TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 28th MAR, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Ilsington Villa contributed by SDFL

There were some great Herald Cup fixtures in this season’s quarter-finals and apart from Paignton Saints v East Allington United having to be abandoned on 38 minutes due to a serious injury, the other three games could have filled a page each with a match report.

The lowest ranked team left in the cup were Galmpton United, who took on the might of Ilsington Villa (pictured), and it was the visitors who came away with a 4-1 victory, thanks to goals from Daniel Langford, Matt Warman and Mike Summers, in a pulsating cup game that will give the home team a good measure of where they are at the moment, but the Moorlanders go into the hat for the semis (full report on Daves World).

The Newton Abbot derby game was a lot closer and a bit more scrappy, but Spurs managed to find the net twice to get the advantage and progress into the semis, which seems to be becoming an annual event.

The Plymouth derby between Lakeside Athletic and True Blues was far more straight forward. A five-nil win for the home team, thanks to goals from JJ Honeywell, Adam Carter, Steve Rogers and Sam Cameron, makes Lakeside only the second team from Plymouth to reach this stage ever, Windmill being the other.

In the Fred Hewings Cup semi-finals, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds beat Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves 6-3 in a very entertaining game. Nik Garrett was the Spurs hero, scoring a hat-trick, and there was a double from Frank Orynik, and Andrew Dewar completed the scoring, and when you consider there are two divisions between the teams, the young Rams can be pleased with their cup run. Newton Abbott ’66 Seconds will join Spurs Thirds in the final after a mammoth 120 minutes versus Barton Athletic Seconds where the score was 2-2. Alphie Butler and an own goal had given the lowest ranked team a chance of a cup final outing, but the dreaded penalty shoot-out went in favour of Sixes by five goals to three.

In the Premier Division, the big upset came at the Duckspond, where second from bottom Buckfastleigh Rangers seemed to be on a roll, winning their third game of the season and moving within a point of safety. An incredible 3-2 victory, courtesy of a Jack Digby hat-trick, over top of the table Windmill will certainly raise some eyebrows amongst the teams just above them and those still to play them. Chudleigh Athletic continued their climb up the table, and a 6-2 win over bottom club Totnes and Dartington, with goals from George Davidson, Gavin Hammon, Jason Lake, Gavin Lake and Henry Buckpitt, leaves the Tots adrift at the bottom with a lot of work to do.

Division One is really no clearer, but Paignton Villa keep the pressure on the other seven contenders with a six-nil win over a Brixham Town side that seem to have lost their way since the turn of the year, and Mount Gould have moved up to fourth place with a comfortable afternoon at Liverton United with a 7-1 result. Bentley Alcantara celebrated returning from his suspension-forced break with a hat-trick.

In Division Two, the final 100 per cent record disappeared when Babbacombe Corries beat Signal Box Oak Villa by four goals to one; goals from Kieron Sweet, Jack Cousins and Josh Swann keep Corries in second place some nine points behind Signal Box who are nailed on to win the Division Two title in their first SDFL season. Ashburton had a set back in a 3-2 loss at East Allington United in an entertaining game; Sam Bruckner was the home team hero with a hat-trick for the Pirates, and both teams remain as outsiders for a top two slot.

In Division Three, Kingskerswell got back to winning ways with a seven-nil win over Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds which moves them to within three points of Galmpton to maintain the two horse race; Josh Causley, Shane Essam, Max Lee, Alex Harding and Steve Rohan all found the net at the ‘Kerswell Bowl.

The top of Division Four has got a bit tighter thanks to Teign Village winning two-nil against Bere Alston United Reserves whilst the leaders were on cup duty; Alexander Easson was the target man for the Villagers in a result that keeps them in second place; Brixham Town Seconds are still in the mix thanks to a 5-2 victory over Broadhempston United with strikes from Isaac Fairlie, Mike Stibbe, Harley Davis and Luke Thomas.

In the divisional cups, Kingsbridge and Kellaton United, Drake FC and Chudleigh Athletic Seconds all made it through to the quarter-finals.

And finally, a massive well done to WBB who, in beating South Zeal four-nil, have guaranteed another all-SDFL county final; goals from Ryan Clarke, Cam Gill, Leo Dobson Hill and Sam Marsdon completes the first part of the jigsaw for the Claymen in what is turning out to be an extraordinary season after the problems they suffered just a year ago. Well done to all around at the club.

Games to catch this week:

With the midweek games starting to get played from Tuesday, you are advised to check the league’s Full-Time web page for kick-off times and venues.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 21st MAR, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Chris Barnett ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

At the top of the Premier Division, this week’s big movers were Lakeside Athletic who trounced Newton Abbot ’66 by seven goals to nil and slipped into second place, still some 9 points off the leaders who were in cup action.

The shock result that did not go with the form book was at Broadpark, where Kingsteignton Athletic inflicted a one-nil defeat on Ilsington Villa, who now need to win all four games in hand to resurrect their challenge. Chris Barnett (pictured above with his 2023 Herald Cup MoM medal) was the star man for the Rams, and the shock scorelines were not restricted to Kingsteignton as Plymouth True Blues suffered their biggest loss of the season in a 5-1 defeat by Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves. The win moves Spurs up to fifth place, and True Blues drop into fourth. The big six-pointer at the bottom went in favour of Totnes and Dartington who brought Buckfastleigh Rangers back down to earth with only their second win of the season, a close 2-1 win that moves them within two points of Rangers, and will give them some confidence for the remaining games.

The Windmill opened their defence of the George Belli Cup with a tight 3-2 win over Chudleigh Athletic in a pulsating tie. Brodie Simpson, who knows exactly where the goal is, was on target twice, and a single for Ethan Jones was enough for the Plymouth side to go through in the Premier Division’s knockout competition.

WBB opened up a three point cushion at the top of Division One with a 5-3 victory at Beesands Rovers (full report on Daves World) in another fixture in this division that had the hallmarks of higher league football. Paignton Villa got back to winning ways with a 7-1 win at bottom club Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds; Yahya Sulliman scored four goals, Liam Jones got two and a single from Tom Evans did the deed for Villa. Mount Gould were in no mood to lose at Watcombe for the second time in two weeks, and they repaid the Greens for knocking them out of the Dartmouth Cup by scoring seven without reply; Tyler Wark, Louie Lawrence, Jack Trigger, Billy Eccles and Abdul Deifa were all on target for the visitors who slip into fourth place. Watcombe need to pick themselves up quickly as the two teams below them have games in hand. Barton Athletic continue their run of good form with a 4-2 win over Buckland Athletic Reserves, and it is incredible that six of the top ten teams are within one defeat of each other with a lot of football to be played. Brixham Town got back to winning ways with a 4-1 home win versus Liverton United who remain in the bottom two but have two games in hand over Buckland and Watcombe. Well done to Bovey Tracey Reserves who are through to the county Senior Cup semi-final where they meet fellow SDFL Division One side Elburton Villa Reserves on 28th March for a place in the final. The other semi-final, being played on the same day, is at WBB who host South Zeal from the Exeter league, and let’s hope Wattsies can make it another all-SDFL final.

