Category: League Round Up

tom reeves kingsteignton athletic v joey burton windmill herald cup final 2022

11 Goals at Lewthorne Cross as Villa Edge Rangers

Tom Reeves scored three as Kingsteignton move up the gears. Photo © Al Macphee/MiraclePR. Report by SDFL.

In the Premier Division, the moorland machine that is Ilsington Villa continues to plough through the opposition. The latest team to visit Lewthorne Cross and come away with nothing were last season’s runners-up Buckfastleigh Rangers who scored 5 goals, but conceded 6 to a team that finished third in Division One last season.

Buckfastleigh were winning 5 – 2 at half time, but a hat-trick from Dan Langford and 2 from Matt Goodwin keeps the moorlanders top of the table with the only 100% record in the Premier Division. Elsewhere in this division, Morley Rangers stay in second place following a scare at bottom club Brixham AFC Reserves. Dalton Brammer and Jack Tribble made sure of the points for the Plymstock team in a 3 – 2 victory. Beesands Rovers cemented their place in third following a fine 3 – 1 win at Osborne Park against Newton Abbot ’66. Last season’s champions in the Torbay Clearance Services Premier League, Kingsteignton Athletic, are finding their feet after a tricky start; a 4-nil win at home to Waldon Athletic makes a statement to the new boys. A hat-trick for Tom Reeves and a single for Matt Williams puts them up to fourth. Elburton Villa have moved into fifth place following a comfortable 3-nil home win against a young Chudleigh Athletic team who lost their manager during the week and no doubt some players.

In Division One, the match of the day between Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves and Watcombe Wanderers had to be abandoned following a serious injury to Spurs player Ben Frost. All of the South Devon Football League family wish Ben a speedy recovery. The other big game in this division took place at Homers Heath where two of last season’s Devon League teams met for the first time in the Torbay Clearance Services Division One. Paignton Saints moved into third place with a 4-nil win against Buckland Athletic, and Brixham Town remain in second place with a comfortable 6-nil win at Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds. A big well done to Babbacombe Corries who picked up their first win of the season at home to Upton Athletic; Brendon Highfield scored both of Corries’ goals which moves them out of the relegation zone. As expected, this is going to be a very tight division with 5 teams looking to reach the Premier Division next season.

In Division Two, the top 2 met on the 4G at Coach Road, and it was Paignton Saints Seconds that came out on top in a 5 goal thriller; and they move 3 points clear at the top of another very tight and competitive division; Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds and East Allington United Seconds fought out a 2 – 2 draw and remain in second and fourth respectively; Joel Patchet and Jack Taylor were on target for the young Spurs who are going well. Newton Abbot Spurs are in a small select group of clubs that manage to put out 3 teams in the Torbay Clearance Services League at a time where a lot of clubs struggle to get 11 players out on a Saturday; how can Spurs, Waldon, Watcombe, Paignton Saintsa and Paignton Villa manage to put out at least 33 every Saturday? One thing is for sure: it doesn’t just happen without the hard work and dedication of volunteers behind the scenes working their socks off for grassroots football; so a big thank you and well done. Also, well done to Brixham Town Seconds who picked up their first point of the season with a 3 – 3 draw at home to WBB Seconds.

Division Three is also proving to be a competitive division, with Stoke Gabriel TP slipping up at Ashburton by 3 goals to nil courtesy of Dan Grute, Dan Wordsworth and Brandon Hext; this allowed Watcombe Wanderers Seconds to go 6 points clear with a 6-nil win at home to Teign Village; Adam Townsend got a hat trick with Mike Fieldhouse, Simon Ross and Ellis Kendall scoring for the Greens; South Brent also remain in contention with a 7 – 1 win at Paignton Villa Seconds, plus they have games in hand on the 5 leading teams.

Division Four returned to normal service with Drake FC returning to the top spot with a 7 – 1 victory at Paignton Villa Thirds; Callum and Louis Thomas got the scoring underway with Ashley Walker and Spike Nicholls scoring one each; Ben Webster and Alex Hambly scored late on to complete a comfortable afternoon. Elburton Villa Thirds are hot on their heals and a 5 – 1 win at Chudleigh Athletic Seconds will restore confidence in the young team; Kingsteington Athletic Seconds also remain at the top end of the table following a 3-2 win at South Brent Seconds; Sam Arthurs and Ashton Hogarth got the scoring underway with Louis Dickinson rolling back the years and remembering where the goal is. And finally, congratulations to Barton Athletic Seconds who picked up their first win of the season with a 2 – 1 win against fellow strugglers Newton Rovers Seconds. With 135 goals scored across the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League, it proves that the grassroots football grounds of south Devon are the perfect place to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Pick of the games on the day the clocks change are in the Premier Division; Buckfastleigh Rangers host in form Beesands Rovers and Newton Abbot ’66 host Morley Rangers at Osborne Park; in Division One, the 2 stand out games are at Ivybridge Town Reserves who welcome Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds and up at Long Lane there should be a cracker when Watcombe Wanderers play Brixham Town. In Division Two, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds host Ipplepen Athletic Seconds at Chuley Road; Ashburton and Newton Rovers will be looking to upset leaders Paignton Saints Seconds at Bakers Park. The stand out game in Division Three is Stoke Gabriel TP Seconds versus Liverton United whilst South Brent host Totnes and Dartington who both were promoted last season; and finally, in Division Four, Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds host South Brent Seconds in what should be a lively encounter. If none of these take your fancy, have a look at the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon League full-time website where you will find a list of all the games, and they all kick off at 2.30pm. Enjoy your weekend and support your local grassroots team.

matt warman ilsington villa dartmouth cup winners 2023

Villa Still in Charge in SDFL Premier Division

Villa’s Matthew Warman collecting his MOM award at last season’s Dartmouth Cup final. Photo © Derek Castree. Report by SDFL.

Ilsington Villa continue to dominate the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division and now are the only team in the top division with a 100% record; this week it was a highly rated WBB team who were on the end of a 3-nil defeat inflicted by the moorlanders.

