TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. HERALD CUP FINAL REPORT 2nd MAY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Man of the Match, Waldon’s Kyle Doughty, contributed by SDFL

The 100^th anniversary of the playing of the Herald Cup competition took place on Friday 2^nd May at Newton Abbot Recreational Trust which for many years had become the traditional home for the playing of the final on Good Friday. The playing of this game over the Easter period changed when the South Devon based teams that were playing in the football pyramid were fixtured to play over the Easter weekend, effectively putting the pitches out of bounds to grassroots finals. As a result, the South Devon Football League Cups Committee have had to put the playing of the Herald Cup Final further into the back end of the season. The other hurdle the committee are faced with is that most of the pyramid clubs only have a short window of opportunity for pitch maintenance which affects the availability of these grounds for South Devon League Cup finals.

Therefore, the SDFL are extremely grateful to Newton Abbot Spurs for offering their facilities to host some of the league’s prestigious end of season fixtures. The league have also apologised and ordered a reprint of the programs for the teams and officials as there was a printing error in the ones available at the game.

Kingsteignton Athletic 0 – 2 Waldon Athletic

What an evening at the Rec in a Herald Cup Final to remember. In a game that had everything you would expect from the jewel in the South Devon League crown. Over 500 spectators, 2 goals, a missed penalty, 2 red cards, 6 yellows and a partisan crowd that turned out to be Waldon Athletic’s 12^th man in their moment of need.

It was also a game of two halves, and the first period belonged to Waldon Athletic who peppered the Kingsteignton goal, but Ellis Rattue was equal to what came his way. Jacob Knapman had a couple of early chances and was a real threat in front of goal and was looking the most likely for the Torquay team. The spectators only had to wait 17 minutes for him to receive the ball on the edge of the box and a powerful shot was parried by the Kingsteignton ‘keeper, and the Rams defence seem to stand still whilst Knapman followed up and thrashed the ball into the goal to give Waldon the lead.

The game continued to be end to end with the Torquay side having the best chances; Knapman went close again in the 23^rd minute and you felt a second goal now would give Kingsteignton a mountain to climb but it never came. The next big talking point was in the 40^th minute when a Waldon defender put in a poor challenge on Kelsey Leech inside the penalty box, and the referee did not hesitate in pointing to the spot giving Kingsteignton an opportunity to level the score. The same player got up, grabbed the ball as it was his penalty and then put it over the bar.

The crowd had hardly settled down from the penalty miss when two players went for a high ball and the Kingsteignton player went to ground holding his head; as the referee had stopped play for the injury, he spoke to his assistant and they agreed that it was dangerous play by the Waldon player Ashley Grimes who was shown the first red card of the game.

Half Time: Kingsteignton Athletic 0 – 1 Waldon Athletic.

As you would expect, the second half started with the Rams on the front foot, and it was them who were peppering the Waldon goal, but Kyle Doughty, who would go on to win the man of the match award from Torbay Clearance Services, was in very good form. Then, just 7 minutes into the second half, a simple challenge for the ball turned into a moment of madness for Waldon midfielder Liam McKendrick who received a red card for violent conduct and the Torquay side were down to 9 players, and all Kingsteignton needed was a goal and they would go on to lift the trophy. But up stepped the 12^th man – or was it now the 10^th? The support for Waldon was fantastic, and whilst they had some wobble moments, manager Steve Breed made some changes and brought on fresh legs and they settled in to playing with just the nine; one of those changes was the introduction of South Devon League stalwart Sean Finch who seemed to give the battlehardy a lift, and the game changed in the 71^st minute when a rare Waldon attack resulted in a poor challenge inside the box and the referee awarded his second penalty of the evening. Waldon’s Jacob Knapman already knew where the goal was and he stepped forward to slot home his second goal and put the Waldon supporters in dreamland with 19 minutes left to play.

At this point, it was all or nothing for Kingsteignton who did everything but score; but next up on the list of moments that excited the crowd was when Waldon’s Louie Roberts received the ball in the centre circle and, having no team mate in front of him to pass it to, turned and lobbed the ‘keeper from 40 yards only to see the ball bounce just over the bar; what a goal that would have been; then Sean Finch seemed to have the ball passed to him by the Rams ‘keeper and he had a great shot palmed over the bar from the edge of the penalty box. As we entered the final stages, the experienced Finch was able to slow the game and there were a number of times when he and the ball were in the corner of the pitch.

