Tag: bovey tracey

Lakeside move into position to challenge Plymouth rivals Windmill

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 16th MAY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of WBB contributed by SDFL

Midweek Roundup:

Premier Division

Lakeside Athletic moved into second place with a 4-2 win at East Allington United setting up a tilt at the title if they can win at home to Windmill on Monday 18th May at Parkway social club at 6.30pm. Anything less that the full three points will hand the title to Windmill. At the bottom, the great escape is still on as Totnes and Dartington won five-nil versus a Paignton Saints side planning ahead for their trip to Plainmoor. The result leaves Newton Abbot ’66 still needing a win for survival from a home game v Kingsteignton Athletic or, on the 19th May, v Totnes and Dartington. One thing is for certain and that is that anything can happen in an end of season game.

Division One

Elburton Villa Reserves repaid Bovey Tracey Reserves for taking the Dartmouth Cup from their grasp by beating them 8-1 and start the task of not only playing ten games in 17 days, but winning at least seven of them to pinch one of the promotion spots, and what an achievement that would be. Next week, they face Barton, Mount Gould and Watcombe, and if they navigate those three, then the last game for them on 30th May is WBB!!!. Barton Athletic moved three points clear of Mount Gould with a five-nil win versus Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds. Oakley Hunt, Alfie Luscombe and Dom Lavalee were on target for the Blues.

Division Three

South Brent reached the safety point mark with a one-nil win over Liverton United Seconds, and Totnes and Dartington Seconds also won by the same scoreline over Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds leaving them needing one point from two games to condemn Ipplepen Athletic Seconds and Waldon Athletic Seconds to a lower division. South Brent played their second midweek game against Ipplepen Athletic Seconds, who really needed all three points but had to settle for one in a 3-3 draw. It leaves the Pens needing to win their final game to stand a chance of staying in Division Three.

Division Four

Barton Athletic Seconds moved into third place with a 2-1 win at Brixham Town Seconds. The result leaves Teign Village, in second place, needing two points from three games to be sure of promotion, and they lost one of those lives when they lost 3-1 to Waldon Athletic Thirds, who can still catch them. Village now need three points from two remaining games to be sure of second place. It really could not be any closer, as Barton Athletic Seconds can also catch them. They won 2-1 at Brixham Town thanks to goals from Mathew Leighton and Zach Norton.

Division Three Ronald Cup final (sponsored by Coast and Country estate agents)

The players and volunteers of Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds and Kingskerswell were given the once in a lifetime opportunity by Torquay United and the SDFL management to play the Division Three cup final at Plainmoor, and both teams responded by providing a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes of cup final football then another 30 minutes of nailbiting extra-time for supporters, and then a penalty shoot-out that ended in joy for ‘Kerswell and pride from the ’66 players who were soaking up the atmosphere they had created for 450 watching spectators. Toby Ballard put ‘Kerswell in front on 13 minutes, and ’66 looked like they were wobbling. But ’66 are a difficult team to beat and they kept to their game plan, and by the time we got to half-time, Jordan Pidwell and Mat Groves had put them in front. Just five minutes into the second half came the big talking point of the game: ‘Kerswell player running into the box with the ball, in comes a tackle, some thought the player got the ball, some did not, and the referee agreed with the latter. The referee spoke to his assistant, who offered an opinion, and then pointed to the spot, and Kyle Doughty stepped up to score a penalty that he will never forget. Extra-time came and went with lots of nerves and missed chances, and the penalty shoot-out was as nervous as the previous 30 minutes. ’66 missed two kicks to ‘Kerswell’s one and handed the divisional cup to Kingskerswell for the second year running.