Matthew Warman scored all three goals to keep his team 2 points clear of Morley Rangers who were held to a 2 -2 draw at home, with East Allington Utd who remain at the wrong end of the table but can beat anyone on the right day; Corbin Mackin got both Morley goals with Josh Pascoe and Ben Tapper replying for the South Hams side; the referee also had a busy afternoon in a game that saw 5 yellow cards. Beesands Rovers also continue their fine start to life in the Premier Division with a 3-nil win at Brixham AFC Reserves. After a slow start to the season, Waldon Athletic and last season’s champions Kingsteignton Athletic are starting to pick up points and remain in the chasing pack. Waldon had an excellent 5-nil win at Windmill Hill against last season’s runners-up Buckfastleigh Rangers; Ashley Grimes and Louis Roberts got 2 apiece whilst Jacob Knapman also got on the scoresheet; the result leaves Buckfastleigh Rangers with some work to do. Another reminder that the competition is fresh came at Elburton Villa who inflicted a 5 – 2 win against an improving Newton Abbot ’66 team who made the trip to Plymouth in third place but came away in sixth; Miles Hunt, Ryan Watershoot and game changer Bradley Davis scored the goals for Elburton Villa.

In Division One Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves remain 3 points clear without playing a league game as they were on County Cup duty. This allowed Watcombe Wanderers and Ivybridge Town Reserves to move within catching distance of the unbeaten Spurs. Watcombe had a close game at Babbacombe Corries, coming away with 4 – 3 win at Armada Park, but result of the day goes to Ivybridge Town who inflicted the first defeat of the season on Paignton Saints at Erme Valley; Jamie Micklewright scored twice for Saints, but it was not enough as Joe Truelove and Owen Howard got 3 between them to prove that this division will not be a two horse race. Buckland Athletic picked up 3 valuable points at Harbertonford, and Paignton Villa moved up a few places with a 4 – 1 home win versus Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds; Billy Williams, Sam Woodcock and Charlie Thomas scored the goals for the Clarets.

Division Two is looking like a division of two halfs; Bovey Tracey Reserves had to give up top spot as they were on County Cup duty; Barton Athletic took full advantage with a 6 – 3 home win against Newton Rovers who themselves had a good start to the season, but the wheels have come off in the last 3 weeks; Paignton Saints Seconds demolished WBB seconds 9-nil to move into second spot on – guess what – goal difference. East Allington Utd Seconds also remain in the leading pack following a 2 – 1 win at home to Waldon Athletic Seconds; Daniel Bastin got both the goals for the Pirates.

In Division Three, Stoke Gabriel TP moved into second place with a fine 7 – 1 win at Waldon Athletic Thirds; Paul Christie scored 5 of the goals with Russell Cooper and Shane Pike adding to the tally for the Railwaymen. Half time game changer Dave Sanders scored 2 consolation goals for the home team. Watcombe Wanderers remain in top spot with a close 4 -3 win at Osborne Park against Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds who remain in third place jointly with Totnes and Dartington Seconds, Liverton Utd and Ashburton who came away from Liverton with a 4 – 1 victory – a few results that have kept this division very competitive where anybody can beat anybody.

Division Four may not be quite so open as the rest of the South Devon divisions; Liverton Utd Seconds are clear at the top following a 2-nil win in Plymouth at Elburton Villa Thirds; the experience of a few players in their twilight years took advantage of last season’s youth team to come away with the points. Jamie Chamberlain and Sean McArdle were on the scoresheet for Liverton. This was the first defeat for Elburton who remain in Third spot, and I am sure they will bounce back; Drake FC were on cup duty so Kingsteington Athletic Seconds, Watcombe Wanderers Thirds and Babbacombe Corries Seconds all stay within touching distance of the leaders. Corries picked up a 4 – 3 win at Paignton Villa Thirds whilst the other teams in the chasing pack had cup games.

174 goals were scored by South Devon League teams this week, so there is plenty of action to catch on the football fields of south Devon.

This week’s top games to watch are unbeaten Ilsington Villa who take on last season’s runners up Buckfastleigh Rangers at Lewthorne Cross whilst, also in the Premier Division, Newton Abbot ’66 host Beesands Rovers at Osborne Park. The two stand out games in Division One are Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds versus Watcombe Wanderers at the Recreation Ground and a game that last season would have been played in the Devon League is Buckland Athletic Seconds against Paignton Saints at Homers Heath. In Division Two, it has to be second placed Paignton Saints Seconds versus top placed Barton Athletic at Coach Road. In Division Three, game of the day should be at Chuley Road, Ashburton, where Stoke Gabriel TP will be looking to keep close to Watcombe at the top. In Division Four, Drake FC from Plymouth will be looking to return to the top of the table with a win at Paignton Villa Thirds as current top team Liverton are on cup duty.

Plenty of great football to be seen, and it won’t cost you a penny so get out in the autumn wind and support South Devon League football.

fin bullen east allington united v sgt police reserves herald cup 2023

Ilsington Villa Maintain Perfect Start with Win at League Leaders Morley

BULLEN BULLIES BRIXHAM: East Allington marksman scores three in 6-1 victory over Fishermen. Photo © Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

Report contributed by SDFL.

With the divisions starting to take shape after 3 weekends of league football, it’s interesting to see that 3 of the top 4 teams in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division were promoted from Division One last season.

In the game of the day, Tony Lacey’s Ilsington Villa team beat Morley Rangers by 2 goals to 1 at Plymstock School. Jamie Soper scored both goals to secure a valuable 3 points against a Plymouth team who will be there or thereabouts next May. Morley remain top of the table by virtue of goal difference, and they have played a game more than their rivals. Beesands Rovers, the other promoted team, had a comfortable afternoon against a young Chudleigh Athletic team with a 3-nil victory. Newton Abbot ’66 complete the top four but were held at home by an improving WBB team with a 2 – 2 draw. Elsewhere in the Premier Division, East Allington United got their season up and running with a fine 6 -1 win versus Brixham AFC Seconds; Finley Bullen scored a hat trick; Dylan Coates, Martin Finneron and Ben Taylor made sure the points were going to the South Hams. Waldon Athletic stay in 5th place having beaten Elburton Villa 3 – 2 down in Plymouth. Last season’s heavyweights Kinsgteignton Athletic and Buckfastleigh Rangers settled for a 3 – 3 draw at Broadpark; Alex Harding, Tom Reeves and Mark Voisey were on the scoresheet for the Rams.