The referee blew the final whistle and you could feel what this cup win meant to the Waldon Athletic group who were not perfect on the night, but fair play to them they were the better team, even with 9 players, and they were deserved winners of the 24/25 Herald Cup. Well done to them.

Final Score: Kingsteignton Athletic 0 – 2 Waldon Athletic.

THIS IS THE WAY: Teignmouth side Templer Way made their Saturday football debut. Photo contributed by SDFL.

On the first weekend of the South Devon League season, we saw 100 goals being scored; on the second week, we saw 176 goals being scored. The big hitters this week were Watts Blake Bearne who put 13 goals past Brixham AFC in Division 1, and in Division 3, Drake FC scored the same number against Paignton Saints Thirds.

The other standout result was in Division 3, where Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds scored 11 goals for the second week in a row; I wonder if they could do it for a third week; now that would be something !!

It was business as usual for the Premier Division champions as Ilsington Villa got their season off to a winning start; a Jack Langford hat-trick ensured the points for the Moorlanders and sets them on their way to retaining the title against Kingsteignton Athletic. Waldon Athletic continued their good start to the season with a 2 – 1 win at Beesands Rovers who have lost their opening two games by the same scoreline; there was better news for Premier new boys Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves who got their first points of the season with a 4-nil victory at Buckfastleigh Rangers which is never an easy place to go. One of the other promoted teams Totnes and Dartington have maximum points from their first two games; a 2 – 1 home win versus East Allington United just shows there is little to choose between the top two divisions.

Two weeks into the season and only four teams in Division One have maximum points; last week’s big hitters Plymouth Phoenix did not have it their own way in the home game against Ivybridge Town; goals from Ben Woodman and Jamie Grinrod were just enough to scrape a 2 – 1 win which suggests they may not run away with this division as some thought, but it will take a good performance to beat them. Plymouth True Blues won 5 – 1 for the second week running; goals from William Stringer, Micheal Storey, Sam Cooper and Mick Storey eased them past a young Buckland Athletic Reserves team. Brixham Town had a good result in their opening game: a 3-nil win at Watcombe Wanderers Firsts sets them on their way to go one better this season. Bovey Tracey Reserves complete the foursome on maximum points; a comfortable 4-nil win versus Paignton Villa, thanks to goals from Alistair Chuchuk, Oliver Cliff-Bourne and Ben Moyle, who was a real pain in the Paignton Villa defence all afternoon, keeps them on track. The Windmill managed to put their points on the board with a 6 – 1 win at Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds; Louis Green was on target for Spurs, but the Plymouth Team, who were hurting after their defeat on opening day, proved too strong on the day. The big scorers of the day were WBB who put 13 goals past a very young Brixham AFC Reserves team who conceded 11 last week; there were hat-tricks for Micheal Turner and Kyle Gurney, doubles for Sam Stowell and Sam Pearce with singles for Sam Bannister, Ryan Clark and Jamie Orchard, so points on the board for Wattsies and a lot of confidence moving forward.

Incredibly in Division Two, only three teams have maximum points after two weeks which suggests a good competition. Mount Gould finally got a game under their hats in the Torbay Clearance Services League after last weeks disappointment, and it was not a happy journey for Newton Rovers who conceded 8 goals; a Joe Jasper hat-trick and a double from Sam Tattersall assisted with singles from Dan Harris, Joshua Bance, Matt Hill and Arron Spear secured the points and, as expected, they look the team to beat in this division. Barton Athletic also have 6 points from two games; a 4 – 1 win at Coach Road against Paignton Saints Seconds, thanks to goals from Connor Adamson, James Thomas, Liam Walton and Oakley Hunt who also saw yellow in the first minute of the game. In fact, it was not a good weekend for the three Saints teams who between them conceded 26 goals, now that must be a first and hopefully a last. Harbertonford complete the threesome of unbeaten teams in Division Two; a fine 3 – 1 victory over Upton Athletic, thanks to goals from Sam Fenegan, Alan Hamlett and Luke Collens, gives the Fords an opening day win which will be well received by their supporters. Liverton United, Paignton Villa Seconds and Watcombe Wanderers Seconds all put points on the board with a first win, and the latter with a 10-nil home win versus Ipplepen Athletic Seconds.

