Category: League Round Up

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.

watts blake bearne v brixham afc reserves

WBB Storm into Herald Cup Last Eight

EMPHATIC: Watts Blake Bearne (pictured here in a league match against Brixham Reserves) cruised into the quarter-finals of the Herald Cup. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Premier Division Watts Blake Bearne threw down the gauntlet to their Torbay Clearance Services Herald Cup rivals by hammering Division One opponents Torquay Town 8-0 at the Denbury Playing Fields en route to the quarter-finals. Cam Gill led the charge with a brace, and he was joined on the score-sheet by Ben Berrow, Ryan Clarke, Mike Tapper, Billy Clinch, Beck Hannah and Sam Stowell.

Last year’s semi-finalists Ilsington Villa, from Division One, were given a stern test by Second Division Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds who took the lead twice at Lewthorne Cross through Luis Green and Deven Webb, Dan Langford and George Harris pulling Villa level each time. Langford finally saw the home side through, providing the decisive finish, after great work from Matt Warman, with ten minutes to go.

Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police Reserves, who also made the semis last season, booked their place in the quarter finals by beating fellow Torbay side Babbacombe Corinthians 2-1 at South Devon Sports Centre. Corries have had a good season so far and play in Division One of the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League, a division higher than their opponents. But the Police, under new manager Dale Timblin, put on a commanding first half performance to take a deserved 2-0 lead into the break, Joe Aldous and Callum Nightingale on target. Babbacombe did pull a goal back from the penalty spot, late in the second half, but they couldn’t prevent the Bees from making it through to the last eight.

Holders Kingsteignton Athletic will have to wait another week for their Third Round tie against fellow Premier side Elburton Villa Reserves, while cup specialists Bovey Tracey Reserves, the only Division Three side left in the competition, will host Premier Division side Ivybridge Town Reserves as they compete for the remaining quarter-final spot.

Premier Division outfit Newton Abbot ’66 are through to the last eight after beating Division Two side Brixham Town at Furzeham Green. Liam Ashwell scored twice for the Sixes with Sean Boldick and Joe Clark-Farley also finding the net in a 4-2 win.

East Allington United, who made it through to the quarter-finals the previous week, were in league action at home to Waldon Athletic. Despite going in to half-time a goal down, the Pirates turned things around with goals from Fin Bullen, Fred Massey and, from the penalty spot, Josef Sita.

Division One leaders Beesands Rovers have reached the midway point of their season without losing a game. Jack Eades scored twice, and Louis Brace found the net in a 3-0 victory away at Upton Athletic. Dean Jenkins scored twice for Morley Rangers in an eventful 2-0 win at Plymstock School Sports Centre which saw both Rangers and Harbertonford reduced to ten men. The Plymouth side move level on points with second-placed Ilsington.

Watcombe Wanderers extended their lead in Division Two to nine points with a convincing 5-0 home win over East Allington United Reserves. Laurence Macleod headed the Greens into an early lead before Sam Pyne put them two up at half-time with a deflected shot. Pyne finished off a great home move ten minutes into the second half, Cal Vickery showing some great build-up play, before young Reef Beer came off the bench to head home on his debut. Eliott McIntosh scored Watcombe’s fifth, a close range effort following a corner.

Waldon Athletic Reserves went eleven points clear in Division Three. The Clarets scored four in each half against Barton Athletic Reserves with Josh Clarke putting away a hat-trick, Shane Essam scoring twice and Wayne Bergin, Kyle Doughty and Stephen Rohan also netting.

Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves climbed to second in the table by beating Brixham Town Reserves 4-1 at Osborne Park. Paignton Saints Thirds won 5-2 at Chudleigh Athletic Reserves to lift themselves off the foot of the table, Matt Reed with a hat-trick.

A home win by South Brent over Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves sees them move up to equal second on points.

newton abbot 66 v kingsteignton athletic

Rangers Rack Up First Premier League Points; Mixed Fortunes in the County Cups

PREMIER CUP EXODUS: Kingsteignton Athletic and Newton Abbot ’66 were among the casualties in a weekend to forget for SDFL Premier Division teams. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR


Buckfastleigh Rangers have got their first points on the board as the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division holders scored three away at Ivybridge Town Reserves. Kian Berry, Lewis Cox and Matthew Maller found the net for Rangers with new signing Mike Vanstone getting a consolation for the Ivies.

There was only one top tier game played as the other Premier sides were in county cup action. And it was largely a day to forget on that front as all bar one SDFL side crashed out of the Sportslighting Devon Premier Cup. Waldon Athletic were the exception, as their game at Millbridge was abandoned and will be replayed this weekend at Manadon Development Centre. If the Clarets can progress, they will join Elburton Villa Reserves, Buckfastleigh and Ivybridge in the second round, those three sides already through due to walkovers or byes.

East Allington United came closest to making the cut. The Pirates were leading visiting Mountwise AFC through a Fin Bullen goal until the very last minute when Terry Elliot kept his head, in a one-on-one with Sam Perry, to slot home an equaliser. The Plymouth side then came out on top in the penalty shoot out to book their passage to the round of 32.

