TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 25th OCT, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Waldon Athletic at last season’s Herald Cup final contributed by SDFL

Herald cup 1st round draw gives three local derbies.

The first round of this seasons SDFL flagship knockout competition has produced some fascinating ties to look forward too. The draw, with a date to be confirmed, is:

Babbacombe Corinthians v Drake F.C.

Bovey Tracey Reserves v Liverton United

Brixham Town v Barton Athletic

East Allington United v Beesands Rovers

Kingskerswell v Newton Abbot Spurs Second

Mount Gould v Lakeside Athletic

Newton Rovers v Templer Way

Totnes and Dartington v Elburton Villa Reserves

Waldon Athletic Second v Teign Village

WBB v Watcombe Wanderers

All other teams have a bye into Round Two

At the time of writing there appears to be an issue with full time therefor league positions are unavailable to report.

This week in the SDFL Premier Division, Ilsington Villa suffered a shock 3 – 2 home defeat against East Allington United at Lewthorne Cross. Rob Tapper and Ben Taylor scored the goals for the Pirates; the result not only puts a dent in Villa’s ambitions, it moves the Pirates into a credible position to be considered challengers; it also opened the door for True Blues to set the pace, but in their derby game at Lakeside Athletic, neither could seize the moment and both settled for a point in a six goal thriller that was a credit to the standard of football being played in this division.

Paignton Saints picked up another three points and are growing in confidence. A comfortable four-nil win versus Buckfastleigh Rangers keeps Saints moving in the right direction and Rangers needing a win to move them away from the wrong end of the table. Newton Abbot ’66 slipped up with a 3 – 2 loss at Kingsteignton Athletic; goals from Sam Morgan, Ryan Toglaviari and Mathew Elmore secured three valuable points for the Rams in a close contest. Chudleigh Athletic lost again by the odd goal in three; this time it was Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds that took the points and seem to have found some form in recent weeks.

If the Premier Division is hotting up, then Division One is on fire; Brixham Town continue to win big games, and this week’s 5 – 1 victory versus Buckland Athletic Reserves was more valuable to the Fishermen than just the three points as one of their closest rivals Mount Gould had lost at home to Paignton Villa by 2 goals to 1 in another pulsating game that gets Villa looking upwards again. Bovey Tracey Reserves are also pressing in the top five following a 4 – 2 win against Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds thanks to goals from Ben Moyle, Owen Caldwell and Oliver Bourne. Beesands Rovers got back to winning ways at home to a Barton Athletic side that had a man sent off in a 3 – 2 defeat; the result sets up the Bees for their Friday night out in Newton Abbot.

In Division Two, most of the games went with the form guide; Babbacombe Corries had a good 3-nil win over top of the table Drake F.C. at Long Lane and Signal Box kept up the pressure on the top two with a comfortable afternoon against Harbertonford with six different players getting on the scoresheet. Ashburton won again, but this time they had to settle for a 1-nil win at Paignton Villa Seconds; the result keeps the Ashes just behind the leading three.

In Division Three, Kingskerswell continue to forge ahead and look unstoppable; a 5 – 2 win over promotion hopefuls Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police Reserves, helped by a Kyle Doughty hat-trick, keeps them unbeaten at the top. Galmpton United got back to winning ways following a couple of indifferent results; a 4-nil win at Ipplepen Athletic, with goals from Harley Hooper, Jack Rowell and Jack Trimble, keeps the Greens in a good place.

The top two teams in Division Four both scored six goals in their respective victories; Teign Village won 6 – 1 against Broadhempston United and Chudleigh Athletic Seconds won 6 – 2 against Paignton Saints Thirds to set the pace in the division; Bere Alston United remain in close contact with the leaders thanks to a 3-nil win at Newton Rovers Seconds.

Friday night football returns to the SDFL this week as Paignton Villa host Beesands Rovers in a Division One fixture at Coach Road that has a 7.30pm kick off. The fixture is a reward for the positive behaviour that both clubs promote throughout the season and has been offered by DCFA as a full Coach Road experience for them to enjoy. Both teams have high hopes of challenging for promotion, and so far, both have topped the table since the season started, so if you are in need of a football fix this Friday, get along to Coach Road and support two great teams in search of three points.

Games to catch on Saturday 1st November.