In Division Three, the top four teams were all promoted from Division Four, and it looks like they are going to battle it out in this division. Kingsteinton Athletic Seconds scored 11 goals for the second week; this week Brixham Town Seconds were the victims of hat-tricks from Billy Bristow and Mark Prowse and singles from Finlay Lumgar, Raymond Lawal, Jack Lee and Louis Dickenson rolling back the years; Drake FC went two better in scoring 13 goals against Paignton Saints Thirds; Louis George was on target five times, and Ashley Walker scored a hat-trick before getting his name in the referee’s notebook. Elburton Villa Thirds were also high scorers; just the twelve goals at South Brent keeps them on maximum points, not bad for an under 18 team from last year’s county youth league. The final team in this division yet to slip up are Liverton Unite Seconds; a 5-nil win at Waldon Athletic Seconds, thanks to goals from Shane Essam and Oliver West – 2 each – and Matt Way secured the points for Livvy.

Division Four this week was all about the new teams making their SDFL debuts. Whilst Kingskerswell have not played in the competition for two years since disbanding the adult section of the club, chairman Paul Edwards felt the time was right, and the players and manager were in place to give adult football another go. Well, after finding out their clubhouse had been double-booked for Saturday, they acted quickly and secured the all-weather pitch at South Devon College to get the game on, and as they say, it all worked out well in the end. A 5 – 1 win against Watcombe Wanderers Thirds gets them up and running and looking forward to their next outing at Loddiswell on 14^th September to face Kingsbridge and Kellaton United. The other team are not only making their SDFL debut but playing their first game in Saturday football. Templer Way FC have switched from the Exeter Sunday league to see how competitive they can be in the Saturday game; once again, it all ended up well in the end, a 4 – 3 home win at Michaels Field against an experienced Teign Village side who got off to a winning start last week has put the first points on the board for the newbies; Chris Bennett was the star of the show with a Saturday hat-trick, and there was a single strike from Jamie Bowen; the team were also able to use four substitutes to get them over the line and are looking forward to a trip to town on the 14^th September to face Newton Rovers Seconds at Bakers Park. Both Broadhempston United and Newton Rovers Seconds remain with maximum points after two games, so the game at Bakers Park will have more than just 3 points riding on it.

Games to catch on Saturday 14^th September:

In the Premier Division, Paignton Saints lock horns with their former Devon League rivals Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds at Coach Road, and just two weeks after winning 2 – 1 at Beesands on the opening day, Totnes and Dartington host the South Hams team at Dartington in the return fixture. Also in the top division, Buckfastleigh Rangers host East Allington United. There is a local derby at Barton Downs where Barton Athletic welcome Upton Athletic, and Kingsteignton Athletic are at home to Ashburton at Broadpark; both teams have had good starts to the season.

A number of South Devon League games have been postponed to give way to the County Cups, and a couple of games stand out: Bovey Tracey Reserves face Division One rivals Windmill FC and, just down the road, Liverton face East Budleigh from the Exeter league; these two KO at 2pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TOP FOR NOW: Liverton United Reserves wrapped up their season in Division Four with a comfortable 6–1 win against Chudleigh Athletic Reserves. Photo contributed by SDFL.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 18th MAY, report by Alastair Muirden

With only 2 Saturdays remaining in the South Devon League football season, most clubs are now cranking through their remaining games on a school night; this, of course, allows clubs to use all resources available to them.

On Tuesday in the Premier Division, Waldon Athletic, who are going for a top five finish, completed their fixtures with a 3 – 2 win over the season’s Herald Cup winners Newton Abbot ’66; goals from Cole Feasby, Louis Roberts and Frank Major round off a good season for the Torquay side. In the race for the runners-up spot, Morley Rangers slipped up at home to Beesands Rovers by 3 goals to 2; this result will be of interest to Buckfastleigh Rangers and Kingsteignton Athletic who are taking it to the wire. Also in the Premier Division, champions Ilsington Villa got back to winning ways after their Herald Cup final disappointment with a 3 – 2 win against in form Elburton Villa Reserves.

Division One has been a fantastic competition this season, and the 2 teams that moved leagues last year from the Devon Football League have been made to work in this competition; but things are looking as if they may both clinch a promotion berth. But as they say, no fat ladies are singing just yet. Totnes and Dartington closed off their season with a 2 – 1 win versus relegated Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves, a result which returns them to the top, and they will have to wait and see for the other results. James Blackshaw and Jack Whitby were on target for Totnes. Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves are now 5 points off second place with 2 games in hand following an 8 – 2 victory against Paignton Villa; that man Callum Noyce was at it again: another hat-trick and his introduction into the club’s reserve team will have an impact on the outcome of this division. Brixham Town have secured a top five place, and their 2 – 1 win at Buckland Athletic Reserves rounds off a great first season in Division One.

