SEMI-FINAL BOUND: South Brent make the final four of the Les Bishop Cup. © Derek Castree

The weather did its best to disrupt the SDFL programme, but a handful of games did go ahead, and provided plenty of goals and incident.

The George Belli (Premier Division) Cup quarter-finals were a case in point, with Newton Abbot ’66 and East Allington both booking their places in the semi-finals after close-fought five goal thrillers.

The Sixes and the Windmill went into their clash at Osborne Park as the two form sides in the division. By the end of 90 minutes, the sides were still locked together with two goals apiece, Jordan Pidwell and Keran Fletcher scoring for the hosts, and Andrew Parker and Rhys Walton on target for the visitors. Gordon Stevenson clinched the extra-time winner, but the goals were only half the story, because The Windmill ended the game with nine men, Andrew Crowmac and Ashley Walker both seeing red.

A red card also affected proceedings at Malborough Playing Fields as Salcombe Town bowed out 3-2 to East Allington United with Kieran Stallard’s dismissal a big blow for the Crabs. Jack Ward and Ashley Yeoman scored for the home side, but Finley Bullen put away a hat-trick for the Pirates to see them through.

There were no games at all in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division, but Waldon Athletic came from behind at home to Harbertonford to go top of Division One. Jordan Baggott’s brace helped Fords into a 2-1 half-time lead at Windmill Hill, Ajay Tehrani with the Clarets’ strike. But a Lewis Eaton double and a goal from Ashley Harris saw Waldon turn the tables in the second half. They will have their work cut out to beat Paignton Saints to the title though, because Saints are just two points behind with three games in hand. Saints also progressed straight through to the semi-finals of the Dartmouth (Division One) Cup, thanks to a four goal blast from Jake Powell. All four were needed to dispatch Beesands Rovers, who managed three goals at Coach Road. Although this was a First Round game, Saints’ quarter-final opponents Ashburton have withdrawn from the league, giving them a bye.

The potential for a Paignton derby in the final is still alive as Paignton Villa made short work of their quarter-final tie against Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves, scoring six without reply. Tom Parvin celebrated a hat-trick for the home side. Also through to the final four are Chudleigh Athletic, Jack Morrison with a double as the Senior Cup finalists won 6-3 at Upton Athletic.

Newton Rovers missed out on the chance of going third in Division Two, as they lost out 2-1 at Watcombe Wanderers Reserves, Toby Woodmore and Zack Chalmers-Wood with the goals. Nigel Vass was on target for Rovers.

Torquay Town continue to fight on three fronts as they knocked Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police Reserves out of the Lidstone (Division Two) Cup with a 4-1 victory at the Hive. They will be joined in the semi-finals by East Allington United Reserves who narrowly beat Babbacombe Corinthians at Poole Lane. Eight goals were shared between the sides in the first 90 minutes, with another goal apiece scored in extra-time. The game was finally decided on penalties with the Pirates progressing.

Liverton United Reserves cruised into the semi-finals of the Ronald (Division Three) Cup with a hefty 10-1 triumph at bottom club Broadhempston United. Things were much closer at Michael’s Field where Kingsbridge and Kellaton United defeated Bishopsteignton United 3-2.

Discoveries Devon played their penultimate game in their first season in the SDFL, and the Division Four side still seek their first win after a resounding 8-2 loss against Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves, Ashley Dove and Ollie Kewell with hat-tricks apiece. South Brent scored twice and kept a clean sheet at Barton Athletic Thirds to progress to the semi-finals of the Les Bishop (Division Four) Cup. They will be joined by Brixham Town Reserves who go through due to Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves being unable to raise a side.

KINGSTEIGNTON EYE COUNTY CROWN: Rams make the Senior Cup final and will face fellow SDFL-side Chudleigh at Coach Road. © Derek Castree

There will be an all-SDFL county cup final for the first time in eight years, as both Kingsteignton Athletic and Chudleigh Athletic won their Robert Williams Estate Agents Senior Cup semi-finals on Saturday afternoon.

Mark Voisey was on target again for Kingsteignton, who are now pushing for four trophies. Kelsey Leech also found the net in a 2-0 win away at Topsham Town Reserves.

Chudleigh were at home to near-neighbours Teignmouth Reserves and also won 2-0, Jordan Armstrong and Aidan Brown with the goals.

The last time two South Devon League sides met in a county cup final was in 2014, when Watcombe Wanderers beat Brixham AFC in the Devon Premier Cup. That same year, Dartmouth AFC won the Senior Cup, the last SDFL side to do so.

An SDFL team has also reached the A&S Paving Devon Intermediate Cup final for the second season in a row. Ivybridge Town Development continued their successful debut season by knocking Waldon Athletic Reserves out of the competition on penalties. Adam Townsend had given the Clarets the half-time advantage at Windmill Hill, but the Ivies equalised through Matthew Goodwin after the break. Ryan Mitchell put away the decisive penalty in a close fought shoot-out, and Ivybridge will play Exeter side St. Thomas Social Club in the final at Coach Road, on 14th May.