The all South Devon clash at Abbrook Park also went to spot-kicks with Watts Blake Bearne’s Jamie Orchard and SGT Police’s Saul Vanes trading goals in normal time. Then up stepped Harry Joiner with a couple of penalty saves for the DFL team to see the former Peninsula side through.

Dan Rankin came off the bench to score his first goal for Kingsteignton Athletic, holders of the Devon Senior Cup. But that was as good as it got for the Rams who were soundly beaten 4-1 at home by DFL newcomers Barnstaple Town Reserves, meaning there will be no quadruple trophy haul this season.

Brixham AFC Reserves were also emphatically dispatched from the competition, beaten 4-0 at the Rec by DFL outfit Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves.

Spencer Taylor and Matthew Williams made the score-sheet for Chudleigh Athletic at Combe Martin, but three goals from the hosts, including a Connor James brace, saw them bow out. Newton Abbot ’66 also lost 3-2, away at Sidmouth Town Reserves.

There was better news for SDFL sides competing in the Robert Williams Estate Agents Devon Senior Cup, with some impressive score-lines for some of the Division One sides in action. Harbertonford romped to an 8-0 victory at home to St Johnston Social with David Hatch putting away a hat-trick and Callum Payne scoring twice. There were also goals for Liam Collings, Richard Harvey and substitute Archie McWhillie.

Plympton Athletic won 9-2 at Exeter United, with Grant Craven celebrating a hat-trick, Rob White sinking a double and James Baker, Jay Jones, Carlo Marino and Callum Thomas also on target.

SGT Police Reserves enjoyed a resounding 6-1 home win against Chagford.

It was a closer affair at Lewthorne Cross where Ilsington Villa scored a late winner to edge an end-to-end game with FC Tavyside 6-5. Villa stormed into a 2-0 lead but were soon pegged back by the visitors with 3-3 the half-time score. Jack Langford scored twice for the home side with Dan Langford, Thomas Harcourt-Smith, Matthew Warman and Robert Young also contributing goals.

Goals from Jamie Chamberlain and Kye Graham settled the all-SDFL clash at Bakers Park with Division One side Torquay Town beating Newton Rovers from Division Two 2-0. Barton Athletic are out of the competition following a heavy 8-1 loss at Landkey Town.

There was a mixed bag of results in the Devon Intermediate Cup with Kingsbridge and Kellaton United thrashing Phoenix United 5-0 and Waldon Athletic Reserves straight into the hat with an away walkover against Bradninch Town. Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook Reserves fought back from two down only to lose to a last minute goal at home to Lifton, while Newton ’66 Reserves were turned over 4-0 at home by Starcross Dons.

Morley Rangers remain unbeaten in SDFL Division One as they won the afternoon’s only second tier game 1-0 at Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves, Ben Hall with the goal.

Jack Turak’s hat-trick helped Brixham Town to a healthy 7-0 victory at Dartmouth AFC Reserves in Division Two.

kingsteignton athletic v newton abbot 66

Rams Put Six Past Sixes in Opening Day Victory

Matt Beer scored on his debut as Kingsteignton won 6-2 at Osborne Park. ©MiraclePR


Kingsteignton Athletic set out their stall last Saturday with an accomplished 6-2 victory at near neighbours Newton Abbot ’66 in the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League Premier Division.

On a firm pitch at Osborne Park, Tom Reeves got things underway with a third minute opener, driving his low shot into the back of the net from the left side of the area. The Sixes came close to an equaliser when Keran Fletcher almost guided a header past Wayne Pearce on 15 minutes. One minute later it was all square, Billy Snell hitting a fierce drive from outside the box which hit the back of the net.

The best times to score goals are often at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second. Kingsteignton did both. On 45 minutes, the Rams found space on the right to cross, the ball which was turned in from close range, possibly off a defender.

There was no doubt about who scored Kingsteignton’s third. On their first attack of the second half, Reeves slipped Mark Voisey through on the left. The striker cut inside and hit his shot under the ‘keeper. Ollie Kewell headed over the bar from a Matt Beer cross before Beer had a chance to open his Rams account after David Pinnell awarded them a free-kick just outside the box. From a central position, Beer’s free-kick cannoned down off the crossbar to make it 4-1 with 53 minutes played. Newton ’66 then had their best spell of the game and were unlucky not to pull a second back when Pearce’s misplaced pass gave them a free shot on goal. Substitute Tom Lowe also drew gasps of relief from Kingsteignton when his cross from the right flashed across the face of goal. On 79 minutes, the home side were awarded a free-kick in an identical position to that from which Beer had scored at the other end. Snell made no mistake with a superb shot that curled into the top left. Any hopes of a comeback were quashed four minutes later when Matt Hooper struck Kingsteignton’s fifth. With two minutes remaining, sub Ashley Dove put the icing on the cake by converting Kewell’s free-kick.