Three games in Division Three that affect the top teams: Watcombe Wanderers and Ashburton had a bore draw meaning that the Greens can win the title with a win at Teign Village on Saturday. Elsewhere, Liverton United move into third place with a 2 – 1 win at rivals South Brent – both of these teams can finish second – and hot on their heels, and another club using resources available to them, in an attempt to get fourth place, Stoke Gabriel TP were able to call on Saul Vanes who scored a hat-trick in a 7 – 3 win over promotion hopefuls Totnes and Dartington Reserves who were disappointed that he has now decided to play recreational football. Totnes have now lost their last 2 games which has effectively taken them out of the promotion race.

At the top of Division Four, Liverton United Reseves have moved 9 points clear of Elburton Villa Thirds, who have 4 games in hand, thanks to a 10 – 1 demolition at Watcombe Wanderers Thirds.

On Wednesday in the Premier Division, Buckfastleigh Rangers wrapped up their season by going 7 points clear into second place with a 3 – 1 win over East Allington United courtesy of goals from Tom Moody and Charlie Morgan (2). Only Morley Rangers or Kingsteignton Athletic can pinch the runners-up spot from the Greens, whilst East Allington United will no doubt have a few discussions about how far short of expectations they fell from their normal top half finish.

In Division One, Ivybridge Town Reserves won their penultimate game with an unconvincing 2 – 1 win over Babbacombe Corries; it puts them into second place, 5 points ahead of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves who have 3 games in hand; the two meet next week in a must-win game for Ivybridge (details below). As for Corries, they have one game left to secure a point to stay in Division One, and that is on 25^th May against Newton Abbot Spurs who could claim the title if they win and other results go their way before then. Watch this space.

One interesting result on Thursday in Division Two was the 3 – 2 victory for Paignton Saints Reserves at Bovey Tracey Reserves; a Keiron Sweet hat-trick not only secured third place in the league for Saints, it inflicted the first defeat of the season for the Moorlanders who, at full-time, were asking each other what just happened. Whilst falling 1 point short of the runners-up spot, Saints must be delighted with winning two cups and a top 3 space following relegation last season.

The big game of the week was on Friday at Dartington Hall, where regular cup finalists and Herald Cup holders Newton Abbot ’66 took on an in form Elburton Villa Reserves team looking for their first silverware since switching from the Plymouth league to the South Devon League. ’66 knew it would be a noisy affair when the 53-seater supporters’ coach arrived, and they did not disappoint with their support before, during and after the game. The game itself could have gone either way, and the referee had a busy night with 8 yellow cards, 4 of which were shown to each of the Elburton Villa defenders, which tells its own story. By the time that the Plymouth team had taken the lead, in the 28^th minute through Marley Cunningham, ’66 could have been two goals to the good, but it appeared that last weeks hero had left his first choice of boots at home. The game continued to be scrappy with lots of breaks in play, but once again ’66 always looked as if they could get back into the game, and 2 minutes before the break, Ashley Dove was on the end of a rebound which he struck into the top of the Elburton net. The Newton Abbot team appeared to be getting on top and were looking the more likely to get the second goal, and they had a big penalty shout waved away by the referee when the Elburton goalkeeper appeared to have flattened Tom Lowe inside the box. This decision clearly affected the ’66 players’ concentration and the yellow cards accompanied those frustrations for foul tackles. The game looked destined for extra-time and possibly penalties but as ’66 pushed forward for one last chance to get the winner, they left themselves short at the back, and with 5 minutes left on the clock, Elburton Villa counter-attacked and Cody Jones found himself with a one-on-one with the ’66 keeper and cooly slotted home to take the George Belli Cup back to Plymouth.

Saturday’s league games that affect promotion and relegation:

In the Premier Division, Morley Rangers had a great 5 – 3 win at Kingsteignton Athletic with goals from Corbin and Milo Mackin, Dean Jenkins and Micheal Burke to keep their hopes of the runners-up spot, but they need to win their last 2 games. Kingsteignton can also still get second place if they win their last 3 games and score 12 goals.

Division One will go to the wire. With Saints and Spurs on county cup duty, there were no other movements at either end of the table, but if they both win their mid-week games, they will move into the top two places and claim promotion. The big game is on Thursday when Spurs host Ivybridge Town Reserves, where a win for them would put them top and Saints would need to win their last game to overtake them. All five teams at the top of this division are to be congratulated for making this season one of the most competitive the league has ever seen at this level.

The placings in Division Two are sorted, but Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds must wait to find out if the reserve team can get first or second place in Division One to enable them to progress into that division, and a big credit to the club for being able to run 3 successful teams.

