Tag: devon senior cup

ilsington villa sdfl premier division 2025

County cup report

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 11th OCT, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Ilsington Villa contributed by SDFL

There are three adult competitions offered by the FA in the county, and in the recent past, the Premier Cup has proved to be a step too far for SDFL Premier Division teams, but this season the league has a few teams that could challenge for the highest knockout honour, and those are the teams that have ambition to move into the football pyramid.

Safely through to Round Three are: Newton Abbot ’66, who have now knocked out two Devon League teams; Ilsington Villa (pictured); Lakeside Athletic, Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds and East Allington United.

The Senior Cup is for teams in Division One and Two and in recent years has been dominated by SDFL teams, mainly by teams moving into the competition from other leagues.

Safely through to Round Three are: Barton Athletic, Beesands Rovers, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, Mount Gould, Signal Box Oak Villa, Buckland Athletic Reserves, WBB, Drake FC and Bovey Tracey Reserves. The SDFL family also wish Paignton Villa‘s Tom Meyer all the best. Tom broke his leg at Tipton St John. At the time, Villa were 3-nil up when the referee abandoned the fixture.

The Intermediate Cup is for teams in Division Three and Four, and the SDFL has a few teams that could go all the way this season.

Safely through to Round Three are: Liverton United Seconds, Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds, Ipplepen Athletic Reserves, Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves and Kingskerswell.

Looking at the teams that are progressing in these knockouts, this could be the best opportunity for some time for an SDFL treble in the County Cups.

On a week where the County Cups took preference over league fixtures, it is an opportune moment to not only update the race for the golden boot in each division but to announce that the league management team have expanded their numbers by appointing three independent referees into key roles on the committee. The roles of treasurer, discipline officer and vice chairman have taken immediate effect as the SDFL continues to grow.

Golden Boot Leaders:

Premier: Callum Noyce (9), Ilsington Villa; JJ Honeywell (7), Lakeside Athletic ; Three on (5).

Division One: Ray Spear (8), Bentley Alcantara (7), Mount Gould; Alistair Chuchuk (5), Bovey Tracey.

Division Two: Lee Grimshaw (11), Ashburton; Loius George (10), Drake FC; George Gordon (8), Harbertonford.

Division Three: Oliver Critchloe (9), Kingskerswell; Chris Bennett (7), Templer Way; Simon Ross (6); Liverton Utd Seconds.

Division Four: Alex Esson (7), Teign Village; Jack Salmon (6), Chudleigh Athletic Seconds; Adam Daymond (6), Bere Alston Utd; Lewis Reeman (6), Brixham Town Seconds.

Games to catch on Saturday 18th October:

Looking at the Premier Division games this week should be dubbed a super Saturday with important games at the top and the bottom.

Two massive games at the bottom that may give an indication of who is facing a long season: Waldon Athletic welcome Chudleigh Athletic to Windmill Hill, and Buckfastleigh Rangers face a Totnes and Dartington side that need to be in the mood. In the race to stay in contention at the top, Ilsington Villa and Plymouth True Blues go head to head in a don’t lose match, and there is a Plymouth derby at Millenium fields, where Lakeside will not be looking forward to another tough Saturday when they play Windmill. The final game in the top division is at Osborne Park, where Newton Abbot ’66 will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league against yet to be defeated East Allington United.

In Division One, there will be a big crowd at JC Park for the visit of favourites Mount Gould, and down in Loddiswell, Beesands Rovers will provide a big test for Bovey Tracey. The big game in Division Two is at Ashburton, where Ivybridge Town Reserves are the visitors, and with both teams focused on getting into the promotion spots, it should be a good game. In Division Three, Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds host a Templer Way team trying to get their mojo back. and Waldon Athletic Seconds become the next team looking to take that record from Kingskerswell at Cricketfield Road.

All of these games start at 2.30pm; enjoy your grassroots football.

ilsington villa sdfl premier division 2025

Villa edge St Martins as five SDFL clubs make it to Round Two of the Premier Cup.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 6th SEP, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Ilsington Villa contributed by SDFL

The opening day fixtures were reduced to just 16 games to allow the County Cups to start. The games that SDFL teams were involved in produced 143 goals, plenty of talking points and a few shock results.

There were some disappointed teams this week who received a bye in the county cups but were not able to arrange a league fixture on the opening day of the season due to a number of reasons. In fact, no Premier Division games were played at all, and only three Division One games went ahead, but each of them involved a team that was either promoted from Division Two or relegated from the top division.

