Category: League Round Up

teign village south devon football league

Brixham Battle to Narrow Win at WBB

Mine’s a Beer: Tom scores twice for Teign Village who warmed up for their Herald Cup tie against Paignton Saints Reserves with a 4-1 victory over Broadhempston United in Division Three. ©Derek Castree.

Four points separate the top three in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division after last weekend’s fixtures.

Buckfastleigh Rangers were hoping to extend their lead with a win at Elburton Villa Reserves, but Haye Road was deemed unplayable. Brixham AFC Reserves took the opportunity to close the gap with a narrow 3-2 win at Watts Blake Bearne. Another hard fought game, at the Dorothy Elmhirst ground, saw East Allington United emerge with a 2-1 win to climb to third spot, Fin Bullen with both goals for the Pirates.

The Windmill FC romped to a 12-0 victory at home to Barton Athletic to make it four wins in a row for the Plymouth-based outfit. There were braces from Carlton Allen, Sam Doyle, Rhys Walton and Aaron Johns.

Ryan McNaught scored the only goal of the game for Ivybridge Town Reserves as they returned from Galmpton United with the points.

In Division One, a Bradley Williams double helped Beesands Rovers to a 2-1 triumph at leaders Kingsteignton Athletic, the Rams’ first defeat of the season. Second-placed Waldon Athletic gained ground as Upton Athletic were unable to raise a side.

Unbeaten Paignton Saints Reserves are now eight points clear of fourth placed Ashburton following a 7-4 win over Kingskerswell and Chelston at Coach Road. The Ashes lost out 5-1 at Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves, Brett Easterbrook scoring twice, and there was also a 5-1 success for Chudleigh Reserves against Harbertonford.

Division Two side Torquay Town warmed up for their home Herald Cup tie against Division One’s Paignton Villa by beating Villa’s Reserves 5-0 away, Simon Ross with two goals. Town take over at the top of Division Two as Ilsington dropped their first points of the season, coming back from 2-1 down at home to Babbacombe Corinthians to draw 2-2. Harry Denby and Kieran Sweet scored the goals for Corries with Stephen Hobbs and Matthew Teague responding for Villa. Babbacombe’s next game is at home to fellow Division Two side Ipplepen Athletic Reserves in the Herald Cup.

Newton Rovers are now four points off the top three after they won 3-1 at Ipplepen. Kevin Smith found the net twice for Stoke Gabriel Development who won their first game since October, beating Barton Athletic Reserves 5-0 away. Stoke travel to South Brent in the Herald Cup.

Elsewhere, Dartmouth AFC Reserves enjoyed a 2-0 win at East Allington United Reserves, while Watcombe Wanderers Reserves went down 3-2 at Chuley Road to Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds.

Brixham Town are still holding on to the lead in Division Three following their 3-1 home win over Galmpton United Reserves, Seve Sanders with a brace. Next up for Town are second-placed Watts Blake Bearne Reserves who hold the league’s last remaining 100% record. WBB cruised to a 9-0 victory at Torquay Town Reserves on Saturday, Matt Elmore with four goals. Sam Bridge put away a hat-trick for third placed Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves as they ran out 4-0 winners over Bishopsteignton.

Teign Village, who will host Paignton Saints Reserves in the Herald Cup, picked up three league points by beating Broadhempston United 4-1 at Headlands, Tom Beer with a brace. Broadhempston will travel to Kingsbridge and Kellaton United in their cup tie. Kingsbridge drew 3-3 with Liverton United Reserves in the league. Totnes and Dartington Reserves suffered a 6-1 home loss against Chudleigh Athletic Thirds. They face a daunting trip to Kingsteignton Athletic in the cup.

shane essam waldon athletic reserves south devon football league al macphee miracle pr

Barton Beaten by Ten Man Brook

Essam’s The Man: Shane terrorises Newton Rovers Reserves at Windmill Hill with a hat-trick for Waldon Athletic Reserves in Division Four. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Rain and COVID played havoc with the first Torbay Clearance Services South Devon League fixtures of 2022, with a grand total of five games taking place across the divisions last Saturday.