Former Sixes goalkeeper Callum Jack celebrated a clean sheet on his Watts Blake Bearne debut as the Claymen scored three without reply at home to last season’s Premier Division champions Buckfastleigh Rangers. Cam Gill got himself up and running with a hat-trick for Brad Killerby’s side and Mike Tapper also found the net.

Last season’s top Premier Division goalscorer Fin Bullen put away an opening day hat-trick as East Allington United beat newly promoted Chudleigh Athletic 5-3 at Poole Lane. New signing Dylan Coates celebrated a debut goal for the Pirates with Rob Tapper also on target. Nik Garrett, Adam Biggs and Louis Hooper kept things close with the visitors’ goals.

Brixham AFC Reserves started their season on a positive note with a 3-1 triumph away at Elburton Villa Reserves, while Waldon Athletic enjoyed a 2-0 home win over Ivybridge Town Reserves. Ajay Tehrani scored a screamer of a free-kick for the Clarets and Ollie Mason scored their other goal with a clinical finish.

In Division One, Braces from Billy Reay and Kye Graham helped Torquay Town off to a flyer at the Steve Jane Memorial Ground as the Torbay side beat Harbertonford 7-0. Babbacombe Corinthians also made a winning start to their campaign, celebrating a 4-1 victory over Barton Athletic at the Broadmeadow Sports Facility.

The other three games all finished level, including Morley Rangers’ SDFL debut at home to Beesands Rovers. Corbin Mackin scored twice for Rangers with former Salcombe goalscorer Ash Yeoman and Jamie Watts on target for the Bees. Dan Langford, last season’s top goalscorer across all divisions, opened his account with a brace as Ilsington Villa drew 3-3 at Plympton Athletic. Upton Athletic and Paignton Villa fought out a 1-1 draw at Armada Park.

Further down the divisions, Terry Hunter scored five goals for Waldon Athletic Reserves as they put sixteen goals past Barton Athletic Reserves in Division Three.

Next week, attention turns to the county cups with two South Devon derbies to look forward to in the Sportslighting Devon Premier Cup. Brixham AFC Reserves host Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves while WBB travel to Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police. Kingsteignton Athletic, who won the Senior Cup last season, welcome Barnstaple Town Reserves to Broadpark while East Allington play Mountwise AFC at Poole Lane.

Chudleigh, Waldon and Newton ’66 have been drawn away, against Combe Martin, Millbridge and Sidmouth Town Reserves respectively.

Elburton Villa Reserves and Buckfastleigh Rangers get a free pass to the Second Round with home walkovers against Torrington Reserves and Braunton. Ivybridge Town Reserves are also through courtesy of a First Round bye.

jack langford ilsington villa lidstone cup

Rams Wrap Up Quadruple Winning Campaign; Ilsington Take the Double

Ilsington Villa’s Jack Langford joined brother Dan on the score-sheet in a 4-1 victory over Barton Athletic Reserves in the Lidstone Cup final. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Kingsteignton Athletic collected their fourth trophy of the season – the Dartmouth Cup sponsored by PKF Francis Clark – last Tuesday evening with a hard-fought extra-time victory over Chudleigh Athletic at the Duckspond, Buckfastleigh. Ilsington Villa then wrapped up the season with a 4-1 victory in the Lidstone Cup final.

Mark Voisey had the first attempt on goal, his shot deflected wide after seven minutes, but it was Chudleigh who drew first blood, three minutes later. Gavin Hammon whipped in a corner from the left which went in off the shoulder of Henry Buckpitt. Kingsteignton defender Kelsey Leech had a good chance to get Kingsteignton on terms after 15 minutes, but his header was somehow cleared off the line. A minute later and the almost-hero Leech became an almost-villain as his back-header came perilously close to sneaking in to the bottom right corner. Buckpitt was the first player to have his name taken by the referee before Rams captain Jason Jones, under pressure from a marauding group of Chudleigh forwards, coolly chested the ball back to Jay Osborn. Kingsteignton then piled on the pressure five minutes from time, as they looked to go into the dressing rooms level. Chudleigh looked to have survived the onslaught when Lewis Plackett drove a shot at goal in first half stoppage time. Chudleigh blocked the initial effort but the ball came out to Voisey who found the back of the net.

The second half started in end-to-end fashion, Tom Reeves heading into the grateful arms of Toby Harvey following a Plackett free-kick, and Osborn forced to tip over a Chudleigh effort at the other end. Two minutes after that, Reeves tried to slip Voisey through, but Harvey was alert to the danger and got there first. But the Chudleigh ‘keeper could do nothing to prevent Kingsteignton taking the lead moments later. Reeves’ cross from the left was expertly brought down by Sam Barnes who dragged back the ball and then curled it past Harvey into the net. The next real chance, on 64 minutes, saw Louis Dickinson through on goal, but Louis Hooper bravely blocked his path. Seven minutes later, Dickinson’s shot from the edge of the box cleared the bar. The Rams came close to a third with 15 minutes left, substitute Ollie Kewell’s fierce shot from the left touched over the bar by Harvey. Barnes headed the resultant corner over. Three minutes later, Chudleigh were back on terms. Matt Briant’s free-kick was helped on by Buckpitt to captain Joseph Long. He pulled the ball back to the unmarked Matthew Williams who blasted the ball home. Plackett had Kingsteignton’s final chance of normal time, a curled effort that was well watched and caught by Harvey with three minutes left on the clock. A minute before the end, Chudleigh headed wide following a Briant free-kick from the left.

