TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 19th SEPTEMBER, by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot ’66 contributed by SDFL

Before I start this round up, I have to remind all SDFL clubs to double check that changing rooms, clubhouses, sheds, storage units are all secure and cameras are working. Any ride on mowers and valuables should be tagged, and there is an advice page on the DCFA website with tips on how to keep your property safe.

You will probably be aware of a theft at one of our village clubs, where volunteers and fundraisers have worked for years to purchase this equipment to improve the facilities, only for somebody to decide to steal it causing great inconvenience and putting financial pressure on the club. Hopefully, the long arm of the law will catch up with them soon.

On the pitch in the Premier Division, leaders Lakeside Athletic were taken to the wire by Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds, but a 3-2 victory keeps them on maximum points from the opening three games. Right behind them are Ilsington Villa thanks to a two-nil win over Pymouth True Blues who got some league minutes in the legs of their new players. Dan Langford and Jaimie Soper were on target for the moorland side, and True Blues had to play out the game with ten players. Paignton Saints moved into third spot with an eyebrow raising 3-1 win at Newton Abbot ’66 (pictured). Billy Reay, Jo Perry and Connor Stewart got the goals for Saints. The top three, plus East Allington United, are the only unbeaten teams left in the Premier Division after two weeks of league action. Kingsteignton Athletic make up the top five with a hard fought 2-1 win over Elburton Villa Reserves. Mark Voisey, just out of retirement, scored both goals for the Rams, whilst Ashley Walker was on target from the penalty spot for Villa.

In Division One, Mount Gould made it three from three in a top versus bottom clash, but you would not have known it. The Mounties ran out 3-2 victors but had to dig in at times to protect their lead and in fact with just 15 seconds to play, it was 2-2. Keiron Morris and Ray Spear got the first two goals, but it was left to Josh Mutton to win the points with the last kick of the game.

Buckland Athletic Seconds made it two from two with a 6-2 win against Babbacombe Corries, who were opening their league season following a great result in the county cup last week at Sampford Peverell. And Beesands Rovers must be wondering how long they will have to wait for their first points of the new season. They lost 3-2 at Bovey Tracey Reserves, who are sure to be there or thereabouts come next April, thanks to strikes from Cam Gill, Sam Stowell and Ben Moyle. Paignton Villa make up the top three with a 3-2 win at Watcombe Wanderers, which is a place not many teams come away from with three points.

In Division Two, Galmpton United continue their 100 per cent start to the season with a comprehensive 5-1 win at Ashburton, which was the first goal they have conceded this season, so no doubt Andy White will be concentrating on defensive work at training, Cole Feasby and Dan Tresize got two goals each, and there was a single for Max Prestwood. Kingskerswell make up the top three with a 5-2 win over Paignton Villa Seconds at the Kerswell Bowl. Oli Critchlow kept the match ball, having scored four goals, whilst Kyle Doughty scored a single to once again make ‘Kerswell one of the teams to beat in this division. Newton Abbot Spurs Thids came unstuck playing Liverton United First in their first league fixture of the season. Three goals without reply was a good return for Livvy, who join Galmpton, ‘Kerswell and East Allington United Seconds as the only unbeaten sides in the division. East Allington were playing their opening game, having avoided having to withdraw the team, and a 2-2 draw versus a decent Tavistock team should give the Pirates some confidence moving forward. Paignton Saints Seconds got their season up and running with their first points of the season. A 6-3 win over a visiting Ivybridge Town Reserves side is a good result in anybody’s book. Sam Winstanley, Adam Blackburn and Dan Beech each scored one, but the Saints hero was Harvey Veysey who hit a hat-trick.