The Premier Division’s only game was at Paignton Community College, on the 3G surface, where the bottom two sides battled it out for some much-needed points. Doubles from Liam Collings and Thomas Comyn helped Meadowbrook Athletic to a 5-2 win over Barton Athletic, despite Brook finishing the game with ten men following the sending off of goalkeeper Dave Carroll. Having conceded 61 goals in their last three games, Barton can take some comfort from this relatively narrow defeat. Meadowbrook climb several places in the table and end a run of four successive defeats.

In Division Two, Paignton Villa Reserves took on Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police Development on the artificial pitch at South Devon College. The home side took a 4-1 lead with debutant Jack Wilkinson, the returning George Jones, Ashley Beetschen and George Davidson each finding the net. Stoke came back though, to win themselves a point, their goals provided by Mark Newman, Colin Brown, Benn Russel and Sam Healey. “We started the game fantastically,” said Villa manager Sam Cogger. “Every single player played their part in us taking a 3-1 lead at half time with a dominant performance.

“Overall frustrating afternoon against a blend of ALL the Torbay Police teams, where we should have come out with the three points. We really will be a force for the second half of the season.”

Third placed Babbacombe Corinthians will also be looking forward to a productive 2022 as they won 6-1 against Ipplepen Athletic Reserves at Windmill Hill. Curtis Clarke scored a brace and was joined on the score-sheet by Sean Coulson, Harry Denby, Ryan Mellish and substitute Daniel Orchard. In a twist of fate, Corries were also drawn at home to Ipplepen Reserves in the Second Round of the Herald Cup, so Pens will have a chance to make up for their loss in a week’s time.

On the other pitch at Windmill Hill, Waldon Athletic Reserves enjoyed a comfortable win over Newton Rovers Reserves in Division Four. Shane Essam was in fine form and opened the scoring after just 11 minutes, firing home from the edge of the box. 11 minutes later, Charlie Clarke’s low shot found the bottom right corner despite the Rovers’ goalkeeper getting a glove to it. Essam then scored his second, on 39 minutes, dispatching the ball into the bottom left. Waldon could have scored more before the break, but it remained 3-0 until the last ten minutes. Essam then rose at the far post to head home his hat-trick before two wonder strikes in three minutes saw Clarke and Stephen Rohan complete a 6-0 victory. The first was a rocket into the top left, the second a direct free-kick into the top right.

In the other Division Four game, William Allen put away a hat-trick for Watcombe Wanderers Thirds in a 4-3 home victory over Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves. Corey Price also found the net for the Greens with Charlie Charlesworth, Jonty Kingston and Simon Mills scoring for Corries. This time, Babbacombe will have a shot at revenge as they return to Long Lane in the Fred Hewings Cup Second Round in a fortnight.

broadhempston united fc

Rangers to Ring in New Year as Premier Division Leaders

A Point Gained: Broadhempston United picked up their second point of the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Liverton United Reserves in Division Three. © Derek Castree


Buckfastleigh Rangers will go into 2022 as leaders of the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League Premier Division after last Saturday’s 6-1 victory over Meadowbrook Athletic, a win that saw Rangers move four points clear of second-placed Brixham AFC Reserves. Brixham have a game in hand.

Ryan Lucassi moved on to 14 goals with a hat-trick, and he was joined on the score-sheet by Charlie Morgan, Steve Sutton and Josh Zimmerman. Thomas Comyn scored a consolation for Meadowbrook.

The only other game was at Paignton Community College where bottom club Barton Athletic shipped 20 for the third game in a row. Salcombe Town were the benefactors this week, especially Ashley Yeoman whose nine goals lifted him to the top of the division’s goalscorers’ chart. Charlie Barnes scored five for the Crabs and Lee Morgan four, with Jake Favis and Ben Tapper managing one apiece.

In Division One, unbeaten Kingsteignton Athletic are four points clear with a game in hand following a 4-2 win away at Harbertonford, Mark Voisey with a hat-trick. Tom Reeves also found the net for the Rams, with captain Ash Furnivall and Hadyn Sibley on target for the hosts. Kingsteignton extended their lead thanks to a 1-1 draw between Waldon Athletic and Paignton Saints Reserves at Windmill Hill, Jacob Knapman and Rob Gorvin trading goals. Saints are yet to lose a game.

Paignton Villa’s purple patch continues. They made it three wins on the bounce on Saturday by beating Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves 4-2 at the South Devon Sports Centre. Tom Parvin netted twice for Villa, with Josh Washbrook and Richard Malone also scoring for the home side. Rangers’ goals came from Liam Yeates and Samuel Cook.