Herald Cup (sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services)

It’s been 20 years since the Herald Cup final has been played at Plainmoor, and the 600 spectators that turned up were reminded that football is still a winter sport and even in May it can be freezing when the sun goes down. Both teams were playing in their first Herald Cup final and were appreciative of the work that had gone into securing the venue for such a fixture. Lakeside Athletic arrived as favourites and to have the eventual man of the match in Adam Carter playing up front for them was surely a red flag for Paignton Saints. However, it was Saints that took the game to the Plymouth side and had those two early chances got past Ben Martin in the Lakeside goal, then this report would have been different. David Moore put Lakeside in front on 29 minutes and just three minutes later, that man Adam Carter had made it two. By now, Lakeside were playing with some swagger and Saints needed to up their game, but it seemed to be over when Carter got his second of the night and a third for Lakeside. Having nothing to lose, Saints did seem to wise up and give Lakeside less time on the ball, and when Thomas Ross pulled one back, there was hope that if they could get a second goal, it would be game on. Thomas Ross was putting himself about a bit more, but at five foot something up against Mr. Carter at six foot something, the difference was there to see. All ten substitutes were used, and the fourth and final goal came right at the end and sealed a 4-1 victory to put Lakeside Athletic on the Herald Cup for the first time.

The SDFL would like to thank Torquay United for including grassroots football into their community project thus giving four football teams and their volunteers the opportunity of a lifetime to experience playing a game on what to many is considered hallowed turf. Close to 1100 supporters, family and friends have also been included in the experience of watching the games that both turned out to be entertaining and played in good spirits. The SDFL would also like to thank our sponsors for these two events in Torbay Clearance Services and Coast and Country estate agents.

Devon County Senior Cup Final

Congratulations to Watts Blake Bearne who beat Bovey Tracey Reserves 2-1 in another all-SDFL Senior Cup final. In fact, this is the third year in a row that two SDFL teams have made it to the final and, of course, keep the trophy in the south of the county. Both teams so far have had a great season with Bovey winning the Dartmouth Cup and Wattsies reaching the Herald Cup semi-final and currently enjoying top spot in Division One. Is it true that Andy Moore was seen putting up a new shelf in the clubhouse last week?

Saturday summary

In the Premier Division, it was the relegation zone that was in the spotlight with Newton Abbot ’66 picking up one of the two points they need to stay in the top division. A 1-1 draw with Kingsteignton Athletic at Osborne Park means they just need a draw when they play Totnes and Dartington at home on Tuesday at 6.30pm. Just to emphasise how tight the division is, ’66 could finish in fifth place. They could also be relegated. East Allington United won their first game since early April with a 4-2 win against Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds, and that puts a bit of pressure on the third place that Spurs looked like achieving just last week, but they still have three games to put the loss behind them.

Division One is proving more difficult to predict with two weeks to go, and Barton Athletic will be kicking themselves for dropping more points on the run in, this time at Buckland Athletic Reserves, who concluded their season with a credible 1-1 draw against the promotion challengers. The result leaves Barton hoping that Mount Gould and Elburton Villa Reserves drop points. Villa cruised to an 11-nil victory versus a Liverton United side that look like they are returning to Division Two after one season in this division. Villa, on the other hand, have 14 days to play eight games, and the target is 22 points from those games which gets them promoted; that, of course, may be less as they still have to play Barton, Mount Gould and WBB. Watcombe Wanderers moved away from danger with their second win in two weeks; this week, they won 6-2 against Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds to create an eight point gap as breathing space.

In Division Two, Babbacombe Corries took a giant leap towards promotion by winning 3-2 at Drake FC and now only need one point from three games to be sure of bouncing straight back to Division One after relegation. Ashburton are making a final push for third place, and a 14-1 win versus Newton Rovers improves their goal difference as a bit of insurance. One of the results of the day must go to Upton Athletic, who, in playing their final game of the season, won their first game of the season and scored eight goals in the process against Harbertonford, proving that it does pay to be patient.

The relegation picture in Division Three is a bit clearer after Ipplepen Athletic Reserves won their final game versus Waldon Athletic Reserves 4-2 leaving themselves in the bottom two on goal difference from Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds, who need a point against ’66 Seconds or South Brent to avoid the drop as the goal difference is just one, meaning they can’t lose both games and stay up. Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds still had a hangover from their trip to Plainmoor as they lost to Totnes and Dartington Seconds 3-2. This win for Tots, and other results, means they are safe from relegation. South Brent edged a 3-2 mid-table game against Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds in their third game of the week that produced nine points for them. For some reason, only half of the teams in Division Three had a fixture on Saturday, and all of them still have games to play.