Chudleigh will play Kingsteignton a week later, at the same venue.

Buckfastleigh Rangers came from behind at East Allington United to celebrate an important victory in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division. Trailing 1-0 at the break to a deflected Fred Massey goal, Rangers fell further behind when Massey finished off a good Pirates move to score his second. But a brace from Luke Brown and an Ian Howse strike turned the game on its head. Rangers are now just two points behind leaders Brixham AFC Reserves, with a game in hand.

Brixham were in Herald Cup action, and the Fishermen breezed into the last eight, scoring seven without reply against Division Two opponents Newton Rovers. Chris Mitchell put away a hat-trick, James Deselincourt scored twice and there were singles from Alex Harding and Mark Griffiths.

Brixham will travel to Division Two side Ilsington Villa in the quarter-finals on 19th March. On the same afternoon, The Windmill will host Division Two leaders Torquay Town while Division One high-fliers Kingsteignton Athletic will travel to local rivals Watts Blake Bearne. There will definitely be at least one non-Premier side in the semi-finals as SGT Police Reserves from Division Two take on Division One leaders Paignton Saints Reserves in their quarter-final tie.

Back to the Premier Division, and Elburton Villa Reserves stumbled again last week, dropping two points away at Meadowbrook Athletic. Daniel Block, who has been in fine form, scored both of Brook’s goals in a 2-2 draw.

Watts Blake Bearne kept their title hopes alive with a resounding 5-1 triumph at Salcombe Town. Cam Gill scored a hat-trick, and he was joined on the score-sheet by Jakeb Heywood-Cann and Matt Battishill. Lee Morgan notched for the Crabs.

Joseph Clark-Farley, Keran Fletcher and Callum Foskett scored for Newton Abbot ’66 in a 3-1 win at Ivybridge Town Reserves, Sam Stevens netting for the Ivies.

The Windmill trounced Barton Athletic 17-0 at Paignton Community College. Carlton Allen and Rhys Walton scored four apiece; Ash Walker, Andrew Crowmac and Ben Woodman hit doubles and there were solo strikes from Joe Burton, Michael Neal and Andrew Parker.

Beesands Rovers moved up to third in Division One with a 2-0 win over Harbertonford, Louis Brace and Adam Winkworth on target for the Bees. Paignton Villa celebrated a third win on the bounce as they overcame Upton Athletic 3-2 at South Devon College. Alfie Lloyds, Tom Parvin and Samuel Woodcock scored for Villa, with Samuel Lamburn and Alex Stevenson responding for Upton. Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves collected three points with Kingskerswell and Chelston failing to raise a side.

The top two in Division Two pulled off big wins. Torquay Town won 5-2 at home to SGT Police Reserves, while Ilsington Villa thrashed Watcombe Wanderers Reserves 11-2. George Harris scored a second successive hat-trick, while Dan Langford and Matt Warman also scored three apiece. Tom Bartlett scored a goal and a Watcombe player put through his own net to complete the picture.

Goals from Shane Pike, Stuart Pointon and Jack Thomson helped unbeaten Division Three leaders Brixham Town to another victory. Hosts Paignton Saints Thirds scored through Daniel Clement and Brandon Pym but lost out 3-2. Totnes and Dartington beat Kingsbridge and Kellaton United 4-1 to move level on points with third-placed Teign Village. Billy Bartlett opened the scoring for Tots, with Scott Troth, Sam Ingham and Aidan Knight also on target; William Kenny hit the visitors’ consolation. Liverton United Reserves sailed to a 6-1 win over Chudleigh Athletic Thirds.

In Division Four, Daniel Trezise scored four times for Brixham Town Reserves as they strengthened their bid for a top three finish with a 7-1 home win over Barton Athletic Thirds. He was joined on the score-sheet by Phattanawit Buntam, Zac Chancellor and Paul Christie. Jono Ellis also managed four goals as South Brent kept pace with a 7-2 win at Newton Rovers Reserves. Jamie Soper and Nathan Cole also netted for Brent with Mehmet Siren Guloglu getting both goals for Rovers. Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves, who are nearing the end of their season, enjoyed a 5-2 victory over Watcombe Wanderers Thirds.

Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds will play Barton Athletic Reserves in the last eight of the Lidstone Cup after beating Ipplepen Athletic Reserves 5-2 away in the First Round. Finally, Bovey Tracey Reserves eased into the quarter-finals of the Les Bishop Cup with a 13-0 hammering of Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves. Benjamin Moyle scored a hat-trick; there were braces for Patrick Hicks, Matthew Churchill and Nathan Trott and Alistair Chuchuk, Sam Harris, James Lockwood and Bradley Rooney also scored. The Moorlanders will play Newton Rovers Reserves away in Saturday’s quarter-final.