In Division Two, East Allington United Reserves battled out a 3-3 draw with second-placed Torquay Town. Finley Bullen, Finn Bullingham and Rob Hutchings scored for the Pirates with Curtis Booth, Simon Ross and Pete Summerfield on target for Town. Ilsington Villa, who didn’t play, are still four points clear with a 100 per cent record, but have yet to play Torquay.

The game between Babbacombe Corinthians and Newton Rovers also ended three apiece, Curtis Marshall with a brace for Corries. This result left the door open for Watcombe Wanderers Reserves to move up into the top three following their 9-2 home win over Barton Athletic Reserves; William Allen scored a hat-trick from the bench in that game.

Rhys Morrallee doubled up for Dartmouth AFC Reserves as they pulled off a decent 3-0 home win over Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, Josh Bruckner with the other goal. Ipplepen Athletic Reserves enjoyed a 2-1 win away at Paignton Villa Reserves.

In Division Three, Josh Piper and Dalton Sanders scored for Brixham Town in a narrow 2-1 win at Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves, Ryan Thompson with the Sixes’ contribution. Town move one point above Watts Blake Bearne Reserves who didn’t play. WBB have a game spare though.

A second half brace from Will Baker and an Ollie Groves goal saw Galmpton United Reserves ramp up the pressure on the top three with a 3-0 win over Paignton Saints Thirds.

Broadhempston United are yet to win in the league, but they did pick up their second point of the season by drawing 2-2 at home to Liverton United Reserves. Niel Ford dispatched both goals for the Robins, with Calum Ford and Charlie Roberts scoring for Liverton.

Christian Williams scored twice for Chudleigh Athletic Thirds in a tight 3-2 win over Totnes and Dartington Reserves. Jack Salmons also scored for Athletic, who have won two on the bounce. Jake Osman and Billy Bartlett found the net for Tots.

In Division Four, Waldon Athletic enjoyed a 5-1 win at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves, Stephen Rohan scoring twice and Michael Rohan, Lee Henriques and Nathan Hardacre also on target; Tobie Scott responded for the Rams. The Clarets are nine points behind leaders Bovey Tracey Reserves, who didn’t play, but have three games in hand.

Brixham Town Reserves hold on to third spot with a 3-3 home draw against Ivybridge Town Development. Alister George doubled up for Town with Alex McKerrell also scoring. Craig Brenton, Kai Burrell and Shaun Jones hit the back of the net for the Ivies who finished the game with ten men, Lawson Turpin sent off.

South Brent are now just a point off third place following their 4-2 victory at Watcombe Wanderers Thirds. Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves picked up three points with a 2-1 triumph away at Newton Rovers Reserves.

Although the league has given teams the opportunity to request a fixture for this weekend, there are currently no games scheduled until January 8th

devon intermediate cup teign village v st thomas social club

Bullen Hat-Trick Helps Pirates Close The Gap

Late Blow: Teign Village battled hard before succumbing to a late goal in the A&S Paving Devon Intermediate Cup. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

With the top two in cup action, and Watts Blake Bearne’s trip to Salcombe rained off, last Saturday presented a chance for some of the chasers to close the gap in the TCS South Devon Football League.

East Allington United took full advantage, scoring five without reply at home to Meadowbrook Athletic to move up to third. Finley Bullen scored a hat-trick and there were also goals from Finlay Watson and former Brook player Ben Bowhay.

Elburton Villa Reserves and The Windmill also increased the pressure with victories. Elburton scored 20 against bottom club Barton Athletic witth Corbin Mackin and Cody Jones scoring half of the goals between them. Scott Allen, Sam Lang, Billy Tedder-Hart and Aaron Weeks each scored braces with Harrison Jones and Ryan Waterschoot also making the score sheet.

Carlton Allen, Andrew Crowmac and Ashley Walker netted for The Windmill at Erme Valley in a 3-0 win over Ivybridge Town Reserves. The Windmill have now won three on the bounce.

Two goals in five minutes, from Steve Bowker and Tom Kelly, gave Galmpton United a 2-0 half-time lead against Newton Abbot ’66. Further strikes from Bowker and Kelly after the break, plus a Marc Hagland goal, saw the Greens wrap up a 5-1 victory, Tom Lowe with the visitors’ effort.

