UPTON ON THE UP? With a new manager and influx of players, Upton Athletic look for a strong finish to the season. However, Buckfastleigh won the points in this game. © Al Macphee/Miracle PR
Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Division Two side Ilsington Villa have made their first Herald Cup semi-final in over 40 years, knocking out league leaders Brixham AFC Reserves in a seven goal thriller at Lewthorne Cross.
Two goals from Matthew Warman, and a single from Jack Beer gave the home side a comfortable lead, but the Fishermen fought back to 3-2 with two penalty kicks. A stunning free-kick from Jack Langford restored Villa their cushion, and that ended up being the winner as Brixham pulled another late goal back.
Ilsington will face 2019 runners-up Kingsteignton Athletic in the semi-final. The Rams, who play in Division One, made the most of their first half chances to dispatch Premier Division hosts Watts Blake Bearne. Sam Barnes gave Kingsteignton the lead with a free-kick, and when another Barnes’ free-kick was saved, Mark Voisey gobbled up the rebound to double their advantage. Kingsteignton then missed one penalty before putting away another, Barnes the goalscorer again. WBB were much improved after the break, but by that time the damage had been done, and Athletic ran out 3-0 winners.
The Windmill, playing their first ever Herald Cup quarter-final, ended Torquay Town’s impressive run with a 3-1 victory at Bull Point. Carlton Allen, Ben Woodman and substitute Steven Edwards scored for the Premier Division side, with Kye Graham finding the net for Town, who play in Division Two.
Their semi-final opponents will also be from Division Two with SGT Police Reserves beating Division One title favourites Paignton Saints Reserves 1-0 at the Hive.
There were also a handful of divisional cup quarter-finals settled last Saturday. Ivybridge Town Reserves scored two without reply against title-chasing Buckfastleigh Rangers in the George Belli (Premier Division) Cup.
Barton Athletic Reserves’ Neil Thomas scored a hat-trick in an eventful Lidstone (Division Two) Cup game at Chuley Road which saw Barton overcome Newton Abbot Spurs Third 6-5 after extra-time.
Another high-scoring match saw Totnes and Dartington progress to the semi-finals of the Ronald (Division Three) cup, following a 5-3 win at Chudleigh Athletic Thirds. That game saw eight different goalscorers with Billy Bartlett, Jordan Baxter, Ciaran Finn-Looby, Sam Ingham and Bradley Spriggs on target for Tots, and Henry Stubbs, Oliver Williams and Jack Wills netting for Chudleigh.
Bovey Tracey Reserves are still eyeing a league and cup double as they ran out 8-1 victors at Newton Rovers Reserves in the Les Bishop (Division Four) Cup. Alistair Chuchuk put away a hat-trick.
Elburton Villa Reserves picked up a vital three points away to Newton Abbot ’66 in the Premier Division. Lewis Guest scored both of Villa’s goals in a 2-1 triumph, the referee over-ruling a linesman’s flag to award the winner. Villa are now just a point behind leaders Brixham Reserves with five games remaining for both teams. Buckfastleigh are a further point behind, but have a game in hand.
East Allington United still have an outside chance of the title. Finn Bullen scored five as the Pirates demolished Barton Athletic 13-1. Barton have one more game, against Ivybridge Reserves, to get that elusive first point.
Waldon Athletic will need unbeaten Paignton Saints Reserves to slip up if they are to retain top spot in Division One. The Clarets strengthened their position last Saturday with a 2-1 home win over Beesands Rovers. Harrison Arnold and Lewis Eaton put them two up before Jack Eades pulled one back for the Bees.
Upton Athletic and Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves fought out a goalless first half at Armada Park, with Rangers having the best chances but Upton defending well. Charlie Rowe and Samuel Lamburn missed one-on-ones to put Athletic in front and were to rue those missed opportunities, George Davidson and Brett Easterbrook delivering second half goals for Rangers.
Paignton Villa ran riot at South Devon College, beating Harbertonford 13-2. Jamie Ford and Richard Malone both scored hat-tricks for Villa. Jack Morrison added another two goals to his tally as Chudleigh Athletic won 5-1 at home to Kingskerswell and Chelston.
Babbacombe Corinthians look set to claim third place in Division Two after an 8-1 thumping of Watcombe Wanderers Reserves at Windmill Hill. Curtis Marshall bagged a hat-trick with Ben Nickells scoring twice.
Dartmouth AFC Reserves and East Allington United Reserves climbed away from danger with big away win. Darts beat Paignton Villa Reserves 6-3 at Whiterock courtesy of braces from Facal Benaziza, Robbie Chalk and Alistair Selby. There were also doubles from Chris Jebb and Lee Prestage as East Allington won 6-1 at Ipplepen Athletic Reserves.
The Division Three title race is now officially a two-horse race following leaders Brixham Town’s 2-1 home win over third-placed Teign Village, Seve Sanders and Shane Pike scoring. Only Watts Blake Bearne Reserves can pip Town to the post, but they have the games to do it, including an upcoming head-to-head at Abbrook Park. Ben Drinkwater, Danny Harry and Luke Pellowe struck for WBB in a 3-0 win at Broadhempston United.
Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves celebrated their first win since January, beating Bishopsteignton United 5-1 away.
Division Four looks like going to the wire. Stephen Rohan scored twice as Waldon Athletic Reserves beat Watcombe Wanderers 4-1 away to reclaim top spot from Bovey Reserves. Ivybridge Town Development enjoyed a narrow 4-3 victory at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves, Matthew Goodwin with two goals, and South Brent scored two without reply at Barton Athletic Thirds as they seek a top three finish.