In Division One, only Newton Abbot Spurs 2nd, Brixham Town and Paignton Saints have a 100 % record as Watcombe Wanderers were held to a 3 – 3 draw at Totnes and Dartington. Spurs continue their impressive start to life in the SDFL with a 6 – 1 home win versus Upton Athletic; Aiden Blackie and Joe Bushin scored 2 each, Ricardo Morranzonie and Alastair Nixon both got in on the act to keep their team top of the table. Paignton Saints won’t want to let Spurs get too far ahead in the race to the Premier League. A 5-nil home win against a fancied Ivybridge Town Seconds keeps them well placed. Goals from Jamie Micklewright, Ben Clarke, Charlie Cuss and Eden Cresswell Cluer keeps them 6 points behind with 2 games in hand; Brixham Town have also had a good start to the season, and a 3 – 1 victory at South Devon College, against Paignton Villa, keeps them in 2nd place on goal difference. Harbertonford enjoyed their 2nd win in as many weeks; Alan Hammet scored the only goal of the game for the Fords which sees them in mid table. Buckland Athletic Seconds also secured their second win in the SDFL since moving from the DFL. A 2-nil victory at Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds puts them nicely placed in mid table.

Bovey Tracey Seconds look like they are continuing their fine form from last season; a 7 – 1 demolition of unbeaten Newton Rovers makes them the team to beat in Division Two. Barton Athletic, who are enjoying winning games again, are remaining on Bovey’s heels; a 3 – 1 win at WBB Seconds keeps them unbeaten. Zach Norton, Liam Nothcott and Daniel Tyler got the goals that secured the points. Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds also remain well placed, but their defence may have to look at themselves having conceded 4 goals to Brixham Town Seconds. It took goals from Luis Green, Tom Slocombe, Nathen Cole and game changers (used to be called subs) Luke Selley and Deven Webb to secure a 7 – 4 victory. East Allington Utd Seconds have also started well with a fine 5-nil win at Waldon Athletic Seconds. Tyler Littlejohns, Alister Selby, Sam Quick and Lee Prestage found the net at Windmill Hill.

Can anyone stop Watcombe Wanderers Seconds in Division Three? A convincing 3-nil home win against pre-season favourites Ashburton put them 6 points clear at the top and the only team with a perfect record. Looks like this division could be a race for second place. Totnes and Dartington currently hold that place, and a 5 – 3 win at Teign Village with goals from Ben Towl, Scott Troth, Ben Harnett Davis and Jordan Baxter secured the points and provided plenty of talking points in the village club where they still charge for beer in pounds, shillings and pence!!! Liverton United Seconds, Stoke Gabriel TP Seconds and Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds also had good wins to keep them in the top half of the table.

In Division Four, only Elburton Villa Thirds and Liverton United Seconds have 100 % records. Previously unbeaten Plymouth side Drake FC came unstuck at Broadhempston United who held them to a 2 – 2 draw in a well contested game; David Alford scored both goals for the home team while Louis Thomas and Jordan Potter replied for Drake at Headlands. Liverton United remain in 2nd place following an 8 -1 demolition at Babbacombe Corries Seconds and Elburton Villa Thirds scored 6 against South Brent Seconds. Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds have also had a good start to the season and move up to 4th place with a 2 – 1 win at Barton Athletic Seconds; Joshua Snow and James Stafford were on target for the young Rams while Thomas Smith replied for Barton.

Recommended fixtures for 30th September.

The top two in the Premier Division meet at Ilsington Villa where Newton Abbot ’66 are the visitors in what should be a great game. Beesands take on Waldon Athletic; both have had a good start to the season and will be looking to keep up with the leaders or there is a Plymouth derby where Elburton Villa meet Plymstock based Morley Rangers who will be looking to bounce back after their first defeat.

Two massive games in Division One: both unbeaten Brixham Town and Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds clash at J.C. Park in a game that could put a claim on one of the promotion places early in the season; another game that has the same importance is at Long Lane where Watcombe Wanderers meet Paignton Saints in what will be a highly contested fixture.

The stand out game in Division Two is Bovey Tracey Seconds versus Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds at the Western Counties Ground where the top two go head to head.

In Division Three, South Brent will be looking to stop Watcombe Wanderers Seconds running away with this group at Palstone Park, and in Division Four, Drake will be looking to getting back to winning ways when they welcome South Brent Seconds, and Liverton United Seconds host an improving Broadhempston outfit.

Plenty of great local football to support, so get out in the fresh South Devon air and support South Devon League Football.

newton rovers v watts blake bearne reserves

New Boys Continue to Set the Pace in the Premier

Newton Rovers (purple) will face a tough test at fellow unbeaten side Bovey Tracey Reserves in Division Three. Photo © Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

Report contributed by SDFL.

Two of the promoted teams continue to set the pace in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier League in the form of Morley Rangers and Ilsington Villa.

Dalton Brammer and Corbin Mackin were again on the score sheet, inflicting a first defeat in 12 months on last season’s Division One champions Beesands Rovers by 3 goals to 2. Just up the A38 at the Duckspond, Ilsington Villa won a 9 goal thriller against Buckfastleigh Rangers; Daniel and brother Jack Langford were on target with Matt Warman and Jamie Soper. Both these teams meet each other this weekend in the league at Plymstock School which should be on your calendar as game of the day.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Newton Abbot ’66 continued their unbeaten start with a fine 4 goals to 2 win down in the South Hams at East Allington United. The local derby between WBB and Kingsteignton Athletic ended with a share of the points in a 2 – 2 draw, and Chudleigh Athletic got their first win of the season with a fine 7 – 1 victory at Brixham AFC Seconds.