Ryan Lucassi and Tom Moody put Buckfastleigh Rangers 2-1 up at the Furzebrake in the Devon Premier Cup, but hosts Beer Albion turned the tables on the south Devon side and progressed to the quarter-finals with a 4-2 win, Josh French scoring twice.

The SDFL’s other Premier Cup hope, Brixham AFC Reserves, also exited the competition. The Fishermen were leading 1-0 at the break but two goals in four minutes saw Devon Football League opponents Alphington make it through to the last eight.

There will be SDFL representation in the quarter finals of the Devon Senior Cup thanks to Kingsteignton Athletic’s penalty shoot out win over St Martins Reserves. Despite a double from Aaron Paget and singles from Sam Barnes and Oliver Teague, the teams were inseparable. The penalty shoot out was also very close but The Rams squeaked through 8-7.

The one guaranteed quarter final spot went to fellow Division One outfit Chudleigh Athletic Reserves. Division Two opponents Ilsington Villa failed to recover from a poor start which saw them go three goals and one man down, Jack Langford seeing red. Dan Langford scored twice and Matt Warman also found the net but the game finished 6-3 courtesy of a Gavin Hammon hat-trick and strikes from Joe Potter, Ben Stephenson and Matthew Williams.

Elsewhere, Kingskerswell and Chelston were sent packing by Topsham Town Reserves, soundly beaten 10-1

Teign Village suffered late heartache in the Devon Intermediate Cup as they succumbed to a scrappy stoppage time goal to bow out at home to St Thomas Social Club. In an even game, with few chances, the visitors made the most of a late flurry of corners to make it through, Declan Vowden with the decider.

An eventful game at Windmill Hill saw Waldon Athletic make it through at the expense of Hartland Clovelly Reserves. Shane Essam put the Clarets one up at the break and they put the game to bed in the seecond half with Adam Townsend scoring twice and Josh Briscomb, Charlie Clarke and Michael Rohan also finding the net in a 6-0 triumph. Both sides ended the game a man light.

With Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves dumped out 3-1 at Lifton, Waldon and Ivybridge Town Development, who had already made it through, will fly the flag for the SDFL in the quarter-finals.

Back to the league and Waldon Athletic would have fancied their chances of reclaiming top spot in Division One but fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat at Paignton Villa, Richard Malone and Ash Beetschen with the goals. Paignton Saints stay third as hosts Upton Athletic were unable to raise a side.

In Division Two, a close 2-1 victory by Torquay Town over Newton Rovers saw them keep up the pressure on leaders Ilsington.

In Division Three, Cam Gill, Jake Moore and Samuel Pearce found the net for leaders Watts Blake Bearne Reserves as they maintained their 100 per cent record with a 3-0 win at Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves. Second-placed Brixham Town are still unbeaten following their 3-1 victory at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United, Seve Sanders scoring twice and Macauley Dallow on target.

In Division Four, Ivybridge Town Development picked up an impressive point at leaders Bovey Tracey Reserves, battling out a 3-3 draw. Second-placed Brixham Town Reserves fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat at home to Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves.

stoke gabriel reserves kingsteignton athletic reserves

Bullish Pirates Extend Premier Lead

WINNERS ALL: Stoke Gabriel Reserves and Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves both ended up on the winning side this week. (c) MiraclePR

East Allington United continue to lead the WBW (Solicitors) SDFL Premier Division after a 4-0 home win over Newton Abbot ’66 in their first game for a month.

Any fears that the lack of action would have disrupted the momentum of the league’s leading goalscorer Finley Bullen were soon put to bed with the former Beesands player claiming a hat-trick. Dan Bowles also headed home for his fifth league goal of the season.

The win puts the Pirates three points clear of Torbay Police, who didn’t play. Ipplepen Athletic could have overtaken the Bees but instead found themselves on the receiving end of a battering by a Salcombe Town side who cruised to a second successive 8-0 victory. Ashley Yeoman put five past the Pens and is now just one goal behind Bullen in the league’s top goalscorers’ list. Additional goals from Charlie Barnes, Fred Massey and Kieran Stallard completed a flawless afternoon for the rampant Crabs.