In Division Three, Ipplepen Athletic Reserves remain the leaders thanks to a 4-1 victory over Liverton United Seconds, and Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds had the same scoreline as their senior team in a 2-1 win over Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves. Nathen De’Ath scored both goals, and the result keeps the Rams on two from two and in second place. Newton Rovers moved up five places with a close 3-2 win at Stoke Gabriel TP, who were also playing their first game under new management. Pre-season favourites Horrabridge Rangers clicked into gear with a 3-1 victory oner Chudleigh Athletic Seconds to record their first thee points in the SDFL. Harry Bowden, Aaron Johnson and Aiden Simpson secured the points for Rangers.

Division Four is going to be a tight competition as after only two games, only two teams have no points. Buckland Athletic Thirds are one of four teams on six points and they lead on goal difference. This week. they put in a 4-2 win at Waldon Athletic firsts having been level at the break. Lakeside Athletic Seconds have played three games, but their 10-1 win at Paignton Villa Thirds keeps them in second spot. Ilsington Villa Seconds got their second win of the season thanks to a 3-1 win at Brixham Town Seconds to join the top four. David Hatch rolled back the years with two goals, and Ernie Scott added a single for Villa. In the only other game played in this division, Windmill and Bere Alston Reserves shared the points in a entertaining 2-2 draw that keeps them both on four points.

In Division Five, Tamerton Foliot lead the way with three wins from three. This week’s nine-nil win at Bakers Park over Newton Rovers Seconds certainly helped their goal difference, which stands at plus 15 from three games. Paignton Saints Thirds eased into second place with a two- nil win over Newton Albion, which was the first defeat that Albion have had to endure. Alex Easson and Scott Troth scored the goals that gave the Paignton club three wins from their three adult teams on the day. Tavistock Thirds enjoyed their second win in three outings. A close 3-2 win against Broadhempston United puts them into third place with goals from Ben Backway, Paul Cowling and Ryan Smale, and finally, a result that you don’t often see in the SDFL: WBB v Waldon Athletic Seconds ended in a nil-nil draw that may give both teams a point, but Waldon have now drawn their opening three games and remain one of four unbeaten teams in Division Five, with just Kingsbridge and Kellaton Unitedd to get underway next week.

Games to catch on Saturday 26^th September:

The big game in the Premier Division, and my game of the day, is at Osborne Park, where Newton Abbot ’66 will not just be looking for a repeat of last season’s game between the clubs, where Sixes took all three points against the team that went on to win the division, Lakeside Athletic, they will be looking to get back on track after a defeat; the kick off is at 2.30pm. In Division One, it’s a ‘take your pick’ week with four great fixtures. Bovey Tracey at home to Babbacombe Corries, who lost their opening fixture last week, Watcombe Wanderers just have to cross the Penn Inn roundabout to play Buckland Athletic, and Beesands Rovers will be looking for their first points of the season at Mount Gould. Paignton Villa versus Buckfastleigh Rangers should also be a great game to watch as Villa are one of the form teams. In Division Two, True Blues Seconds finally get their league season underway with what could be a tricky game at Paignton Villa Seconds, and Kingskerswell versus Ivybridge Town could be a close encounter. The game in Division Three at Kate Brook between Chudleigh Athletic Seconds and Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds has two teams that want to keep a good start to the season going and kicks off at 1pm and is then followed with a 3pm start for Chudleigh Athletic firsts, who take on Newton Abbot Spurs in the Premier Division. Stoke Gabriel TP get their second outing of the season when Liverton United Seconds are the visitors. And what a game to get your weekend off to a flyer in Division Four at Homers Heath, where two of the league’s new teams meet at 7.30pm on Friday 25^th: Buckland Athletic Thirds versus Signal Box Seconds sees the league’s highest-scoring teams, with 34 goals between them in just two games, go head-to-head to stay at the top. In Division Five, Waldon Athletic Seconds are the latest team to attempt to stop Tamerton Foliot moving further ahead at the top, The game is at Plymstock School, and the big question is can Waldon draw for the fourth game in a row. Both teams are yet to lose.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 12th SEPTEMBER, by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Chudleigh Athletic Reserves contributed by SDFL

Week two of the league season was interrupted by the first round of the county cups, which resulted in just 16 league fixtures going ahead for the teams that were awarded a bye from DCFA.