PLUCKY ROBINS: Broadhempston come close to snatching a point but Paignton Saints Thirds hold on for a deserved win. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Torbay Clearance Services Division One outfit Kingsteignton Athletic moved a step closer to a second successive Herald Cup final with a 5-2 home win over Premier Division Buckfastleigh Rangers.

The Rams lost out to Buckland Athletic Reserves in 2019, with the prestigious competition then shelved, due to COVID, for the following two years. But four goals from Mark Voisey secured their quarter-final place, and Lewis Plackett joined him on the score-sheet. Rangers’ consolation goals came from Steve Sutton and substitute Ben Harnett-Davies.

East Allington United, Herald Cup winners in both 2017 and 2018, were eliminated by The Windmill at Poole Lane. Ben Bowhay and Rhys Walton traded goals in the first half before Ashley Walker scored a second half winner for the Plymouth side.

Ilsington Villa cruised into the last eight with an 11-2 triumph at fellow Division Two side Ipplepen Athletic Reserves. George Harris led the charge with a hat-trick while Jack Langford and Matt Warman managed two apiece. There was just the one goal for Dan Langford this week, and Jamie Beer, Jack Dixon and sub Hayden Binmore also found the net.

Paignton Saints Reserves ended Bovey Tracey Reserves’ cup run with a 1-0 win at the Western Counties Roofing Ground. Jake Powell scored the decisive goal in the first half.

Matthew Waye is becoming something of a cup hero for Division Two side Torquay Town. He scored the only goal of the game at Barton Cricket Club to dispatch Premier Division Ivybridge Town Reserves.

Watts Blake Bearne, who last won the Herald Cup back in 2010, made the last eight without kicking a ball, because Harbertonford were unable to raise a side.

The remaining quarter-final place will go to either league leaders Brixham AFC Reserves or Division Two side Newton Rovers. They are due to lock horns at Wall Park this Saturday.

The Herald Cup is kindly sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services, and the final is due to be played on 20th May at The Rec, Newton Abbot

Brixham should be in good spirits for their cup tie. Following the previous week’s extra-time George Belli Cup defeat at the hands of Elburton Villa Reserves, the Fishermen returned to Haye Road last Saturday and collected a valuable three league points. Mitchell Thomas put away a hat-trick and top scorer Mark Griffiths also netted in a 4-1 win. Brixham now lead the division by five points, but both Buckfastleigh and Elburton have two games in hand.

The Premier division’s leading goalscorer, Salcombe Town’s Ash Yeoman, added another to his tally at Osborne Park. But Jordan Pidwell’s strike earned Newton Abbot ’66 a share of the spoils, denting The Crabs’ title chances.

Daniel Block scored five goals for Meadowbrook Athletic in their 7-1 home win over bottom team Barton Athletic. Liam Collings managed a brace with Michael Ventre on target for Barton..

Waldon Athletic celebrated an important 2-1 win at Beesands Rovers in Division One, climbing to second place. Paignton Villa enjoyed a second win and clean sheet in a row as they put five past Kingskerswell and Chelston. Harry Atkinson and Alfie Lloyds scored two apiece with Samuel Woodcock also netting.

Two Charlie Rowe goals were not enough for bottom team Upton Athletic as they lost out 3-2 at home to Chudleigh Athletic. Aidan Brown, Jack Morrison and Matthew Williams scored Chudleigh’s goals.

Babbacombe Corinthians moved back up to third in Division Two, Curtis Marshall scoring four times in a 10-0 drubbing of Dartmouth AFC Reserves. William Kerslake scored twice for Corries with Ryan Mellish, Lee McArthur, Callum Leeds and Sam Swann also contributing.

Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds took a first minute lead and went two up against visiting Barton Athletic Reserves. But a superb strike just before the break got Barton back into the game, and the Torquay side ran out 4-3 winners. SGT Police Reserves enjoyed a 4-1 home win over Watcombe Wanderers Reserves.

Ashley Beetschen was on fire for Paignton Villa Reserves as the Division Two side beat Division Four team Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves 6-2 to make the semi-finals of the Fred Hewings Cup. Craig Brenton scored a hat-trick for Division Four outfit Ivybridge Town Development as they overcame Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves, from Division Three, 7-0. The Ivies are now in two cup semi-finals in their first season!

Division Three sides Watts Blake Bearne Reserves and Chudleigh Athletic Thirds have also made the final four following extra-time wins. WBB were being held 0-0 by Division Four opponents Brixham Town Reserves before goals from Ben Drinkwater and Matt Elmore saw them through. Chudleigh hosted Division One side Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves and battled out a 3-3 draw in normal time before clinching the game 4-3. Christian Williams scored twice for Chudleigh, with Jack Lee and Alfie Luscombe joining him on the score-sheet. It was an eventful afternoon for Rangers’ Jay Barnard who scored twice and was sent off. Glen Palmer scored Rangers’ other goal.