Division Four is just as close as the others, and with two weeks of the season to go, Teign Village used up the second of three lives they had a week ago. A two-nil loss at Bere Alston United Reserves leaves them needing to win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United to secure promotion, but having lost their last two games, this will give all connected to the club seven sleepless nights. Bere Alston United are still in the mix as are Barton Athletic Seconds, who won 4-1 at Broadhempston United and are in a battle with Alston for third place or second if Village slip up for a third time, but this time next week, we will know. One thing that we do know from those results is that Chudleigh Athletic Seconds cannot now be caught and are the Division Four champions. Congratulations to all at Chudleigh Athletic Seconds for a league and cup double.

Game to catch on Friday 22nd May: George Belli Cup final (Premier Division)

The Windmill v Lakeside Athletic at Ivybridge Town FC, 7pm kick-off.

Probably the top two teams in the SDFL go head-to-head to win the newest trophy in the SDFL collection. They both actually meet each other in a league showdown on Monday 18th May, so by the time this game is played, either one of them will be playing for a league and cup double. The earlier league fixture between them went the way of Windmill by three goals to two, so expect to see the unexpected.

Our hosts have plenty of parking, and a full bar and food service will be available.

Enjoy the last grassroots cup final of the season.

the windmill dartmouth cup winners 2025

Bovey lift Dartmouth Cup while Windmill eye league and cup double

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 9th MAY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of The Windmill contributed by SDFL

Midweek Roundup:

Premier Division:

Windmill managed to put one hand on the title with a 4-1 win over local rivals Plymouth True Blues with four different players hitting the net; with just one game left to play, against the only team that can catch them, the mathematics are as clear as mud, but here we go: Windmill need to win to be champions. A draw, and Lakeside can still equal their points but would then need to score 23 goals in their final six games. One thing for sure is that you could not have written a script for such a close end to the season, and it’s fair to say that the Lakeside Athletic v Windmill game may be worth a watch. Details on that to follow soon.

At the bottom, could the great escape be on? I mentioned last week that Totnes and Dartington needed to win their final four games to avoid the drop and guess what? First one out of the way, and a fine 5-4 victory at East Allington United will have Newton Abbot ’66 and Kingsteignton Athletic looking over their shoulders knowing that both teams need three points to be sure of safety.

Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves edged into the runners up spot with a 4-2 win at Ilsington Villa courtesy of Louis Green, Jacob Wales and Mathew Walliams. Some of the mathematical mud was cleared on Thursday evening when Chudleigh Athletic held Lakeside Athletic to a 2-2 draw leaving Windmill still needing to get three points from their final game to be sure, but one point may be enough if they win their six remaining games and score 23 goals in the process.

Division One:

WBB returned to the top spot with a seven-nil win over Bovey Tracey Reserves whose eyes were probably on Friday’s Dartmouth Cup final. The result drops Mount Gould out of the top two for now, and Elburton Villa Reserves climbed one place with a 3-1 win over Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, which leaves them with 11 games to play in four weeks, and again the brief is clear: with 54 points as the promotion target, they need to win ten and draw one to be in the top two at the moment, but that will all change as they have to play the top three. At the bottom, Watcombe Wanderers won a six-pointer against Liverton United by five goals to nil, which has given the Greens hope for remaining in Division One and leaves Livvy needing a win to change position. WBB played again on Thursday and continued where they left off on Tuesday. A five-nil win at Buckland Athletic Reserves puts them three points clear at the top, and the top three each have five games to play with those three points separating them.

Division Two:

Ashburton continue to keep two of the top three waiting. A nine-nil win at Upton Athletic means that they can still grab a promotion place, but it is out of their hands. Corries need to win four of their remaining five games to guarantee promotion, but if they only win three of them, then Ashes could nip in at the death if Drake also slip up.

