done to both team.

Games to catch on Saturday 5th April.

As you would expect at this part of the season, there are games to catch that would appear to have more riding on them, but at the end of the day its just another 3 points towards the team objective to win.

My pick of the games this week is at Broadpark where a Kingsteignton Athletic side will be licking their wounds and looking forward to stopping Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves surging towards the top of the table. There is also a tasty local derby at the Millennium Pitches where Windmill come up against an unbeaten True Blues team in the Dartmouth Cup; this is one of two chances for the Rangers boys to get their hands on silverware in their first season in the Torbay Clearance Services League. In Division Two, Liverton United meet East Allington Seconds at Halford in a fixture where both are in the mix for promotion and defeat for either could confirm another season in the same division. And in Division Four, Kingskerswell play their final league game at home to Newton Rovers Seconds where a win for the home team will secure a 100% record in their first season back in the South Devon Football League.

Cup Finals are on the horizon and the first is on Friday 11th April at Newton Rec with a 7pm kick off. Liverton Utd Seconds meet East Allington Utd Seconds in the Fred Hewings Cup. There is limited parking on site, but a full bar and food service will be available.

The following week, we have two fantastic games to offer: first up on Tuesday 15th April, again at Newton Rec, is Herald Cup semi-final number 1. Waldon Athletic versus East Allington United will kick off at 7pm; further details to follow in next week’s issue.

This is followed by the Les Bishop Final on Thursday 17th April; what a way to start your Easter weekend: Templer Way versus Kingskerswell with details to follow next week.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

liverton united south devon football league division two

Caldwell and Dixon strike as Villa return to the top

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 18th JANUARY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of fourth placed Liverton United (Div 2), who hit the net five times to overcome Upton Athletic at Armada Park, contributed by SDFL

Golden Boot Update: Top few in each division for league goals. Up to 17th January.

Premier: Callum Foskett (Newton Abbot ’66) and Jack Langford (Ilsington Villa), both 8.

Joe Clarke Farley (Newton ’66), Jamie Micklewright and Aiden Blackie (Newton Spurs), Dan Rankin (Kingsteignton) and Steve Sutton (Buckfastleigh), all 7.

Division 1: Luis Green (Newton Abbot Spurs Third) leads the field with 12 goals from 11 games.

Brodie Simpson (Windmill) and Lee Phillips (Plymouth True Blues), both 8.

David Moore (Plymouth Phoenix), Sam Pyne (Watcombe) and Ben Moyle (Bovey), all on 7 goals.

Division 2: Oakley Hunt (Barton Ath) is in front with 14 goals, but right on his tail are Joe Jasper (Mount Gould), 13 and Simon Ross (Watcombe Res), 12

Jamie Passmore (Liverton), Alex Narvidge (Paignton Villa Res) and Liam Walton (Barton), all on 11.

Division 3: Lucas Phillips (Elburton Villa Third) leads the way with 16 goals.

Adam Blackburn (Stoke Gabriel & TP Res), Callum Thomas (Drake FC) and Jono Ellis (Newton Abbot 66′ Res), all on 13. Ashley Walker (Drake FC) 12, and four players on 11 goals.

Division 4: Joshua Clarke (Kingskerswell) can make a space for the divisional trophy as he is on 30 goals from 12 games. Chris Bennett (Templer Way) 19, Alex Harding (Kingskerswell) 14 and Tom Beer (Teign Village), 12.

In the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division, Ilsington Villa returned to the top with a 2-nil home win against relegation threatened Chudleigh Athletic; Myles Caldwell and Jack Dixon were on target for the Villa who were no doubt assisted in their return to pole position by Kingsteignton Athletics’ 4 – 1 home win versus Newton Abbot ’66; goals from Luke Manuell (2), Callum Leach and Ryan Tovagliari have brought Sixes back down to earth after their great result last week. Kingsteignton, on the other hand, are in fourth place, just 4 points behind ’66, and are now the highest scorers in the division. Buckfastleigh Rangers are also in the same boat as the Rams but with a game in hand; they had a comfortable 4 – 1 win against Beesands Rovers who were close to not putting out a team as a result of a norovirus outbreak in the Kingsbridge area; Steve Sutton added to his goal tally for Rangers who make up the top five; Newton Abbot Spurs remain in sixth place with three games in hand and with a big squad to pick from, will be challenging come May; a tough 4 – 2 win at Elburton Villa Reserves, who themselves are improving without getting the wins, was enough to bring the points up the A38. Waldon Athletic’s woes continue: a 2-2 stalemate against East Allington Utd, who twice held the lead through Finlay Bullen and Ben Tapper, have put yet another dent in the ambitions of the Torquay based team and moves the Pirates 8 points clear of the bottom three.