Totnes and Dartington Reserves increased their chances of a top three finish in Division Three with a superb 4-0 win at Teign Village, their goals supplied by Jordan Baxter, Bradley Spriggs, Nick Warren and Billy Bartlett. Paignton Saints Thirds survived a late scare to claim three points in their home game against winless Broadhempston United. First half goals from Aaron West and Tom Dusgate saw the sides level going into the second half. Matt Micklewright then slotted past the visiting ‘keeper early in the second half and Saints had several chances to extend their lead, including a strong penalty shout, for a foul on Micklewright, which was waved away. But a late spell of pressure from the Robins meant that the Saints will have been happy to have heard the final whistle.

The battle for the Division Four title could go down to the wire. New signing Sean Finch scored twice in the first half for Waldon Athletic Reserves as they beat South Brent 2-1 at Windmill Hill, Jono Ellis pulling one back after the break. The Clarets are now just a point behind Bovey Tracey Reserves with a game in hand.

Mehmet Siren Guloglu’s hat-trick helped Newton Rovers Reserves to a 4-1 home win over bottom club Discoveries Devon. Guney Uven also scored for Rovers with Joshua Browring responding for the visitors.

Elburton Villa Reserves are a step closer to cup glory. © Derek Castree

Elburton Villa Reserves are into the last 16 of the George Belli Cup following a dramatic extra-time winner against Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division leaders Brixham AFC Reserves.

Elburton kicked off just as the skies cleared and the wind dropped, and the large crowd enjoyed an entertaining cup tie.

In a game reminiscent of their league win at Wall Park, the Plymouth side took a two goal lead through Sam Lang and Bayley Williams. Lang scored in the first minute, which got everybody’s attention, and the game was on. The first half action was end to end, with both teams threatening, but there were no further goals and the main talking point was a slide tackle and retaliation which led to a booking for either side.

Williams’ goal came right after the restart, Brixham losing possession from the kick-off. The away team then piled on the pressure, but wasted chance after chance until the 80^th minute, when an in-swinging corner eluded the Villa ‘keeper. He dropped the ball right at the feet of a Brixham player who tapped it home. As the game entered the 90^th minute, a Brixham winger broke away from the half-way line and put in a great cross for his team-mate to equalise and secure an extra 30 minutes.

Villa were then dealt another blow when the player booked in the first half was sent off for a second yellow card. But this spurred the home team on. As they launched a counter attack, substitute Scott Allen calmly put the ball past the out-coming ‘keeper to put his side 3-2 in front. Brixham pushed and pushed but couldn’t find a second equaliser, and it will be the home team in the hat for the next round. Incidentally, they meet again at Haye Road this week, in the league!

That game was one of only four that went ahead in the aftermath of Storm Eunice. Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police Reserves became the first team to make the Herald Cup quarter-finals as they put seven past Broadhempston United without reply. Zac Norton scored twice for the Bees with Peter Andrews, Jack Cousins, Sam Healey, Gary Munday and Benn Russell completing the rout.

Nathan De’Ath stepped off the bench to score twice for Newton Rovers as they enjoyed a 6-3 victory at Barton Athletic Reserves. The win lifts Rovers above Babbacombe Corinthians and into third place in Division Two, although there is a large gap between them and the breakaway top two. Rovers’ other goalscorers were Ben French, Adam Knight, Guney Uven and Nigel Vass.

It was a better outcome for Barton Athletic Thirds in Division Four, as they celebrated a 5-0 triumph over bottom club Discoveries Devon.

ALL OVER FOR ROVERS: SGT Police Reserves score four without reply against Newton Rovers to progress in the Lidstone Cup. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

The TCS South Devon Football League will have a team in the final of the A&S Paving Devon Intermediate Cup for the second season in succession. Waldon Athletic Reserves were drawn against fellow SDFL Division Four side Ivybridge Town Development in the semi-finals and will face off at Windmill Hill on 5th March with the winners playing either St Thomas Social Club or Starcross Dons in the final.

Last year, Brixham Town made the final of the same competition, but were narrowly beaten by Witheridge Reserves.

The league could also have representation in the Robert Williams Estate Agents Devon Senior Cup final with Kingsteignton Athletic drawn away to Topsham Town Reserves and Chudleigh Athletic hosting Teignmouth Reserves in the semi-finals of that competition, also to be played on March 5th.

Last Saturday was a great day for the Plymouth-based sides of the TCS SDFL Premier Division with Elburton Villa Reserves and The Windmill both pulling off important wins. Elburton came away from Salcombe Town with three points, Bayley Williams, Billy Tedder-Hart, Corbin Mackin and Sam Lang all making the score-sheet with Charlie Barnes and Lee Morgan responding for the Crabs.