Beesands Rovers, fresh out of the Premier Division, set out their stall on opening day with a 3-1 victory at WBB. A double strike from Jack Eades was enough for the Bees to take three points on the opening day back to the South Hams. But it’s Paignton Villa who top the table after week one with a 5-2 win at newly promoted Barton Athletic, with five goals from five different players: Tom Evans, Tom Meyer, Charlie Thomas, Suliman Yaha and Ashlie Salmon all found the back of the net and forced the Villa supporters to be taking screenshots of the league table. The team that came up with Barton from Division Two, Liverton United, had a more fruitful start to the season with a hard earned 5-4 victory, at Halford, versus Brixham Town. Jack Shelton set Livvy on their way, but a hat-trick for last season’s golden boot winner Jamie Passmore sealed the deal for the home team. Graham Mercieca also got on the score-sheet in what was an entertaining game.

In Division Two, all eyes were on Long Lane where Watcombe Wanderers Seconds were going to be the first team to face last season’s Plymouth and District champions, and they not only faced them, they beat them by 5 goals to 2 thanks to a single Cam Kelly strike and an impressive four goals for Jamie Orchard in what was a great way for the Greens to get their season off to a flyer. Harbertonford, who very nearly went out of business during the summer, also got their season off to a positive start with a 5-3 victory against East Allington Utd Seconds; single strikes from Billy Bright and Keiron Hanson were surpassed by a hat-trick from George Condon to give Fords their first opening day win for three seasons. Newly promoted Drake FC took the points on opening day from their fixture against Paignton Saints Seconds, at Coach Road; a narrow 2-1 win was enough for the Plymouth-based team to enjoy the journey home. The final victors in Division Two were Ivybridge Town Reserves who won 1-nil at White Rock against Paignton Villa Seconds; following two relegations in a row, no doubt they will be delighted to get their season off to a good start and have something to build on. Villa will be disappointed not to find a goal, especially as they were a new set of goalposts; perhaps Kevin will get the old ones back out next week.

Division Three is tipped to be anybody’s division, and newly promoted Templer Way came a cropper at home against Liverton United Seconds who won 6-2 with goals from Oliver West and Simon Ross before Kye Graham helped himself to four goals. Chris Bennett and Brad Breslan were on target for the Bishopsteignton-based team who will reset and probably win more than they lose during the course of the season. Kingskerswell have not forgotten how to win: a 3-2 victory versus a young Kingsteignton Athletic Second side who made the more experienced team work for the points, and it may just be ‘Kerswell who have to call on some reinforcements to continue their rise. Stoke Gabriel TP just got the better of a Newton Abbot ’66 Second team that don’t lose many games during the course of a season; Daniel Triseze, Adam Blackburn and Elliot Osman were on target for the Bees in a 3-2 win that sets them off and running in what will be a tough campaign. South Brent were the other team that made a positive start to their season: a 1-nil home win against a young Ipplepen Athletic Second team, thanks to a single strike by Taylor Kasitz, was a tonic for Brent who, for the past few seasons, have got behind with fixtures and, like a lot of clubs, have worked hard behind the scenes to keep a team in the town going, so well done to all at South Brent. The other game that was played in this division was fortunate to have an experienced referee in charge. Galmpton United, playing their first game back in the SDFL for three seasons, drew the game against Waldon Athletic Seconds 2-2, but they finished the game with ten players, and Waldon Athletic, who had 4 yellow cards, have come close to a county misconduct charge, so an expensive first day of the season for both clubs who have a point each on the league table.

Bere Alston United Seconds, the new boys in Division Four, got off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over a stubborn Newton Rovers reserve team; goals from Adam Daymond and Joshua Hewes did the trick for the team that were playing in an under-16 league last season. Chudleigh Athletic Seconds top the division following a 9-1 thumping of Paignton Saints Thirds, and they will be looking to go one better this season after just losing out on promotion last term. Teign Village, who finished in third place last season, have also set out their stall for the new season with a 6-3 victory over Kingsbridge and Kellaton United. Whilst the visitors went home empty handed, they will be pleased to get one of their longest trips out of the way on the opening day. Elliot Glasser scored a brace in the final game to be played in Division Four at Cricketfield Road, where Waldon Athletic Thirds and Barton Athletic Seconds fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw in front of a decent crowd that preferred grassroots to Plainmoor and saved themselves £20 in the process.