Division Three:

Ipplepen Athletic Reserves moved out of the relegation spots on goal difference with a 3-3 draw against Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds. The result now leaves the door open for Stoke Gabriel TP to claim third place in what has been a difficult division to break into the top two. Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds also played two midweek games and kept up the pressure for a top three finish with a 2-1 win at Waldon Athletic Reserves. Totnes and Dartington Seconds picked up a valuable point in a 1-1 draw versus South Brent, and with games in hand over the two teams above them, they have a opportunity to avoid the drop into Division Four.

Division Four:

Waldon Athletic Thirds keep the top two on their toes with a five-nil win over Broadhempston United. The result leaves Teign Village needing six points from four games to guarantee promotion, and they both face each other in a showdown on 13/05 at 6.30pm at Windmill Hill.

Dartmouth Cup Final:

A few of the SDFL followers thought that this was the best cup final so far this season, and it certainly was the one with a big ending. Bovey missed a one-on-one with the ‘keeper Dan Layer, who made a great save after just four minutes, and that set the tone for the game. Elburton were the better of the sides for long periods, but Bovey looked dangerous going forward. Fin Lyle put Elburton in front on 20 minutes, and it took Bovey until five minutes into the second half to get back on level terms through Ben Moyle, who was keeping the Elburton full-backs on their toes all night. With 20 minutes left on the clock, the goal of the game came from the man of the match Charlie Jones, who struck the ball from 20 yards, and Bovey ‘keeper Mark Perring could only watch it hit the inside of the post and then the back of the net to put Elburton back in the driving seat. The clock ticked passed 90 minutes, and the two benches were in opposite moods. Villa’s was full of shouts at the ref, “How long is there?” “Seven minutes,” declares the referee. As the clock was approaching 94 minutes, a weak cross into the Villa box looked sure to be cleared, but Ben Moyle got his foot in first and the ball trickled past the ‘keeper to bring life to the Bovey bench, and the Villa manager was on his knees wondering, ‘How have they got back into this game?’ Extra-time was now just two minutes away and again, a nothing ball into the Villa box was about to drop into the ‘keeper’s hands only for Sam Barnes to stretch out a leg and and watch the ball bounce past the ‘keeper to put Bovey 3-2 in front, and the two benches were in different moods than just three minutes ago. Fantastic advert for SDFL Division One football and great entertainment.

The SDFL would also like to thank the hosts Ivybridge Town FC for looking after everybody on the night, and I am sure the league will back with more cup finals in the future.

Saturday:

It’s as you were at the top of the Premier Division, with three of the top four teams playing in the Belli Cup semi-finals, where Lakeside Athletic progressed to their second final of the season by beating Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves by five goals to one. The other semi was a bit closer, with Windmill getting the better of Paignton Saints with a 3-2 victory that sets up an all-Plymouth final for the first time in the cup’s long history.

But it’s all change at the bottom, where Buckfastleigh Rangers played a nap hand by winning 4-1 at Ilsington Villa in their final game to leapfrog Newton Abbot ’66 and leave them needing one point from five games to send Rangers into Division One and three points to send Totnes and Dartington on the same journey. As for Ilsington Villa, their season seems to have fizzled out after the defeat in the Herald Cup semi-final. Kingsteignton Athletic had a good result on the road. Their one-nil win at True Blues guarantees Premier Division status thanks to a single strike by Ryan Tovagliari. True Blues, with three games to play, will probably have to settle for a top four place, which is a good return for their first season in the SDFL Premier Division.

Despite WBB taking a six point lead at the top of Division One, it’s still wide open, with four teams in with a chance of promotion. They say that you have to beat the teams around you to make a difference, and Wattsies did just that. A hard-fought 3-2 win versus Mount Gould, with goals from Jake Cuff, Beck Hannah and Leo Dobson-Hill, won the points to put the Claymen in a good place. The result was all the more sweeter for WBB as relegation threatened Watcombe Wanderers beat promotion challengers Barton Athletic at Long Lane by four goals to three. Cieran Bridger, Sean Finch and former WBB player Mike Turner won the game for the Greens to give them five points of breathing space at the bottom. Barton stay in second place on goal difference. Paignton Villa only have two games to play, but following an 8-2 win versus Liverton United, six more points could see them into second place, and then it would be out of their hands; but a top four finish for Villa is on the cards. The final team in with a chance of picking up a promotion place are Elburton Villa Reserves, who need to win ten of their remaining games, in three weeks, to be in the mix, and what makes it more interesting: they still have to play WBB and Barton Athletic. Watch this space.