The Windmill welcomed league leaders Brixham Town Reserves to Bull Point, and they made up for their defeat at Wall Park with a 2-0 victory. Windmill manager Lee France hailed the contest as the ‘game of the day.’ His side started strongly with Rhys Walton missing a big chance to put them ahead when he blazed his effort over from nine yards. Brixham then had a glorious chance to take the lead when Brennan Moore brought down Luke Manuell. Dan Rankin stepped up but his penalty was saved by The Windmill’s number one, Dan Cork. Four minutes later, the home side took the lead when Andrew Cromack beat his man on the left to deliver a ball to the back post where Sam Doyle was waiting to head home. Windmill upped the gears after the break and, 20 minutes from the end, Ashley Walker crossed for Rhys Walton to head their second.

Both Plymouth clubs have now won five league games in a row, with Villa now just two points behind Brixham with two games in hand over the Fishermen.

Between the two sit Buckfastleigh Rangers who are also two points off the top, with one game in hand. Rangers didn’t play in the league as they were in George Belli Cup action at Abbrook Park. In an eventful game, Lewis Cox, Ryan Lucassi and Josh Zimmerman each scored to help Rangers to a 3-2 triumph over hosts Watts Blake Bearne. WBB scored through Jamie Orchard and Billy Clinch but also saw Cianan Breen sent off.

Meadowbrook Athletic are comfortably through to the second round following a 10-2 win at Barton Athletic. Former Totnes and Dartington goalscorer Daniel Block bagged a hat-trick for Brook, with Liam Collings scoring twice and Adam Biggs, Thomas Comyn, Jack Johansen, Jacob Kneebone and Daniel Wood completing the rout. Ivybridge Town Reserves are also into the last 16 following Galmpton’s recent withdrawal.

East Allington United suffered a surprise home defeat in the league, going down 1-0 to Newton Abbot ’66, Callum Foskett with the decider. Pirates top scorer Finley Bullen was sent off in that game.

In Division One, substitute Alex Stevenson scored twice to help Upton Athletic to their first win of the season. Fellow sub Jordan Bastow, Marc McGregor and Andrew Walker also found the back of the net in a 5-1 result at Kingskerswell and Chelston. Having had nine points deducted, Upton still have a lot to do to avoid finishing bottom.

A Bradley Williams brace and another goal from Jack Eades saw title contenders Beesands Rovers edge a tight game at the Duckspond 3-2. Jay Barnard and Jerry Revell scored for Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves.

Following their county cup successes Kingsteignton Athletic and Chudleigh Athletic both pulled off away wins in the Dartmouth Cup. Mark Voisey and Tom Reeves scored two apiece for the Rams in a 4-0 victory at Harbertonford. Jordan Armstrong and Jack Morrison saw Chudleigh over the line in a closer affair at Windmill Hill, Josh Clarke scoring for Waldon Athletic as they bowed out 2-1.

There were some big home wins in the Lidstone Cup, with Paignton Villa Reserves putting eight past Dartmouth AFC Reserves with no reply, Ashley Beetschen with a hat-trick. Babbacombe Corinthians comfortably despatched Watcombe Wanderers Reserves 6-1 at Windmill Hill, while SGT Police Reserves won 4-0 at home to Newton Rovers.

The highly anticipated clash between the top two in Division Two, Ilsington Villa and Torquay Town, was abandoned in the second half with Villa leading 4-1 at the time.

Brendan Boddy added another two goals to his tally as Division Three leaders Brixham Town made it into the last 16 of the Ronald Cup, beating Paignton Saints Thirds 5-0 away. An extra time winner from Sam Ingham saw Totnes and Dartington Reserves dispatch hosts Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves.

Mehment Siren Guloglu scored a hat-trick for Newton Rovers Reserves at Watcombe Wanderers Thirds as his side won 6-1.

Daniel Trezise celebrated a hat-trick for Brixham Town Reserves as they beat Discoveries Devon 7-1 to strengthen their bid for a top three finish in Division Four.

Finally, Watts Blake Bearne Reserves will take the last quarter-final spot in the Fred Hewings Cup following Torquay Town Reserves’ withdrawal from the league.

CLASH OF THE THIRDS: Watcombe Thirds claimed the points with a 3-1 victory over Barton Athletic Thirds at Steps Cross. © Al Macphee/Miraclepr.com

The TCS South Devon Football League enjoyed a bumper weekend in the county cups with all four remaining teams making it through to their respective semi-finals.

In the Robert Williams Estate Agents Devon Senior Cup, goals from Chris Barnett and Kelsey Leech saw Kingsteignton Athletic through 2-1 against Newton St. Cyres. Chudleigh Athletic will join the Rams in the hat after they defeated Torrington Reserves 2-0 at Kate Brook, Joe Potter and Jordan Armstrong with the goals. Teignmouth Reserves and Topsham Town Reserves were the other quarter final winners.

The last SDFL team to lift the Senior Cup were Dartmouth in 2014, with Roselands the last team to make the final, losing out to Cronies FC in 2017.

Waldon Athletic Reserves put three past Falcons without reply to make the semi-final of the A&S Paving Devon Intermediate Cup. Wayne Bergin, Stephen Rohan and Adam Townsend found the net for the Clarets. It was a closer affair at Erme Park where Ivybridge Town Development edged out Bickleigh 3-2. Lewis Dickson scored twice for the Ivies with Matthew Goodwin also on target. St Thomas Social Club and Starcross Dons also made the final four.

