UPTON ON THE UP? With a new manager and influx of players, Upton Athletic look for a strong finish to the season. However, Buckfastleigh won the points in this game. © Al Macphee/Miracle PR

Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Division Two side Ilsington Villa have made their first Herald Cup semi-final in over 40 years, knocking out league leaders Brixham AFC Reserves in a seven goal thriller at Lewthorne Cross.

Two goals from Matthew Warman, and a single from Jack Beer gave the home side a comfortable lead, but the Fishermen fought back to 3-2 with two penalty kicks. A stunning free-kick from Jack Langford restored Villa their cushion, and that ended up being the winner as Brixham pulled another late goal back.

Ilsington will face 2019 runners-up Kingsteignton Athletic in the semi-final. The Rams, who play in Division One, made the most of their first half chances to dispatch Premier Division hosts Watts Blake Bearne. Sam Barnes gave Kingsteignton the lead with a free-kick, and when another Barnes’ free-kick was saved, Mark Voisey gobbled up the rebound to double their advantage. Kingsteignton then missed one penalty before putting away another, Barnes the goalscorer again. WBB were much improved after the break, but by that time the damage had been done, and Athletic ran out 3-0 winners.

The Windmill, playing their first ever Herald Cup quarter-final, ended Torquay Town’s impressive run with a 3-1 victory at Bull Point. Carlton Allen, Ben Woodman and substitute Steven Edwards scored for the Premier Division side, with Kye Graham finding the net for Town, who play in Division Two.

Their semi-final opponents will also be from Division Two with SGT Police Reserves beating Division One title favourites Paignton Saints Reserves 1-0 at the Hive.

There were also a handful of divisional cup quarter-finals settled last Saturday. Ivybridge Town Reserves scored two without reply against title-chasing Buckfastleigh Rangers in the George Belli (Premier Division) Cup.

Barton Athletic Reserves’ Neil Thomas scored a hat-trick in an eventful Lidstone (Division Two) Cup game at Chuley Road which saw Barton overcome Newton Abbot Spurs Third 6-5 after extra-time.

Another high-scoring match saw Totnes and Dartington progress to the semi-finals of the Ronald (Division Three) cup, following a 5-3 win at Chudleigh Athletic Thirds. That game saw eight different goalscorers with Billy Bartlett, Jordan Baxter, Ciaran Finn-Looby, Sam Ingham and Bradley Spriggs on target for Tots, and Henry Stubbs, Oliver Williams and Jack Wills netting for Chudleigh.

Bovey Tracey Reserves are still eyeing a league and cup double as they ran out 8-1 victors at Newton Rovers Reserves in the Les Bishop (Division Four) Cup. Alistair Chuchuk put away a hat-trick.

Elburton Villa Reserves picked up a vital three points away to Newton Abbot ’66 in the Premier Division. Lewis Guest scored both of Villa’s goals in a 2-1 triumph, the referee over-ruling a linesman’s flag to award the winner. Villa are now just a point behind leaders Brixham Reserves with five games remaining for both teams. Buckfastleigh are a further point behind, but have a game in hand.

East Allington United still have an outside chance of the title. Finn Bullen scored five as the Pirates demolished Barton Athletic 13-1. Barton have one more game, against Ivybridge Reserves, to get that elusive first point.

Waldon Athletic will need unbeaten Paignton Saints Reserves to slip up if they are to retain top spot in Division One. The Clarets strengthened their position last Saturday with a 2-1 home win over Beesands Rovers. Harrison Arnold and Lewis Eaton put them two up before Jack Eades pulled one back for the Bees.

Upton Athletic and Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves fought out a goalless first half at Armada Park, with Rangers having the best chances but Upton defending well. Charlie Rowe and Samuel Lamburn missed one-on-ones to put Athletic in front and were to rue those missed opportunities, George Davidson and Brett Easterbrook delivering second half goals for Rangers.

Paignton Villa ran riot at South Devon College, beating Harbertonford 13-2. Jamie Ford and Richard Malone both scored hat-tricks for Villa. Jack Morrison added another two goals to his tally as Chudleigh Athletic won 5-1 at home to Kingskerswell and Chelston.

Babbacombe Corinthians look set to claim third place in Division Two after an 8-1 thumping of Watcombe Wanderers Reserves at Windmill Hill. Curtis Marshall bagged a hat-trick with Ben Nickells scoring twice.

Dartmouth AFC Reserves and East Allington United Reserves climbed away from danger with big away win. Darts beat Paignton Villa Reserves 6-3 at Whiterock courtesy of braces from Facal Benaziza, Robbie Chalk and Alistair Selby. There were also doubles from Chris Jebb and Lee Prestage as East Allington won 6-1 at Ipplepen Athletic Reserves.

The Division Three title race is now officially a two-horse race following leaders Brixham Town’s 2-1 home win over third-placed Teign Village, Seve Sanders and Shane Pike scoring. Only Watts Blake Bearne Reserves can pip Town to the post, but they have the games to do it, including an upcoming head-to-head at Abbrook Park. Ben Drinkwater, Danny Harry and Luke Pellowe struck for WBB in a 3-0 win at Broadhempston United.

Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves celebrated their first win since January, beating Bishopsteignton United 5-1 away.

Division Four looks like going to the wire. Stephen Rohan scored twice as Waldon Athletic Reserves beat Watcombe Wanderers 4-1 away to reclaim top spot from Bovey Reserves. Ivybridge Town Development enjoyed a narrow 4-3 victory at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves, Matthew Goodwin with two goals, and South Brent scored two without reply at Barton Athletic Thirds as they seek a top three finish.

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.