The turning point came nine minutes into extra-time, sub Aaron Paget felled in the box. The familiar sight of Barnes stepping up to the penalty spot was followed by the equally familiar sight of Kingsteignton celebrations as Barnes tucked the ball into the bottom left despite Harvey diving the right way. Paget was looking increasingly dangerous and almost fashioned himself a chance three minutes after the re-start. But a good tackle by Hooper sent him crashing to the deck again, the referee rightly deciding against a second penalty. Four minutes later, it was all over for Chudleigh. Barnes’ shot was blocked by Long, but it took a cruel deflection off the Chudleigh skipper and looped over Harvey and into the back of the net. Chudleigh fought to get a goal back, firing wide moments later, but Paget was still causing problems at the other end, and Harvey was forced into a robust block tackle to prevent another goal attempt. Buckpitt went beyond robust with his challenge on Barnes two minutes from time, and he was duly sent off by the referee. As the game inched into stoppage time, Chudleigh did get the ball into the net, but a collision between players in the build-up meant the goal wouldn’t stand. The final whistle followed shortly after that incident and the celebrations could finally begin for Steve Workman’s ‘quad squad’.

Three days earlier, the Rams lifted the Robert Williams Estate Agents Devon Senior Cup with a slightly flattering 3-0 win at Coach Road, Chudleigh the opponents again. Chudleigh looked the sharper of the two sides, especially in the first quarter, and were unlucky to not get a goal in the first minute when a Hammon shot from the left beat Osborn before bouncing back into his arms off the far post.

Kingsteignton were much better after the break, yet still had to rely on the woodwork and a superb tip-over from Osborn to stay level. As Chudleigh legs tired, Workman brought on the pacey Kewell up front, and that substitution, just like the introduction of Paget in the Herald Cup final, swung the balance in the Rams’ favour.

With just over ten minutes remaining, Kewell drove home an effort from the edge of the box to break the deadlock. Five minutes later, and Herald Cup penalty scorer Barnes was given another opportunity to deliver from 12 yards. Once again, he hit a confident shot that gave Harvey no chance. With the game entering stoppage time, Reeves dealt Chudleigh a final blow, powering through the defence and firing home high into the net.

The result was also another win for the South Devon Football League, who’s representative clubs have scooped two of the three men’s county cups this season.

Brixham Town became the first Torbay Clearance Services SDFL team to celebrate a league and divisional cup double last Friday night, when they won 3-1 at Watts Blake Bearne Reserves in a winner-takes-all league clash. Goals from Dan Beech, Shane Pike and Jack Thomson saw Town over the line with only two points dropped all season.

Fin Bullen of East Allington United cemented his status as the Premier Division’s top goalscorer with a goal in his side’s 4-4 draw at Watts Blake Bearne. That strike was goal number 31 for the Pirates’ young goalscorer.

Dan Langford, who plays for Division Two champions Ilsington Villa, is the league’s overall top goalscorer though. He bagged his half century as unbeaten Villa ended their league season with a 3-3 draw at Watcombe Wanderers Reserves. He also scored in the Coast and Country Estate Agents Lidstone (Division Two) Cup final on Friday night at Halford, Liverton United.

Villa went ahead against Barton Athletic Reserves following their first attack, Jack Dixon finding himself inside the area and beating the goalkeeper at his near post with a left-footed strike. The rest of the half was an evenly-contested midfield battle, but Jack Langford doubled Villa’s advantage just before half-time. As the Barton defence retreated, the midfielder unleashed a shot from the edge of the box which beat the ‘keeper to his right.

Jamie Beer crossed from the left to set up Villa’s third goal in the second half, a Matt Warman header, but shortly afterwards they were dealt a blow when left-back Hayden Binmore brought down Charlie Uniacke, who had broken free of the Villa defence, and was shown the red card. The man advantage gave Barton renewed hope. As they pushed men forward, Uniacke brought the ball inside and hit a right-footed curler past Connor Gibson to reduce the deficit. As Barton, on top by this stage, continued to press for a second, the league’s top goalscorer Dan Langford broke away at the other end, slotting home his 51st goal of the season to put the result beyond doubt.

Villa Club Secretary Adam Rousell said, “Adding the Lidstone Cup to the Division Two final was a great way to wrap up the season and mark our 50th season.”