The last South Devon Football League side to lift the Intermediate Cup were Roselands in 2015 although Brixham Town came close last season with a narrow loss to Witheridge Reserves in the final.

The top two both won in the TCSSDFL Premier Division. A second half winner from Mitch Thomas saw Brixham AFC edge a close game against Salcombe Town at Wall Park. The Fishermen have another tough game, away at the Windmill FC, on Saturday.

Steve Sutton scored twice for Buckfastleigh Rangers in a comfortable 4-1 victory over Ivybridge Town Reserves.

Things were going well for third-placed East Allington United away at Haye Road, as goals from Ben Bowhay and talisman Simon Hannaford put them two up against Elburton Villa Reserves. But Villa came storming back and were 3-2 up by the break. The Plymouth side carried on where they left off after the break, eventually running out 6-2 winners, a result which moves them above the Pirates into third place. Scott Allen scored twice for Villa with Jake Beer, Marley Cunningham, Corbin Mackin and Billy Tedder also finding the net. Elburton play Salcombe away in their next game.

Cameron Gill netted twice for Watts Blake Bearne as they won their first league game in three to climb back into the top six. Jamie Orchard also scored for The Claymen in a 3-0 triumph at Meadowbrook Athletic.

Newton Abbot ’66 ran riot at Osborne Park with Darren Fisher, Keran Fletcher and Joe Clark-Farley each bagging hat-tricks in a 12-0 mauling of Barton Athletic.

With Harbertonford unable to raise a side, Paignton Saints Reserves moved top of Division One with a home walkover win. The only other games in the Division saw Beesands Rovers beat Buckfastleigh Rangers 4-0, Jack Eades with a brace, and Paignton Villa enjoy a 3-0 victory away at Kingskerswell and Chelston.

Torquay Town and Ilsington Villa warmed up for Saturday’s big Division Two showdown at Lewthorne Cross with emphatic away wins. Connor Preston scored five times for Torquay Town and Simon Ross put away a hat-trick as Town demolished Watcombe Wanderers Reserves 11-0 at Long Lane.

Villa pulled off a 6-0 win away at Paignton Villa Reserves with Dan Langford scoring a hat-trick, keeping him top of the league goalscoring charts. There were goals all over the division with Barton Athletic Reserves and Newton Rovers scoring five in victories over Ipplepen Athletic Reserves and Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds respectively. East Allington United won 2-1 away at Dartmouth AFC Reserves, while Babbacombe Corinthians returned from SGT Police Reserves with the three points.

Unbeaten Brixham Town still lead the way in Division Three following a 2-0 win away at Liverton United Reserves. Brendan Boddy and Stuart Pointon scored the goals.

Two goals each from Ben Drinkwater and Matt Elmore helped second-placed Watts Blake Bearne Reserves to a 5-1 home win over Broadhempston United. They increase their lead over Newton Abbott ’66 Reserves to eight points after the Sixes lost out 2-1 at Totnes and Dartington Reserves. Teign Village closed the gap on the top three with an 8-1 home win over Bishopsteignton United, Mike Turner scoring three. Paignton Saints Thirds scored four without reply against visiting Kingsbridge and Kellaton United.

Christian Williams terrorised Torquay Town Reserves at Barton Cricket Club. The Chudleigh Athletic Thirds player scored seven of his side’s goals in a 10-2 thrashing.

It was a day of hat-tricks in Division Four. Bovey Tracey Reserves cemented their position at the top with a convincing 4-0 win at South Brent. Alistair Chuchuk bagging a hat-trick in that game. Brixham Town Reserves moved up to third, Daniel Trezise’s treble helping his side to a 5-0 triumph over Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves.

Gavin Lake earned Watcombe Wanderers Thirds the points at Barton Athletic Thirds with a ‘perfect’ hat-trick at Steps Cross. The game sprung to life in a frenetic end to the first half which saw three goals scored in three minutes. Lake slotted into the bottom left with his right foot to break the deadlock, on 43 minutes, after good build up play by Watcombe. A minute later, he got on the end of a cross to head the Greens two up. Despite desperate attempts to clear off the line, Barton then got a goal back on the stroke of half-time. Watcombe restored their cushion on 68 minutes, the rebound from Corey Price’s saved shot guided into the back of the net by Lake’s left boot.

Finally, Connor Charlesworth scored a hat-trick at Decoy Park as Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves defeated winless Discoveries Devon 4-1.

Getting Closer: Barton Athletic lost out 2-0 at home to Newton Abbot ’66, the closest yet to their first point of the season. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

There was another big upset in the Herald Cup last weekend with bottom tier side Bovey Tracey Reserves dispatching Premier Division outfit Galmpton United 2-0 on their return to the recently refurbished Mill Marsh Park.

