Tag: herald cup

chudleigh athletic reserves les bishop cup winners 2026

A Salmon leap of faith for Chudleigh Athletic pays off

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 2nd MAY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Chudleigh Athletic Reserves contributed by SDFL

Midweek roundup:

Premier Division: Plymouth True Blues moved back into second place with a nail-biting 2-1 victory at Buckfastleigh Rangers, who now need at least a point from their final game to avoid the drop. Caleb Needham and Dylan Holgate were on target for The Blues.

Division One: WBB leapfrogged four teams into pole position with an emphatic 11-1 win over bottom club Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds. The Buckland Athletic Reserves v Barton Athletic game was abandoned due to a serious injury to Aiden Walton that involved two ambulance crews and will need to be rescheduled. The SDFL would also give thanks to the club physio Page at Buckland Athletic, who was able to deal with the injury in a professional manner until the medical teams arrived.

Division Two: Harbertonford moved to within one point of safety with a 3-2 win at Paignton Villa Seconds. Goals from Billy Bright, George Cordon and Kyle Northcott virtually secures Division Two status for the Fords with four games to play.

Division Three: Kingskerswell moved to within three points of Galmpton at the top with a routine five-nil win at Totnes and Dartington. The Tots have seven games left and need a win to take them out of the bottom two.

Herald Cup Semi Final: 210 people were treated to a late night by Paignton Saints and Ilsington Villa in a game of two halves and some extra, then some penalties. Saints really should have been three-nil in front before Villa got back into the game and looked more dangerous going forward. But those missed chances from both teams saw eight substitutes used that installed a bit of urgency to the game. Both goalkeepers made some match winning saves, and the standout players were Thomas Ross and Edward Leigh for Saints and Jack Langford and Mike Summers for Villa. The game ended nil-nil after 90 minutes and 1-1 after extra-time as Edward Leigh put Saints in front before Jack Langford equalised from the spot. In the shootout, Saints missed one kick and Villa missed two to send Saints into a Herald Cup final at Plainmoor on Friday 15th May (full match report and photos on Daves World).

Les Bishop Final (Division Four): Just short of 100 spectators watched a great game of football in the evening sunshine at Buckfastleigh. It was played in a great spirit with no yellow cards and was a credit to both clubs. It was end-to-end for 90 minutes, and you could not take your eyes off the play as there was always something happening. The shots on goal, however, certainly kept the ball retrievers busy, and it took 70 minutes of play to see the only goal of the game. It came from a high pass into the box that looked as if the defenders would simply clear, but Jack Salmon got his head in front of the advancing ‘keeper to head the ball over his outstretched arms into the goal to set off the Chudleigh celebrations. Bere Alston United Reserves continued to create plenty of chances but could not find that final touch to draw level. Well done to Chudleigh Athletic Seconds for winning the cup, and well done to Bere Alston United Seconds for reaching a divisional cup final in their first season in the SDFL. Man of the match, chosen by the cup’s sponsor Torre Trophies, was Jack Salmon of Chudleigh Athletic, and the SDFL would like to thank Buckfastleigh Rangers for putting on a great show.

Jack Salmon is the toast of Chudleigh this weekend. Roll forward 24 hours, and he was scoring a hat-trick that guaranteed the first team Premier Division status next term. The goals came in a 4-2 win at East Allington United in atrocious conditions that would have been the norm in January but not in May. It looks as if the title will go to the wire but is likely to end up being delivered to a Plymouth-based team, depending on the results from the final few games. Windmill unbelievably dropped two points at Newton Abbot ’66 despite being five-nil up at half time. Sixes fought back to draw the game 5-5, and in fact could have won it at the death had it not been for a game-saving tackle by the Windmill centre-back. Liam Ashwell, Freddie Hulance, Joe Clark-Farley and Luke Snell were the second half saviours for Sixes, who just need another point to be safe from relegation. But at the top, Windmill, who have two games left, against True Blues and Lakeside Athletic, need to win them both to be sure of 51 points. Lakeside can also get to 51 points with a full haul of points from their remaining seven games. Ilsington Villa were surprisingly held at home to a 2-2 draw by bottom team Totnes and Dartington, who seem to have had their best results against the better teams. Tots have four games to play and need to get 12 points to have any chance of staying in the top division. As for Villa, they appear to be in a three team battle for third place at the moment.

Division One now looks to be a four horse race with Bovey Tracey Reserves as outsiders for the two promotion places. Barton Athletic remain top on goal difference following a comprehensive 6-1 victory versus Beesands Rovers, and Mount Gould had another tough afternoon but overcame bottom team Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds with a 2-1 win courtesy of a Billy Eccles double strike. Elburton Villa Reserves remain in ninth place; after their 8-1 win at Brixham Town, they are 18 points off the lead, but with seven games in hand and 12 league games to play, plus a cup final, in the remaining four weeks of the season, they are going to be a busy team and are probably hoping that the players don’t have too many other commitments for the month of May. WBB slipped back into third place, as they were on Dartmouth Cup duty, where they lost 3-2 to Bovey Tracey in what was another great advert for the SDFL in poor conditions. WBB have seven games to play plus a county cup final, so their brief is clear: seven wins for a place in the top division, eight wins is the icing on the cake.