Meadowbrook Athletic hold on to fourth place as they enjoyed a 4-2 win at Buckland Athletic Development. Owen Coldwell crossed for Tre Hansford to open the scoring for Bucks after just seven minutes. With 20 minutes gone, Brook got back on terms when former Buckland player Charlie Johansen won a one-on-one with the home ‘keeper. Anthony Goss then scored from the edge of the box on the brink of half-time to put Meadowbrook 2-1 up. Buckland nearly equalised early in the second half but three minutes after Bailey Clarke had missed a penalty, Johansen struck again to give the visitors a cushion. Clarke redeemed himself on the hour mark, poking home Matt Briant’s free-kick, but Meadowbrook’s James Thomas scored his side’s fourth, from a corner, with 13 minutes remaining to seal the points.

The reserve sides of Torbay Police and Ipplepen Athletic will compete in the Fred Hewings Cup final. Ipplepen sent Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves packing with an 8-0 thumping while the Police squeezed past Barton Athletic Reserves 4-3.

Broadmeadow STFC became the seventh team through to the quarter-finals of the George Belli Cup after a narrow 2-1 win at Buckfastleigh Rangers. Ben Beeson and Ben Wright netted for the visitors with Arren De Young on target for Rangers. Broadmeadow will face Brixham AFC Reserves in the last eight while Beesands Rovers and Plympton Athletic are due to compete for the last remaining quarter-final spot on Saturday.

Division One leaders Harbertonford failed to make the most of one of their games in hand on Saturday as they lost out 5-3 away at Kingskerswell and Chelston Reserves. A second half hat-trick from James Horrocks saw ‘Kerswell overcome a 2-1 deficit at the break. Their other goals came from Thomas Reeves and Joseph Wilkinson with Fords scoring through Dave Hatch, Mark Hancock and Sam Passmore.

The other two second tier games involved the bottom half of the table and produced 16 goals between them! Waldon Athletic Reserves scored four without reply against Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves while Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves won 7-5 at Watcombe Wanderers Reserves. Aaron Paget was on fire with a double hat-trick for the Rams who also scored through William Kempsford. Cory Brennan managed a brace for the Greens with Tyler Fewings, Joseph Molloy and substitute Ben Clark also finding the net.

In the Dartmouth Cup, goals from Ryan Langley and Callum Whiteoak saw Stoke Gabriel Reserves through 2-1 against Abbotskerswell who scored through Thomas Corben. Dittisham United left their league woes behind them to dispatch visiting Riviera United 3-2.

newton abbot 66 v salcombe town

Salcombe Reach Top 6 With 8 Goal Haul

SICK SIXES: Newton ’66 are thumped 8-0 by dominant Salcombe Town. (c) MiraclePR

Salcombe Town added to last week’s cup joy with their first league victory of 2020, firing eight past Newton Abbot ’66 with no reply. The win moves the South Hams side into the top six of the WBW (Solicitors) SDFL Premier Division.

Ashley Yeoman scored a hat-trick for the Crabs, Charlie Barnes put away a brace and there were goals for Joshua Harris, Luke Milton and Kieran Stallard. For the Sixes, it was their worst defeat of the season and will have been particuarly disappointing following their 1-1 draw with Torbay Police a week earlier.

The only other league game to get the green light was at the Galmpton War Memorial Ground where the Greens played host to Broadhempston United in a Division Two clash. Joe Massey scored twice for the home side in a 5-0 triumph which sees them move to within a point of unbeaten leaders Upton Athletic. The other goals came from Will Baker, Samuel Massey and, from the bench, Jack Thomson.

There were also two games played in the divisional cups.

Ivybridge Town Reserves claimed an impressive scalp in the George Belli (Premier) Cup as they knocked out title-chasing Torbay Police 4-1 at Erme Park.

It’s not often that a player scores a hat-trick yet ends up on the losing side yet that’s what happened to Ilsington Villa’s Matt Warman. Villa were away to Paignton Saints Reserves in the Lidstone (Division Two) Cup and found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break. Villa did stage a fight back in the second half but Saints kept adding more goals to cancel out Warman’s efforts and the game finished 5-3 to the home side. Shaun Cotton and Ian Simons scored twice for Saints with Jason Dingley also on target.