My game to catch in the Premier Division is at Newton Rec where Newton Spurs Seconds play Paignton Saints. Just three seasons ago, this would have been a game in the pyramid, and both teams have had a mixed start to their second season in the top division, and no doubt both will be looking at this game as an opportunity to gain three points. In Division One, there is a local derby at Bovey Tracey Reserves when Liverton United make the short trip in search of some much needed points; Division Two also offers a local derby at Millbay park where Drake F.C. will play Signal Box in what will be a well-supported fixture, and Harbertonford travel to Watcombe Wanderers for what could be a tough afternoon for both teams.

Kick off is 2.30 Enjoy your grassroots football.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 13th SEP, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot ’66 contributed by SDFL

The Premier Division finally kicked off, a week late due to those County Cup games that were brought forward, but most were worth the wait.

In what was tipped as the game of the day turned out to be result of the day, as Newton Abbot ’66 sent Lakeside Athletic back to Plymouth empty-handed in what was only their second league defeat in three seasons. This was a great game of football, and the visitors were for long periods of the game the better of the two teams, but they could not finish in front of goal and ’66 did what they do best: they soaked up the pressure, played a lot of long balls and scored two goals against the run of play. Lakeside got themselves frustrated and it clearly affected their performance; Callum Foskett and Callum Crotty scored the goals for Sixes to give them a 2-1 home win to kick off their league season. And a special mention for man of the match Marc Graham who not only organised the Sixes defence when they were under pressure, he lifted the whole team to up their game. Not bad for a player north of fifty.

But it is Kingsteignton Athletic who sit at the top after game one following a belting 6-nil win over Waldon Athletic; Tom Reeves, Sam Morgan, Archie Law and Dan Rankin got singles and Mathew Elmore scored a brace to set the Rams on their way to a better start than last season. Plymouth True Blues have had a positive start to a first season in the Premier Division; they had to work hard to come away from Totnes & Dartington with a 4-2 win, and perhaps Russell Martin north of the border could do with some attacking ideas from his Plymouth worshipers. It was business as usual for Ilsington Villa with a very tight 2-1 win versus a Paignton Saints team who look like they could have a better season than last. Jack Langford and new signing Callum Noyce were on target for the Moorlanders.

In Division One, Beesands Rovers still lead the pack but were held to a 2-2 draw by Elburton Villa Reserves at Haye Road who were playing their first game of the new season. Alex Smith and Alfie Prowse were on target for the Bees who have had a positive start to the new term. Brixham Town got their season up and running at the second time of asking. A 5-1 win against Newton Spurs Thirds is a good result in anybody’s book. Tom Kelly, Macauley Dallow, Mark Griffiths and Lewis Booth were on target for the Fishermen. One of the pre-season favorites for promotion are Bovey Tracey Reserves, and an opening 4-1 win versus Watcombe Wanderers has got John Fleet’s side up and running for what could be a good season. Buckland Athletic Reserves also had a win on their opening day. A surprise 2-1 result against an experienced Liverton United team that already have 3 points on the board was a good result for a team that were struggling in the pre-season. WBB had to work hard for their 1-nil win at Paignton Villa, but it gets points on the board for the Claymen in what looks like it will be a tight division, with only three teams pointless after two weekends and Mount Gould have still to play.

In Division Two, Ashburton had a reminder that the higher you go the tougher it gets. They let a lead slip to lose at the hands of visiting Pirates, in the form of East Allington United Seconds, by 4 goals to 3, but it’s Drake FC and Ivybridge Town Reserves who lead the pack in the early weeks. Drake scored 7 goals against Harbertonford, courtesy of a Luis George hat-trick and aided by strikes from Alfie White, Scott Richards and James Chapman, whilst Ivybridge Town chalked up their second win of the season at the hands of Paignton Saints Seconds, by 2 goals to 1. New boys Signal Box had a shock defeat last week but put that well behind them, scoring 8 goals without reply against Newton Rovers: Jake Cribb and Joe Haslem both hit hat-tricks with Ben Wildman and Connor Brandon scoring one each. The final game in this division had a late twist before it kicked off. Both Paignton Villa Reserves and Upton Athletic arrived at Churston Grammar School only to find the pitch had not been marked out. Now, they could have all spent the afternoon in the Weary Ploughman enjoying some autumnal sunshine, but Jasmine Norton was having none of it. A couple of phone calls and off they all drove to Stoke Gabriel TP to get the game played on their second pitch, and after all that, Upton wished that they had stayed in the Ploughman as they lost 11-nil with Alex Narvidge netting four and Ashley Beetschen hitting a hat-trick. Now that’s grassroots football, and well done to both clubs for making it all happen.