After an even and entertaining first half, Bovey took the lead on the hour mark, Brad Rooney’s shot saved, but Ben Moyle putting away the rebound. It took just seven minutes for the Moorlanders to double their lead. Moyle released Alistair Chuchuk down the left and Bovey’s top scorer found Matt Churchill who sealed the win and set up a last 16 home tie against Paignton Saints Reserves from Division One.

“We’re absolutely over the moon,” said Bovey manager Sean Hawkins. “There’s a great feeling in the changing room – a really good atmosphere among the lads after a deserved result.

“We always believed that we could get a result if we put a performance in and work harder than the team that we face. It was just about coming in today and making sure we put in that performance out on the pitch.

“We stuck to the game plan really well. The lads were massively disciplined, the work ethic across the pitch to a man was sensational and the lads really stood up and showed what they can do today.

“It’s a fantastic club and a fantastic community that we’re a part of,” he added. “It’s great to put in a performance like we did today for that community, the people who dedicate their time to the club.

“Today was our first time on the new pitch and the first time here since the club have re-done the home changing room. The lads were really looking forward to it and they’ve done it justice.”

Sadly for Galmpton United, cup defeat was followed by league exit as the club made the decision to pull out of the SDFL.

The all-Premier Division clash at Bull Point saw The Windmill run out clear winners over Meadowbrook Athletic. Rhys Walton scored four of the hosts’ goals as they won 7-1, Andrew Crowmac, Steven Edwards and substitute Owen Grimes completing the rout. Liam Collings scored Brook’s consolation. The Windmill will face East Allington United at Poole Lane for a place in the quarter finals.

The tussle for top spot in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division saw Brixham AFC Reserves move above opponents Buckfastleigh Rangers with a 1-0 win at Wall Park. Mark Griffiths scored the decider in a hard fought game.

Salcombe Town increased the pressure on the top three with an impressive victory at Watts Blake Bearne. Ash Yeoman scored twice as the Crabs won 5-3, John Barrow, Lee Morgan and Ben Tapper also contributing goals. Elburton Villa Reserves climbed to fifth with a 3-0 triumph away at Ivybridge Town Reserves. Bayley Williams added another two goals to his tally with Marley Cunningham their other goalscorer.

Barton Athletic still seek their first point of the season after they went down 2-0 at home to Newton Abbot ’66, Joe Clark-Farley and Callum Foskett with the goals at Paignton Community College. The two sides face each other again this weekend at Osborne Park.

Kingsteignton Athletic were without a game last weekend, opening the door for Waldon Athletic to return to the top of Division One, courtesy of a home walkover against Ashburton, who were unable to raise a side.

A point behind the Clarets, and with two games in hand, are Paignton Saints Reserves who enjoyed a comprehensive 5-0 derby win over Paignton Villa at Coach Road. Jake Powell moved into top spot in the division’s top scorer list with a hat-trick. Sam Winstanley and Thomas Thorpe were also on target.

Two goals from Daniel Grute helped Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves into the quarter-finals of the Fred Hewings Cup, Rangers beating Newton Rovers Reserves 4-1 at the Duckspond. They will be the highest ranked team in the last eight.

Division Two team Paignton Villa Reserves automatically progressed, due to the withdrawal of Galmpton, while Ryan Thompson’s brace helped Division Three side Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves knock out Waldon Athletic Reserves from Division Four.

Brixham Town Reserves, from Division Four, celebrated something of an upset with a

4-1 win against Division Two side East Allington United Reserves. The two all Division Four clashes went the way of the visitors. Craig Brenton scored four goals for Ivybridge Town Development as they won 7-1 at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves. Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves are also through as they enjoyed a 4-0 victory at Watcombe Wanderers Thirds. The last remaining quarter final place will go to either Torquay Town Reserves or Watts Blake Bearne Reserves who play each other on 12th February.

Unbeaten Torquay Town and Ilsington Villa are still going strong at the top of Division Two. Town won 3-0 away to Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds while Villa won 4-0 over SGT Police Reserves, Dan Langford and Matt Warman with two goals apiece.

Brixham Town extended their lead at the top of Division Three with a 2-1 win away at Totnes and Dartington Reserves, and in the only league game in Division Four, South Brent won 5-0 at Discoveries Devon to move up to third place. They host Herald Cup heroes and division leaders Bovey Reserves on Saturday.

No Quarter: Division Two leaders Torquay Town dispatched Division One side Paignton Villa from the Herald Cup. © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Ilsington Villa and Newton Rovers delivered the biggest Herald Cup upsets last Saturday, the Division Two sides both dumping out Premier Division opponents to make the last 16.

Villa were entertaining Salcombe Town and raced into a two goal lead, courtesy of goals from top scorer Dan Langford and Jack Dixon. The Crabs responded well and were back on level terms by the break, Lee Morgan and Samuel Inch on target. With no goals in the second half, the game went into extra time. Matt Warman then sent the third tier side through, slipping in between the Salcombe centre half and goalkeeper to score the winner.