In Division One, 5 teams remain unbeaten with Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds setting the pace; Calum Noyce hit a hat-trick and Calum Fyce added himself to the scoresheet in a 4-nil win at fellow new boys Buckland Athletic Seconds. Ivybridge Town Seconds got their second win of the season, following relegation from the Premier League, with a 3 – 1 win against Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds, and Brixham Town are in good form, winning 3 – 2 at Totnes and Dartington. Watcombe Wanderers remain in third place with a comfortable 4 – 1 win at home to a young Paignton Villa team who are rebuilding following the departure of last season’s manager, and Paignton Saints finally got their league season up and running with a hard fought 4 – 2 victory at Windmill Hill against Babbacombe Corries. A mention must also go to Harbertonford who, thanks to Sebastian and Daniel Looker, took the points against a hot and cold Upton Athletic to get their season up and running.

In Division Two, 3 teams remain unbeaten: Bovey Tracey Seconds had the stand out win with a 4 – 2 victory against Paignton Saints Seconds who, last season, were in the Premier Division, Ryan Stanbridge and Ceesay Mballow on the scoresheet for the Moorlanders. Newton Rovers also got their second win of the season in a 9 goal thriller at Bakers Park against an Ipplepen Athletic Seconds team who should be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds remain well-placed with goals from Deven Webb, Jack Tayler, Nathen Cole and Luis and Owen Green helping them to a 6 – 3 win at home to WBB Seconds.

In Division Three, after 3 games its only Watcombe Wanderers Seconds and Ashburton with a perfect record. Simon Ross scored 7 goals in a 17 -1 thrashing of Paignton Saints Thirds who are yet to put some points on the board. Ashburton had a tighter game winning 3 – 2 at Osborne Park against Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds. Liverton United, Waldon Athletic Thirds and Teign Village added some league points for themselves with good wins on the day. I am told that Tom Beer enjoyed his first hat-trick for Teign Village in their 6 – 2 home win versus Kingsbridge and Kellaton.

In Division Four, only new boys Drake FC, Elburton Villa Thirds and Liverton United Seconds have yet to drop any points. Drake turned around a half time deficit with goals from Callum Thomas, Ashley Walker and Harrison Jones to win 4 – 2 at Barton Athletic Seconds. The young Elburton Villa lads had a close call at South Brent Seconds but came out on top with a hard fought 2 – 1 win, but result of the day in this division must go to Broadhempston United who picked up their first win of the season with an impressive 8-nil win at home to Watcombe Wanderers Thirds; Marcus Hilditch, David Alford, Joseph Kneen and Micheal Tuff got on the scoresheet whilst the match ball went home with Daniel Wells for his hat-trick. I expect they will need it back for next week!

There are some great games of South Devon League football taking place on Saturday 23rd September, so why not get out in the fresh air and support a local team; all games are on the South Devon League’s Full-Time page (click the relevant buttons on this page) and all kick-offs are at 2.30pm.

Pick of the games are Morley Rangers versus Ilsington Villa at Plymstock School, Kingsteignton Athletic versus Buckfastleigh Rangers and Newton Abbot ’66 versus WBB at Osborne Park. In Division One, Paignton Saints take on Ivybridge Town Seconds on the 4G pitch at Coach Road in Newton Abbot; both teams are yet to drop any points so it should be a great game. The stand out game in Division Two is at Bovey Tracey Seconds where the visitors are Newton Rovers, both unbeaten and looking to continue their good starts to the season. The top two teams in Division Three meet at Long Lane where Watcombe Wanderers Seconds take on Ashburton in what will be a cracking game. The final pick of the week will be at Broadhempston who will welcome Drake FC from Plymouth who no doubt will enjoy the open space at the Headlands in Division Four.

Langford and Warman Star as Villa Stun Topsham in Premier Cup

Report contributed by SDFL. Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

Most of the teams had an early season switch to County Cup action and some will be wishing they stayed at home. In fact, Babbacombe Corries and Brixham AFC Seconds were unable to travel to North Devon to fulfil their fixtures. Bovey Tracey Seconds were due to play Seaton Town from east Devon in a County Cup game, but Seaton were unable to raise a team as a number of players had tested positive for COVID; lets hope that is not a sign of things to come.

Well done to the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon League teams that made it into Round Two of the respective County Cup competititions; Beesands Rovers had a tight game against the 10 players of Watts Blake Bearne winning by 3 goals to 2. Waldon Athletic clearly did not suffer any travel issues, dispatching Hartland / Clovelly from the North Devon League by 4 goals to 1. Result of the day in the Premier Cup goes to Ilsington Villa who thrashed Step 7 club Topsham Town by 7 goals to 1; Mathew Warman scored a hat trick with Dan Langford going one better with 4 goals to continue a very impressive start to the season for the Moorlanders.

In the Senior Cup, Paignton Saints Firsts, playing their first competitive game since moving to the South Devon League from Step 7, were tested at Watcombe Wanderers who held them to a 1 – 1 draw. With no extra time in this competition it went straight to penalties and Saints came out on top scoring 4 of their spot kicks to Watcombe’s 1. Totnes and Dartington also made it through with a 4 – 3 win at Sidmouth Town.

In the Intermediate Cup, another mention must be given to East Allington Seconds who made the 196 mile roundtrip to Lynton only to suffer a 4 – 1 defeat. Club stalwart Martin Weeks said that the lads were feeling some jet lag on arrival and could not shake it off. Well done for making the trip and representing the SDFL up north. Also in this competition, South Brent had an impressive 5 – 1 victory against Millwey Rise from Axminster and Teign Village got their season up and running with a 2 nil victory at South Zeal.

There were also some South Devon League games played, mostly for teams that received byes in the first rounds of the County Cups. Morley Rangers go top of the Premier Division with a 4 – 1 win over Chudleigh Athletic. Corbin Mackin, Dean Jenkins and Dalton Brammer were on target for the Plymstock outfit.