Division Two takes on a new look following the expulsion of Watcombe Wanderers Seconds playing record following their withdrawal from the competition. Signal Box Oak Villa are the big winners from the decision as they lost to the Greens on the opening day so the Plymouth side are now the only team on paper with a 100 per cent league record. The biggest losers are Paignton Villa Seconds who beat the Greens twice, so they lose six points and drop three places. The games that went ahead in Division Two were in the divisional cup, and East Allington United Seconds lost to Ashburton by three goals to two after the game went to extra-time as did Paignton Saints Seconds and Signal Box Oak Villa, where the score was 1-1 after normal time, but the Plymouth side added four in the extra thirty to run out 5-1 winners. Just the one league game: at Harbertonford, who lost 5-1 to Drake FC, who move into third place, one point behind Corries who did not play.

The top of the table game in Division Three saw Kingskerswell lose their first league game since rejoining the SDFL two seasons ago. As you would expect, the game was not your normal Division Three standard as both ‘Kerswell and Galmpton United have ambitions to play in a higher division. But for now, the visitors remain six points clear of their rivals with two-nil win thanks to strikes from Cole Feasby and Harley Hooper. Down at the bottom, Totnes and Dartington Seconds moved out of the bottom two with a 3-2 win at Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds. Tots are now only three points behind today’s opponents with four games in hand. Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds remain in third spot thanks to a 5-1 victory over bottom club Waldon Athletic Seconds, but the gap upwards is now eight points. In the division’s Ronald Cup, Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds had a comprehensive four-nil win at home to South Brent. I am sure that, with 13 league games still to play, Brent won’t be too disappointed with today’s outcome. The final game in Division Three was at Halford, where Liverton United Seconds met Stoke Gabriel TP and shared the points in an entertaining 3-3 draw that keeps both teams in mid-table.

In Division Four, the two runaway leaders both won and leave others in their wake. Chudleigh Athletic Seconds had a comprehensive 5-2 victory over Brixham Town Seconds and remain six points clear of Teign Village who were made to work for the three points at Broadhempston United, but the win keeps them seven points clear of Paignton Villa Thirds in third place, who lost 4-1 at home to Waldon Athletic Thirds, who despite being in seventh place, could well have a say in the two promotion places.

Games to catch on Saturday 28^th March:

The cups take centre stage this Saturday, with some great 2pm kick-offs to look forward to. Galmpton United, the lowest team left in the Herald Cup sponsored by TCS, take on Premier Division hopefuls Ilsington Villa in a classic banana skin game. The Plymouth derby game between Lakeside Athletic and True Blues is sure to draw a big crowd as will the Newton Abbot derby at the Rec between Spurs and ’66 in the Belli Cup. There is another potential banana skin fixture for Premier Division Chudleigh Athletic, who travel to division one leaders WBB in what could be a tight affair as Wattsies are no pushovers. The final game is an all-Premier tie between Paignton Saints and East Allington United at Coach Road.

The semi-finals of the Fred Hewings Cup are also being played. Newton Spurs Thirds, from Division One, take on Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds, from Division Three, at Ashburton’s Chuley Road, and Barton Athletic Seconds, of Division Four, will welcome Division Three’s Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds to Barton Downs.

Enjoy your weekend of grassroots cup football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 7th FEB, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of WBB contributed by SDFL

On a Saturday where the rain reduced the South Devon grassroots football program to just one league game that had a massive effect at the top of division two; one Herald Cup tie that went the distance and two of our teams playing each other for a place in a county cup quarter-final, all played on artificial pitches.

Watts Blake Bearne are this week the toast of the South Devon Football League following a comprehensive 3-nil victory over Paignton Villa in the county Senior Cup at South Devon College (full report on Daves World). Goals from Fraser Hossack, Billy Robbins and Ant Williams have set up a quarter-final tie in Tiverton, where they will face Elmore Seconds who are not having a great season in their division having won only once at home so far. The achievement from WBB this season should not be overlooked, as it was just twelve months ago that they sat down with the league management to present a survival plan, and here they are looking forward to what may be ahead. At present, the quarter-final is due to be played on 21^st February.

In Division Two, Babbacombe Corries thought outside the box and were quick off the mark to hire the 3g at Paignton Community College to get a game played. The visitors East Allington United Seconds had a full squad available to choose from, and the extra players that were available clearly made a difference. Goals from Jake Blamey (2), Harry Witham and Sam Quick gave the Pirates a 4-1 victory that moves them up to joint fourth with Paignton Villa Seconds, and just one point behind Ivybridge Town Reserves. Corries are still in second place with two games in hand and a five point gap, but above them, Signal Box Oak Villa are now seven points clear having played one more game.

The one Herald Cup game that was played, courtesy of the artificial surface at Coach Road, was an all-Premier Division clash between Paignton Saints and Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds. The game was, as expected, a tight affair between the two teams sitting in fifth and sixth in the division. Saints were in front for a long period following a great strike from Jake Powell and looked as if they were going to run out 1-nil winners, but a late, late goal from Aiden Blackie sent the game into extra-time where neither defence could be breached, and a penalty shoot-out was going to appoint the first team into this season’s quarter-final. Even the shoot-out was a tense affair with Saints scoring all five and Spurs missing their fifth kick. With the weather as it is, Saints may have to wait for some time to find out who they will face for a place in the semi-final.

Games to hopefully catch on Saturday 14^th February:

Division Three side Galmpton United host Premier Division outfit The Windmill in a banana skin Herald cup fixture, and WBB face an Ashburton side in what could be a tasty tie. In the Premier Division, East Allington United host Newton Abbot ’66 who really need to get some games played, and Ilsington Villa play Kingsteignton Athletic in a game that normally provides Premier Division football at its best. The big game in Division Two features the top two teams, Signal Box and Babbacombe Corries, in a ‘don’t lose’ game for Corries, and in Division Three, South Brent become the latest team to try to get that unbeaten record from Kingskerswell.