The County Cups got underway this week, and there are high expectations for some of the SDFL teams to go all the way in all three adult competitions. Safely through to Round Two in the Premier Cup are Ilsington Villa, who beat St Martins (Exeter) 3-2; Newton Abbot ’66, who won on penalties versus Budleigh Salterton (Step 7); Chudleigh Athletic, who won 2-1 at Torridgeside Reserves (North Devon) and Paignton Saints, 5-1 winners at Totnes & Dartington.

In the Senior Cup, Elburton Villa Reserves and Mount Gould progressed comfortably, but Bovey Tracey Reserves made the long trip to Merton and scored 12 goals without reply.

In the Intermediate Cup, Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds also made it into the hat with a 3-1 win over Paignton Villa Thirds. The remainder of the first round ties are being played over the next two weeks, although there have been a large number of byes.

Games to catch on Saturday 13th September:

The standout fixture in the top division will be at Osborne Park where Newton Abbot ’66 face Lakeside Athletic in what will be a Premier Division christening for the Plymouth-based team against a Sixes side that are difficult to beat. In Division One, Elburton Villa Reserves welcome Beesands Rovers to Haye Road for a fixture that last season was played as a Premier Division game, and one of the pre-season favorites Bovey Tracey open with a home game versus Watcombe Wanderers. In Division Two, all eyes will be on Manadon Sports Centre where new boys Signal Box will be looking for an immediate improvement after losing their opening game. They are at home to Newton Rovers, and Ashburton, who enjoyed a promotion season last time out, face an East Allington United Second team who came very close to promotion themselves last season but lost on the opening day; this should be a good game to watch. Game of the day in Division Three is at Michael’s Field where Templer Way welcome Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds who will be no pushovers, and both will be looking to get points on the board after suffering defeat last week. Last season’s Division Four champions, with a 100% record, Kingskerswell travel to relegated Ipplepen Athletic Reserves who have made some interesting signings during the summer and, depending on when they are due at university, they could have a bearing on the outcome and that record. If you are looking for a game in Torquay, then look no further than Cricketfield Road where a very young Bere Alston United team will face Waldon Athletic Thirds in the game of the day in Division Four.

All fixtures are available on the league’s full time website, and they all KO at 2.30pm. With Torquay United and Argyle playing away from home, get out and support your grassroots football team!

Langford and Warman Star as Villa Stun Topsham in Premier Cup

Report contributed by SDFL. Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

Most of the teams had an early season switch to County Cup action and some will be wishing they stayed at home. In fact, Babbacombe Corries and Brixham AFC Seconds were unable to travel to North Devon to fulfil their fixtures. Bovey Tracey Seconds were due to play Seaton Town from east Devon in a County Cup game, but Seaton were unable to raise a team as a number of players had tested positive for COVID; lets hope that is not a sign of things to come.

Well done to the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon League teams that made it into Round Two of the respective County Cup competititions; Beesands Rovers had a tight game against the 10 players of Watts Blake Bearne winning by 3 goals to 2. Waldon Athletic clearly did not suffer any travel issues, dispatching Hartland / Clovelly from the North Devon League by 4 goals to 1. Result of the day in the Premier Cup goes to Ilsington Villa who thrashed Step 7 club Topsham Town by 7 goals to 1; Mathew Warman scored a hat trick with Dan Langford going one better with 4 goals to continue a very impressive start to the season for the Moorlanders.

In the Senior Cup, Paignton Saints Firsts, playing their first competitive game since moving to the South Devon League from Step 7, were tested at Watcombe Wanderers who held them to a 1 – 1 draw. With no extra time in this competition it went straight to penalties and Saints came out on top scoring 4 of their spot kicks to Watcombe’s 1. Totnes and Dartington also made it through with a 4 – 3 win at Sidmouth Town.

In the Intermediate Cup, another mention must be given to East Allington Seconds who made the 196 mile roundtrip to Lynton only to suffer a 4 – 1 defeat. Club stalwart Martin Weeks said that the lads were feeling some jet lag on arrival and could not shake it off. Well done for making the trip and representing the SDFL up north. Also in this competition, South Brent had an impressive 5 – 1 victory against Millwey Rise from Axminster and Teign Village got their season up and running with a 2 nil victory at South Zeal.

There were also some South Devon League games played, mostly for teams that received byes in the first rounds of the County Cups. Morley Rangers go top of the Premier Division with a 4 – 1 win over Chudleigh Athletic. Corbin Mackin, Dean Jenkins and Dalton Brammer were on target for the Plymstock outfit.