In Division One, Shaun Langdon’s Brixham Town are the early leaders after 2 games. They put 6 past Harbertonford without reply at their new J.C Park ground which I am told is all fitted out with new facilities. Upton Athletic came out on top of a cracking game at Armada Park beating Buckland Athletic Seconds by 5 goals to 4 which gets them off the mark.

In Division Two, Barton Athletic made it 2 wins from 2 with a fine 5 – 4 victory against Paignton Villa Seconds. Liam Nothcott hit 4 goals with Zac Norton adding to their tally. Newton Rovers got their season off and running with a 6 – 1 victory over Brixham Town Seconds at Bakers Park whilst Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds got their first win of the season beating Waldon Athletic Seconds 3 – 2 at Windmill Hill.

In Division Three, Watcombe Wanderers Seconds look like the team to beat. They made it 2 out of 2 dispatching a strong Liverton Utd First team by 5 goals to 2, and Totnes and Dartington Seconds found winning form by beating Paignton Saints Thirds 4 – 1, Scott Troth, Sam Brown and Nick Warren on the scoresheet for Tots.

In Division Four, Drake FC, Babbacombe Corries Seconds and Liverton United Seconds all made it 2 wins from 2 games with impressive results; Drake FC hit 12 past Paignton Villa Thirds, Liverton Utd Seconds scored 7 against South Brent Seconds and Babbacombe Corries won 4 – 1 at home to Watcombe Wanderers Thirds. Kingsteington Athletic Seconds picked up their first win of the season hosting Barton Athletic Seconds at Broadpark, James Perrins, Sam Arthurs and Austin West on the scoresheet for the young Rams.

Here is a selection of the pick of the fixtures this coming Saturday 16th September.

Premier Division: Beesands Rovers host Morley Rangers from Plymstock; last season they both met in Division One with the Bees getting the better which led to promotion for both teams. Both can play football and would be worth a drive to Loddiswell Playing Fields; Buckfastleigh Rangers and Ilsington Villa have got off to winning starts and this will be another test for the Premier new boys against championship favorites at the Duckspond. Arguably, the game of the day is the local derby between Watts Blake Bearne and Kingsteington Athletic, both licking their wounds following opening day defeats; this is normally a cracker at Abbrook Park.

In Division One, the standout game is Buckland Athletic Seconds against Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds; last season they were both in the Devon League and both had wins on the opening day of their new membership of the South Devon League.

Game of the day in Division Two is Paignton Saints Seconds and Bovey Tracey Seconds, both pretty much favourites to be in Division One next season, so don’t be surprised if it’s a tight game.

In Division Three, both Liverton Unitd and Watcombe Wanderers Seconds got off to winning starts, so it will be interesting to see who takes the points at Halford.

Finally, in Division Four, South Brent Seconds, who were playing Sunday football last season, host Elburton Villa Thirds at Palstone Park; the young Plymouth team should enjoy the space on one of the larger open pitches in the league. Both got wins on opening day by 5 goals to 1 and both will be looking to keep some momentum going.

newton abbot 66 v ivybridge town reserves herald cup

Morley Upset Rams in SDFL Opening Day Surprise

SIXES AND SEVENS: Newton Abbot ’66 make the perfect start to their SDFL Premier campaign. Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

The opening weekend of the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League season provided 153 goals and plenty of shock results that were worthy of a double take. Highest scorers of the day were Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds in Division One. Fresh from a poor season in the Devon League, Spurs managed to put 11 goals past a newly built Harbertonford team that will need to dust themselves off and start again. In this division, both Brixham Town and Ivybridge Town got their season under way with solid 4–1 wins, and one of the favourites, Watcombe Wanderers, also started well.

But it really was all about the new teams, as all but one enjoyed an opening day win: South Brent Seconds, Elburton Villa Thirds and Drake F.C. all scored 5 goals with Watcombe Wanderers Thirds going 2 better with 7 against Paignton Villa Thirds. In Division Three, Ashburton F.C. just scraped past Paignton Saints Thirds by the odd goal in 7, and the only new team not to win on opening day was Teign Village who lost 4–1 to Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds. The season did not get off to a good start for Matt Shepherd of Stoke Gabriel TP who broke his leg in two places and had to be taken to hospital in the back of an estate car as there were no ambulances available. The game was delayed for some time as a South Brent player broke his wrist in a separate incident; we wish both players a speedy recovery. Stoke Gabriel TP went on to win the game 6–3. Watcombe Wanderers Seconds completed a hat-trick of wins for the club, and Liverton United got off to a winning start following promotion from Division Four.

The biggest shock results came in the Premier Division where the expected ‘Ramsfest’ at Plymstock failed where champions Kingsteington Athletic lost 6–2 to newly-promoted Morley Rangers, and at Ilsington Villa, who are playing in the Premier Division for the first time in their long history, and got the better of a strong East Allington United side in a 7 goal thriller on the moor. Beesands Rovers, who are back in the top league following an unbeaten season in 22/23, continued the theme with a 2–1 victory at Elburton Villa Seconds. Last season’s runners-up Buckfastleigh Rangers got off to a solid start by beating fancied Watts Blake Bearne 6–2 at the Duckspond. There was a tighter affair at Windmill Hill between two of last season’s relegation candidates, but it was Waldon Athletic who took the points against Chudleigh Athletic, Pete Summerfield rolling back the years with the only goal. The final result was at Osborne Park where Newton Abbott ’66 put 7 goals past a young Brixham AFC Seconds team without reply.

Saturday will be ‘biggest opening day in 6 years’ for new SDFL season

DEJA VU: Buckfastleigh Rangers and Watts Blake Bearne contested the Belli Cup final last season – and they will face each other again when league business resumes on Saturday. Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

The Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League kicks off its 121st season on Saturday with its biggest opening day of fixtures in 6 years.