All fixtures are on the SDFL Full-Time web page, cup games KO 2pm, league games 2.30pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football, weather permitting.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 3rd JAN, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of The Windmill contributed by SDFL

The Herald Cup brought 2026 into focus for South Devon’s footballers resulting in heartbreak, big scorelines and last minute controversy, with two recent finalists bowing out in the Second Round.

Premier Division Windmill were the headliners in the Herald Cup with a 14-1 victory at Division Four Broadhempston United; there were two goals each for Jack Biscoe, Miles Hunt, Ethan Jones and Corbin Mackin, but it was Brodie Simpson who stole the show with five goals to give the Plymouth side a safe passage into Round Three. Division One outfit Barton Athletic put in a good performance and scored through Oakley Hunt, but they were no match for Premier Side Lakeside Athletic who won 4-1 at Barton Downs in front of a decent crowd that must have been freezing.

The two all-Premier Division ties were always destined to end in disappointment for two of the teams, and both games cemented the thoughts that any team can beat any team in this division. At Broadpark, East Allington United thought they had equalised in the 94^th minute against Kingsteignton Athletic only for the assistant to flag an offside, and the goal was disallowed. Mathew Elwood put the Rams in front before Martin Finneron got the Pirates back into the game, but it was a side-footed shot from Jake Haywood Cann, four minutes from time, that eventually won the game for Kingsteignton after a second half full of missed chances from both teams, including a penalty save. Just across town, Newton Abbot ’66 said goodbye to a cup run after a pulsating game versus Chudleigh Athletic that went to extra time. Jake Cogavin scored a late winner for the visitors to save everybody from a penalty shootout. In the 90, George Davidson was on target for Chudleigh and Tom Lowe for Sixes who ended the game with ten players (full report and photos on Daves World). Premier Division Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves welcomed Division Four outfit Teign Village to the Rec, and the Villagers were no match for the league’s champions. Aiden Blackie, Mason Turpin, Jacob Wales and Dev Webb were all on target for Spurs in a 5-nil victory.

Paignton Saints firsts were taken all the way to a penalty shootout by Division Two side Babbacombe Corries at Coach Road. The teams were tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation and extra-time, and with the first 12 penalties being superbly executed, it was Saints who won it in the end 7-6 and go into the hat for Round Three.

In the all-Division One tie, Bovey Tracey Reserves made short work of Paignton Villa with a 4-1 win that puts the Moorlanders into the hat, gives them yet another fixture to schedule and keeps them in three knockout competitions and banging on the door for promotion in what is going to be an exciting second half of the season for them. WBB are also through to Round Three following a tough afternoon against the Division Two leaders Signal Box Oak Villa. The home team just had the edge in an entertaining fixture, and a reminder that the visitors won the Plymouth Premier Division last season, so it was a good result for the Claymen at Abbrook Park.

In the few league games that were played, Waldon Athletic Thirds remain unbeaten in Division Four. A five-nil victory over Paignton Saints Thirds, with two goals each from Charlie Charlesworth and Elliot Glasser and a single from Daniel Omonuwa, was enough to keep the Clarets heading into mid-table as they have only played five games. Paignton Villa Thirds picked up three good points at Brixham Town Seconds to move into mid-table safety, whilst the home team have slipped back with only their third loss of the campaign.

In Division Three, Galmpton United moved within touching distance of the leaders with a comprehensive 7-1 win versus Ipplepen Athletic Reserves courtesy of four goals from Harley Hooper, two from Austin White and one from Jack Tribble; it starts what could be a happy New Year for the Galmpton faithful.

It’s always good to be able to report a team that has struggled for many years begin to turn a corner on the pitch and pick up some wins, and Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds had a great result with a 4-2 win versus Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds who remain in third place, whilst Rangers move into mid-table with their third win in four outings, which will give everybody at the club a bit of a lift.

In Division Two’s only league fixture, East Allington United Reserves battled out a 1-1 draw with Paignton Saints Seconds at Poole Lane; both teams remain in mid-table thanks to the point.

There were three games that beat the frost in Division One, and in the promotion contenders game, Mount Gould just had the edge over Brixham Town in a 4-3 thriller; strikes from Bentley Alcantara, Mohamed Kherras, Aaron Spear and Tyler Wark keep the Plymouth side on course for a second promotion in two seasons, whilst the visitors remain well placed just one point off the lead and will be there or thereabouts come May. Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds finally won their first game of the season with a hard fought 4-2 win at fellow strugglers Watcombe Wanderers; Nik Garrett was the hero for Spurs scoring all four goals at a bitterly cold Long Lane. Spurs remain second from bottom but are still in touching distance of Liverton United who picked up only their second win of the campaign against a young Buckland Athletic Reserves side, by five goals to four at Halford.

Games to catch on Saturday 10^th January:

Two standout games in the top division, and both are in Plymouth: Windmill will be looking to continue their form from 2025 into the new year when Newton Abbot ’66 pay a visit to Millennium Fields, and over at Ernesettle, Lakeside Athletic will face a stiff challenge when Newton Spurs visit looking to take some points back up the A38, both teams looking to keep in form in 2026. In Division One, there is a fascinating encounter at JC park: Brixham Town meet WBB in a third v first fixture, where just one point separates the two sides, and at South Devon College, Paignton Villa face Bovey Tracey for the second time in a week, this time in asecond v fifth league game, and the top of this division could look a lot different after these two games. In Division Two, Babbacombe Corries will be hoping that Paignton Villa Seconds do not become the first team to beat them in the league this season, and Harbertonford face an Ashburton side who have promotion firmly in their sights but will need to be at their best to come away from the Steve Jane Ground with any points.

There are a couple of potential banana skin games in the Herald Cup to watch: Division Two side Newton Rovers face Premier Division Ilsington Villa at Bakers Park, and South Brent, from Division Three, will fancy their chances when they host Premier Division strugglers Buckfastleigh Rangers at 2pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football in 2026.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 13th DEC, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves contributed by SDFL

Jayden Brent and Jake Powell may have shared the man of the match award as Paignton Saints sent the supporters home for a happy Christmas following their 6-1 home win versus the reigning champions, but make no mistake, this was a great team performance against a good Newton Abbot Spurs side.

On target for Saints were Joe Perry (2), Jake Powell (2), Brandon Kelly and Mynyta Cherneiski. The result sees Saints leapfrog Spurs and East Allington United into third place; Spurs drop to fifth, two points behind, but have two games in hand. Windmill returned to winning ways with a hard fought 3-1 win over Ilsington Villa who travelled to Plymouth without their top goalscorer who opted to play in an FA Vase game at Step 6. Brodie Simpson was the star man for the home team, netting twice, and Alex Photiou added to Villas woes with a well-taken goal to keep Windmill in a good place going into the new year. No other Premier Division games went ahead due to waterlogged grounds, but Totnes and Dartington had a shock defeat to Division One side Elburton Villa Reserves by 3 goals to 1 in the Herald Cup. Villa have not had much good news to share recently, as they lost their third team during the summer and the second team were relegated from the top division, so well done to them for being in the hat for the next round of the cup.