Division Three will also go to the wire; title favourites Watcombe Wanderers seconds will have to wait another week despite a 4 – 2 win at Teign Village thanks to goals from Mike Fieldhouse, Kye Graham and Jamie Macintyre, and that is because Ashburton won at home to Kingsbridge and Kellaton by the same scoreline and Liverton beat Newton Abbot ’66 Reseves by 3 goals to one. All three of these teams can get promoted, but Watcombe need a point from 2 games to win the divisional title. At the bottom, Teign Village must win their final game of the season at Ashburton to stay in this division and send Paignton Saints Thirds into Division Four.

The top two places in Division Four are now between 2 teams: Liverton United Reserves wrapped up their season with a comfortable 6 – 1 win against a Chudleigh Reserves team that finished the game with 10 players. Jamie Chamberlain scored 4 times and Stephen Rohan got 2; that puts Livvy on top for now. Elburton Villa Thirds are 9 points behind but have 4 games to play after their 10 goals to 2 demolition of Broadhempston United. Drake FC, who led this league all season, only have 2 games left so will probably have to settle for third place.

A massive week in the South Devon League coming up, don’t miss these games:

Games to catch this week in the South Devon League:

Tuesday 21^st May, 7pm: Kingsteignton Athletic v Ilsington Villa. A classic Premier league game.

Thursday 23^rd May, 6.30 pm: Division Three Ronald Cup Final at Liverton United. Stoke Gabriel TP V Watcombe Wanderers Seconds.

Thursday 23^rd May, 6.30 pm: Division One promotion decider. Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves v Ivybridge Town Reserves.

Friday 24^th May, 7 pm: Division One Dartmouth Cup Final at Stoke Gabriel. Paignton Villa v Buckland Athletic Reserves.

Enjoy your football in the penultimate week.

ONE FOR THE CAMERAS: A Paignton Villa Reserves player attempts the spectacular in their 1-0 home loss to East Allington United Reserves. Al Macphee/MiraclePR

The long-awaited Herald Cup quarter-final derby between Newton Abbot ’66 and Watts Blake Bearne finally took place at Abbrook Park on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Liam Ashwell and Joe Clark-Farley getting the Sixes over the line in a bruising encounter.

Kingsteignton Athletic are two wins away from the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division title following their 5-1 win over bottom club Paignton Saints Reserves at Coach Road. Dan Rankin and skipper Jason Jones scored two apiece with Stephen Payne also on target for the Rams. Tom Hanley scored the Saints’ consolation.

Upheaval in Group A of the Belli (Premier Division) Cup, due to several rule breaches, has seen holders East Allington confirmed through to the semi-finals and a four way battle for the remaining place. Saturday’s action was all in Group B though. Buckfastleigh Rangers ended Elburton Villa Reserves’ hopes with a convincing 6-1 victory at the Duckspond. Tom Moody scored twice for the hosts and was joined on the score-sheet by Steve Sutton, Charlie Morgan, Luke Brown and George Davidson. Sam Lang was on target for Villa. Alfie Luscombe doubled up for Chudleigh Athletic in their 4-1 win over Waldon Athletic, but victory has come too late for qualification. Gavin Hammon and Aiden Brown also weighed in with goals for the hosts, while Joseph McFarlane scored for Waldon.

Goals from Jack Eades and Adam Winkworth helped put Beesands Rovers on the brink of the Division One title as the Bees won 2-0 at home to Harbertonford. Rovers just need one more win in their last three games to seal the championship, but Morley Rangers and Ilsington Villa are not out of contention yet. Rangers kept up the pressure with a 4-0 home win over Paignton Villa, Dalton Brammer with a hat-trick and Corbin Mackin also finding the net.

Upton Athletic won Group A of the Dartmouth (Division One) Cup despite losing out 2-0 at Torquay Town. Babbacombe Corinthians kept their qualification hopes alive with victory over Ilsington Villa in Group B. A Curtis Marshall brace and Ryan Mellish goal helped Corries to a narrow 3-2 victory, Jack Langford and Jack Dixon on target for Villa. Babbacombe still have to win at Beesands Rovers in their final game to have any chance of squeezing into the top two.

Brixham Town lead a tight race for the qualification places in Group A of the Lidstone (Division Two) Cup following their 2-1 win at Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds. Ben Rowe, Jack Johansen and Zach Norton struck for Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook in a narrow 3-2 win over SGT Police Reserves, securing their place, alongside Watcombe Wanderers, in the semi-finals. There was nothing to play for but pride at South Devon Sports Centre, home of Paignton Villa Reserves, where a first half Rob Hutchings strike proved enough for East Allington United Reserves to clinch the win.