The big game in the Premier Division between Kingsteignton Athletic and Lakeside Athletic went to the visitors who enjoyed a 4-1 victory and remain the early pacesetters. In the only other league game to be played in the top division, Elburton Villa Reserves picked up their first points of the season with a 2-1 win at Totnes and Dartington who, for the second week in a row, lose a game by just one goal. There were some Premier Division clubs playing in the county Premier Cup, and there was a notable success for Newton Abbot ’66 who beat higher league opposition in AFC Brixham Seconds, and neighbours Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds made the long trip to North Devon worthwhile with a good win at Coombe Martin, but True Blues and East Allington United make their exit in the first round. There was also an all-SDFL tie that saw Ilsington Villa progress at the expense of Paignton Saints.

In Division One, all eyes were on the game at Mount Gould where Bovey Tracey Reserves gave the hosts a game to remember, but not many teams win there. Bovey threw away a two goal lead for the hosts to run out winners by five goals to three to maintain their good start to the season. Ray Spear scored two and Keiron Morris, Barney Gillies and Soloman Sinclair also found the target. The double take result was at Loddiswell, where Beesands Rovers conceded six goals to a Paignton Villa side that really put in a shift and came away with the points that put them into fourth place. The two Division One teams in the county Senior Cup both progressed into the next round: Watcome Wanderers, courtesy of a walkover, and Buckland Athletic Seconds won 7-2 versus Exmouth Albion.

In Division Two, Galmpton United and Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds share top spot following good wins. Galmpton scored five without reply against Ivybridge Town Seconds, and Spurs won 5-2 against a good Ashburton side, who have played the top two teams in the opening two weeks. Nick Garett, Dylan Price, Jack Bailey and Montell Peart were the Spurs target men. Tavistock Seconds got their first points on the board thanks to a close 3-2 win over Paignton Saints Seconds at Langford Park.

Just one Division Two team in the first round of the county Senior cup: Liverton United made hard work against Exeter Royals, giving up a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3, and needed the penalty shootout to progress to Round Two.

In Division Three, newly-promoted Chudleigh Athletic Seconds (pictured) got their first win of the season at Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds with a 5-1 result that, for now, puts them in pole position on goal difference. Keoron Fletcher, Jack Salmons, Hayden Cox and Jack Slocombe found the net at Duckspond. The only other league game in this division was at Bakers Park, where Newton Rovers and Liverton United Seconds drew 1-1 for both to get a point on the board. There were a couple of county cup successes for this division. Horrabridge Rangers had a cross-moorland trip to Witheridge and came away with a 4-1 victory, and hats off to the lads from Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds who fulfilled their game at High Bickington and progress with a 3-1 win. Ipplepen Athletic Seconds also made it through to the next round by beating Exeter International.

The early pacesetters in Division Four are Barton Athletic. They had a tough battle against Windmill but finished with a 5-4 win to give them two wins from two games. Signal Box Seconds got their first win of the season, and what a win it was. A 13-1 win versus Waldon Athletic puts them into second place after just two games. To Waldon’s credit, they had to play the last 25 mins with ten players due to injury. Ilsington Villa Seconds and Lakeside Athletic Seconds both got their seasons up and running with a 2-1 victory. Villa’s came away at Paignton Villa Thirds, who conceded 13 last week, and Athletic’s was at home against Brixham Town Seconds, they made a confident start to the season last week. The Division Four teams in the Intermediate Cup had mixed results. Bere Alston United Reserves had a trek and a half to Sandford to lose 4-3, but Buckland Athletic Thirds had a comfortable eight-nil win over Offwell.