In Division One, Paignton Villa returned to pole position for the second time this season with a comprehensive 6-nil win over Liverton United, Tom Evans with a hat-trick. Seb Knight, Babbucarr Colley and Yahya Sulliman were all on target for Villa, and I am sure they will enjoy being at the top of the tree the week before Christmas in a Division where the top eight teams are still in contention for promotion. Beesands Rovers had a close call at bottom club Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, but a 4-3 victory keeps the Bees just two points off of top place in fourth but, incredibly, with a negative goal difference that could be crucial come May. The goals were courtesy of a Jack Hopkins hat-trick and a single from Adam Keates. Watts Blake Bearne also had a good win on the road. A 4-1 win against Watcombe Wanderers keeps Wattsies in third place, and a victory at Bovey Tracey Reserves on Saturday 20^th December, in the only game on the day, would see them leapfrog Paignton Villa on to the top of the tree for Christmas. Bovey, on the other hand, would not move any places with a win but would be within three points of the top. There was an all-Division One Herald Cup tie played at JC Park, where Brixham Town faced Barton Athletic (match report and photos on Daves World). Liam Northcott and Oakley Hunt were on target for ten man Barton Athletic who were made to hang on to their 2-1 win for a place in the next round.

The game of the day in Division Two was at Ivybridge Town Reserves, where visitors Babbacombe Corries inflicted a second defeat in three weeks over the Ivies. This time, a 3-nil win was enough for the Torquay-based team to remain two points behind leaders Signal Box Oak Villa but with a game in hand. Paignton Saints Seconds had a good day at the office with a 5-nil win at Newton Rovers. The win opens up an eight point gap that leaves the bottom three adrift. Incredibly, Saints Seconds are fourth from bottom with a positive goal difference.

In Division Three, Galmpton United gave up their unbeaten tag by losing 4-3 to Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves in a pulsating game that was a credit to this level of football. Even with this loss, Galmpton stay in second place some eight points ahead of the Rams but now six points behind the unbeaten leaders Kingskerwell who won 5-nil at home to Ipplepen Athletic Reserves with goals from new signing Ben Carter, Alex Harding, Loius Horton, Gareth McEwan and Stephen Rohan. Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds and Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves slogged out a 2-2 draw at a treacle-covered Osborne Park where really a point was not what either of these teams needed, but Sixes are only three points behind second place going into the new year.

The big game in Division Four went the way of the visitors Teign Village with a fine 3-1 win at Chudleigh Athletic Seconds and another first loss of the season for the home team. A William Allen hat-trick won the game for Village and keeps them well placed in third, five points off the lead with two games in hand. Brixham Town Seconds also remain well placed in fourth following a 4-1 win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United. The Fishermen are three points off second with two games in hand. That team are Bere Alston United who had a 9-1 win at Paignton Saints Thirds, and they look determined to hold on to their promotion spot in their first season in the SDFL. Barton Athletic Seconds also moved into a challenging position with a 6-nil win at bottom club Newton Rovers Reserves. The Torquay-based side are now just three points behind second place with a game in hand. This division now has five teams in the mix for two guaranteed promotion slots.

With Chudleigh Athletic Seconds and Galmpton United losing this week, it leaves just Waldon Athletic Thirds in Division Four and Babbacombe Corries in Division Two unbeaten, and Kingskerswell in Division Three with a 100% record.

Games to catch this week

Friday night football returns to Coach Road on the 19^th December in what is labelled Fair Play Friday. The event is hosted by Devon County Football Association and supported by the South Devon Football League to reward well behaved teams an opportunity to play under lights at no expense to themselves.

This week’s fixture is a Division Four encounter between Paignton Saints Thirds and Broadhempston United and has a 7.30 pm kick off. Whilst both teams are at the wrong end of the table and both could do with a win, incredibly, Saints are the second highest scorers in the division but have conceded the most goals. Broads, on the other hand, are the third lowest scorers in the division and have an equally leaky defence, so this could finish 6-6 or nil-nil. What is certain is a great night of pre-Christmas South Devon League football just before the festive break kicks in.

In Division One on Saturday 20^th, Bovey Tracey Reserves have been proactive in arranging a fixture versus WBB to get one of their three games in hand played. That has a 2.30pm kick off.

The SDFL would like to wish all players, coaches, supporters, volunteers and their families the very best for Christmas and a healthy and happy 2026.

Thank you all for what you do for grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 29th NOV, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves contributed by SDFL

Sixteen games survive another soggy Saturday, and the last unbeaten record in the Premier Division blows away.

They say that the sign of a good team is retaining a title. If that is true, then Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves (pictured) took a giant step towards that target by inflicting the first loss of the season for Windmill F.C. (full match report with photos on Daves World). A 2 – 1 win for the home team, thanks to goals from Jacob Wales and Aiden Blackie, puts Spurs well-placed in third just two points behind Windmill and seven points off the lead with 3 games in hand, and not forgetting that two seasons ago, this would have been a league game at Step 7. Plymouth True Blues continue to set the pace but once again, it was no easy afternoon for the Gers; they were made to work for the points in a close 2 – 1 victory at Coach Road in the sunshine, whilst the result leaves Saints down in eighth place. They are only four points off of third with a lot of football to be played. East Allington United extended their good form with a comprehensive 4 – 1 win versus a good Kingsteignton Athletic side; the result moves the Pirates into that fourth place with a positive goal difference and incredibly, leaves the Rams third from bottom and needing to get their season back on track, possibly next week at the Windmill.

Only two league games went ahead in Division One, and Beesands Rovers jumped three places with a 2 – 1 home win over Buckland Athletic Reserves with goals from Adam Winkworth and Brad Williams. The result moves the Bees up to fourth place level on points with WBB who did not play. Paignton Villa also won by the same scoreline with strikes from Seb Knight and Sam Omara; the result puts Villa up into second place in a very open competition. In fact, Watcombe, in ninth, are only 4 points away from third place.