The last word in the league had gone to Ivybridge Town Development on the Monday night. They wrapped up a superb debut season with a 7-0 thrashing of Watcombe Wanderers Thirds, finishing just four points off the top of Division Four, and with two cup trophies in the cabinet.

kingsteignton athletic

Paget Pounces to Bring Herald Cup Glory to Kingsteignton, Rangers Claim Premier Title

CLOUD NINE: Kingsteignton celebrate winning their ninth Herald Cup after a late Paget strike ends Windmill’s bid to become first Plymouth side to lift it. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

A late Aaron Paget strike won Kingsteignton Athletic their ninth Herald Cup, and their first for 20 years, while Buckfastleigh Rangers scored three away at Elburton Villa to clinch the Premier Division title.

The Herald Cup, sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services, pitted together two in-form teams at The Rec last Friday night. Kingsteignton had already secured the Division One title, while Premier Division outfit The Windmill had narrowly missed out on the Premier Division crown following a remarkable run of 12 straight league wins.

Lee France’s side were aiming to become the first Plymouth side to lift the Herald Cup but they made a nervous start to the game. In contrast, Kingsteignton went for the jugular from the start and soon found themselves with a chance to go in front after Tom Reeves was felled in the box. Up stepped Sam Barnes whose seventh minute penalty epitomised the confident start the Rams had made.

The Windmill began to settle into the game as the half wore on, and hauled themselves level with a penalty of their own, seven minutes from half-time. Goalkeeper Jay Osborn guessed the right way, but couldn’t prevent the goal as Windmill captain Mike Neal tucked the ball into the bottom left corner.

The second half was a much more entertaining affair with The Windmill ramping up the pressure and creating the majority of the chances. With eight minutes remaining, their cup hopes took a huge blow following a controversial incident on the touchline. Kingsteignton had played the ball forward only for Brennan Moore to catch the ball. Despite vigorous protests that the ball had gone out of play, the referee gave the free-kick to Kingsteignton and pulled out the yellow card. With Moore having already been booked in the first half, The Windmill found themselves a man down. Nevertheless, they continued to push for a winner, Ryan Walton’s low shot forcing Osborn into a save two minutes later.

With three minutes remaining, Walton attempted to play substitute Ben Woodman through. Kingsteignton intercepted the pass, broke away and put their sub Aaron Paget through on the right side of the box. With goalkeeper Dan Cork charging out towards him, Paget slid in and got his shot away. The ball crept in at the far post, and the Rams erupted in celebration.

As tempers frayed, Windmill lost first Neal, to the sin bin, and then Sam Doyle, to a straight red card, ending the game with eight men. Nevertheless, the team regrouped to sportingly applaud the winners at the end of the game.

Kingsteignton Manager Steve Workman admitted that he had gambled on a formation change at the end, putting three up front. “We were on the ropes round about the sending off and I thought if we couldn’t get hold of it, we were going to get caught at one stage or another. I thought, if we’re going to win it, let’s do it in 90 minutes. And that’s basically what we did.”

“We’ve had an amazing season, winning the league with a game to play,” said Kingsteignton captain Jason Jones. “These boys are a fantastic group of lads who work hard for each other. I couldn’t be prouder.” Kingsteignton will now play Chudleigh Athletic in each of their final three games, once in the league, once in Saturday’s Devon Senior Cup Final, and for a final time in the Dartmouth Cup final on 24th May at the Duckspond, home of Buckfastleigh Rangers.

Buckfastleigh travelled to Haye Road, Elburton on Saturday, knowing that only a win would be good enough for them to take the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division title away from league leaders Brixham AFC Reserves. Despite early pressure from Elburton Villa Reserves, Ryan Lucassi opened the scoring for Rangers. Scott Allen then hit the bar for Villa, before Sam Lang gave Brixham hope with an equaliser before the break. But further goals from Josh Zimmerman and Luke Brown in the second half finally saw Rangers over the line.

The consolation for both Brixham and The Windmill is that their promotion to the Devon Football League has now been confirmed.

At Coach Road, also on Saturday, Ivybridge Town Development put on an impressive display as they recovered from a nightmare start to cruise to a 7-2 Devon Intermediate Cup victory, ending a seven year SDFL county cup drought.

A Sam Haggar header and an own goal saw Exeter side St Thomas Social Club two up after seven minutes. But the unfazed young Ivybridge outfit pulled one back on 29 minutes when Matt Goodwin beat the offside trap to slot home. Kai Foster scored a superb equaliser three minutes before the break, and Ivybridge took full control of the second half, Harley Battle, Craig Brenton (2), Ben Endean and Jamie Rose wrapping up a well-deserved win.

Earlier in the week, Bovey Tracey Reserves also enjoyed an emphatic cup win, beating Brixham Town Reserves 5-0 at Ipplepen’s Moor Road to lift the Les Bishop Cup. Captain Alistair Chuchuk broke the deadlock in the first half, rifling the ball into the bottom left, but both sides hit the woodwork before the break. The Moorlanders doubled their lead a minute after the restart, Ben Moyle doing well to find the net from just outside the box despite being off balance. Liam Halliday had a chance to narrow the deficit just after the hour mark, but his penalty was high and wide. Soon after, Jamie Farrer got in behind for Bovey and guided a superb lob over the onrushing Town goalkeeper. Ali Chuchuk wrapped up the win with a fourth on 76 minutes, and Brixham were denied even a consolation when a last minute effort was tipped over the bar by the Bovey goalkeeper. The fifth came in stoppage time, Brad Rooney’s out-swinging cross-cum-shot finding its way into the roof of the net.