signal box oak villa south devon football league 2026
Division Two champions: Signal Box Oak Villa. Photo contributed by SDFL

Division Two is almost done and dusted with Signal Box Oak Villa already presented with the divisional trophy. Corries need six points from four games to be sure of the runners-up spot. Corries enjoyed a 4-1 win at Paignton Villa Seconds, and at the same time, SBOV did them a favour by beating local rivals Drake FC by the same scoreline. David Menhinnet, Jake Gallini and Reuben Riggs were the goalscorers for Villa. At the bottom, Upton Athletic and Newton Rovers will probably be looking forward to winning some games in a lower division next term.

The much-awaited game between the two runaway leaders in Division Three was a classic that went the way of Kingskerswell, who, by beating Galmpton United by three goals to two, return to pole position and will probably stay there. They do, however, need one point to secure the title, from three remaining games, or it would go back to Galmpton if ‘Kerswell lost all three and conceded 18 goals. All bets are off!! The battle for third place is between Stoke Gabriel TP and Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds. Stoke won 4-2 against South Brent, and for some unknown reason, ’66 did not have a game but still have five to play. At the bottom, only four points separate the bottom five teams. Totnes and Dartington Seconds were the only one of those five to win on Saturday with a 4-3 result at Ipplepen Athletic Seconds to leave it all very tight.

In Division Four, already promoted Chudleigh Athletic Seconds still need four points from two games to be sure of the league and cup double. This week, they were taken all the way by Barton Athletic Seconds but scrapped a 2-1 victory to keep them on course, and Teign Village need just two points from three games to join them in a promotion celebration. Should Village implode, then Bere Alston Reserves, Barton Seconds and Waldon Thirds could all catch them. I am afraid that it’s another watch this space.

Games to catch week ending 16th May:

Plainmoor here we come. The SDFL brings two cup finals in two days to Plainmoor, the home of National League South club Torquay United. What a experience the league management committee and Torquay United have provided for the players from grassroots football in South Devon to play in a cup final on the hallowed turf of Plainmoor and everybody involved with the SDFL would like to thank Judd, Tim and their teams at Torquay United for allowing the SDFL to be part of the clubs community program.

Thursday evening 7pm kick off at Plainmoor: Division Three Ronald Cup Final between Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds and Kingskerswell.

With ‘Kerswell having only lost one league game in two seasons, they will start as red hot favourites to complete another league and cup double, but ’66 are a difficult team to beat and, having only lost three league games themselves this term, will definitely put up a fight to win some silverware to complement the new furniture in their clubhouse. Strangely enough, the two teams have not met in the league yet, so there is no barometer. Those two league games have been arranged for the two final games of the season for both teams.

The parking arrangements at Plainmoor are as they would be for a Torquay United game (i.e., street parking), and the club will have food and drinks outlets open on the evening.

Friday evening 7pm kick off at Plainmoor: The Herald Cup Final, proudly sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services.

Paignton Saints v Lakeside Athletic is an all-Premier Division clash of the highest order featuring two teams that have experienced highs and lows during the season, and this experience of a lifetime to play in a Herald Cup final at Plainmoor must top the list. The two teams have played each other twice in the league with Lakeside winning four-nil in Plymouth and 3-2 at Coach Road. Lakeside have an outside chance of league silverware but need three points from their remaining six games, and Saints have certainly got enough in the tank for a top half finish; therefore, this game is the best chance for either team to take home some silverware.