Hat-tricks from both Shane Essam and Adam Townsend saw Waldon Athletic Reserves book their place in the semi-finals of the Ronald Cup with a game to spare, the Clarets banging in six second half-goals in an 8-2 triumph at Chudleigh Athletic Reserves. Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves are almost through following their 3-1 win over Ipplepen Athletic Reserves in the other Group B game.

The winner takes all Group B Les Bishop (Division Four) clash between Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves and Liverton United went Liverton’s way after a seven-goal thriller at Windmill Hill, Joshua Passmore-Tarpey with the second half winner. Broadhempston United claimed the second qualification spot in Group A with a 4-1 win away at Newton Rovers Reserves, Andrew Muller with two goals for the Robins.

South Brent’s 2-1 win at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves keeps them in the mix for the Division Four title.

FEELING BULLISH: Finley Bullen, Finn Bullingham and Ben Tapper secure a 3-2 win for East Allington. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

East Allington United are through to the semi-finals of the Herald Cup as Ben Tapper’s late header saw off the challenge of hosts SGT Police Reserves under the Tuesday night lights at the Kia Speedwell.

The hosts recovered from an early Finn Bullingham goal to go into the break 2-1 up. Oakley Hunt scored both goals, the first an opportunistic finish after a Pirates defensive mix-up, the second an elegantly curled finish. But East Allington moved up the gears in the second half and deservedly equalised when a superb one-two and low cross was dispatched by Finn Bullen. Tapper then headed home a free-kick to see East Allington through.

More details and photos to follow…

Photographs ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

A stunning Gavin Hammon chip from the centre spot saw Chudleigh Athletic cement a 4-2 win at fellow Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division strugglers Paignton Saints, in an entertaining tie at South Devon Sports Centre

The persistent rain relented on Saturday afternoon, but strong winds and icy temperatures at the exposed South Devon Sports Centre meant that this basement battle was not for the faint-hearted. Still, the artificial pitch ensured that the surface was playable, which was more than could be said elsewhere. Only two other SDFL games survived the weather.

Chudleigh had edged the opening exchanges but briefly fell behind on the half hour mark, Aaron Knapman converting a penalty with a decisive shot into the bottom left. Saints’ lead lasted a matter of seconds. Straight from the restart, Chudleigh drove into the box, and Nik Garrett fired into the top right corner to level the scores. With their tails up, the visitors took the lead four minutes later, Alfie Luscombe arriving in the box just in time to nod a cross from the left past Callum Waite in the Saints goal.

Chudleigh were good value for their half-time lead, but Saints upped the tempo after the break and there were decent chances for both sides before Chudleigh extended their lead, Gavin Hammon heading over the goalkeeper following a long ball. A minute later and it was 3-2, although the goal was a controversial one. Having made his way into the box, Matt Reed stumbled before firing home. However, Chudleigh were convinced that he had used his hand to control the ball and wasted no time in letting the referee know about it. Hammon wasted even less time in restoring Chudleigh’s two goal cushion, chipping Waite from the centre circle immediately from the restart.

There were decent chances for both sides before the end of the game, but it ended 4-2, a result that lifts Chudleigh up to seventh in the table.

“We had been playing well, but results hadn’t been going our way,” said Andrew Snell, Chudleigh’s manager. “It’s nice to finally see it happen. We like to get the ball down and play and we saw some glimpses of that today. That’s two wins on the bounce.

“Given the start we’ve had, we have to aim for mid-table, because I think the top four are running away with it, but hopefully these last two results will have other teams thinking that Chudleigh have now started to find their rhythm.”

In Division One, Paignton Villa came away from Paignton Community College with four goals, a clean sheet and three points. Harry Atkinson scored twice, and Nigel Vass and Alfie Lloyds also found the net. Hosts Barton Athletic travel to Villa on Saturday for the reverse fixture.

Waldon Athletic Reserves once again scored all of their goals in the first half as the Division Three leaders overcame Paignton Saints Thirds 3-0 at Windmill Hill. Ash Harris, Daniel Wayne and Stephen Rohan scored the goals that put the Clarets nine points clear.

TOWN FLYERS: Brixham Town are through to the last 16 after a 5-2 victory at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Paignton Saints Reserves finally had something to cheer last Saturday as they knocked Brixham AFC Reserves out of the Torbay Clearance Services Herald Cup at Wall Park to earn themselves a Third Round home tie against Ipplepen Athletic Thirds from Division Three.