56 of the 59 competing teams will kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday 2nd September all with hopes and dreams of collecting silverware next May and having some bragging rights during the working week. Ten new teams have bolstered the league’s fortunes, and two more Plymouth-based teams, in Drake F.C. and Elburton Villa Development, join the current teams from the west of the county that have strengthened the competition in recent seasons.

Also moving across from the Devon Football League are Paignton Saints First, Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds and Buckland Athletic Seconds who will all play in Division One and will be expecting to gain promotion to the Premier Division in their first season.

Ashburton have reformed following a period of change at the club and will be hoping for promotion from Division Three alongside a Teign Village outfit that have returned from a season in the Devon & Exeter League. The other new teams, placed in Division Four, are Liverton United Seconds, South Brent Seconds and Watcombe Wanderers Thirds. All 10 teams are living proof that football at this level is alive and well. And in particular, the South Devon Football League, who became an England F.A. accredited league last season for the first time in its history, continues to deliver a well-run competitive football competition that is respected across the south and west of the county.

There are some great fixtures to look out for on opening day. In the Premier Division, last season’s runners-up Buckfastleigh Rangers will be looking to go one better this season when they kick off against a very strong Watts Blake Bearne team who are always good for a top five place; another game to catch, if you fancy a trip to Plymstock, is newly promoted Morley Rangers who take on the champions Kingsteignton Athletic; this could be a tough opening fixture for the Plymouth lads. Also in the Premier Division, another newly promoted team Ilsington Villa welcome East Allington to their moorland ground for what could be a great game. Last seasons Division One champions Beesands Rovers travel to Elburton Villa where they will be looking to continue their unbeaten run from last season against a Plymouth team that just avoided relegation; Newton Abbot ’66, who have improved under Ian Clennehan’s stewardship, host Brixham A.F.C. still in search of a manager, and Steve Breed takes a new-look Waldon Athletic against Chudleigh Athletic.

newton abbot 66 v ivybridge town reserves herald cup
IMPROVING: Ian Clenahan’s Newton Abbot ’66 made the Herald Cup final last year – is silverware on the cards in 2024? ©Al Macphee/Miraclepr.com

In Division One, newly promoted Totnes and Dartington have the pleasure of playing at Homers Heath against an unknown Buckland Athletic Seconds who will be looking to start winning some games after life in the pyramid. Also returning from the Devon League are Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds who travel to Harbertonford who just avoided relegation last season; Watcombe Wanderers, who won Division Two last season, have the Premier Division in their sights and will be one of the teams to beat host a well-drilled Babbacombe Corries team; also, promoted Brixham Town, who almost stalled last season, face the unpredictable Upton Athletic who can beat anybody on the day; the other game completing the Division One fixture list is Paignton Villa, who went close last season, against relegated Ivybridge Town Seconds who will be looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League.

Division Two is also looking like a very competitive league. Paignton Saints Seconds, who played in the Premier League last season and had to take two steps back due to the first team returning, must be hot favourites for promotion, but not to be ruled out are Bovey Tracey Seconds, Waldon Athletic Seconds, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, Ipplepen Athletic Seconds and a Barton Athletic team with a number of high profile signings together with a return to playing home games at Barton Downs, so expect a hostile home support. Newton Rovers, who are expected to do well, are always difficult to beat at Bakers Park.

The top game in Division Three looks like Stoke Gabriel TP against newly-promoted South Brent; Watcombe Wanderers Seconds will be looking to get off to a flyer down in Kingsbridge, and Ashburton host Paignton Saints Thirds; two of the promoted teams go head to head as Liverton United take on Totnes and Dartington Reserves at Halford. The other interesting game is at Teign Village who are just returned from the Exeter league and host Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds with both teams looking for some consistency to accompany some early points on the board.

Division Four really is an unknown quantity with five new teams, some of who have been established in other leagues. Elburton Villa Development, Drake F.C. and Watcombe Wanderers Thirds are last season’s youth teams at the clubs so will be fast; South Brent Seconds are moving over to Saturday from the Plymouth Sunday league. Liverton United Seconds make up the new teams in the division thanks to Sue and Chris Stephens who are rebuilding the club after a time in the pyramid.

It is clear that there are lots of great fixtures to be seen every Saturday afternoon. Just check this website for details of all the fixtures and go along and support local football.

south devon football league torquay town v morley rangers

Rams Take Narrow Premier Lead as Rangers and Fishermen Draw

TIGHT GAME AT TOWN: Morley Rangers edge hosts Torquay Town 1-0 at Barton Cricket Club. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Dan Rankin’s second successive hat-trick fired Kingsteignton Athletic to the top of the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League while all but eliminating Watts Blake Bearne’s title hopes.

Sam Barnes joined Rankin on the score-sheet as the Rams triumphed 4-1 against their local rivals at Abbrook Park, Charlie Madden with the hosts’ consolation.

Buckfastleigh Rangers and Brixham AFC Reserves are a point behind the leaders after they battled out a 2-2 draw at the Duckspond. Rangers’ top goalscorer Steve Sutton added another two to his tally while Dalton Sanders and David Worthington netted for the Fishermen. Rangers ended the game with ten men following Charlie Morgan’s dismissal for picking up two cautions.

At the other end of the table, Ivybridge Town Reserves held bottom club Paignton Saints Reserves to a 2-2 draw at Coach Road, but Saints know they will need to get some wins soon to avoid being cut adrift.

Leslie Afful, Ajay Tehrani and Brook Ward found the back of the net for Waldon Athletic as the Clarets celebrated a narrow 3-2 win away at Elburton Villa Reserves. Chudleigh Athletic moved level on points with opponents East Allington following their 3-1 home win, Gavin Hammon with a brace. Nik Garrett was also on target for Athletic while Fin Bullen scored for the Pirates, his 16th goal of the season.

Beesands Rovers extended their lead at the top of Division One with a tight 2-1 victory at Babbacombe Corinthians. Adam Winkworth and Jamie Watts bagged the Bees’ goals. Curtis Marshall notched for Corries. Beesands are now seven points clear after Ilsington Villa drew a rare blank, away at Harbertonford, and came away with just a point.