The race for second place in Division Two is getting tighter, as Babbacombe Corries dropped two points at Harbertonford in a 2-2 draw and are now just three points ahead of Drake FC, who were given a walkover by Ivybridge Town Reserves, who could not raise a side. Depending on next week’s results, there could be a promotion-winning game on 16th May when Corries travel to Drake in a league fixture that will be a great game to catch. Ashburton remain as outsiders, but a 6-3 win at Newton Rovers keeps them on track for a top four finish, but depending on what the top two do over the next two weeks. it could be more. Being at the bottom is not much fun for anybody, but hats off to all at Upton Athletic who keep the name in the SDFL by turning up every week for a game of grassroots football. This week’s 16-1 reverse against Paignton Saints Seconds leaves the Torquay side hoping for better times in a lower division and Saints into mid-table with a positive goal difference. In fact, there are only three teams in Division Two with a negative goal difference.

It is as you were at the top of Division Three, with both Galmpton United and Kingskerswell continuing to battle it out for first and second place. Galmpton United won two-nil at home to South Brent, and ‘Kerswell beat Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds three-nil thanks to a Thomas Dare hat-trick. The two sides play each other on Saturday 9th May at Galmpton, with a 2.30pm kick off, in a game that the home team need to win, as ‘Kerswell can afford to lose it and still win the division. It should be a great game to watch. Stoke Gabriel TP and Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds are both making late challenges, but both look destined for third and fourth. SGTP won seven-nil at Ipplepen Athletic Reserves, and Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds won 4-2 at Liverton United Seconds. Totnes and Dartington Seconds could not raise a side therefore giving Waldon Athletic Reserves a walkover which leapfrogged them out of the bottom two, a leapfrog that included T and D.

And in Division Four, it is also as you were as the top two did not play, but Teign Village, currently in second place, still need six points from four games to guarantee promotion, as Waldon Athletic Thirds can get to 44 points. They slipped up this week when they were held to a 3-3 draw by Brixham Town Seconds in an entertaining game. Barton Athletic Seconds are also outsiders but in the mix for a top three place following a six-nil win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United, and the game between the bottom two went the way of Paignton Saints Thirds, who won six-nil against Newton Rovers Reserves. The result does not change the standings as they are both some seven points behind Broadhempston United.

Games to catch week ending 9th May: The SDFL cup finals come thick and fast, and this Friday 8th May is the turn of the Division One Dartmouth Cup, which is being played at Ivybridge Town FC with a 7pm kick off. Bovey Tracey Reserves versus Elburton Villa Reserves should be a great cup final, as the only time they have played each other this season was in the county cup, where Bovey won by a single goal. It is also a first cup final visit to Erme Valley for the SDFL, who will be looked after by experienced hosts who are used to handling big games. Plenty of parking and a full bar and food service will be supplied by our hosts.

drake fc lidstone cup winners 2026

Three second half goals decide Lidstone Cup final

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 25th APR, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Drake FC contributed by SDFL

Midweek roundup:

Last week, I suggested that an improving Buckland Athletic Reserves would be taking some points from teams in the run in and Bovey Tracey Reserves will not be the first team or the last team to have their promotion hopes dented. A 3-1 home loss means the moorland side need other results to go in their favour to have a top two finish. In the Premier Division, Buckfastleigh Rangers and Chudleigh Athletic settled for a point each in a 2-2 draw, which may suit the visitors more than the hosts. Back in Division One, and Barton Athletic moved into pole position with a comfortable six-nil win versus Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds. At the time of writing, only four points separate the top six teams in what has been, and remains, a fantastic competition. In Division Three, Galmpton United moved six points clear of ‘Kerswell, who have four games in hand, with a six-nil win at Totnes and Dartington Reserves. The Tots are still at the wrong end of the table, but it’s all very tight, and a win for any of the bottom five would take them out of the drop zone.

Wednesday turned out to be a win-win night for Windmill: as they were battling to beat East Allington United by three goals to two, Ilsington Villa were suffering a 3-1 defeat at Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves. The two results leave Windmill needing nine points from four remaining games to be crowned champions for the first time. Those four games are against ’66, Kingsteignton, True Blues and Lakeside, so it’s not an easy run in for them. The noose continues to tighten in Division One thanks to Paignton Villa, who held WBB to a 3-3 draw at Abbrook Park. The result leaves Wattsies joint top, with Mount Gould and Barton Athletic, and Villa in fifth place, just three points off the top, having played two more games. Also in Division One, Elburton Villa Reserves continue to pick up points, and their four-nil win at home to Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds keeps them in ninth place with enough games in hand to go top; and it’s a big ‘IF they win six games in hand’.

Lidstone Cup Final:

The sun was shining down on the Dartington Hall estate for the Division Two final, where over 100 spectators turned out to see Drake FC (pictured) beat Babbacombe Corries three-nil to win the trophy. It was a game between one of the oldest clubs in the SDFL against one of the youngest. The game was a game of two halves, with Corries having the better of the first half without taking their chances, and it ended goalless, full of half-chances, late tackles and low on quality, and the referee was already having a busy evening.

bailey sheldon man of the match drake fc sdfl division two cup winners 2026
Man of the Match: Drake FC goalkeeper Bailey Sheldon. Photo contributed by SDFL.

The second half had a bit more positivity about it, as Drake took the game to Corries, and on seven minutes into the half, a challenge by the Corries centre-half, just inside the box, gave the referee a decision to make, and he pointed to the spot. Paul Thompson stepped up to send Billy Lindsay in the Corries goal the wrong way. The Torquay side then had to open up and push forward, and as often happens, they left gaps at the back, and just seven minutes after Drake took the lead, a cross into the box that was going nowhere took a touch off a Corries defender and ended up in the net to make it two-nil. At this point, Corries had nothing to lose. The changes came, and they did, on occasion, look more dangerous, but those final balls into the box did not connect and the game was getting more tetchy. Ollie Sheldon got the third for Drake, 21 minutes into the second half, and to be fair to Corries, they never gave up, and the substitutions from both teams did add some spice to the game. The game saw five yellows and two red cards issued, and the man of the match award was given to the Drake goalkeeper Bailey Sheldon by the match sponsors Bettesworths estate agents from Torquay.

captain drake fc sdfl lidstone cup winners 2026
Drake FC’s captain with the Lidstone Cup. Photo contributed by SDFL.