The top four in the Premier Division are all away on Saturday. Leaders East Allington United, who haven’t played for a month, are away at Newton ’66. Torbay Police will once again visit Ivybridge Reserves while Ipplepen Athletic have a trip to Salcombe and Meadowbrook Athletic play at Buckland Athletic Development.

Two more George Belli Cup games are also scheduled with Beesands Rovers hosting Plympton Athletic Reserves and Broadmeadow STFC visiting Buckfastleigh Rangers.

newton abbot 66 v salcombe town

Salcombe Through to Belli Cup Quarter-Finals

HAPPY CRABS: Salcombe Town (pictured here in a league game at Newton ’66) are into the last eight of the Belli Cup. (c) MiraclePR

Salcombe Town may be out of the Herald Cup but they still have the opportunity of some silverware after the Crabs knocked in-form Ipplepen Athletic out of the WBW (Solicitors) SDFL George Belli Cup on Saturday.

Ash Yeoman drew his first blank of the season but teammates Josh Harris, Fred Massey and Ben Tapper found the net as The Crabs edged the game 3-2. They will be looking to be the second South Hams club in a row to lift the trophy after Dartmouth AFC’s success last year.

Brixham AFC Reserves are also through after winning 4-2 at Herald Cup semi-finalists Buckland Athletic Development. Mark Griffiths netted twice for the Fishermen who also scored through Matt Constable and Callum Glew. Bailey Clarke and Calum Fyfe found the back of the net for the Yellows.

The only other game featuring top tier sides was played at Osborne Park with Newton Abbot ’66 holding title chasing Torbay Police to a 1-1 draw. The Bees had the best of the first half and duly went ahead when Colin Brown volleyed home an in-swinging Marc Hagland corner. But with the wind against them after the break, the tide turned dramatically with The Sixes piling pressure on Adam Blackburn’s goal. They got the luck they deserved when Tom Dare was penalised for handling the ball in the box following a goal-kick from the home side. Luke Turner stood up to dispatch the spot-kick and earn his side a valuable point.

There were no games played in Division One but two Dartmouth Cup ties did go ahead. Unbeaten Barton Athletic were favourites in the Torquay derby against a young Watcombe Wanderers Reserve side but to their credit, Watcombe competed well and lost out to only a single goal. In contrast, there were nine goals scored at Broadpark where Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves progressed into the next round by beating Waldon Athletic Reserves 6-3. Oliver Teague scored four of the Rams’ goals with William Kempsford and Cole Feasby joining him on the score sheet.

Unbeaten Upton Athletic extended their lead in Division Two with a convincing 4-0 home victory over Newton Rovers, Rui de Garces and Bart Karkau managing two apiece. Babbacombe Corinthians came through a battling affair at Windmill Hill to beat Ilsington Villa 2-1. Jordan Bradshaw and Joshua Swann hit the target for Corries with Dan Langford scoring for Villa.

There were some tight games in the Lidstone Cup with Newton Abbot ’66 and Galmpton United both squeezing through with the odd goal in five. Steve Vaughan, Tom Carne and Jono Ellis fired home for the Sixes as they eliminated Broadhempston United while Joseph Morey, Cally Riley-Lowe and Jordan Thomas saw Galmpton safely through against Torquay Town. Ipplepen Athletic Reserves enjoyed a bigger cushion as they knocked out Torbay Police Reserves 4-1.

No Third Division league fixtures survived but there was joy for Bishopsteignton United and Brixham AFC Thirds who both eased through their Ronald Cup ties. Bishops beat Kingsteignton Thirds 5-0 while the Fishermen scored four without reply against visiting Teign Village.

watts blake bearne v waldon athletic reserves

WBB Roll Back the Years to Reach Herald Semi-Finals

CLUB ON THE UP: Watts Blake Bearne are on the trophy trail and doing well in the league. (c)Miracle PR

Ten years ago, Newton Abbot side Watts, Blake & Bearne celebrated winning the double, picking up both the South Devon Football League Premier Division and Herald Cup. Three seasons later they had folded and were forced to regroup and endure the slow climb back up through the lower divisions.

Now known as Watts Blake Bearne AFC, the team are once again fighting for the top honours in the WBW (Solicitors) SDFL. On Saturday, two strikes by Matt Elmore and a single by Cam Gill earned the Division One high-fliers a place in the Herald Cup semi-finals at the expense of Premier Division outfit Salcombe Town. Luke Milton found the net for the Crabs but that will be scant consolation for the South Hams side who have never won the prestigious trophy.