The parking arrangements at Plainmoor are as they would be for a Torquay Utd game (i.e., street parking), and the club will have food and drink outlets open on the evening. You are advised to get there early as this fixture attracts the biggest attendance in the SDFL season.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

kingsteignton athletic herald cup winners 2023

Penalty Drama in Both Semi-Finals as Clarets and Rams Make Herald Cup Final

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. HERALD CUP SPECIAL REPORT, by Alastair Muirden. Photo: Kingsteignton celebrating their 2023 Herald Cup win ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Tuesday 22nd April: Herald Cup Semi Final – Bovey Tracey 2nds v Kingsteignton Athletic

I think it is fair to say that this anticipated semi-final failed to deliver what was hoped for by both sets of supporters, and as the weather deteriorated just as fast as the missed chances in front of goal, you could probably not got a bet on a nil-nil draw. The first half was a fairly even contest and the divisional difference was hard to see; the second half belonged to the Division One side, and I am sure a few of the Bovey players will have had a sleepness night thinking about those missed chances; in total, I counted nine good scoring opportunities for the Moorlanders and a missed penalty kick. At the other end, Kingsteignton’s first real chance was not until the 92nd minute, and whilst keeping Bovey pegged back, they had a shot cleared off the line a minute later. Extra-time came and went, unlike the biblical rain which affected everybody, and in the penalty shootout, the Rams were the first team to miss and Bovey, having scored their first four, just needed to score the fifth to reach the final; good save by Ellis Rattue; Kings scored next meaning that Bovey were now chasing the game; another good save by the ‘keeper and Kingsteignton Athletic are into another Herald Cup Final

Wednesday 23rd April: Herald Cup Semi Final – Waldon Athletic v East Allington United

If the first semi-final failed to deliver, then this one surely kept the crowd glued to the pitch fencing: six goals, a ‘keeper carried off, a red card, a last minute penalty miss, extra-time followed by yet another penalty shoot out and after all of that, Waldon Athletic have made it through to only their third Herald Cup Final which will be played on Friday 2nd May at Newton Rec with a 7pm KO.

This was a game of two halves and a bit more. When East Allington United sailed into a 2-nil first half lead, with goals from Fin Bullen and Martin Finnerton, the supporters from the South Hams must have been checking their diaries for cup final night plans. But Waldon were doing what Waldon are good at, and they were slowly but surely getting back into the game and when Ashley Grimes pulled one back just before the break, it was definitely game on.

The first big talking point came early in the second half when Fin Bullen challenged the Waldon ‘keeper for a ball for which the referee judged as reckless and reduced East Allington to ten players; as a result of the challenge, the Waldon ‘keeper, Joe Whitehead, had to be replaced and Kyle Doughty volunteered to put on the number one shirt. Ater a lengthy stoppage, Waldon restarted the game and were in control, but they had to wait 20 minutes for Cole Feasby to be in the right place at the right time and he levelled the score. This seemed to give a second wind to the South Hams side who must have thought it’s now or never, and they came back into the game which made for great viewing. Next big talking point in the 88th minute: what appeared to some to be a 50 – 50 challenge were not the thoughts of the referee who did not hesitate in pointing to the spot in East Allington’s favour; up steps Josh Pascoe to put Allington into the final only for stand-in keeper Kyle Doughty to palm the ball onto the crossbar to send the game into extra-time. The extra period continued in the end-to-end play, and East Allington had settled back into playing with ten players and Waldon kept plugging away knowing it would take something special to break the deadlock, and in the tenth minute of extra time, the ball fell nicely for Cole Feasby some 20 yards from goal, and he hit a shot that flew past the Allington ‘keeper and it looked like game over, but with just two minutes left on the clock, Dan Joyce had the ball on the edge of the Waldon penalty box and they had all 11 players defending; he decided to take a speculative shot which seemed to bounce off two defenders and somehow found its way into the corner of the goal, and by the time they restarted, the referee blew for full-time and we had a second penalty shootout. East Allington’s Fred Massey was the only kick-taker to score and Waldon scored all four to put an end to a pulsating cup semi final.

Herald Cup Final 2025

Kingsteignton Athletic versus Waldon Athleic.

Newton Abbot Recreational Trust on Friday 2nd May, 7pm KO

This competition is kindly sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services