Division Three is going to be a good competition and is already shaping up with seven teams having points on the board; the other five need to find a result before the distance opens up.

Templer Way are the big surprise team: after such a good season last term, they have lost their opening two fixtures, this time to Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds, by 3 goals to 2, thanks to strikes from Ashley Heyworth, Finley Lumgair and Jack Lee. Liverton United Reserves are the early pace setters, and a 4-1 home win versus Totnes and Dartington Seconds, with goals from Oliver West, Kye Graham and Simon Ross, overshadowed the fact that they played the last 20 minutes with 10 players. Kingskerswell remain neck and neck at the top following a 6-nil win at Ipplepen Athletic Reserves, and since they reformed, they have now won 23 games on the bounce. Also keeping an early pace are Galmpton United and Waldon Athletic Seconds. Galmpton enjoyed their first taste of victory with a 2-1 win over Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds, and Waldon Athletic put three points on the board with a fine 3-1 victory at South Brent thanks to Bailey Clarke, Josh Garside and Luke Lewis all finding the net.

Division Four is also shaping up to be a tight division with eight of the eleven teams having points on the board. Chudleigh Athletic Seconds lead the pack with their second win of the season. A 5-1 win at Bakers Park versus Newton Rovers Reserves is a comprehensive win and no doubt sends a message to the other teams. Waldon Athletic Thirds picked up three points in a hard fought game against a young Bere Alston United Reserves team who were experiencing a trip to Torquay for the first time; Marley Isaac scored the only goal of the game for the Clarets. Kingsbridge and Kellaton United also got their season up and running with a fine 6-3 home win versus Paignton Saints Thirds, and the points sees them slip into the lofty heights of fourth place after two games. The final game to be played in Division Four saw Paignton Villa Thirds and Brixham Town Seconds share the points in a 2-2 draw at White Rock. Tom Bintcliffe scored both Villa goals and both teams have a point on the board.

County Cups

There was more success for our teams playing delayed fixtures. Windmill FC travelled to Ottery St Mary (Step 7) and East Allington United had a day out in Winkleigh (Exeter), and both steered themselves into Round Two.

Games to catch on Saturday 20^th September:

If you are looking for a football fix before Saturday, the first Friday night game of the season kicks off at 7.15 at Newton Rec where Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves take on East Allington United in the opening Premier Division game for both teams.

There are a couple of Premier games that catch the eye. Firstly, a local derby at Millbay Park where Plymouth True Blues welcome The Windmill for a game that will attract a big crowd and no doubt some entertainment, and Totnes and Dartington play Kingsteignton Athletic who will be looking to stay on top of the top division.

In Division One, the standout games look to be at JC Park, where Brixham Town face Paignton Villa in what should be a colourful affair, and Beesands Rovers, who are getting used to winning again, travel to Long Lane to face Watcombe Wanderers.

Division Two also has a couple of stand out games. Ashburton lock horns with Drake FC for a fixture that last season was in Division Three and produced two great games, and Ivybridge Town Reserves have a semi-local derby against East Allington Reserves at Erme Valley.

In Division Three, South Brent are the latest team to try to beat Kingskerswell, and Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves face a Liverton United Reserves team that have started the season well.

Division Four offers one of the longest trips of the season for any SDFL team when Chudleigh Athletic Reserves travel to Bere Alston United Reserves for the first time, with both looking to keep a good start to the season on track, and Barton Athletic Reserves welcome Teign Village to Barton Downs.

All games have a 2.30pm kick off, and all fixtures are available to view on the league’s Full Time website.

Enjoy your autumnal Saturdays with the South Devon Football League!

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

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

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

Kingsteignton Athletic 0 – 2 Waldon Athletic

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

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

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

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

Half Time: Kingsteignton Athletic 0 – 1 Waldon Athletic.

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

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

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

Final Score: Kingsteignton Athletic 0 – 2 Waldon Athletic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Games to catch on Saturday 14^th September:

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

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

Enjoy your grassroots football.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday’s league games that affect promotion and relegation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Games to catch this week in the South Devon League:

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your football in the penultimate week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More details and photos to follow…

Photographs ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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