The final divisional title will be decided at Abbrook Park on Friday evening, with Watts Blake Bearne Reserves hosting Brixham Town in a ‘winner takes all’ clash. Two goals apiece from Nathan Williams and James Moxon earned WBB the three points they needed at home to Totnes and Dartington on Monday night. Victory on Friday will win them the Division Three title. Any other result will see Brixham Town celebrate a league and cup double.

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Brixham Go Top, But Title is Still Rangers’ to Lose

IVY LEAGUE: A talented young Ivybridge Development side lift the Fred Hewings Cup after a 5-1 win over Paignton Villa Reserves. © Derek Castree

The winners of the Herald Cup and Premier Division, both sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services, will be decided this weekend, with Kingsteignton Athletic taking on The Windmill in Friday evening’s cup final at The Rec (7pm KO), and Buckfastleigh Rangers looking to pip Brixham AFC Reserves to the league title on Saturday with a win at Elburton Villa Reserves.

The Windmill’s outside chance of holding on to top spot evaporated early last Saturday when it became clear that Salcombe Town were not going to be able to fulfil their fixture at Buckfastleigh. But it was Brixham who would end the afternoon in pole position following their 2-0 win at Ivybridge Town Reserves.

Lewis Perring scored twice for Watts Blake Bearne who defeated Newton Abbot ’66 3-1. Benjamin Berrow also scored for WBB with Lee Grimshaw responding for the Sixes who will finish seventh.

Ivybridge Town Development put on a top class performance at Totnes and Dartington F.C. last Friday night to beat Paignton Villa Reserves 5-1 and lift the Fred Hewings Cup, sponsored by Combined Roofing Contractors.

The Ivies drew first blood following a corner. Despite a valiant effort from Villa goalkeeper Adam Taylor to get the ball away, Gary Dickson found the net with a header. Taylor also got his hands to Ivybridge’s second goal after Matt Goodwin raced clear of the defence on the right and got a shot away. But Goodwin’s effort was too powerful and found the bottom left. Max Parnowski pulled off a superb save from Jay Horn at the other end, but the gap widened shortly afterwards when Lewis Dickson ran through the centre of the defence to latch on to a great pass before slotting coolly past Taylor.

If Villa had any hopes of a second half fight-back, they were cruelly put to bed a minute after the restart as Craig Brenton scored Ivybridge’s fourth. Following a decent spell, Tom Armstrong had the opportunity to pull one back for the Torbay side about five minutes later, but his shot from the edge of the box went just over the bar. As the match wore on, Villa continued to fight for a consolation, but it was Ivybridge who came closest to scoring, Taylor pulling off a fantastic save from a free-kick. With two minutes to go, Paignton Villa did find the back of the net, as Horn’s accurate free-kick beat the wall and nestled into the bottom right before Parnowski could move a muscle. Ivybridge responded immediately with a fifth goal, Brenton the goalscorer again.

“The big plan was for Martin Mitchell to take the lads all the way through from Under-10s at MAPs all the way to Under-16s, so all the credit has to go to Martin and Gary Dickson,” said Assistant Manager Andrew Moon

“To go from Under-16s straight into men’s football is a little bit daunting, but these guys have got into two cup finals this season, and we’ve narrowly lost out in another semi-final. I think we will end up finishing third in the league, so all-in-all a good season, I couldn’t ask for any more.

“I think it was done by half time, but we knew that if they scored, they were going to have a bit of a go. As I was walking off, I could hear their manager already trying to rally the troops.

We said to the boys, we don’t need to press the game. We can let them come on to us a little bit. We caught them a couple of times and put it to bed. But fair play to the guys, because they kept going and got that free-kick near the end.”

Ivybridge will now hope to go one better than Brixham Town last season and win the A&S Devon Intermediate Cup at Coach Road on May 14th. They take on St Thomas Social Club from Exeter, with kick-off at 2.30pm.

“We haven’t just been choosing our best team for these finals,” explained Moon. “We’ve got such a good squad that we’ve been mixing it around, so there are a couple of guys who will come in for the next one. It’s on the 3G, which will help us play football, so I will back us.”

Kingsteington Athletic will go into their Herald Cup final as Division One champions following their emphatic 5-0 victory over Paignton Saints at South Devon Sports Centre on Monday evening. Callum Leech scored twice for the Rams, who were four up by half-time, with Sam Barnes, Nathan Isaac and Jason Jones completing the quintet.