Tamerton Foliot are the early leaders in Division Five, scoring four goals for the second week in a row. This week, it was a 4-2 win at Broadhempston United thanks to goals from George Cordon, Owen Deakon and Isaac Phillips. Paignton Saints Thirds found the back of the net on 11 occasions in their home game versus Newton Rovers Seconds, and how nice it is to see teams that have struggled in the past get some good results, and as a result, they sit second in the table and are no doubt full of confidence. Tavistock Thirds also got their first win of the season with a close 5-4 victory over WBB to get them up and running. Ryan Smale, Tom Pritchard, Matt Davidson and David Harwood were on target for the Lambs. The battle of the division was at Windmill Hill, where Waldon Athletic Reserves and Newton Albion shared the points in a 2-2 draw that I am told was entertaining to watch. Conner Charlesworth and Jay Tout were on target for the home side, and the result leaves both teams unbeaten.

Just one county cup fixture in this division, and Kingsbridge and Kellaton bowed out of the Intermediate Cup having travelled all the way to Millwey Rise in Axminster to lose three-nil, so well done to them for flying the SDFL flag in the East.

Games to catch on Saturday 19^th September:

Let’s start with my game of the week, as Plymouth True Blues finally kick off their season having come close to withdrawing from the competition. But thanks to a lot of hard work by the volunteers at the club, and the good use of a rule by the LMC, they will have to endure a tough opening fixture at Ilsington Villa, where the KO is 2.30pm. Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Kingsteignton Athletic host Elburton Villa Reserves, Lakeside Athletic welcome Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves and Newton Abbot ’66 host Paignton Saints at Osborne Park. In Division One, the game at Bovey Tracey Reserves should be a cracker, where Beesands Rovers are the visitors looking for their first points of the new season. In Division Two, East Allington United Seconds also get their season underway after a worrying period at the club. They have also used their free time well to ensure the Seconds survive, and a visit by Tavistock Seconds will be a tester for the Pirates. In Division Three, Stoke Gabriel TP welcome Newton Rovers for a fixture that nearly did not go ahead, as Stoke also were left in turmoil with the departure of their new manager when seemingly a better offer came from another club. Once again, the volunteers got to work and the rest is history, so a massive well done, and thank you from everybody connected with grassroots football for what you do in a time where just putting a team on a pitch seems to be a massive task. In Division Four, there is a local derby, of sorts, at Millenium Fields, where Windmill host Bere Alston United Seconds in what should be a great game. And in Division Five, two of the unbeaten teams meet at Long Lane, where Newton Albion will welcome free-scoring Paignton Saints Thirds.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 5th SEPTEMBER, by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot ’66 contributed by SDFL

On the opening weekend of the SDFL season, and just 98 days since the last ball was kicked in the 25/26 season, most of the 60 teams kicked off with dreams of putting together a promotion season or perhaps reaching one of the cup finals, especially the ones that will be played at Plainmoor.

For some, it’s not all about success on the pitch. It’s about success off the pitch and the development of a group of young men within their football clubs and communities, or this season in particular, creating a pathway into adult football for youth players. Whichever category your club fits into, the SDFL wishes you all success.

My pick for game of the day did not disappoint. A Division Two clash between Kingskerswell and new boys Tavistock Seconds, who join the league with an impressive cv. In front of a decent attendance, the game was end-to-end and fairly even for the first 30 mins until the visitors took the lead when a speculative cross to the far post by Daniel Udo evaded Jack Gatting in the ‘Kerswell goal to loop under the bar. The goal shook ‘Kerswell to up their game, and Shane Shobrook was causing problems whenever he had the ball, but Ewan Lock in the Tavy goal was having a good afternoon. The crossbar saved him on one occasion, but most were down to good goalkeeping. Half-time came in good time for the visitors, but it was the ‘Kerswell bench that were the loudest, and within a minute of the restart, during the first ‘Kerswell attack of the second half, the referee pointed to the spot for a trip on a ‘Kerswell player, and it was left for Kyle Doughty to step up to pull the home team level. Tavistock were now on the back foot and ‘Kerswell looked the most likely to score again, but Tavy were playing well and were winning all of the second balls in defence. 15 minutes from time, ‘Kerswell won a corner that was floated into the six yard box for Ashley Grimes to rise above the young defenders to fire a bullet header into the goal. Tavistock continued to push forward in the final 15 minutes in search of an equaliser, but the experienced ‘Kerswell players were able to hold them off to record their first win of the new season.