In Division Two, the grounds teams must have been on overtime as we had an almost full program of fixtures. Result of the day must surely go to Babbacombe Corries who won 8 – 1 in a second versus third game against Ivybridge Town Reserves at their new home in Long Lane; Corries remain one of only three unbeaten teams in all divisions and move a point ahead of their rivals with three games in hand and in good form. Ashburton are also in good form, and a 3 – 2 home win versus Harbertonford, with goals from Derek Cartmill, Brandon Hext and Kameron Pouladdej, keeps them well placed to challenge for honours. Signal Box Oak Villa continue to lead the division by two points from Corries, but they have played a game more. A 5 – 3 win versus Paignton Villa Seconds, with goals from Callum Austin, Joseph Haslam, Keiron Roberts and regular target man Jordan Rickards (2), keeps the Plymouth based side on top for now and, hopefully, enjoying the competition in their first season in the SDFL. The game of the day, in this division, had to be the basement battle at Armada Park where Upton Athletic faced Newton Rovers who had not won this season until today; 4 – 2 to Rovers was the final score in a game that could have ended 6 – 6, and like most games played on grass this week, was a treading treacle affair with not a lot of passing football; the result takes Rovers out of the bottom three for the first time this season and gives them some confidence moving forward.

In Division Three, Kingskerswell overcame another hurdle towards the divisional winners trophy; a 6 – 1 success at Waldon Athletic Reserves keeps them three points clear at the top with a game in hand and looking unstoppable for another season. The points difference could have been more had it not been for a last minute penalty at Osborne Park for second placed Galmpton United who looked to be heading for their first loss of the season when Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves came from a goal down to take the lead and hold on to it until the 96^th minute. A poor challenge in the ’66 penalty box gave the visitors the chance to save the day which they duly accepted after the ‘keeper saved the kick and Martin Luker was the first to get to the rebound. The final score was 2 – 2; Callum Foskett and Keegan Cooper were on target for Sixes. Totnes and Dartington Seconds picked up a good point in their game with Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds; this also ended 2 – 2 which keeps Tots on the bottom but just one point from mid-table where the Rams sit at present.

In Division Four, a single goal from Charlie Potter separated Bere Alston United from Brixham Town Seconds and moves them into second place, one point ahead of Teign Village but having played three more games. Chudleigh Athletic Reserves remain eight points clear at the top and did not play this week. Four of the bottom five played, and only Paignton Saints Thirds went home without any points. A 3 – 2 win for neighbours Paignton Villa Thirds moves them up three places and seven points clear of the wooden spoon. Broadhempston United and Kingsbridge & Kellaton United fought out a 2 – 2 draw in a soggy affair; Stuart Hannay and Daniel Wells were the target men for the Robins.

Games to catch on Saturday 6^th December

All eyes will be on the Premier Division where there are some early Christmas treats to be had in the form of some great fixtures all worth a watch.

Plymouth True Blues host Lakeside Athletic in a derby game where a win for the home team opens up a big gap between the two but an away victory is probably the result the other teams in the division would want; kick off is 2.30pm at Millbay Park. The other Plymouth based team with an interest is Windmill who host Kingsteignton Athletic who came very close to winning the home game a few weeks ago, and the Rams will be hoping to bring something in the form of points back up the A38. Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves face an Ilsington Villa team that have a bit of catch up to do, plus add in the fact that Spurs pipped them for the title back in May will add some festive spice to the game. Totnes and Dartington host Chudleigh Athletic in a must not lose game at the wrong end of the table to avoid being set adrift from the rest, and at Coach Road, Paignton Saints welcome East Allington United where both teams could jump into the top five with a win. The final Premier Division fixture is at Buckfastleigh Rangers who face a Newton Abbot ’66 team looking to bounce back and cement their position in the top three whilst the home team just need that first win.

Fixtures to catch outside the top division include Bovey Tracey Reserves’ visit to Barton Downs to face Barton Athletic in what will be a difficult game to win the points, and Watcombe Wanderers’ visit to Brixham Town will test the credentials of the Greens. In Division Two, Paignton Villa Seconds travel to a resurgent Ivybridge Town Reseves in what should be a good game, and Drake F.C. will have the pleasure of a Long Lane experience when they play Watcombe Wanderers Seconds. In Division Three, Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds become the latest team to try to take points from Kingskerswell who are in danger of running away with another divisional title. The big game in Division Four is at Teign Village where they face Brixham Town Seconds in a Second versus fourth fixture that should entertain the neutrals.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 22nd NOV, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Liverton United contributed by SDFL

With the wet weather once again taking its toll on South Devon’s grassroots football fixtures, this was a weekend where just ten games survived with nine of them having an impact on the teams in the bottom half of the divisions.

In the Premier Division, four of the bottom five teams played and two of them picked up valuable survival points. Totnes and Dartington gave up the lead at home to East Allington United in a 2 – 1 loss and had many supporters in disbelief that they were watching a relegation battle. Scott Troth opened the scoring for Tots only for Dan Bowles and Rob Tapper to hit the target for the Pirates. The win puts East Allington fifth from bottom but only three points from third; Tots, however, are now four points from safety and just need a win to boost confidence. They are level on points at the bottom with Buckfastleigh Rangers who cannot buy a win at the moment. They were level at the break in the fixture at in form Chudleigh Athletic, but two late goals sealed a priceless victory for the home team. George Davidson and Gavin Hammon scored the opening three goals, but those late winners came from Gavin and Jason Lake to move the Clarets four points clear and above Kingsteignton Athletic who had the day off.

There were no league games played in Division One, so it’s as you were with Brixham Town five points clear at the top but pre-season favourites Bovey Tracey Reserves and Mount Gould some way behind but with enough games in hand, and just cast your mind back to last season when Mount Gould were at one stage 23 points behind and then won eight games in a row. Will history repeat itself?

Division Two had three games that went ahead, and down at the bottom, Upton Athletic were made to suffer again: an 8 – 1 loss at the hands of East Allington United Seconds; Lee Prestage, Sam Quick, Faical Benazeza and Harley Witham were all on target for the home team. The result leaves Upton joint bottom with Newton Rovers who they play next Saturday at Armada Park. Ivybridge Town Reserves were certainly made to work for the points in a ten goal thriller at Coach Road; the 6 – 4 victory for the Bridgers moves them into second place above gameless Corries who may be two points behind but sit with three games in hand. Paignton Villa Seconds continue to impress, and a 5 – 2 win at home to Watcombe Wanderers Seconds puts them into fourth place and just one game from completing half of their fixtures.

Division Three could only offer one league game, and Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds dropped a couple of points in their quest to hang on to the coat tails of Galmpton and ‘Kerswell at the top. They had to settle for a 2 – 2 draw against a good Kingsteignton Athletic Second team in a squelchy affair at Osborne Park. Jordan Pidwell and Freddie Hulance were on target for the home team. The result leaves Sixes four points behind with no games in hand.