Saints’ seven league defeats from seven had included two losses to the Fishermen, but the Premier Division’s bottom side booked their place in the last 16 when Jamie Ford scored the only goal of the game.

Division Two’s Brixham Town march on though. They returned victorious from Kingsbridge and Kellaton United, beating the Division Three side 5-2. Kyall Hazelwood, Ricco Moranzoni, Stuart Pointon, Seve Sanders and Jack Turak each found the net for Brixham Town who will host Newton Abbot ’66 in the Third Round

The rest of the Herald Cup Third Round ties are: Bovey Tracey Reserves v Ivybridge Town Reserves; Kingsteignton Athletic v Elburton Villa Reserves; East Allington United v Upton Athletic; Watts Blake Bearne v Torquay Town, Babbacombe Corinthians v SGT Police Reserves and Ilsington Villa v Newton Abbot Spurs Third.

Waldon Athletic failed in their bid to end Kingsteignton Athletic’s unbeaten start to the season. With Buckfastleigh Rangers not playing, the Rams took over at the top of the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division with a resounding 8-2 victory at Broadpark. Mark Voisey and Ryan Tovagliari led the goalscoring with braces apiece, while Sam Barnes scored his seventh goal of the season. Dan Rankin opened his account with his first goal since joining the club, while Stephen Payne and Ollie Kewell also notched.

With Watts Blake Bearne’s home tie against Ivybridge Town Reserves called off due to a waterlogged pitch, the only other Premier Division game saw Newton Abbot ’66 and Elburton Villa Reserves battle out a 3-3 draw at Osborne Park. Recent signing from Plympton Jay Jones put Villa in front but the Sixes turned things around, going ahead twice but pegged back each time as Jone completed his hat-trick. The home side’s goals were contributed by Tom Lowe, Liam Ashwell and Thomas Mountfield. Villa move into the top six.

Adam Winkworth’s hat-trick helped Beesands Rovers to consolidate their lead at the top of Division One with an emphatic 7-1 triumph at second-placed Torquay Town. Jack Eades doubled up for the Bees, and Ashley Yeoman and Louis Brace added their names to the score-sheet. Beesands are now the only side in the division yet to lose a game as both Ilsington Villa and Plympton Athletic returned from their travels empty-handed. Villa’s unbeaten run had almost reached two years but they came unstuck at Broadmeadow Sports Facility as Babbacombe Corinthians deservedly edged a close contest 3-2. Curtis Marshall increased his goal tally by another two with substitute Ryan Mellish also on target. Jack Dixon and Robbie Young scored Villa’s goals.

Alex Stevenson led the Upton Athletic charge as they pulled off an impressive 5-0 home win over Plympton, their first of the campaign. Stevenson scored three at Armada Park with Rui De Garces and Oliver Groves completing the rout. David Hatch scored twice as Harbertonford won 3-1 at bottom side Barton Athletic, Thomas Comyn with the Fords’ other goal.

Last season’s Fred Hewings Cup runners-up Paignton Villa Reserves are into the hat for the quarter-final draw as they earned a 1-0 win at Buckfastleigh Rangers Reservers in the cup’s headline tie.

Division Two sides East Allington United Reserves and Watts Blake Bearne Reserves are also through to the last eight with wins over Division Three opponents. Aidan Corcoran, Sam Quick and James Shepherd netted for the Pirates as they despatched Brixham Town Reserves 3-2. WBB beat Paignton Saints Thirds 3-1 at South Devon Sports Centre.

Division Three leaders Waldon Athletic Reserves progressed with a comfortable 6-1 home win over fellow fourth tier side Newton Abbot ’66. Goals from Ash Harris, Stan Goulding, Shane Essam and Wayne Bergin gave the Clarets a commanding 4-0 lead at the break, Kyle Doughty and Bailey Clarke adding icing to the cake in the second half.

The other all Division Three tie saw Chudleigh Athletic Reserves eliminate Barton Athletic Reserves, 2-0 the final score.

The remaining two cup ties involved four Division Four teams. Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves enjoyed a 5-2 home win over Newton Rovers Reserves with Liam Young scoring twice and Dan Lawton, Connor Nettleton and Joseph Boothroyd also on target; Dominic Jordan and Brandon Porter hit back for Rovers. Jordan Baxter was the hero for Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook Reserves as they won 1-0 at home to Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves.