There were some impressive results in the Premier Division, and no more than at Osborne Park, where Newton Abbot ’66 (pictured) once again got their season off to a winning start, against Plymouth based opposition in the form of newly promoted Elburton Villa Seconds, by 3 goals to 1 thanks to strikes by Luke Snell, Jake Cockram and summer signing Jakeb Haywood-Cann. East Allington United also got out of the blocks with three points versus Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds, with an impressive 3-1 scoreline, and Lakeside Athletic made a good start to their defence of the title but made hard work of a one-nil win at Totnes and Dartington. Ilsington Villa joined these three teams on three points with a two-nil victory over Chudleigh Athletic at Lewthorne Cross, Daniel Langford and Gavin Lake, against his old club, were the scorers. In the final game played in the top division, Paignton Saints and Kingsteignton Athletic shared the points in an eight goal thriller at Coach Road. Mark Voisey, Dan Garswood and Lewis Round were on target for the Rams.

In Division One, Watcombe Wanderers made it two wins from two in a hard fought victory at Beesands Rovers, and if you had told Buckland Athletic on Thursday that both of their teams would score 25 goals between them, they would not have believed you, but the Seconds racked up 12 against a Brixham Town side that are considered promotion contenders, so they can expect a tough training session next week. Bovey Tracey Reserves are most definitely contenders, and a 5-1 win versus Signal Box, who last season won Division Two at a canter, is a great result. Cam Gill, Sam Stowell, Ben Moyle and Ali Chuchuk were the target men for the Moorlanders. Mount Gould also got off to a winning start with a two-nil win against Paignton Villa at South Devon College.

Whilst Kingskerswell got their new season off with three points in Division Two, Galmpton United sit just above them on goal difference thanks to goals from Harley Hooper and Martin Luker (2). A three-nil win over visiting Ashburton, who themselves just missed out on promotion last term, is a good result for the Greens. One of the relegated teams, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, tasted victory in a league game for the first time since 3^rd January with a comfortable five-nil win against Paignton Saints Seconds to top the table. Toby Pullman showed the difference in divisions by scoring all five goals, and Ivybridge Town Seconds continue to win opening day fixtures with a tight 3-2 win at Paignton Villa Seconds.

In Division Three, just three games kicked off the season, and one of the results of the day must go to Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds who made the trip to new team Horrabridge Rangers and came away with all the points in an impressive 3-1 victory. Macauley Kerr, who scored two, and a single from Sam Bridge were good enough for Sixes to bring the points home. Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds also got their season off with a win following promotion from Division Four. The game versus Newton Rovers ended with a two-nil scoreline in favour of the young Rams thanks to strikes from Billy Bristow and Finley Lumgair. Ipplepen Athletic Reserves had a good opening day result with a one-nil against newly promoted Chudleigh Athletic Seconds, who lost their last two league games in Division Four last season and will not want to keep this run going.

In Division Four, Buckland Athletic Thirds made a ‘here we are’ statement with an impressive 13-nil win over Paignton Villa Thirds on Friday night under the lights of Homers Heath. All were praising the attitude of the Villa players who played the whole game as if it was one-nil.