In Division Four, Chudleigh Athletic Seconds moved nine points clear of second placed Teign Village with a thumping 10 – 1 victory at Broadhempston United. Jack Salmons scored five and Jack Wills scored a hat-trick; Charley Forey also found the back of the net in the comprehensive win that sends out that ‘catch us if you can’ message. Waldon Athletic Thirds may only have played four league games but they are in recovery mode, and a 5 – 1 win versus bottom club Newton Rovers Seconds will give them some confidence to remain unbeaten; Leo Driscoll, Elliot Glasser, Marley Isaac and Kalyan Kurup were all on target for the Torquay-based team.

Cup update:

In the replayed Herald Cup fixture, Lakeside Athletic won the derby game versus Mount Gould by two goals to one in a fiercely contested game that did not end with the same number of players that started it. There was a big attendance at the Enclosure for a game that was described as very entertaining. Lakeside go into the hat for the next round which will be drawn on Monday 15^th December and will also be joined by Bovey Tracey Reserves who won their local derby against Liverton United (pictured) by three goals to nil; Sam Barnes, Alistair Chuchuk and Ben Goble were on target for Bovey.

In the County Premier Cup, Newton ’66 went out at the hands of Plymouth Marjon from Step 7 leaving Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves and Ilsington Villa carrying the SDFL flag into the last eight, and those games are on 16^th January.

Safely through in the Senior Cup are WBB who won a penalty shootout against Exeter opposition in City Raiders. But Buckland Athletic Reserves had a long trip home following a 5 – 1 loss at South Zeal.

In the Intermediate Cup competition, favourites Kingskerswell are through after a 7 – 2 win versus Exeter side Uplowman; they are joined by South Brent who had a walkover against Heavitree United and finally, Teign Village are also through following a 4 – 2 home win versus Exeter University Seventh team. I would just say a big well done to the club secretary that looks after seven teams. That must be a part-time job or a dissertation.

Games to catch on Saturday 29^th November:

In the Premier Division, and the game of the day should be at Newton Rec where Spurs Seconds face a Windmill team who remain unbeaten this season and with a 2.30 kick off, should draw a decent crowd. For those looking for a game in the west, then look no further than Mount Gould who will have their toughest league test when Bovey Tracey Reserves visit the Enclosure looking for three points in their quest for promotion, and Paignton Villa will be looking to keep their good form going when Watcombe Wanderers are the vistors to South Devon College. In Division Two, the delayed relegation battle takes place at Armada Park when Upton Athletic face Newton Rovers in a game that neither wants to lose, and its second versus third at Long Lane where Babbacombe Corries will welcome Ivybridge Town Reserves. In Division Three, it’s also second versus third at Osborne Park where the visitors Galmpton United will be looking to make this division a two horse race if they beat Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds, and sparks could fly at Kingskerswell when Liverton Utd Seconds visit the Bowl. In Division Four, Bere Alston United Reserves will need to leave home early for their trip to Brixham Town Seconds in a third versus fourth game that will be worth a watch.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 15th NOV, report by Alastair Muirden.

For the first time this season, the league management issued a wet weather protocol for clubs which affected the reduced league program of only 14 games, of which only four went ahead, and due to the County Cups competition being fixtured, this was also close to a washout with just five being played.

One year ago to the day, Plymouth True Blues had made it to the top of Division One, scoring three goals against Windmill. Fast forward 12 months, and they are now on top of the Premier Division thanks to scoring three goals against Totnes and Dartington. The result was testament to the quality of competition in this division where there is little to choose between top and bottom, and on another day, the visitors, who scored twice, could have got something from the game. On target for the Blues were Tyler Almond and super sub Lee Phillips who scored twice. Bliues move two points clear of Windmill and six clear of Newton Abbot ’66 in third, and interestingly, East Allington United, who are fifth from bottom, are 11 points behind but have four games in hand.

Ashburton took advantage of the non runners and cruised into fourth place with a 5 – 2 home win versus Paignton Saints Seconds thanks to goals from golden boot chaser Lee Grimshaw (2), Dan Steer, Sean Richards and Alex Hambly. The result leaves Saints fourth from bottom but on this form, they will be picking up enough points to be top of the bottom half of the division which at the moment, seems to be in two parts.

Incredibly, the game at Harbertonford went ahead where normally it only has to cloud over for the game to be off, but all credit to the volunteers who managed to keep the water in the river and flowing away from the pitch. A 1 – 1 draw against a good Paignton Villa Second team keeps both teams just five points off second place and more than capable of challenging as the season goes on.

In Division Four, the only game to survive was on the council owned Bakers Park, where Newton Rovers Seconds hosted Barton Athletic Seconds, and it was the Torquay based team who came away with the points in a 2-nil win that puts them joint third with Brixham Town Seconds and Bere Alston United Reserves; Rovers remain rooted to the bottom and could really do with a morale boosting win to set them up for the rest of the season.

County Cups:

Three games went ahead in the Premier Cup, and safely through to the next round are Ilsington Villa, who won at home to Sidmouth Town Seconds 7 – 3. Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves won the all South Devon game 5 – 2 at East Allington United, but one of the favourites, Lakeside Athletic, crashed out 4-nil at Appledore. Now that’s a long journey home.

In the Senior Cup, through to the next round are Bovey Tracey Reserves and Mount Gould who both got a walkover from North and East Devon clubs. Beesands Rovers came close but lost against Exeter opposition in a penalty shootout.

In the Intermediate Cup, Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds also lost in a penalty shootout in Exeter, but well done to Totnes and Dartington Seconds who won 1-nil versus mid Devon club Sandymere Blues thanks to a John Smith winner which they held on to for 76 minutes.

Golden Boot update:

The top three goalscorers in each division are: In the Premier, Callum Noyce of Ilsington Villa leads the way with 12 league goals followed by JJ Honeywell (Lakeside Athletic) and Gavin Lake (Chudleigh Athletic), both on 8.

In Division One, Bentley Alcantara of Mount Gould has 9 and team mate Ray Spear is on 8; Suliman Yahya of Paignton Villa has scored 7 times.

Division Two’s front runner is Lee Grimshaw of Ashburton with 11; Louis George of Drake F.C. and Jordan Rickards of Signal Box are both on 10 league goals each.

In Division Three, Ollie Critchlow of Kingskerswell is on 11 as is Harley Hooper of Galmpton United; Daniel Trzise of Stoke Gabriel TP is on 10 goals.

Division Four has the overall leader at the moment in Jack Salmons of Chudleigh Athletic Seconds who has found the net on 16 occasions so far, so well done to Jack. Lewis Reeman of Brixham Town is on 9, and Alexander Easson of Teign Village is in third place on 7 league goals.

