PENS’ PEN: Daniel Steer breaks the deadlock for Ipplepen with a penalty in their 2-0 home win over Ivybridge Reserves. (c) Derek Castree
Despite a largely dry end to the week, many of the sodden grass pitches in south Devon were unable to recover in time for Saturday’s WBW (Solicitors) leading to yet more postponements.
11 games did go ahead though and four of these were in the Premier Division. Torbay Police’s game at Buckland Athletic Development was called off giving East Allington United the opportunity to draw level on points by beating local rivals Salcombe Town at Poole Lane. Instead, the Pirates were held to a second consecutive home draw with four goals shared. James Ivatts scored for the home side with Fin Bullen also converting a penalty; Ash Yeoman and Charlie Barnes were on target for Salcombe with Yeoman keeping up his record of scoring in every league and Herald Cup game for the Crabs this season.
Charlie Johansen scored twice for third-placed Meadowbrook in a 3-0 victory over Newton Abbot ’66. Thomas Comyn also scored for Brook who reduced the gap between themselves and East Allington to five points with four games in hand.
In-form Ipplepen Athletic came through a tough test at home to Ivybridge Town Reserves to rack up their fourth victory in a row. After a battling opening half an hour, with both sides creating chances, Dan Steer broke the deadlock from the penalty spot. Moments earlier, Steer had been clattered by Ivies ‘keeper Jack Horswell leaving referee Martin Williams with little option but to award the spot-kick. Ivybridge had their chances to equalise after the break. Dale Stocker scurried back just in time to clear a goal bound effort just before the hour mark and the industrious Brad Lowe smacked the bar 15 minutes later. But Pens always looked dangerous up front and the move of the match nearly ended up in a second after Steer’s skilful turn, drive and through-ball was matched by substitute Damien Francis-Furnivall who beat his markers before chipping over Horswell. That last minute effort ended up on top of the net but seconds later, Ipplepen were celebrating a second, Stocker firing a low shot past the stranded goalkeeper and into the corner of the net.
A five goal encounter at the Duckspond ended in the visitors’ favour as Brixham AFC Reserves beat Buckfastleigh Rangers 3-2. Matthew Constable, Dalton Sanders and sub Alex McKerrell scored for the Fishermen with Steven Sutton and Declan Cowley, from the bench, netting for Rangers; the home side also saw Lewis Cox dismissed.
Only one game survived in Division One. Aaron Knapman scored the only goal of the game as Abbotskerswell came away from Paignton Villa Reserves with the points. Abbots move level with leaders Harbertonford.
In contrast, there were 22 goals scored in just three games in Division Two. Unbeaten Upton Athletic increased the pressure on leaders Galmpton United by thumping bottom club Kingsbridge and Kellaton United 8-2. Rui de Garces put away a hat-trick at Armada Park with Darren Bastow, Shaden Gagg, Luke Horrell, Rafal Jarosz and substitute Jordan Bastow all making the score-sheet. Paignton Saints Reserves reinforced their top three position by beating Torbay Police Reserves 4-2. Jamie Micklewright scored twice for Saints with Luke Pocknell and Brandon Kelly also on target. Johnathan Carter and Russell Cooper were the Bees’ goalscorers. Babbacombe Corinthians won 4-2 at home to Dartmouth AFC Reserves to move up to fourth.
There were also 20 goals scored in three games in Division Five with Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds winning the derby with Kingsteignton Athletic Thirds 6-0. Brixham AFC Thirds go level top with East Allington United Reserves after their 3-1 home victory over the Pirates and Torquay Town Reserves and Totnes and Dartington Reserves were inseperable as they fought out a 5-5 draw.