On Saturday, there was a full house of fixtures, and Bere Alston United Reserves had a great result in beating Lakeside Athletic Seconds by six goals to one, and just to put that result in context, Lakeside were last seasons PWD champions, so having just lost out on promotion last season, Alston would appear to not want to let that slip away again. Robert Court and Soul Pengelly were on target and Callum Mitchell hit a hat-trick. Barton Athletic got their season off to a three point start with a close 2-1 victory over Ilsington Villa Seconds, who were playing their first game in adult football. Nat Crook and Matt Ward scored for the Blues. And another team in the same boat were Windmill, who won 2-1 against Waldon Athletic at Millenium Fields. Windmill currently have the smallest squad in the whole competition with just 20 registered players, so well done to them. In the final Division Four game, Brixham Town Seconds shared the points with Signal Box Seconds with an entertaining 4-4 draw.

In the new Division Five, Tamerton Foliot won the battle of the new teams with a four-nil win over Tavistock Thirds, and a new look WBB Reserves enjoyed a 3-1 win at Bakers Park against Newton Rovers Seconds. Another new team to the league Newton Albion did not have it their own way, but a one-nil win over an experienced Broadhempston United will have calmed the nerves of those brave enough to start a team from scratch and enter the SDFL. Cameron Davis was the sole scorer for Albion. The final game in this division was the third game of the day to finish with a 4-4 scoreline, and Waldon Athletic Seconds and Paignton Saints Thirds will no doubt be pleased to get an early point on the board. Waldon’s goals came from Connor Charlesworth, Marley Isaac, Elliot Glasser and Daniel Omonuwa.

So what do East Allington United, Watcombe Wanderers, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds, Buckland Athletic Thirds and Tamerton Foliot all have in common? Answer: after the first full week of the SDFL they all top their divisions. Well done to them.

Games to catch on Saturday 12^th September:

As this is the first week of county cups, league games are in short supply, but there is one in the top division that stands out, and it is the visit to Kingsteignton Athletic by current champions Lakeside Athletic for a 2.30pm kick off. Not much separated the teams last season, and this encounter is likely to be a close affair. The only other Premier Division game is at Dartington, where the hosts welcome Elburton Villa Seconds.

In Division One, Mount Gould will be tested by a Bovey Tracey Reserves side hoping to make it into the Prem at the third time of asking, and this will surely lay a marker as to how close they can get. Also in this division, Signal Box face their longest trip of the season to JC Park, where Brixham Town will give the Plymouth side a fisherman’s welcome.

In Division Two, Paignton Saints Seconds also face their longest trip of the season, but the reward is playing at Langford Park in Tavistock, where the hosts will be looking for their first points of the season following last weeks loss at ‘Kerswell by the odd goal in three.

In Division Three, two of the relegated sides meet at Bakers Park where Newton Rovers and Liverton United Reserves will both be hoping for some early points on the board, and Chudleigh Athletic Seconds will be tested at Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds following their promotion.

Division Four has the same number of games, and all look very competitive. Barton Athletic host a young Windmill side at Barton Downs; Lakeside Athletic Seconds face Brixham Town Seconds; Paignton Villa Thirds welcome Ilsington Villa Seconds to White Rock and Signal Box Seconds play Buckland Athletic Thirds at Manadon 3G.

Division Five offers new boys Tamerton Foliot the challenge of finding the Headlands, the home of Broadhempston United, and for the Torquay-based supporters something tells me that the game at Windmill between Waldon Athletic Seconds and Newton Albion will be worth a watch.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. OPENING DAY PREVIEW 26/27 SEASON, by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Ilsington Villa contributed by SDFL

The South Devon Football League returns for its 124^th season and in a healthier condition than it has been for some time. In fact, you would have to go back to 2016 to find more teams in the competition and 2013 to find six divisions.

Whilst the divisions may be smaller, they will still offer competitive football and help teams to avoid the traditional end of season fixture pile up which last season caused one team to play nine games in 14 days caused by the wettest winter on record. Most teams will play around 20 league games and an average of six cup games. The more successful teams will add another four cup games to their schedule. The league management have committed to arranging a supplementary competition should the sun gods shine on South Devon for the duration of the football season.