At the top of the Premier Division, Windmill surprisingly dropped points at home to Kingsteignton Athletic in their quest for the title. Jake Harris and Jack Biscoe were on target for the Plymouth side, whilst Luke Heard and Ashley Heyworth replied for the Rams in a 2-2 draw. The result leaves Windmill needing eight points from their final three games or Lakeside Athletic could nick it from them. Kingsteignton Athletic have moved three points clear of the two relegation places meaning that Buckfastleigh Rangers need four points from two games to stay in the top division. Lakeside Athletic remain in second place thanks to a 4-2 win versus Chudleigh Athletic. They still have seven games to fit in and one of them is against Windmill, which could turn out to be a title decider, Chudleigh need a win from six games to be safe for another top flight season. A single goal from Tyler Almond was enough for True Blues to win the points from Ilsington Villa in a close encounter at Millbay Park. Both teams remain well-placed in the division but must pin their hopes on a cup win if they are to get their hands on some silverware. True Blues are still in the Belli Cup, and Villa have a Herald Cup semi-final looming next Wednesday against Paignton Saints, who warmed up for the game by beating East Allington United in the Belli cup by three goals to nil. It was another family affair for Saints as father and son Simon and Thomas Ross were both on the scoresheet with Mike Hernandez to help Saints enjoy what is becoming a full season for them. Newton Abbot ’66 got a vital win at Totnes and Dartington by four goals to nil, which keeps them clear of any danger, and realistically, only Buckfastleigh could catch them, so one more win for Sixes from six games should be enough. As for Totnes and Dartington, they need 11 points from five games to avoid playing in Division One next term.

In Division One, Bovey Tracey Reserves were unable to raise a team to play Brixham Town which gives them a mountain to climb; it also gives Town three more points and keeps them mathematically in with a chance of promotion. Mount Gould returned to winning ways but had to up their game to beat this improving Buckland Athletic Reserves side by two goals to one at Homers Heath. Ray Spear and Lee Rundle were the target men for The Mounties, but it’s Barton Athletic who stay on top of a pack of five teams separated by just three points. Their three-nil win at Liverton United came courtesy of Oakley Hunt, who scored twice, and Eden Cresswell-Cluer, keeping the fire burning for the Torquay side. Paignton Villa remain in fourth place but are running out of games. They had, as you would expect, a tough afternoon at Long Lane against a Watcombe Wanderers team with their own agenda to not get relegated. Villa came away with a 5-2 success and a few bruises to nurse. WBB, who still have eight league games and a county cup final to fit in, were on Dartmouth Cup duty and dispatched Beesands Rovers by four goals to nil to add to their fixture list. Just also to say well done to the Beesands players running in the London Marathon for their local charity.

The Division Two title was the first league presentation of the season as Signal Box Oak Villa overcame a very stubborn Harbertonford two-nil. It took two second half substitutions to win the game with goals from Jordan Rickards and Jake Gallini, who ran the line for the first half. Little did he know that he would give up the flag to come on and score the winner and clinch the title. It’s the first season in the SDFL for Signal Box who will come up against a different challenge next season. Corries, who of course were on cup duty, remain in second place with six games to play and at the moment, they need to win four of them to secure second place and Division One football next season. Drake FC are now the only other challengers for promotion but need Babbacombe to slip up twice to overtake them. East Allington United Seconds, who are in third but only have three remaining games, had a big ten-nil result at Upton Athletic for whom the end of the season can’t come quick enough. Ashburton, who are also outsiders but need Corries to lose three of their six games, also had a big seven-nil win at home to Paignton Villa Seconds. Down at the bottom, both Upton Athletic and Newton Rovers are 11 points from safety with five games to play. In fact, a great deal of credit is due to Woody for keeping Upton on the pitch as they are yet to win a game this season.

In Division Three, Alex Harding and Stephen Rohan were on target for Kingskerswell in their two-nil win at Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves who must have thought the worst as the Torquay side took the lead in the first minute, but it all settled down into a decent game of football for the supporters to watch. Galmpton United were gifted three points as South Brent could not raise a team for the second time in three weeks, and ‘Kerswell will be hoping they survive as they have played them twice. Stoke Gabriel TP moved into third place with a nine-nil win over Waldon Athletic. Finally in this division, Newton Abbot ’66 made it through to the Ronald Cup final with a 4-1 victory over Ipplepen Athletic Seconds. The victory is made all the more sweeter for the ’66 players, as the SDFL have been able to secure Plainmoor for the final on Thursday 14th May.

The big game in Division Four between the top two went the way of Chudleigh Athletic Seconds who overcame Teign Village by three goals to nil, and it is now their title to lose, as they only have three games to play and mathematically need six points to lift the trophy. That depends on the results from the last four games that Village have left, as they need seven points to secure the runners-up slot, as Waldon Athletic Thirds have nine games left. Bere Alston United had a 13-3 win at home versus Paignton Villa Thirds, who remain in third place with just one to play, and a big well done to Newton Rovers Reserves, who won for the first time with a 3-2 result at Broadhempston United, and the victory takes them off the bottom to leave Paignton Saints Thirds in that place.