After a goalless first half, Plympton Athletic went up a gear after the break to trounce Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves 6-0. Callum Thomas led the charge, with a hat-trick, but goal of the game went to James Baker with his long-range screamer. Finley Wood doubled up for Paignton Villa as they beat bottom club Barton Athletic 5-1 at South Devon Sports Centre. Harry Atkinson, Abdulsalim Benmoloud and Alfie Lloyds also scored for Villa.

Dean Jenkins popped up with the winner at Barton Cricket Club as Morley Rangers beat Torquay Town 1-0.

Watcombe Wanderers are building up a head of steam in Division Two. The Greens are now 14 points clear of the chasing pack following their 4-0 home win over SGT Police Reserves, Sam Pyne with a brace. Zach Norton’s double for second-placed Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook was in vain as Tots crashed 4-2 at East Allington United Reserves, Lee Prestage with two goals for the hosts.

The three title hopefuls in Division Three all picked up wins on Saturday. Brixham Town Reserves were unable to raise a side to play Waldon Athletic, gifting the leaders three points. Ipplepen Athletic Reserves scored three without reply at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United to keep their slim title hopes alive, while Bovey Tracey Reserves edged past Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves at Osborne Park, 2-1 the result.

Things are getting very close at the top of Division Four, and South Brent now lead the way after Nathan Cole’s hat-trick helped them to a 4-2 home win over Broadhempston United. They replace Liverton United who lost out 2-0 to visiting Watcombe Wanderers Reserves, Simon Ross with a brace. Waldon Athletic Thirds fought back from two down to salvage a point at Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook Reserves. Scott Troth scored all three of Tots’ goals with Shane Corderoy scoring twice for the Clarets, and Ashley Grimes getting the equaliser.

paignton villa v plympton athletic

Two Goal Green Moves Brixham Level Top With Buckfastleigh

DOUBLE VICTORY: Plympton win 2-0 at home to complete the double over Paignton Villa whom they beat 6-3 in October. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Brixham AFC Reserves and Buckfastleigh Rangers are neck and neck at the top of the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division after Lee Hazlewood’s side beat Chudleigh while Rangers were held, at home, by struggling Elburton Villa Reserves.

Sam Green struck twice and Alex Harding scored his second of the season as the Fisherman won 3-1 at Wall Park, Adam Biggs with Chudleigh’s effort. George Davison and Arren De Young found the net for Rangers, at the Duckspond, but Jay Jones’ brace for Villa earned the visitors a valuable point which moved them above Ivybridge Town Reserves in the table.

A youthful Ivies side took on Watts Blake Bearne who had been disappointed at drawing a home blank against Brixham a week earlier. The Claymen made no mistake in front of goal at Erme Park, Cam Gill bagging a hat-trick and Hugo Griffiths scoring twice in an 8-1 victory. Ben Drinkwater, Ben Berrow and Mike Tapper also scored for the visitors.

Dan Rankin also had his shooting boots on as he put away a hat-trick for unbeaten Kingsteignton Athletic at Poole Lane. Hosts East Allington United put in a good team performance but Jay Osborn’s goal remained intact as the Rams won 3-0.

Spectators at Coach Road were treated to a goalfest, but that was no consolation for Paignton Saints Reserves who lost out 8-3 to visiting Newton Abbot ’66.

Beesands Rovers have a league and county cup double in their sights following their 3-1 win away at Seaton Town in the quarter-finals of the Devon Senior Cup. Ash Yeoman, Jack Eades and Jamie Watts netted for the South Hams outfit. Fellow Division One side Harbertonford are out though, losing 3-0 at a youthful University of Exeter Thirds side. Newton St. Cyres and Bow AAC are also into the semi-finals.

Bovey Tracey Reserves endured a second penalty shoot-out in a row, but came out on top this week to book a slot in the semi-finals of the Devon Intermediate Cup. After drawing 3-3 in normal time with Shamwickshire Rovers, Matthew Churchill, Ben Goble and James Ramsell with the goals, Bovey won the shoot-out 4-2. Waldon Athletic Reserves’ game at Whipton and Pinhoe was abandoned. Lifton progress to the final four while City Raiders play Bickleigh this Saturday.

In Division One, Ilsington Villa narrowed the gap between themselves and leaders Beesands to 5 points with a comprehensive 6-1 victory at bottom-placed Barton Athletic. Dan Langford claimed a hat-trick and was joined on the score-sheet by Matt Warman, Rob Young and Yanik Hrycyszyn.

Plympton Athletic moved above opponents Paignton Villa with a 2-0 triumph at Lee Moor, Grant Craven and Spike Nicholls with the first half goals. Shaun Johannesen and Sam O’Mara scored for Upton Athletic as they overcame near neighbours Torquay Town 2-1 at Armada Park.

Watcombe Wanderers narrowly beat second-placed Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds 2-1 at Long Lane to strengthen their grip on Division Two. Charlie Uniacke and Toby Woodmore struck for the Greens with Adam Blackie on target for Spurs. Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook moved above Spurs following a 2-1 home win over Brixham Town, James Blackshaw scoring twice for Tots in five second half minutes.

A Nathan Williams double helped Watts Blake Bearne Reserves to back-to-back wins over Paignton Villa Reserves, Nigel Vass’s goal for Villa not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat at Abbrook Park. Dartmouth AFC Reserves have a mountain to climb to avoid the drop, an 8-0 home loss to Newton Rovers compounding their recent points deduction. Nathan De’Ath claimed the match ball for Rovers, Jake Cogavin and Jake Richards scored two apiece, and Lewis Jordan-Garner also netted.

Ten man Brixham Town Reserves pulled off a 4-1 home win over Paignton Saints Thirds in Division Three. Russell Cooper, Garry Drew, Alister George and Iain Sloman scored for the hosts with Sonwabile Mlenze on target for Saints. But despite the win, second-placed Brixham Town Reserves don’t have enough games to haul in leaders Waldon Athletic Thirds. Only Ipplepen Athletic Reserves and Bovey Tracey Reserves can now catch the Clarets.