Games to catch on Saturday 22^nd November:

These fixtures are subject to change to allow the postponed County Cup games to be played, so please check the full-time website before travelling to a game.

Whilst most games in the Premier Division are big, well-supported games, some just catch the eye as games that can shape the division. Chudleigh Athletic host Buckfastleigh Rangers in a November relegation battle!!! Out of form Ilsington Villa play Lakeside Athletic, who really can’t afford to lose again so early in the season; Newton Abbot ’66 travel to Windmill looking to become the first team to get the better of the Plymouth side; True Blues travel to champions and in form Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves in an attempt to keep their own winning run intact and Totnes and Dartington host East Allington United in a game where both teams could do with picking up three points.

In Division One, two of the top three meet at JC park where Brixham Town play WBB in what should be a cracker, and there is an all Division One derby in the Herald Cup at Bovey Tracey Reserves where Liverton United are the visitors. In Division Two, the top two meet at Long Lane where Babbacombe Corries meet Signal Box, who will be looking to be the first team to beat Corries this season, and in the same division, Ashburton will need to be at their best to come home from Drake F.C. with three points. In Division Three, there is a tasty tie at Osborne park where Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds meet Kingskerswell and get their chance to beat the runaway leaders for the first time, and finally, in Division Four, what could be the South Devon League equivalent of Truro playing Gateshead is Teign Village playing at Bere Alston in a second versus fourth fixture. Safe travels.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 8th NOV, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves contributed by SDFL

In the First Round of the flagship knockout competition, the results went with the form book much to the disappointment of the lower-ranked teams that took them to the wire. Division Three leaders Kingskerswell took Premier Division champions Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves to within four minutes of going to extra-time and could have won the game themselves had they been more clinical in front of goal. But it was the current champions who scored late on to take their place in Round Two with a 3 – 2 win with goals from Matt Williams (2) and Aiden Blackie (a full match report with photos are available on Daves World proboards for this fixture). Beesands Rovers also came close to knocking out Premier Division East Allington United in a South Hams derby, but the Pirates just had that bit extra and came through with a 2 – 1 victory. Dan Bowles scored both goals to give Geraldine the perfect birthday present and put the Pirates into Round Two. Division One Mount Gould took Lakeside Athletic to extra-time in a game that ended 1 – 1 after 90 minutes. Unfortunately, they went straight to a penalty shootout, which is not in the rules, so they will have to replay the fixture. Teign Village of Division Four claimed their place in the Second Round with a 5-nil win over Waldon Athletic Seconds from Division Three; they replaced the first team that withdrew from the competition, but the whole club have been struggling of late so the form book would have favoured the Villagers. There were two all Division One games in the cup, and WBB booked their place with a tough 4 – 2 win versus Watcombe Wanderers, but over in Brixham, the game against Barton Athletic was abandoned due to a serious knee injury that required the services of an ambulance, so that game will likely be replayed. In the all Division Two cup game, Babbacombe Corries remain unbeaten and their impressive start to the season reached new heights with a 5 – 1 win against a good Drake F.C. side who return to Plymouth hoping for a longer stay in the divisional cup when it starts.

For the second week in a row, result of the day goes to Chudleigh Athletic; goals from Gavin Lake and Riley Snell dug out a great 2 – 2 draw at Ilsington Villa who have dropped five points in their last two games and are now six points off the lead which is still held by Windmill, who also had a good win by 3 goals to 1 at Kingsteignton who have not had the best starts to November and could do with a win to get back into mid-table. Plymouth True Blues remain in second place just one point behind their neighbours. With Ilsington dropping points and Spurs and Lakeside on cup duty, Newton Abbot ’66 slipped into third place with a hard fought 3 – 1 win over Paignton Saints who have been on a bit of a run recently; goals from Liam Ashwell, Callum Foskett and Cody Monk sealed the deal for Sixes who have only dropped 6 points so far, and it remains a very open competition.

There were no league games in Division One, but Signal Box took advantage of Corries being on cup duty by moving into top spot with a 7 – 1 thrashing of East Allington Reserves; strikes from Jake Cribb, Joe Haslem, Harley Mitchell, Paul Thompson and a double from a name that seems to get on the team sheet most weeks: Jordan Rickards. Harbertonford had an unexpected victory at home to promotion contenders Ivybridge Town Reserves; goals from Isaac Phillips and Zach Tiddy secured three valuable points for the Fords who move into mid-table, whilst Ivies stay third, three points off the lead.

At the top of Division Three, Galmpton United moved to within one point of the unbeaten leaders Kingskerswell with a great 5-nil victory over an experienced Liverton United side that won the reverse fixture just four weeks ago, and two of the promotion outsiders, Stoke Gabriel TP and Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds, had to settle for a 1 – 1 draw that neither wanted but would probably settle for as both are capable of beating anybody on their day, and both sit in mid-table this week. Ipplepen Athletic Reserves picked up points for the second week in a row. This week it was a nil-nil draw versus Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds in a game that neither could afford to lose, so another 22 happy customers will probably be happy with the point.

In Division Four, Chudleigh Athletic Reserves took advantage of their closest rivals being on cup duty by beating Paignton Villa Thirds by 4 goals to 1 at Kate Brook; the win puts the Clarets six points clear of Teign Village and eight points clear of Brixham Town in third. They had the long journey to Bere Alston United, and whilst they contributed to a great game of football, they were on the wrong side of a 5 – 4 result. Ryan Smale scored a hat-trick, and a brace for Callum Mitchell moved the home team into fourth place on goal difference. Broadhempston United had a good win on the road against Barton Athletic Seconds; a 2 – 1 win moves the Broads seven points behind Bere Alston with three games in hand. Paignton Saints Thirds had a good win at home to Kingsbridge and Kellaton United; 7 – 1 was the final score and moves Saints level on points with Broadhemston. This week’s fact for the statos out there: after next week’s games, Saints Thirds will have played half of their games for the season, so well done to them.

Games to catch on Saturday 15^th November.

Once again, County Cup games take priority, but there are some great league games being played.