Games to catch week ending 2nd May:

Wednesday 29th April its Herald Cup Semi-Final (part two): Ilsington Villa versus Paignton Saints at Buckland Athletic FC, 7pm kick off. This is the best chance for both of these teams to win some silverware this season, so I expect both sets of players to leave nothing on the pitch at the end of the game. In the league games between the two, Saints won 5-4 and Ilsington won 2-1, so we can expect a close encounter with some goals.

Our hosts offer plenty of parking and a full bar and food service. Don’t miss it.

Friday 1st May:

It’s the turn of two of the best teams in Division Four to go head to head in the Les Bishop Cup Final. The game will be played at Buckfastleigh Rangers FC, with a 7pm kick off. Chudleigh Athletic Seconds are on the hunt for a league and cup double, but the team from the furthest outpost of the SDFL in Bere Alston United Reserves will be looking to win some silverware in their first season in the competition. In the only league game between them, Chudleigh won 4-2, and they have a goal scoring average of five goals per game whilst Alston average three, so we can expect a high-scoring final.

The hosts offer plenty of parking, and a full bar service will be available to start your weekend.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

lakeside athletic crest

Herald Cup joy for Lakeside Athletic

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

Plymouth-based Lakeside Athletic became the first team to book a berth in this seasons Herald Cup Final by beating Watts Blake Bearne by two goals to nil in front of a big attendance at Homers Heath (full match report and photos are on Daves World). The Premier Division outfit were bigger and stronger than their opponents from Division One, and the fact that these two sides may meet in a league fixture next season tells you that there was not much between them. WBB had chances early in the game but failed to take them, and the first goal came about from a goalkeeper error that got him booked, and JJ Honeywell was in the right place to touch the loose ball home, but the second goal that followed soon after was a sublime free-kick that had Jaden Wood doing cartwheels back into his own half. Lakeside must now wait for the other semi-final between Ilsington Villa and Paignton Saints to find out who their opponents will be in the Plainmoor showdown.

The abandoned quarter-final game between Paignton Saints and East Allington United – due to an injury to Robbie Chalk – was finally played, and it went the way of the Saints who pulled off possibly their best result of the season so far by beating the Pirates by four goals to one and will now meet Ilsington Villa in the semi-final. On target for Saints were Jake Powell, Joe Wilden and a young man to look out for in Thomas Ross. In fact, whilst he was on target for the first team, his Dad Simon also found the net for the third team. Unfortunately the result was a bit different.

Midweek results:

In the Premier Division, Ilsington Villa had a tough evening at Chudleigh Athletic, but a Jack Langford goal keeps the Moorlanders there or thereabouts; two of the bottom three met at Buckfastleigh where Rangers and ’66 shared the points in a 3-3 draw, and Sixes will need to turn those games in hand into three point games to avoid the drop. In Division One, Bovey Tracey Reserves lost some ground on the top two with a 2-1 loss to Beesands Rovers, who are well-placed but only have three games left. The result leaves the door open for Mount Gould and WBB to contest the title at the moment. Move forward three days and it’s all change.

Saturday report:

At the top of the Premier Division, Windmill continue to go about their business, and an eight-nil win versus Totnes and Dartington puts them 13 points clear with five games to play and needing ten points to be crowned champions. Brodie Simpson managed to find the back of the net, but the hero, with four goals, was Miles Hunt. Former golden boot winner Corbin Mackin was also on target with Jake Harris and Rimae Darlington-Eyre. Ilsington Villa moved into fifth place and are now one of five teams within two points of second place following a comprehensive 5-1 win over Newton Abbot ’66, who are in real danger of playing Division One football next season unless they start to make good use of those games in hand. Jamie Soper, Matt Warman, Matt Pilkington and Jamie Beer found the net for the Moorlanders. Kingsteignton Athletic gave themselves some breathing space with a 4-2 win at Chudleigh Athletic and are now four points clear of the drop zone. The result for Chudleigh means that they have a ‘don’t lose’ game against Buckfastleigh Rangers next Saturday, who only have three games left to play to stay in the top division.

I had to look twice at the results coming in from Division One as they continue to surprise and shock. Result of the day must go to Barton Athletic who put seven goals past Mount Gould without reply, and it had me thinking ‘has that ever happened before?’ Certainly not since they joined the SDFL. Whilst there are still seven games to play, the result effectively leaves the door open for WBB and Barton to grab the two promotion places if they can hold their nerve. Bovey Tracey are another side that could spoil that party, and they will be pleased to get back to winning ways after a midweek defeat. A 2-1 success over Paignton Villa, who themselves are only three points from second place, was a good result for Bovey, who are nine points behind with two games in hand. There are still six teams that could be promoted from this division, and the team with the most games to play are Elburton Villa Reserves, who have just played only their second league game since 25th October. They have seven games in hand with 15 games to play in seven weeks and a big squad to choose from. They won 2-1 against an improving Buckland Athletic Reserves side, who are going to take some points from opposition in the final weeks of the season with a new management team looking on. Brixham Town remain in third place, and an eight-nil win versus the rollercoaster team in the division – Watcombe Wanderers – will be a tonic for the Fishermen, who have just three games left to end this term. In the battle at the bottom of Division One, the ‘don’t lose’ email was fully read and understood by both teams, as Liverton United and Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds shared the points in a 3-3 draw. Nik Garrett and Rhys Fewings were on target at Halford, and the result leaves both teams with a chance to stay in the division, but there are only two points separating the bottom three, who are eight points adrift from safety.