There could yet be a new name inscribed on to the cup, Torbay Police claiming their semi-final place with a 1-0 home win over Meadowbrook Athletic. With the high winds causing problems, this was not a classic game and there were few chances for either side, Max Prestwood coming closest in the first half when his header from a corner was cleared off the line. The game was decided in the second half when Luke Dandy was pushed in the box. The Brook goalkeeper parried his spot-kick on to the post but referee Barry Hayward ordered the kick to be retaken due to player encroachment. Dandy didn’t pass up his second opportunity to break the deadlock and duly converted the penalty that saw the Bees through.

Holders Buckland Athletic are also through to the final four although it is the Development side tasked with defending the trophy Neil Snell and Marc Revell’s Reserves won last season. Bucks were clear favourites to win at Windmill Hill where they took on Division Two hopefuls Babbacombe Corinthians. However, it took them nearly the entire half to get their noses ahead with Charlie Morgan finally chesting down a cross and firing home after 38 minutes. The scoreline stayed at 1-0 until the hour mark when substitute Owen Coldwell put the game to bed with a quick-fire double.

East Allington United complete the semi-final line-up and will be aiming to scoop their third Herald Cup in four seasons following their back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018. Finley Bullen struck twice in each half for the Pirates to end the hopes of their hosts Buckfastleigh Rangers. Luke Forward also scored for the visitors who won 5-0.

With the top two in cup action, Ipplepen Athletic took the opportunity to move level with Torbay Police on points by beating another in-form side, Brixham AFC Reserves, 4-2. Daniel Cummings’ Pens have now won an impressive seven games in a row.

Ivybridge Town Reserves will be pleased to have halted a trend in the opposite direction after they won 2-0 at Newton Abbot ’66 to bring a five game losing streak to an end.

Elsewhere, Chris Bennett and Andy Espley found the net for Broadmeadow STFC as they enjoyed a 2-1 home win over Plympton Athletic Reserves, Ryan Hart with the visitors’ strike.

stoke gabriel reserves v kingsteignton athletic reserves south devon football league

Bees Stung by Young Bucks

FULL STEAM AHEAD: The Railwaymen of Stoke Gabriel Reserves moved up to second with a 3-0 home win over Kingsteignton Reserves. (c)MiraclePR

To browse and buy photographs from this game please visit the online gallery. Every purchase helps Ali to cover fuel costs and other associated expenses.

The WBW (Solicitors) SDFL Premier Division delivered an interesting twist last Saturday as Buckland Athletic’s Development side dented Torbay Police’s title ambitions with a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

Joshua Clarke crossed for Owen Coldwell to open the scoring after 16 minutes at the Denbury Playing Fields. Then, on 24 minutes, Fraser Wesley slotted into an empty net after a mistake at the back. Joshua Clarke provided his second assist of the afternoon on the hour mark as his corner was volleyed home by brother Bailey. Joshua then added his own name to the score-sheet with a 71st minute drive into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

The result went down well with leaders East Allington United who didn’t play and remain a point ahead of the Bees having played just one game more now. Ipplepen Athletic, the division’s form side, stretched their winning streak to six games by beating bottom club Beesands Rovers 2-1 away. They are now in third place and just three points behind Torbay Police with a game in hand.

A close affair at the Dorothy Elmhirst Memorial Ground saw Meadowbrook Athletic narrowly claim the points with a 4-3 win over SDFL new boys Plympton Athletic Reserves, Ben Bowhay, Myles Chalcraft, Scott McRoy and James Thomas with the goals.

Brixham AFC Reserves are now four unbeaten after a comprehensive 5-1 triumph over struggling Ivybridge Town Reserves. Tom Hopper and Ryan Walton both bagged braces for the Fishermen with Matt Constable also on target.

Osborne Park was the scene of a ten goal thriller, Newton Abbot ’66 enjoying back-to-back wins by beating Broadmeadow STFC 6-4.

The top two in Division One went head-to-head at the Steve Jane Memorial Ground with both Harbertonford and Abbotskerswell beginning the afternoon on 27 points. The points were due to be shared when Fords’ marksman David Hatch picked up the ball on the edge of the area, drove into the box and slotted past the Abbots ‘keeper to win the game with five minutes to spare.