Newton Rovers’ win was even sweeter as they were hosting local rivals Newton Abbot ’66. Ben French scored the only goal of the game to set up a Third Round tie at Brixham AFC Reserves.

Brixham conceded four the last time they hosted fellow Premier Division side Elburton Villa Reserves, but there was to be no repeat of that seven goal thriller in the cup. The Fishermen kept a clean sheet and scored three times to progress.

League leaders Buckfastleigh Rangers knocked out Division One side Chudleigh Athletic Reserves at the Duckspond. Charlie Morgan, Curtis Wood and Josh Zimmerman each found the net in a 3-1 victory, with Matthew Williams responding for Chudleigh. Rangers will travel to Broadpark in the last 16 to face current Division One leaders Kingsteignton Athletic. Mark Voisey and Chris Barnett were among the goals as the Rams defeated Division Three outfit Totnes and Dartington Reserves 4-2, Jake Osman and Scott Troth with Tots’ goals.

Finley Bullen put away a hat-trick as East Allington put Upton Athletic to the sword at Armada Park. Josh Pascoe scored twice, Upton put through their own net and there were singles from Mattias Bodman, Fred Massey, Josef Sita and Rob Tapper as the Pirates won 10-0. Their next round opponents will be either The Windmill or Meadowbrook Athletic who face off in an all-Premier battle this Saturday.

Watts Blake Bearne also scored ten as the Claymen dispatched Division Three opponents Bishopsteignton United 10-1 at Abbrook Park. Cam Gill led the scoring with four goals, and he was joined on the score-sheet by Sam Stowell, who scored twice, Matt Battishill, Cianan Breen, Billy Clinch and Mike Tapper. Wattsies have been drawn away to Harbertonford in the Third Round.

Daniel Ahearn was the cup hero for Ivybridge Town Reserves as they successfully negotiated a tricky tie away at Division One side Waldon Athletic. Ahearn scored the only goal of the game to set up another away tie at Division Two leaders Torquay Town.

That will please Torquay’s Matt Waye who was eager for his team to be drawn against ‘one of the big boys’ after his headed goal clinched the victory against Paignton Villa.

Town took the lead in the tenth minute, Curtis Booth curling in a powerful shot at the near post. But Villa deservedly went in level at the break, Joe Windsor tapping home the rebound after Scott Corderoy had saved Graham Mercieca’s low drive.

“We were a bit lethargic first half, and we just weren’t competitive enough,” admitted Waye. “We had a word at half time and said we needed to be a yard quicker. The lads did it. I’ll take my hat off to them, they put a shift in.”

Torquay started the second half on the front foot and should have taken the lead ten minutes in, one of their players missing an empty net by heading over the bar. Corderoy was then forced to claw the ball away from under his crossbar before Town took the lead again. Liam Ford’s pinpoint cross unlocked the Villa defence and up rose Waye to head home.

“It was a stretch to get to the ball before the goalkeeper,” laughed Waye. “I’m 45 this year and have been playing local football since I was 16. I’m still enjoying it, and can still compete with the younger lads.

“We’re just a bunch of old lads who want to enjoy our football. We got back together this year and are doing really well.”

With 20 minutes left to play, the game was far from over, and the spectators were treated to some entertaining football. But when Villa wasted a gilt-edged chance to equalise with four minutes remaining, the writing was on the wall.

“I think we played the better football,” said Waye. “They had a couple of chances, nothing major, but we should have scored a couple more I think. We’ll have a few beers tonight and enjoy it. We’ll play anybody next. Nobody wants to lose to us, that’s the biggest thing. We’re looking forward to it.”

Villa will be hoping to bounce back quickly as they face rivals Paignton Saints Reserves in the league this week. Saints returned from Teign Village triumphant on Saturday, Brandon Kelly, Jake Powell and Danny Rainbow on target in a 3-1 win; Mike Turner scored the Quarrymen’s consolation. Saints have been drawn away to the winners of this Saturday’s tie between Galmpton United and Bovey Tracey Reserves.

Familiar foes Ilsington Villa and Babbacombe Corinthians will lock horns again in the Third Round. Corries enjoyed a 7-2 win over Ipplepen Athletic Reserves with Harry Denby scoring a hat-trick and Alex Chamberlain, Tom Coulson, Curtis Marshall and Daniel Orchard also finding the net.

There was also a hat-trick for Jack Cousins as Division Two side Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police Development secured a 4-2 win at South Brent from Division Four. Mark Newman also notched for the Bees with Will Poundall and Jamie Soper on target for Brent.

The guaranteed Division Three spot went to Broadhempston United who picked up their first win of the season away at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United. Sam Caunter and Aaron West celebrated goals for the Robins.

There was just the one TCS SDFL Premier Division game. Marc Hagland and Callum Nightingale scored for Galmpton in a 2-2 home draw against Meadowbrook. Adam Biggs and Liam Collings scored for Brook.

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.

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.