In Division Two, the pre-season favourites Signal Box Oak Villa moved to within three points of the title with a four-nil win at Ivybridge Town Reserves; they have three games remaining. It’s their first season in the SDFL, and having only lost two league games and three cup games all season, the challenge of finding new towns and villages up the A38 has been as enjoyable as their form on the pitch, and they can look forward to the challenges that Division One will throw at them next season. A win for Oak Villa at Harbertonford on 25th April will secure the trophy. Babbacombe Corries have also had a great season and have pushed Oak Villa all the way, and a nine-nil win over a struggling Upton Athletic almost seals second place but not quite. Keiron Sweet was again on target for Corries, with four goals, and there were singles for Jack Cousins, Curtis Marshall, Lee Mcarthur, Oliver Riches and Jordan Bradshaw. Drake FC could catch Corries should results go their way, and the two sides meet in the divisional cup final next Friday at Dartington, which should be a great game. Harbertonford increased the gap at the bottom to 11 points by beating Newton Rovers 4-1; goals for Billy Bright, Isaac Phillips and Kyle Northcott looks to have condemned Rovers to Division Three football next season where undoubtably they will have a better season. Paignton Villa Seconds moved up a place to seventh with a 4-1 victory over East Allington United Seconds which inflicted a 4-1 double loss for the South Hams outfit on a day to forget for them. Villa should be happy with a mid-table berth in what has been a tough division with some good teams.

The runaway leaders in Division Three continue to plough through their opposition. Galmpton United remain on top having played three games more than Kingskerswell, who must still be considered favourites for the title. Galmpton had a five-nil win at Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves, and ‘Kerswell scored ten goals without reply against a South Brent side who still have ten games to play in what is becoming an annual event at Palstone Park in keeping the neighbours awake on a Tuesday and Thursday evening in May. There are just two points separating the bottom four teams, and one of them is Ipplepen Athletic Reserves. They lost 3-1 at Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves, and with five games left to play, they could do with finding a win from one of their four remaining home games. Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves have had a great season, and with eight games still to play, they will be looking for a top three finish. This week, they won five-nil against a good Kingsteignton Athletic second team who remain in fourth place with six games to play.

In Division Four, the top two places have been nailed on for some time, but Chudleigh Athletic Seconds and Teign Village have not got the job done just yet. Chudleigh did their bit this week by winning 6-1 at home to Waldon Athletic Thirds and now need just four points from four games to win promotion, depending on lots of permutations from Waldon Athletic Thirds, Bere Alston United Reserves and Barton Athletic Seconds who are in a bit of form at the moment. Barton won 12-2 at Paignton Saints Thirds to remain very much in the mix. Charlie Uniacke and Nathen Crook both scored four goals each to keep the pressure on the top two for now.

Games to catch:

This Friday evening the 24th April sees the Division Two Lidstone Cup Final being played at Totnes and Dartington’s ground Foxhole. This season’s finalists are Drake FC and Babbacombe Corinthians. The teams sit in fourth and second in the league, and Corries won the only league encounter three-nil. The game has a 6.30pm kick-off, and the host club will have a full bar and food service available, and there is plenty of parking. The weather forecast is looking good, so get yourself along to Dartington to watch a great game of football in the sunshine.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

newton abbot spurs reserves

Cup glory for Spurs Thirds!

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 11th APR, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves contributed by SDFL

Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds may have been the highest-ranked team to qualify for the Fred Hewings Cup, but Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds not only contributed to a great final, they took the eventual winners all the way to a penalty shootout on Friday night at Buckfastleigh.

The scoreline after 90 minutes was 2-2, with Frank Orynik and Rhys Fewings finding the net for Spurs after Jono Ellis and Russ Ellis had given Sixes the lead. With no further goals in extra-time, the neutral supporters were going to to be the only people who were looking forward to a penalty shootout, and Spurs were more clinical with the kicks, winning 3-1 and being able to have an evening of celebration to offset their league season.

Saturday’s games were full of shocks and bruises, so let’s start with the bruises; in the Premier Division’s knockout Belli Cup, the Plymouth derby between True Blues and Lakeside Athletic lived up to the pre-match billing with True Blues needing to find true grit to come back from three-nil down at the break to force extra-time and then take the tie in a dramatic penalty shootout, where they scored all five spot kicks; Bayley Williams, Ashley White and George Davey were the second half scoring heroes for the Blues, who finished the game with ten players. Lakeside still have another cup semi-final to look forward to next week and will be hoping for better fortune against WBB.

The other Belli Cup game went with the form book when Windmill booked a place in their divisional semi-final for the second consecutive season, with a  3-1 victory over a much-improved Buckfastleigh Rangers side; all the goals came courtesy of Brodie Simpson, who is certainly having a great season when it comes to finding the net.

In the Division One Dartmouth Cup, Elburton Villa Reserves had a bruising home win versus Watcombe Wanderers by five goals to three to add yet another fixture to their gruelling April and May game program, where they are going to have to arrange to play three times each week to avoid not finishing their fixtures. Bovey Tracey Reserves, another team with a lot of league games to play, also had a good result against a Liverton United side that was made up of reserve team players due to non-availability; Bovey ran out 5-2 winners with strikes from Ben Moyle, Ollie Bourne, Owen Caldwell and Rory Wolfe.

Babbacombe Corries progressed in the Division Two knockout with a 4-1 win against Harbertonford thanks to Kieron Sweet, Joshua Hills, Jordan Bradshaw and Jack Cousins.

The Division Three Ronald Cup game between the two runaway leaders went the way of Kingskerswell by one goal to nil. The game would have been every neutral’s wish for the final, and Galmpton United certainly made the home team work for the victory in a game that was a credit to this level of football.

The Division Four cup had just one game, and Barton Athletic Seconds, who have had a great season, came very close to a cup upset versus the league leaders Chudleigh Athletic Seconds; in a very entertaining game at Barton Downs, the game ended 2-2 after full and extra-time, and it was the visitors who were more composed in front of goal, winning the shootout 3-1.