The win came hot on the heels of a 3-1 triumph over Saints in Saturday’s reverse fixture at Broadpark. Barnes again found the net in that game and was joined on the score-sheet by Ashley Dove and Ryan Tovagliari. Jake Powell responded for the visitors.

Having successfully appealed against a replay ruling, Ilsington Villa collected three points from their abandoned game against Torquay Town in February. This meant that Villa went into Saturday’s game at East Allington United with the title all but mathematically theirs. Dan Langford, who will finish the season as the league’s top goalscorer, added two more goals to finish just shy of a half century as Villa won 2-1, Fin Bullen responding for the Pirates. Torquay Town were held 3-3 at Barton Athletic Reserves, Simon Ross scoring twice and Simon Bracey also on target.

Division Three leaders Brixham Town won their last home game of the season 4-1 against Chudleigh Athletic Thirds. Paul Christie scored a brace, Stuart Pointon converted a penalty and Daniel Trezise found the net for Town, with Alfie Luscombe on target for Chudleigh. Brixham now prepare for a probable title decider away at Watts Blake Bearne Reserves on 20th May. WBB romped to a 7-1 triumph at Teign Village with James Moxon and Jakeb Heywood-Cann both scoring doubles. Ben Drinkwater, Matt Elmore and Nathan Williams also netted for the Claymen, while Mike Turner found a consolation for the Quarrymen.

Kai Burrel was the afternoon’s top scorer with half of Ivybridge Development’s eight goals against Discoveries Devon, as the Ivies target that third place finish in Division Four. Craig Brenton added a second brace in as many days, and there were additional goals from Callum Collings and Kai Foster.

Bovey Tracey Reserves and Brixham Town Reserves contest the Les Bishop Cup on Wednesday night at Moor Road, Ipplepen (6.45pm KO).

east allington united george belli cup

‘Hungry’ Fin Lands Decisive Blow for East Allington in Belli Cup Win

PROUD PIRATES: East Allington United enjoy the post-match buzz after winning the George Belli Cup. © Jessica Morgan Photography

A pearl of a goal from Fin Bullen proved enough to clinch East Allington United the George Belli Cup in Friday night’s competitive clash with Newton Abbot ’66 at Longcross, Dartmouth.

Good vision from Josef Sita set up the chance for Bullen who found space on the left before curling a shot into the top corner. That goal gave the Pirates the half time advantage, but they were rocked about an hour in when Justin Denning was shown a red card for a high challenge. Newton ’66 piled on the pressure, and fashioned some good chances, but Josh Pascoe almost made it 2-0 when his low drive was parried away. The Sixes won several corners and hit the crossbar in the dying stages, but East Allington stood firm to claim the prize.

“We’ve got a rich history in the cups,” said manager Luke Harvey. “For some reason, we always seem to find a way. Credit to the lads, because they’ve got a great spirit. Even when we went down to ten men, they didn’t stop fighting.

“It was a good, physical encounter. Both teams knew what was at stake. It was 90 minutes of hard work, and both sides were hungry for it. I thought Newton ’66 were organised, physical and strong, and they put us off our game for a little bit, but we managed to navigate our way through.”

Goalscorer Bullen was awarded the man of the match tankard by cup sponsor Manor Building Company, and Harvey agreed with the decision.

“His goal tally speaks for itself, and it has done for a couple of years now,” he said. “He’s a talisman for us. He’s still a young lad and is hungry for goals. He’s an absolute asset to the team and a great lad too. He deserves the man of the match award tonight.”

The Windmill kept their slim title hopes alive with a convincing 6-0 victory over Plymouth rivals Elburton Villa Reserves on Saturday, ending their opponents’ chances. Rhys Walton netted twice at Bull Point with Carlton Allen, Tommy Phillips, Andy Parker and Brennan Moore completing the scoring.

The Windmill end their league campaign with Tuesday evening’s must-win tie at Ivybridge Town Reserves. A victory at Erme Park would see Lee France’s men go into the weekend at the top of the Premier Division, hoping Saturday’s results go their way.

Brixham AFC Reserves will reclaim top spot with a win in their final game, also at Ivybridge, but Buckfastleigh Rangers, who are at home to Salcombe Town, still have the title in their hands. They will play their final game a week later, at Elburton.

Meadowbrook Athletic finished a tough season with a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Watts Blake Bearne.

Kingsteignton Athletic are back on course for a quadruple trophy haul after they comfortably won their Dartmouth Cup semi-final replay 4-0 at Broadpark. Aaron Paget scored twice for the Rams, with Sam Barnes and Louis Dickinson also on target. Paignton Villa will hope for a better outcome on Friday night, when their reserves take on Ivybridge Town Development in the Fred Hewings Cup Final at Totnes and Dartington FC.

Kingsteignton were also in action on Wednesday night. Victory over Waldon Athletic would have ended the Clarets’ title hopes and set up an enticing title showdown with leaders Paignton Saints Reserves. The teams will play each other twice over three days.

Barton Athletic Reserves will be in a cup final after all. Their replayed Lidstone Cup semi-final ended with a 2-0 victory over East Allington United Reserves.