Lots of important fixtures at both ends of most of the divisions, but we can start with a tasty tie in the Premier Division at in form Chudleigh Athletic who host Windmill in what will be a difficult challange for the Plymouth side hoping to keep their good form going. In Division One, Watcombe Wanderers host Liverton United at Long Lane with both teams desperate to put some points on the board. Division Two has a couple of fixtures that stand out. At the top, Ivybridge Town Reserves host second top of the table Babbacombe Corries at Erme Valley, but my game of the day is a relegation blockbuster at Armada Park where the bottom two meet in a massive game for both Upton Athletic and Newton Rovers. A win for either would take them out of the bottom two, but a home win could leave the Rovers team adrift. In Division Three, Waldon Athletic face Galmpton United at Windmill Hill, and in Division Four, there is a repeat of last week’s game, that had nine goals at Brixham Town, when Bere Alston United make their longest trip of the season to the seaside. All of the above games have a 2.30pm kick off.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 1st NOV, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of The Windmill contributed by SDFL

Paignton Villa turned on the style for the crowd in the first of three Fair Play fixtures at Coach Road. The game produced lots of tricks and treats and both teams not only contributed to an entertaining game of football, Both agreed to donate the gate money to Plymouth and District Leukaemia Fund. On the pitch, Villa ran out winners by five goals to three thanks to goals from Yanya Suliman, Tom Evans, Charlie Thomas and Babbucar Colley. The win takes them into fourth place, just one point off of the top two, and whilst Beesands slip down to sixth place, they are only three points off the top in what is a very close division. The SDFL would also like to thank DCFA for hosting the fixture which is one of three games that are being offered to teams with an exemplary discipline record.

The SDFL Premier Division is looking a bit different now that the Waldon Athletic effect has been actioned. The withdrawal of Torquay’s only Premier Division team has left Barton Athletic in Division One as the highest ranked grassroots team in Torquay to play in the SDFL, and whilst the league and club have spent a month or more trying to save the first team from pulling out of the competition, the bottom line is that it is difficult to attract players to play for a struggling team or expect second or third team players to step up to play in what is a tough division with good teams.

On the pitch, there are only four points separating the top seven teams, and it’s a Plymouth first and second this week with unbeaten Windmill leading the way following a 5 – 2 win over Totnes and Dartington, and right behind them are True Blues who were held to a 2 – 2 thriller at Kingsteignton Athletic who drop to eighth place but can beat any team on their day. On target for the Rams were Tom Reeves and Finlay Wood; Alfie Cole scored both goals for the visitors. Lakeside Athletic got back to winning ways, and a 4-nil home win versus a new look Buckfastleigh Rangers side keeps them well-placed albeit having played more games. Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds had a game on their hands and had to settle for what was a good point for them and Paignton Saints in an entertaining 1 – 1 scoreline at the Rec. The result of the day in the top division goes to Chudleigh Athletic who may remain at the wrong end of the table but a 5 – 2 home win versus a good East Allington United team, with goals from Gavin Lake, Riley Snell, Kia Stocker and Gavin Hammon, keeps them off the bottom on goal difference; but here is one for the statos out there: Chudleigh are joint bottom, having dropped nine points, but Lakeside are fourth from top having dropped 11 points!!!

At the top of Division One, Brixham Town have moved five points clear following a 6 – 4 win at Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds. Incredibly, it was one each at half time, but eight second half goals turned a drab affair into an entertaining second 45 minutes, and in the only other game played in this division, Barton Athletic overcame Watcombe Wanderers by five goals to four and both stay in mid table in this very close competition. Full report and photos available on Daves World proboards.

Babbacombe Corries remain on top of Division Two; a comprehensive 12 – 2 win over Upton Athletic keeps them a point ahead of the three chasing Plymouth based teams. Signal Box had a good win at Paignton Saints Seconds; a 4 – 1 scoreline, with goals from Jordan Rickards, Jake Cribb and Callum Austin, ensured the points were heading down the A38. Ivybridge Town Reserves came out on top in the derby game against Drake F.C. The final score was 1-nil and keeps the Ivies three points ahead of their rivals. Paignton Villa Seconds moved into the top half of the table with a 5 – 3 victory over winless Newton Rovers at Bakers Park. This division has three teams at the bottom who could each do with a win, and the week after next, Upton Athletic play Newton Rovers which will give that opportunity to both teams.

In Division Three, it was all about the bottom half of the table where Ipplepen Athletic Reserves collected their first win of the season with a 3 – 1 success at Waldon Athletic Seconds to move them off the bottom on goal difference, and South Brent won the A38 derby game by two goals to nil at Buckfastleigh Rangers in a scrappy affair to move into sixth place and six points off the team behind them. Finally, Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves stay in contention with a comfortable 7 – 1 win against Totnes and Dartington Seconds at Osborne Park.

Division Four had a full program, and at the top, Chudleigh Athletic Seconds remain three points clear as a result of a 5 – 2 win at Kate Brook over Barton Athletic Seconds to keep their good form going. In the second v third game, Teign Village‘s momentum was reeled in by Brixham Town Seconds in a great game at JC Park. The Fishermen won 3 – 1 and move within two points of the Teign Valley side, and they have a game in hand. Just a mention for all the volunteers and players at Brixham Town who have stuck with the club through a few tough seasons and now seem to be enjoying their football again. A massive well done to you all. Bere Alston United had to settle for a point in their visit to the White Rock stadium where they faced a Paignton Villa Third team that held them to a 2 – 2 scoreline and, according to some accounts, had some good chances to win the game. Bere Alston remain in fourth place eight points off the lead, and Villa are fourth from bottom with games against the three teams below them in the month of November. Kingsbridge and Kellaton United also continue to pick up points. This week, they settled for a 1 – 1 draw versus Newton Rovers Seconds who remain at the bottom but will be pleased to put a point on the board. As for Kellaton, they remain in mid-table and are also enjoying their Saturday afternoons having stuck together through some tough seasons. Well done to Tina and Andy.

Games to catch on Saturday 8^th November.

Cup fever comes to the SDFL with some cracking ties that kick off at 2pm. Potential banana skins: Kingskerswell (Div 3) v Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds (Prem). Totnes and Dartington (Prem) v Elburton Villa Reserves (Div 1). Mount Gould (Div 1) v Lakeside Athletic (Prem). Waldon Athletic Seconds (Div 3) v Teign Village (Div 4).

Local Derbies: East Allington United (Prem) v Beesands Rovers (Div 1).

Brixham Town face Barton Athletic and WBB host Watcombe Wanderers, all from Division One. Babbacombe Corries face Drake F.C. in an all Division Two tie.

In the league games taking place, Liverton United play Bovey Tracey Reserves at 2.30, and worth a watch will be Signal Box at home to East Allington United Seconds. In Division Three, Galmpton United will be looking to put one over Liverton United Seconds who have already beaten the Greens this season, and finally, in Division Four, Brixham Town Seconds face the journey to Bere Alston, where they will have a tough challenge not to come home empty-handed.

Enjoy your grassroots football.