In the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division, Ilsington Villa’s title hopes were dented in a one-nil defeat to East Allington United in a fantastic game of football that brought out the best in the Pirates and in Finn Bullen, who remains one of the top strikers in the competition. Chudleigh Athletic and Newton Abbot ’66 shared the points in a 1-1 draw in a game that both teams could have felt more comfortable with all three points, but sometimes, you need to keep a full complement of players on the pitch to do that; it was reported to have been a stop-start, messy affair which saw three sin bins. Totnes and Dartington will be no doubt glad to see the back of this season and press the reset button after this week’s 9-1 loss at the hands of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves (pictured). The Tots have struggled all season to put two sides out, which is such a shame for the Belli Cup holders with a great club ethic to be struggling to attract young players at this time. Spurs are still in with a chance of a top three finish. Paignton Saints remain in a positive mood, and a 2-1 win at Kingsteignton Athletic heaps more worries of a season end relegation battle for the Rams, which would have been unthinkable in any other season.

In Division One, Watts Blake Bearne continue to plough through whoever is put in front of them, and a 10-2 demolition of Brixham Town will have a different effect on both teams. Ashton Sowerby was a hat-trick hero for the Claymen, and after a great first half of the season, the Fishermen find themselves struggling to put out two teams each week as players seem to find other activities on a Saturday. That seems to be the way it is at the moment. Mount Gould are also one of the teams to beat in this division, and Paignton Villa came close. The final score was one-nil to the Plymouth-based team thanks to a single strike from Jake McLean that takes them a step closer to another promotion. At the other end of the table, Buckland Athletic Reserves continue to improve, and another three points this time, versus Beesands Rovers, by three goals to one, will give the young Bucks every hope of staying in Division One.

In Division Two, Signal Box Oak Villa moved three points closer to the league title with a comprehensive five-nil win at Bakers Park against Newton Rovers, and Ipplepen Athletic Reserves produced a shock result in beating Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds by three goals to nil. The Pens will be glad to get some more points on the board, but they remain one of five teams that could go down a division. Paignton Villa Seconds and Drake shared a 1-1 draw in a game that was played without a referee, and both remain contenders for a top three spot (full report on Daves World), and Paignton Saints Seconds put a dent in the hopes of Ashburton with a 4-3 victory in a tough game for all.

Finally, congratulations to Kingsbridge and Kellaton United in Division Four, as they picked up another three points in a three-nil home win versus Broadhempston United to put them in contention for a mid-table season, which would be a welcome break from the recent seasons of struggle for the family-run club. Well done to Tina and Andy, and thank you for what you do for South Devon football.

Game to catch this week:

Herald Cup semi-final, kindly sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services: Friday 17th April at Buckland Athletic FC with a 7pm kick off. Can WBB, from Division One, cause a cup shock when they face a Lakeside Athletic side bruised from a Belli Cup defeat in what should be a great advert for South Devon League football. There is plenty of parking, and a full bar and food service will be provided by the host club.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

the windmill dartmouth cup winners 2025

Midweek Premier results from the competition that keeps on giving

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 5th APR, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of The Windmill contributed by SDFL

The much awaited meeting between two of the division’s title contenders did not disappoint, and in yet another game in the Torbay Clearance Services league that could well have been played at a higher level, Lakeside Athletic and Ilsington Villa eventually shared the points in a 3-3 thriller and hand a slight advantage to Windmill who continue to lead the division.

At the other end of the division, the relegation places are far from decided as Buckfastleigh Rangers continue their rich vain of form with a 4-1 win over fourth placed East Allington United at Poole Lane. In Division One, Bovey Tracey Reserves had a big midweek win at home to Brixham Town, by ten goals to nil, and effectively remove the Fishermen from the promotion race.

Last week, I wrote about the joy and pain experienced in playing in the Herald Cup, and that continued into this weekend as WBB had the joy and Chudleigh Athletic had to suffer the pain in the delayed quarter-final. The game ended 4-4 after 90 minutes, and with neither side able to conjure up a winner in extra-time, the dreaded penalty shoot-out went in favour of the Claymen, who scored four times to knock out their Premier Division opponents and progress to the semi-final where Lakeside Athletic lay in wait; the dates for the semis remain to be confirmed as the abandoned Paignton Saints v East Allington Unitted tie has still to be played.

In the Premier Division, Windmill (pictured) continue to lead the pack, and a fine 4-1 victory over Paignton Saints, courtesy of a Brodie Simpson hat-trick, keeps the Plymouth-based team as the team to beat and leaves Saints’ season hinging on that Herald Cup game.

Lakeside Athletic will be glad to see the back of Totnes and Dartington after their latest battle ended in a 2-2 draw; the Tots have taken four points from Athletic this season and dented their title hopes while, of course, picking up a valuable point in their own hopes for survival. Plymouth True Blues got back to winning ways with a comprehensive 5-1 win at Newton Abbot ’66. Five different players got on the scoresheet, and True Blues remain on course for a top three place. Ilsington Villa continue to plug away at the points shortfall between themselves and the top three, and enjoyed a hard-fought 3-2 win against Kingsteignton Athletic, where the referee had a busy afternoon, but goals from Dan Langford, George Dixon and Jamie Soper keeps the Moorlanders chasing a league and cup double.