Division One is still very tight for the top four, and True Blues and Phoenix remain unbeaten. True Blues had an impressive 8-nil win at relegation threatened Ivybridge Town Reserves, and with seven players getting on the scoresheet, just proves they have talent all over the team and could well be playing Premier League football next season. Phoenix had a trip to the seaside to visit Paignton Villa and came away with a 5-nil win to keep them very much favourites for this division; Villa remain one of six teams in mid table and separated by 6 points and games in hand over each other. Bovey were on cup business which gave Windmill the opportunity to close the gap in a tricky game at Brixham Town; a Brodie Simpson hat-trick and singles from Louis Godwin and Myles Hunt completed a 5-nil victory at JC Park to keep up the pressure on their Plymouth neighbours. Also, a word of congratulations to Shaun Langdon and his band of volunteers who have turned a horse compound and stable into a very good football pitch with pitch-side parking which is a fantastic facility for the community, so well done to all at Brixham Town. In the two other midtable fixtures in Division One, Buckland Athletic Reserves won 2-nil at Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds and Watcombe beat WBB 3-nil with goals from Laurence Macloud, Jack White and Zac Steele.

In Division Two, the top two, Barton Athletic and Mount Gould, were on cup duty which gave the chasing pack of four a chance to close the gap, and East Allington United Seconds, Liverton United and Paignton Villa Seconds duly obliged. East Allington were the big scorers of the day with an 11-nil thumping of bottom club Ipplepen Athletic Reserves, and Paignton Villa had a very impressive 5 – 1 win at White Rock versus Watcombe Wanderers Seconds. Liverton United also hit the net five times to overcome Upton Athletic at Armada Park. Babbacombe Corries could not find the points that would have put them into second place at Harbertonford where they lost 1-nil to a Luke Collens strike that moves Fords up four places and well away from the relegation battle that they have endured in recent seasons.

The big game in Division Three went the way of Elburton Villa Thirds; a 3-nil win over Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves closes the gap to just one point between 3rd and 4th place. Second-placed Drake FC also dropped points at improving Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds; the Plymouth team had to settle for a 1 – 1 draw and finish the game with ten players at Osborne Park. Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds also remain well-placed for a challenge; a 3-nil win at South Brent, thanks to goals from Ashton Hogarth and a double from Harry Bannister, keeps the young Rams in 5th place, 4 points off 2nd with a game in hand. South Brent remain in the bottom three but have 3 games in hand on the teams above them and just need to find a win.

As expected in Division Four, Kingskerswell move further clear at the top and as the only team in all the divisions with a 100% league record, this weeks 7-nil win over Kingsbridge and Kellaton, with a hat-trick from the league’s top striker Joshua Clarke, and his brother Oliver, with Shane Shobbrook rolling back the years with a single goal, the rumour is that Shobby went over the halfway line and got a nose bleed, so he had to go back; also noted that a certain Owen Stockton could only make the bench for this successful team. Templer Way remain in 2nd place but 8 points behind the leaders with a 4 – 3 home win in an ill-tempered game against Waldon Athletic Thirds; Chris Bennett scored a hat trick and Nick Osbourne was also on target for Templer in a game that produced 7 yellows and 2 reds and lots of paperwork for the referee and lots of fines and suspensions for the players. Teign Village make up the top three with a 3 – 2 win over Paignton Villa Thirds, and Chudleigh Athletic Seconds are 4th, just a tad off the pace thanks to a 3 – 1 home win versus bottom team Barton Athletic Seconds.

There were two delayed cup games played this week. In the Herald Cup, Bovey Tracey Reserves, from Division One, dispatched Barton Athletic, from Division Two, by 3 goals to 1; Alister Chuchuk, John Agpoon and Ben Goble scored the goals in front of a decent crowd that put Bovey in the hat for the next round. Ashburton are also still in the cup following their trip to Mount Gould in Plymouth; the game was level at 2 – 2 and with no extra time goals or replays, the dreaded penalty shootout was on, and it was the Ashes who held their nerve by scoring 4 of the spot kicks when Mount Gould missed 2. The full draw for the next round will be published in next week’s edition and will be available on the full-time website.

Games to catch on Saturday 25th January in the Torbay Clearance Services League:

There is a cache of great games this week to watch. Take your pick from: Liverton Utd Seconds v Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds in the quarter finals of the Fred Hewings Cup; Bovey Tracey Reserves v The Windmill, 3rd v 4th in Div 1; Chudleigh Athletic Seconds v Kingskerswell, 4th v 1st in Div 4; Kingsteignton Athletic v Newton Spurs Reserves, a classic Premier game; Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves v Ashburton, 3rd v 1st in Div 3; Watcombe Wanderers v Buckland Athletic, a good old derby; but my game of the day has to be up on the moor where top of the Premier Ilsington Villa take on Waldon Athletic at 2.30pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football.