In Division One, Shaun Langdon’s Brixham Town are the early leaders after 2 games. They put 6 past Harbertonford without reply at their new J.C Park ground which I am told is all fitted out with new facilities. Upton Athletic came out on top of a cracking game at Armada Park beating Buckland Athletic Seconds by 5 goals to 4 which gets them off the mark.

In Division Two, Barton Athletic made it 2 wins from 2 with a fine 5 – 4 victory against Paignton Villa Seconds. Liam Nothcott hit 4 goals with Zac Norton adding to their tally. Newton Rovers got their season off and running with a 6 – 1 victory over Brixham Town Seconds at Bakers Park whilst Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds got their first win of the season beating Waldon Athletic Seconds 3 – 2 at Windmill Hill.

In Division Three, Watcombe Wanderers Seconds look like the team to beat. They made it 2 out of 2 dispatching a strong Liverton Utd First team by 5 goals to 2, and Totnes and Dartington Seconds found winning form by beating Paignton Saints Thirds 4 – 1, Scott Troth, Sam Brown and Nick Warren on the scoresheet for Tots.

In Division Four, Drake FC, Babbacombe Corries Seconds and Liverton United Seconds all made it 2 wins from 2 games with impressive results; Drake FC hit 12 past Paignton Villa Thirds, Liverton Utd Seconds scored 7 against South Brent Seconds and Babbacombe Corries won 4 – 1 at home to Watcombe Wanderers Thirds. Kingsteington Athletic Seconds picked up their first win of the season hosting Barton Athletic Seconds at Broadpark, James Perrins, Sam Arthurs and Austin West on the scoresheet for the young Rams.

Here is a selection of the pick of the fixtures this coming Saturday 16th September.

Premier Division: Beesands Rovers host Morley Rangers from Plymstock; last season they both met in Division One with the Bees getting the better which led to promotion for both teams. Both can play football and would be worth a drive to Loddiswell Playing Fields; Buckfastleigh Rangers and Ilsington Villa have got off to winning starts and this will be another test for the Premier new boys against championship favorites at the Duckspond. Arguably, the game of the day is the local derby between Watts Blake Bearne and Kingsteington Athletic, both licking their wounds following opening day defeats; this is normally a cracker at Abbrook Park.

In Division One, the standout game is Buckland Athletic Seconds against Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds; last season they were both in the Devon League and both had wins on the opening day of their new membership of the South Devon League.

Game of the day in Division Two is Paignton Saints Seconds and Bovey Tracey Seconds, both pretty much favourites to be in Division One next season, so don’t be surprised if it’s a tight game.

In Division Three, both Liverton Unitd and Watcombe Wanderers Seconds got off to winning starts, so it will be interesting to see who takes the points at Halford.

Finally, in Division Four, South Brent Seconds, who were playing Sunday football last season, host Elburton Villa Thirds at Palstone Park; the young Plymouth team should enjoy the space on one of the larger open pitches in the league. Both got wins on opening day by 5 goals to 1 and both will be looking to keep some momentum going.

SDFL Clubs Face Travel Dilemma Ahead of County Cups

Preview contributed by SDFL. Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

This coming Saturday 9th September gives most clubs an outing in 1 of the 3 adult competitions that are made compulsory for first teams to enter by Devon F.A. Surely there has to be a discussion as to whether the early rounds should be regionalised, as the organisers do not offer any travel expenses to local teams, unlike the teams in the pyramid who would get a share of gate receipts. Sometimes, we need reminding that this is recreational football. Here are a pick of the fixtures with the miles:

Devon Senior Cup. Totnes and Dartington at Sidmouth (76). WBB at Torridgeside (108). Babbacombe Corries at Woolsery (158). Ivybridge at Barum (190) and poor old East Allington Seconds can look forward to a trip to Lynton, a mere round trip of 196 miles. In the Devon Premier Cup, Newton Abbot ’66 host Barnstaple (135). Waldon Athletic, who have a minibus, travel to Hartland and Clovelly (148) and Brixham Seconds will need to leave early for their 156 mile round trip to Appledore. This almost calls for an SDFL party at Tiverton services. At the time of writing, Corries have pulled out of the fixture in North Devon, opting to pay a £75 fine instead of incurring the costs of getting a team to this game.

Good luck and safe travels to all the South Devon League teams playing in the county cups this weekend.