In the Division One cup, Barton Athletic slipped up in a 3-1 loss at Watcombe Wanderers; goals from club stalwart Sean Finch, Ollie Dowell and James Smith ensured that the Greens go into the semi-final to save their season. Paignton Villa also bowed out of the Dartmouth Cup at the hands of Elburton Villa Reserves, who are also chasing a league and cup double.  Mount Gould continue to put pressure on the top three, and a good 4-1 victory at Beesands Rovers probably puts the Bees out of the promotion race as they are running out of games to play. Bentley Alcantara, Ray Spear and Billy Eccles won the points for the Mounties. Brixham Town finally won a game after a torrid run of form since the turn of the year. A 2-1 victory at Buckland Athletic Reserves will give the Fishermen some hope of a strong run in to the end of May.

In Division Two, Signal Box Oak Villa are just nine points away from claiming the divisional title following a hard-earned victory at East Allington United Seconds with a 4-2 scoreline. Jordan Richards was a hat-trick hero, not for the first time this season, and there was a single strike from Ryan Willis. Drake FC and Ashburton fought out a 2-2 draw at Manadon, a result that neither of these two promotion contenders would have wanted. Kameron Pouladge was the man of the match for Ashes with both goals. Ivybridge Town Reserves and Paignton Villa Seconds also shared the points in a 1-1 stalemate and remain just outside the top three. In the divisional cup, Babbacombe Corries progressed at the hands of Paignton Saints Reserves with a one-nil scoreline thanks to Kieron Sweet.

In the Division Three and Four cups, Kingskerswell, Harbertonford, Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves, Ipplepen Athletic Seconds, Galmpton United and Bere Alston Reserves all made it through in their respective divisional cups.

Game to catch this week:

As we enter cup final season, the opener is the Fred Hewings final which serves up a Newton Abbot derby game between Spurs Thirds and ’66 Seconds at Buckfastleigh Rangers on Friday evening with a 7pm kick off. Spurs are the highest ranked team in the knockout competition for reserve teams, but they have not had the best of seasons in Division One, currently sitting at the foot of the table; ’66 have had a decent season in Division Three and currently sit just in fifth place but are typical of any side from ’66 and that is that they are difficult to beat; although there are two divisions between the teams, depending on how the divisions finish, this game could in fact be a league fixture next season. There is plenty of parking, and a full bar and food service will be available.

Enjoy your grassroots cup finals.

newton abbot 66 south devon football league 2025

The first week of spring delivers a full program of fixtures for South Devon’s footballers

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 7th MAR, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot ’66 contributed by SDFL

At the top of the Premier Division, Windmill were at full sail to put their Herald Cup disappointment behind them by moving seven points clear with a comprehensive 6-1 victory at in-form Chudleigh Athletic to send out a ‘catch us if you can’ message to the other contenders; Brodie Simpson continues to find the back of the net for the Plymouth outfit.

The Newton Abbot derby game between Spurs and ’66 (pictured) ended in a sharing of the points with a 1-1 scoreline. The result would have been well received by the west area teams who can still be caught by both Newton Abbot teams if they can turn games in hand into maximum points. Paignton Saints remain just three points off the leading pack albeit having played more games, but a 4-2 win at Buckfastleigh Rangers, thanks to strikes from Cairo Broadway, Brandon Kelly and Mike Hernandez, leaves Rangers adrift at the bottom with Totnes and Dartington who were in Belli Cup action, and they faced a tough test at Lakeside Athletic who scored five goals without reply. In the same cup, Plymouth True Blues progressed courtesy of a close 2-1 win over Kingsteignton Athletic with goals from Bayley Williams and a late penalty from William Stringer. There were also two delayed Herald Cup games that went ahead: East Allington United made the short trip up the Erme Valley to face Division Two side Ivybridge Town Reserves, and it was a worthwhile trip as they progressed into the quarter-finals with a two-nil victory thanks to goals from Finn Bullen. Bovey Tracey Reserves gave up home advantage to get a game played and travelled to near neighbours Ilsington Villa. Bovey will be delighted to put another game behind them in a catch-up season, but a 4-1 win for Villa, thanks to goals from Dan Langford and Jamie Beer, puts the Moorlanders into the next round and keeps their season bubbling away.

In the only league game played in Division One, due to start of the Dartmouth Cup, Barton Athletic moved to within two points of the leading pack with an eight-nil win over a Liverton United side that seem to be imploding. The result keeps the Blues on course for a possible return to the top division. In the division’s Dartmouth Cup, the big shock came at Long Lane where Watcombe Wanderers quickly got over losing their second team during the week by beating one of the favourites Mount Gould by two goals to nil. The visitors ended the game with nine players, following two red cards, and no doubt did not have a pleasant trip back down the A38. Paignton Villa took their good league form into the knockout competition with a comfortable six-nil win at Buckland Athletic Reserves. Charlie Thomas hit a hat-trick, with Seb Knight, Sam Omara and Soliman Yaha finding the back of the Homers Heath net. WBB travelled to Brixham Town for the second week running and went one better than last week when they came away with a three-nil victory to grab a place in the hat for the next round. Cam Gill and Jay Orchard were on target for Wattsies. Two SDFL teams came face to face in the county Senior Cup, and it was Elburton Villa Reserves who came out on top against Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds by two goals to nil to set up a semi-final against Bovey Tracey Reserves or Newton St Cyres at the end of March.

In Division Two, Babbacombe Corries just had the edge to hang on to second place in a league that seems to be a one horse race. A 4-2 win over fellow challengers Ashburton keeps Corries ten points behind Signal Box OV who had a free weekend. Drake FC, who are sitting in mid-table, could still play a part in the promotion race thanks to a seven-nil win at Upton Athletic. The visitors can move to within one point of Corries if they win their games in hand. The Paignton reserve derby game between Saints and Villa ended in a 2-2 draw and both teams sitting at the higher end of mid-table. Interestingly, Saints only have five fixtures remaining; I wonder how many teams would like to be in that position – I could name 20!! Newton Abbot ’66 Reserves progressed into the next round of the division’s knockout courtesy of Watcombe Wanderers Reserves’ withdrawal during the week, and Harbertonford will also be in the hat following a 2-1 victory at Newton Rovers.