The Fred Hewings Cup quarter-final ties will be: Waldon Athletic Reserves v Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook Reserves; Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves v East Allington United Reserves; Paignton Villa Reserves v Watts Blake Bearne Reserves and Chudleigh Athletic Reserves v Watcombe Wanderers Reserves.

Watcombe Wanderers’ first team stay top of Division Two, despite dropping their first points of the season with a 1-1 home draw against Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook. Dartmouth AFC Reserves defied the form book with a narrow 5-4 home win over SGT Police Reserves, their first of the season.

There were no games played in Division Three, but Bovey Tracey Reserves now have the only 100 percent record in the league.

HOLDERS MARCH ON: Mark Voisey is among the goalscorers as Kingsteignton Athletic beat Newton Rovers in the Herald Cup. ©Al MAcphee/MiraclePR

Babbacombe Corinthians have pulled off a surprise result in the Herald Cup with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against last season’s Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division champions Buckfastleigh Rangers.

Goals from Sam Swann and Curtis Marshall earned the Division One side a 2-2 draw at the Duckspond with Matthew Maller and Tommy Weymouth on target for the hosts. Corries then held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out to win 5-4 and book their place in the last 16.

Division Four side South Brent came within a whisker of pulling off one of the biggest Herald Cup shocks in recent history as they also took a Premier Division side to spot-kicks. Nathan Lakey and Jono Ellis scored for the hosts with Dan Bowles and Josef Sita responding for visiting East Allington United. The Pirates avoided a humiliating exit by edging the shoot-out 5-4.

There was also something of a surprise result at Chuley Road where Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, from Division Two, sent Chudleigh Athletic out of the competition. Aiden Blackie and Callum Noyce scored braces apiece in a 5-2 win, Frank Ornyik also netting for Spurs. Nik Garrett and Matthew Williams scored for Chudleigh but couldn’t stave off defeat.

The only other Premier Division side to bow out were Waldon Athletic. Fellow top tier side Ivybridge Town Reserves travelled to Windmill Hill for the second time this season and pulled off a 4-2 victory.

Holders Kingsteignton Athletic progressed at the expense of Division Two hopefuls Newton Rovers. Goals from Chris Barnett, Ollie Kewell, Tom Reeves and Mark Voisey helped the Rams to a 4-1 win at Bakers Park, with Tyler French scoring for Rovers.

A twelve goal thriller at Osborne Park saw Newton Abbot ’66 overcome Beesands Rovers 7-5 to earn their place in the Third Round. Tom Lowe is irrepressible at the moment, scoring five times for the Sixes with Liam Ashwell and Thomas Mountfield also finding the net for the hosts. Jack Eades scored twice for the Bees and was joined on the score-sheet by Kieran Stallard, Adam Winkworth and Ash Yeoman.

Watts Blake Bearne cruised into the next round with a crushing 14-0 defeat of hosts Barton Athletic, Cam Gill and Ben Drinkwater each claiming hat-tricks. Elburton Villa Reserves successfully negotiated a potentially tricky tie at South Devon Sports Centre to send hosts Paignton Villa out. Jay Jones scored twice for Villa on his debut.

Ilsington Villa pulled out a decent second half performance to dispatch fellow Division One side Morley Rangers. Dan and Jack Langford, Matt Warman and Robert Young each contributed a goal to the cause; Ben Hall scored for Rangers.

Torquay Town and Upton Athletic both progressed at the expense of lower division opponents. Torquay put six past Broadhempston United without reply, while Upton narrowly beat Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook 3-2.

The all Division Two clash between SGT Police Reserves and Watcombe Wanderers went the way of the Police, 3-1 the final score. Division Three side Ipplepen Athletic Reserves heaped more misery onto Division Two stragglers Dartmouth AFC Reserves with an emphatic 15-0 triumph at Moor Road.

The only league game in the top three divisions saw Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves avenge last week’s reverse at the Duckspond by beating Harbertonford 5-0 at the Steve Jane Memorial Ground. Jordan Baggott and Jay Barnard scored two apiece with Liam Thomas also notching.

Waldon Athletic Reserves strengthened their grip at the top of Division Three with an impressive 4-0 victory at Brixham Town. First half goals from Stan Goulding, Bailey Clarke and Stephen Rohan had the game all but wrapped up by half time, Shane Essam adding his name to the score-sheet after the break. Second-placed Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves were held to a 2-2 draw at Chudleigh Athletic Thirds.

Alexander Easson scored twice for Waldon Athletic Thirds as they won 5-2 at Kingsteignton Athletic Thirds to go three points clear in Division Four.