It has certainly been a rollercoaster of a summer as far as ins and outs are concerned. The league saw 13 new applicants of which 11 were voted in by the member clubs at the annual general meeting and two late applications were accepted by way of an electronic special general meeting. On the flipside, South Brent, Totnes and Dartington Seconds, Teign Village, Harbertonford, Upton Athletic, Barton Athletic 1^st and WBB 1st decided to withdraw their teams following the departure of some volunteers, and those departures may not be over as three more teams this week have requested a delay to the start of their season due to managers simply walking away. Whilst losing any team is disappointing, the league management have been particularly disappointed to lose two legendary teams in Upton Athletic and Harbertonford. And when you consider that WBB won Division One and the county Senior Cup, whilst Barton Athletic were considered to have had a very good season, just missing out on promotion, it is therefore clear to see that the landscape of Saturday adult football is changing.

New teams joining the competition that all fall within the 40 mile radius include Newton Albion, who will play at Long Lane; Tavistock FC, who have entered a second and third team, which will give players the opportunity to play on a Step Five ground and nearby Horrabridge Rangers, who also have tremendous facilities and will welcome visiting teams up the A386. Current members Signal Box have entered a second team, who will play at Manadon 3G, and an under-18 team from Windmill will play at Millennium fields. Ilsington Villa (pictured) have also linked up with an under-18 team to represent them as a reserve team in the competition, and Buckland Athletic’s under-18 team are ready to make the step up to become the club’s third team and play adult football for the first time; they will play at Decoy Park. The two late applications from current Premier Division champions Lakeside Athletic, for a second team, and Sunday side Tamerton Foliot, were both voted in and will start in divisions Four and Five respectively.

In the Premier Division, it is interesting to see that eight out of the 11 teams have grounds suitable for the football pyramid; all they need are the players and the ambition to take their clubs forward. On the pitch, Lakeside Athletic will be looking to retain the title and should be the team to beat. However, a number of clubs have made some noteworthy summer signings and will be working hard to be there or thereabouts come May. The two Newton Abbot teams, Spurs and ’66, have attracted some big names, and new boys Elburton Villa Reserves are a team that are used to winning games. True Blues and Ilsington have introduced reserve teams for the first time and will have a bit more strength in depth this term. Totnes and Dartington now only have one team to concentrate on and have also made some good signings, and I know they will want to improve on last season. Then come Kingsteignton Athletic, Chudleigh Athletic and East Allington United, not in any order, but good quality Premier Division teams that are not easy to beat and would be expected to win more than they lose. Paignton Saints demonstrated how close this division could be as just one goal separated them and Lakeside in the Charity Shield, proving that Saints could be a good bet for silverware this season.

Division One is going to be another rollercoaster of a season, and I can see seven teams that will consider themselves to be championship contenders. Buckfastleigh Rangers have recruited almost a whole team to get them back to the top division at the first time of asking and are one of the seven, but they slipped up in their opening game to Watcombe. Bovey Reserves, Beesands, Mount Gould and Buckland Reserves have all made some big summer signings and will be better than last term. Signal Box were promoted having only lost two games, but they have lost their number nine, as have Corries, and the games get tougher in Div One. Paignton Villa and Brixham Town have big squads to select from, and both will expect to be in a good position at the turn of the year.

Division Two is also going to be a very competitive competition and any of the teams could win it, but there are six that would start as favourites. Kingskerswell are a good side and are no doubt Premier bound and will be the team to beat. Galmpton almost matched them last term and will be looking to go one better this season. Tavistock are unknown, but they had a good season in the PWD league last year and time will tell if the players adapt to the A38 on a regular basis. Ivybridge Reserves and True Blues Seconds have new people at the helm and plenty of choice to bring in players when needed, so they are expected to do well, as are Ashburton, who just missed out on promotion, and East Allington Seconds are normally good for a top four place. Both Liverton and Spurs Thirds have strengthened during the summer, and both will want to bounce back after a relegation season. The two Paignton teams, Saints and Villa Seconds, are in clubs where players can be called upon when needed, and both will be difficult to beat on their 3G pitches.