Stoke Gabriel Reserves moved up to second with an accomplished 3-0 victory over Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves. The Railwaymen were on top from the start and it took Callum Whiteoak just three minutes to fire his side into the lead. 15 minutes later, Whiteoak’s free-kick from the right found Ryan Langley who blasted the ball past Russell Faulkner for 2-0. Two minutes later, the game was all but over when Lewis Calf buried a header from another Stoke free-kick. Although the home side took their foot off the pedal a bit after the break, they always looked in control of the game.

Barton Athletic remain unbeaten and climbed further up the table with a 6-1 win over Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves in an eventful game at the Duckspond. Chudleigh Athletic Reserves also ran out 6-1 winners, against Waldon Athletic Reserves, with Gavin Lake netting a hat-trick, Tyler Brown scoring twice and Oli Williams with a single goal.

Watcombe Wanderers Reserves picked up their first points of the season as bottom club Dittisham United were unable to raise a side.

ashley yeoman salcombe town v buckland athletic development 2020

Pirates Back to Winning Ways

YEOMAN YET AGAIN: Ashley Yeoman has scored in every game for Salcombe this year – but his side lost 3-1 to Buckland Development this time out. (c) Derek Castree

East Allington United climbed back to the top of the WBW (SDFL) Premier Division on Saturday with their first win in three games, a 4-1 victory away at Meadowbrook Athletic’s Dorothy Elmhirst Memorial Ground.

A low first half strike from Fin Bullen, assisted by Luke Forward, and a Dan Hurrell header, from a Forward corner, gave the Pirates the perfect platform to secure the points in the second half. Danny Tucker then played Bullen through to slot home a cool second before Myles Chalcraft reduced the deficit for Brook. Forward completed a hat-trick of assists when his one-two with Rob Tapper ended with the latter’s cross-cum-shot in the back of the net.

The result places East Allington one point ahead of Torbay Police but the Bees have two games in hand. They were at home to Broadmeadow STFC in an all-Premier Division Third Round Herald Cup tie. The one-sided affair saw the Police hit eight without reply, Max Prestwood scoring four goals and the other goals delivered by Bobby Chancellor, Sonwabile Mlenze, Luke Dandy and man-of-the-match Liam Walton. The Police will play Meadowbrook in the last eight.

Ipplepen Athletic racked up a fifth straight win to climb into third in the table, beating Buckfastleigh Rangers 4-1 at Moor Road. This proved to be a popular scoreline with Brixham AFC Reserves and Newton Abbot ’66 both winning away by the same margin. Brixham defeated Plympton Athletic Reserves with Ryan Walton scoring twice and Andrew Deare and Reece Somers with one apiece; Matt Mazzoni netted for Plympton. Meanwhile, Callum Foskett put away a brace for Newton ’66 as they won at Beesands Rovers. Tom Lowe and Harry Noble also scored for the Sixes with Jack Eades getting a consolation for the Bees.

There was no surprise to see Ashley Yeoman on the score-sheet once again for Salcombe Town as his penalty gave the visitors the lead at Buckland Athletic Development. But that was as good as it got for the Crabs, with Fraser Wesley equalising before the break, Charlie Morgan hitting a rocket to put the Yellows ahead on 68 minutes and Calum Fyfe wrapping things up with two minutes to go.

Harbertonford and Abbotskerswell remain inseparable at the top of Division One after both sides won on Saturday. David Hatch was on fire for Fords, scoring five of his side’s goals as they hammered Paignton Villa Reserves. Samuel Passmore scored four goals and there were also strikes from Alex Boon and Robert Dart. A closer game at Abbots Park saw the home side beat Chudleigh Athletic Reserves 3-2 thanks to goals from Josh Moore, Thomas Barber and Aaron Knapman. Chudleigh’s goals were put away by Jack Lee and Daniel Yates. Watts Blake Bearne complete the top three after their 4-1 home triumph over Kingskerswell and Chelston. Cam Gill scored twice and there were goals from Billy Clinch, Matt Elmore and, for ‘Kerswell, substitute Russell Williams. Stoke Gabriel Reserves aren’t far behind in fourth. Ryan Langley netted four times for the Railwaymen as they trounced Dittisham United 8-0 away.