There are new leaders in Division Four though, with Liverton United and South Brent both moving above Waldon Athletic Thirds who didn’t play. Liverton won 4-2 at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves while South Brent drew 1-1 at Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves.

watts blake bearne v brixham afc reserves

Dare Strike Enough to Earn Fishermen Three Points at WBB

FISHER KINGS: Brixham Reserves come out on top in a game of many chances but just one goal. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Brixham AFC Reserves celebrated a hard-fought win at Abbrook Park in a game of many chances but just the one goal. The Fishermen could have gone ahead within the first minute, Dalton Sanders rounding Watts Blake Bearne goalkeeper Jamie Howarth but putting his shot agonisingly wide of the far post. Having survived that early scare, WBB were then rocked by the early loss of Billy Clinch to a dislocated knee. Shortly after that they fell behind when Tom Dare hit Mark Griffiths’ right-sided cross into the top of the net.

WBB pressed for an equaliser and created more than enough chances to score one, Kane Gonzalez coming closest in the first half when he rattled the post with a fierce drive. Hugo Griffiths, who had come on for Clinch, really should have levelled ten minutes before half-time. Cam Gill’s neat ball put the substitute through on goal. But he took one too many touches and Luca Martinez did well to force him off the ball. Two minutes later, Gill stung the gloves of Tom Hopper with a low, close-range drive from the left.

Brixham did have their chances to add to their lead, and they could have doubled up five minutes before half-time when a low shot from a wide angle grazed the post. But the next drama came from an unlikely source, an accidental collision between Gill and referee Barry Hayward leading to the latter giving way to WBB’s Andy Moore for the remainder of the half (he did return for the second half though).

Hugo Griffiths hit the bar in the ten minutes of injury time but the ball bounced down just the wrong side of the line from a home perspective. Hopper tipped over Charlie Madden’s goalbound header two minutes later, and WBB went into the break a goal down.

Determined to find a way back, the home side fired wide from their first attack of the second half and hit the woodwork for the third time two minutes later. Brixham soon settled though, and the second half was more even than the first, Mark Griffiths a constant danger on the counter-attack. The WBB defence did well to keep him quiet though, Mark Perring with some vital tackles at the back. Antony Williams also made an important interception when Griffiths’ header put Sanders through on goal.

Chances came and went for both sides, but the home side couldn’t seem to find that extra gear they needed. With five minutes remaining, Alex Harding had a great chance to seal it for the visitors, but Howarth pulled off a low save to keep the hope alive. That hope fell apart in a frustrating end to the game for the hosts, which saw them waste numerous chances in the final minutes.

“We could have won two games with the amount of chances we had, especially in the second half,” said WBB assistant manager Alex Copp. “it just wasn’t to be today, was it? It was one of those games. Everything in the box dropped back to them, and they defended really well. So they deserve their three points. I feel if one of ours had gone in, we probably would have gone on and won the game. I’m generally disappointed but fair play to Brixham, and we’ll go again next week.”

The wait for a Plymouth side to win the Torbay Clearance Services Herald Cup goes on as holders Kingsteignton Athletic put four past visiting Elburton Villa Reserves without reply to make the quarter-finals. Tom Reeves, Ryan Tovagliari, Ross Beer and James Perrins made the score-sheet for the rampant Rams. The final place in the last eight went to fellow Premier Division outfit Ivybridge Town Reserves, but the Ivies were pushed all the way by their Division Three hosts Bovey Tracey Reserves. With neither side able to find a winner in 120 minutes, the game went to penalties, the visitors winning that contest 4-2.

Buckfastleigh Rangers went back to the top of the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division with a 4-1 home victory over Chudleigh Athletic. Luke Brown, George Davidson, Tom Moody and Charlie Morgan netted for Rangers with Alfie Luscombe contributing a goal for the visitors.

East Allington United move up to fifth with a narrow 4-3 win over bottom club Paignton Saints Reserves. The Pirates shared their booty with Fin Bullen, Dylan Coates, Andy King and Fred Massey all weighing in with goals. Saints’ Josh Mason did come away from Poole Lane with the match ball though.

In contrast, the miserly defences of Newton Abbot ’66 and Waldon Athletic meant that game finished goalless.

In Division One, an Adam Winkworth brace at Paignton Villa helped Beesands Rovers to a 2-1 victory. The Bees go eight points clear with second placed Ilsington Villa and Morley Rangers cancelling each other out at Lewthorne Cross. A double from Corbin Mackin and strikes from Dalton Brammer and Matt Binmore helped Rangers into a 4-2 half-time lead. But Villa rescued a point with two second half goals. Dan Langford scored twice for the hosts with Stephen Hobbs and Matt Teague also on target. Harbertonford celebrated an important 2-1 win at Upton Athletic while Babbacombe Corinthians beat Plympton Athletic by the same scoreline. Torquay Town lost 3-1 at home to Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves, Jay Barnard with two goals for Rangers.

Watcombe Wanderers maintained their healthy lead in Division Two with a fourth win on the bounce and consecutive clean sheets to boot. Jamie McGuinness, Oli Pyne, Laurence Macleod and Harry Gouldthorpe each found the net in a 4-0 triumph over Brixham Town.

Runaway Division Three leaders Waldon Athletic Reserves haven’t conceded a goal in over 450 minutes following their 3-0 home win over Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves. Stephen Rohan gave the Clarets a 1-0 lead at half-time with Bailey Clarke and Shane Essam completing the job in the second half. Waldon have now won 13 games in a row in all competitions.

Division Four leaders Waldon Athletic Thirds were without a game last weekend which allowed Liverton United and South Brent to close the gap to a point. Joshua Passmore-Tarpey scored the winner as Liverton beat Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves 1-0 at Halford. South Brent enjoyed a 5-1 win at Broadhempston United.