Division Three is difficult to look much further than new boys Horrabridge Rangers, who are not in the division they would like to be in, but sometimes you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. They should be the team to beat and with facilities good enough for the pyramid, will be looking to get there as soon as they can. Could this finally be Stoke Gabriel Reserves’ chance of a promotion berth? A change of personnel and some new signings could do the trick, but Chudleigh Reserves and Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves will also see an opportunity to move up. Buckfastleigh Seconds should see an improvement as some of last seasons first team step down, and both Newton Rovers and Liverton Seconds have new managers and new players that could bring success, but the dark horses for me are Newton ’66 Seconds, who came close last year, enjoyed a cup run to the final and do not lose many games. They could see this season as one to remember.

Division Four: this division is difficult to preview as five of the ten teams are new to the competition, but Lakeside Athletic Seconds, who were late applicants, did well in the PWD league last season and could well be punching below their weight. Buckland Athletic Thirds, Ilsington Villa Seconds, Signal Box Seconds and a young Windmill side will all be expected to do well, but with only two guaranteed to progress, this should make for a competitive competition. Bere Alston United Seconds were disappointed to miss out on promotion last term but have stuck together and won’t be far away. Barton Athletic Seconds will be stronger as a result of the demise of their senior team, and Brixham Town Seconds will be hoping not to run out of steam for the March/April fixtures that last season cost them a top two place. Waldon Athletiv have been resetting for a year and building a new base of players to become upwardly mobile again, and Paignton Villa Thirds, who finished fifth last term, have the squad to compete in the top half of the division.

Division Five: also an unknown quantity, with four new teams joining some well known and long-serving league clubs. Tamerton Foliot, Tavistock Thirds, Watts Blake Bearne Seconds and Newton Albion have no history to detail apart from Tamerton were a Sunday side. WBB Seconds are mainly youth players from last year and will be able to use three of their demised senior team. Ilsington Villa have linked up with the under-16 team from Inter Plymouth, so the players will be familiar to each other, and Newton Albion, under the stewardship of Curtis Milford, will play a team made up from some departing Upton Athletic and WBB under-18s players.

Broadhempston United, Newton Rovers Seconds and Paignton Saints Thirds are all experienced teams with good sized squads to choose from and will prove difficult to beat, but my two dark horses are Kingsbridge and Kellaton United and Waldon Athletic Seconds; both have made some good signings during the summer and should have a good competitive season.

Games to catch next weekend: in Division Four, Buckland Athletic Thirds kick off their first game in adult football with a home game v Paignton Villa Thirds on Friday night at Homers Heath with a 7pm kick off, and what better way to support a new young team than to go along and watch their opening fixture.

In the same division, other new teams kicking off at 2.30pm on Saturday 5^th are Ilsington Villa Seconds at Barton Downs, Signal Box Seconds, who travel to JC Park to face a tough start against Brixham Town, Lakeside Athletic Seconds, who have a local derby v Bere Alston United Seconds, and Waldon Athletic, who start with an away day to face Windmill at Millennium Fields.

In Division Five, Newton Albion have a home game at Long Lane v Broadhempston United, and a young WBB side only have to go to Bakers Park to play Newton Rovers Seconds. For our Plymouth-based readers, Tamerton Foliot play their first Saturday game at Plymstock School against Tavistock Thirds.

Continuing with the new club theme, in Division Three, Horrabridge Rangers have been given a home start against visitors Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds who will not give them an easy start to life in the SDFL and will be worth a watch if you are over that way.

And finally, in Division Two and my match of the day is at Kingskerswell where new boys Tavistock Seconds will face a tough test against a team that has only lost two league games in two years and has a good following; this should be a great game to watch, and all games have a 2.30pm kick off.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

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.