A win at Ipplepen Athletic Reserves on Tuesday night would have seen Ilsington Villa go back to the top of Division Two. Villa won 3-1 at Dartmouth AFC Reserves on Saturday, with George Harris, Matthew Warman and Stephen Hobbs on target. Braces from Jamie Chamberlain and Simon Ross helped keep Torquay Town in pole position, Ollie Corderoy also scoring as Town beat Paignton Villa Reserves 5-0 at Barton Cricket Club.

Division Four champions Waldon Athletic Reserves lost out for only the second time this season with a 6-4 reverse at Brixham Town Reserves. Liam Halliday and Alex McKerrell scored two apiece, with Stephen Rohan also doubling up, for ten-man Waldon.

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Windmill Still in the Mix with Home Win Over Rangers; Clarets Clinch Division Four

CLARETS CLINCH IT: Waldon Athletic Reserves become the first divisional title winners after a narrow win over Bovey Tracey Reserves in Division Four. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

There are still four teams battling for the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL title following a ‘super Saturday’ of big games.

League leaders Buckfastleigh Rangers faced a daunting trip to Bull Point to face in-form The Windmill who knew they needed a win to keep their faint title hopes alive. The Plymouth side earned the points they needed with Rhys Walton scoring twice in a 5-1 win. Ben Woodman, Michael Neal and Ashley Walker also found the back of the net for the Herald Cup finalists, with Steve Sutton getting Rangers’ goal.

Brixham AFC Reserves also had a tough fixture, travelling to East Allington United who had trounced therm 5-1 the previous week. But the Fishermen overcame the Pirates this time around, winning 4-3 to return to the top of the division. East Allington are next in action at Dartmouth AFC on Friday night, where they take on Newton Abbot ’66 in the final of the George Belli Cup (7pm KO).

Elburton Villa Reserves knew that anything but a win at home to Salcombe Town wouldn’t realistically be enough. They won 3-1 with goals from Lewis Guest, Corbin Mackin and Cody Jones, Ben Tapper on target for Salcombe. Villa’s next game is a mouth-watering crunch tie at fellow Plymouth side The Windmill on Saturday – a game neither team can afford to lose.

Ivybridge Town Reserves recorded another impressive home win, beating Watts Blake Bearne 2-1 at Erme Valley, Sam Stevens and Bailey Tingley with their goals.

Paignton Saints Reserves hauled themselves back to the top of Division One with a narrow 2-1 home victory over title rivals Chudleigh Athletic Reserves. Connor Stewart and Sam Winstanley were on target for Saints, wiith Joe Potter responding for Chudleigh.

In the division’s only other game, Harbertonford celebrated their first league win since October with a 6-1 thrashing of bottom side Kingskerswell and Chelston. Sam Passmore had his shooting boots on, scoring four of the Fords’ goals, David Hatch and Jordan Baggott also netting. Frank Major put away ‘Kerswell’s consolation goal.

Ilsington Villa have one hand on the Division Two trophy after winning 3-0 at title rivals Torquay Town. Jack Dixon, Matthew Warman and George Harris struck to condemn Town to their first league loss of the season.

Babbacombe Corinthians won their final home game of the season 7-2 against Barton Athletic Reserves, with Lee McArthur and Ben Nickells both putting away braces. Curtis Marshall, Joshua Easterbrook and Connor Charlesworth also scored for the hosts.

Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds beat SGT Police Reserves 4-2 in a Thursday night game at The Rec, while goals from Jamie McGuinness and Steeve Yava secured Watcombe Wanderers Reserves a 2-0 win at East Allington United Reserves in their final away game.

Brixham Town are still unbeaten at the top of Division Three after a comfortable 5-0 win over Broadhempston United, who end their season with just a point to their name. Harry Chastney doubled up for Town, Stuart Pointon scored from the spot, and Shane Pike and Jack Thomson also celebrated goals. Kingsbridge and Kellaton United battled out a 1-1 draw with Teign Village in their penultimate game, while Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves picked up an easy three points with Liverton United Reserves unable to raise a side.

Waldon Athletic Reserves became the first SDFL side to win their division following a 1-0 home win over Bovey Tracey Reserves. Terry Hunter scored the decisive second half goal that took the Clarets over the line.

In-form Paignton Villa Reserves edged a five-goal Fred Hewings Cup semi-final tie at home to Chudleigh Athletic Thirds. Ashley Beetschen, Charlie Thomas and Jack Wilkinson found the net for Villa with Christian Williams and Matthew Rushton scoring for Chudleigh.

Villa will face Ivybridge Town Development in the final after the Division Four outfit dispatched Division Three side Watts Blake Bearne Reserves 6-1 at Erme Valley. Matthew Goodwin scored a hat-trick for the Ivies, with Callum Collings, Craig Brenton and Lewis Dickson joining him on the score-sheet.

The Fred Hewings Cup final will take place on Friday 6th May at Totnes and Dartington FC.