At the top of Division Three, Galmpton United have moved six points clear of Kingskerswell, who were on cup duty, following a 3-1 win at a strong Liverton United reserve side. The goals were enough to keep the Greens in pole position, but ‘Kerswell have five games in hand to use to their advantage. Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds continue to be in good form, and their five-nil win over Ipplepen Athletic Reserves keeps the Rams in third place but eight points behind the runaway leaders.

In Division Four, it was first v third at White Rock, and Chudleigh Athletic Seconds ran out 5-1 winners against Paignton Villa Thirds to keep a six-point cushion over local rivals Teign Village, who also picked up maximum points with a 3-1 win over Barton Athletic Reserves. In the division’s knockout competition, Bere Alston United Reserves went through with a 5-3 victory over Brixham Town Seconds, and Kingsbridge and Kellaton United had a good day at the office with a two-nil win over Broadhempston United thanks to Alex Piper, who found the net twice. Waldon Athletic Thirds also scraped through with a 2-1 extra-time win versus Newton Rovers Seconds, and here is the other side of the fixture coin: Waldon Athletic Thirds are still unbeaten in the league but have 15 league games to squeeze in before the end of May, which is 12 playing Saturdays.

Games to catch on Saturday 14th March:

At the time of writing, Plymouth True Blues host East Allington United in a game that could change the look of the top three. Only two points separate the sides, and it will be worth a watch. Also in Plymouth, Windmill face Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves, and having lost at the Rec three weeks ago, they will be looking to get some points from them.

My games of the day are in Division One, where Bovey Tracey Reserves host Mount Gould at the Western Counties ground, and WBB travel to Elburton Villa Reserves. With both teams in good form, something has to give, and Paignton Villa face Barton Athletic in a game neither will want to lose. In Division Two, Ivybridge Town Reserves welcome Ashburton, who will be looking to get back to winning ways, and with both teams as outside contenders, it should be a cracker.

All fixtures are subject to change at the moment due to delayed cup games, so please check on the league’s Full-Time webpage before travelling.

Thank you for supporting grassroots football in South Devon.

newton abbot spurs reserves

Clubs think outside the box to get games played

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 31st JAN, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves contributed by SDFL

Devon Premier Cup quarter-final

The last SDFL survivors in the county Premier Cup, Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds (pictured), made the trip to Step 7 club Alphington on Thursday evening to play the twice-postponed fixture on the 3g at Exwick, and in the end they just fell short. Goals from Matt Williams and Lewis Jordain-Garner were not enough against the team sitting at the top of the Devon League, and the Exeter side were able to find the net on five occasions leaving the final four teams in the competition all coming from Step 7, and all four could be playing at Step 6 SWPL next season. So well done to Spurs and Ilsington Villa from the Torbay Clearance Services League for reaching the quarter-finals.

Again. the weather spoiled the weekend’s grassroots program making play impossible on grass, and with only four games surviving this week’s storm, Windmill FC became the latest team to hire a 3g pitch to get a game played, and with Chudleigh Athletic the visitors to Ivybridge School, it pitched the two teams in the top division with the meanest defences having both conceded just 12 goals each so far this season. The game, as expected, turned out to be a tight and messy affair; it ended with a 2-1 win for the home team thanks to goals from Miles Hunt and Jack Briscoe, which takes them one point ahead of True Blues at the top of the Premier Division, and for the first time in the league’s history, Plymouth-based teams hold the top three places, as Lakeside Athletic came away from Coach Road with all three points in a very entertaining game versus Paignton Saints. The final result was 3-2, but Saints will be kicking themselves. Had it not been for their missed goalscoring chances, the outcome could have been very different. However, Lakeside can also claim a host of missed chances, but they will be pleased to get David Moore, who scored a brace, and JJ Honeywell back in goal-scoring form and completing a Plymouth one, two and three for the end of January. The only disappointment for the visitors would have been to finish the game with ten players courtesy of a last minute sin bin. Strangely enough, the biggest challengers to the top three currently sit in sixth, seventh and eight place with a number of games in hand, and if they could only get them played, the division should open up again.

In Division Two, Signal Box Oak Villa have opened up a seven point lead at the top albeit having played more games. A 5-3 victory at the Manadon 3g over close neighbours Ivybridge Town Reserves, thanks to goals from Callum Austin, Harley Mitchell, Bobby Stone and a brace for Finley Demsey Comerford, sees Villa extend their lead to realistically leave Corries and Ashburton as their main challengers at the moment.

In Division Four, Teign Village managed to keep the pressure on the leaders with a close 2-1 win versus Paignton Saints Thirds at South Devon College 3g (full report on Daves World). Goals from Alex Easson and Tom Beer sealed the points for the village team in a division that is looking like a two horse race depending on what unbeaten Waldon Athletic Thirds can do with their games in hand.

Games to hopefully catch on Saturday 7th February:

The Third Round of the Herald Cup, kindly sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services, has produced some belters as cup ties go.

There is a moorland derby at Mill Marsh Park (river levels permitting), where Premier Division Ilsington Villa play an in form Bovey Tracey Reserves from Division One. Division Three side Galmpton United host Premier Division side Windmill, who will need to be at their best to beat a team that are upwardly mobile. And then there are two virtual local derbies: Lakeside Athletic face a Buckfastleigh Rangers side with a large Cornish contingent, and Paignton Saints welcome Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves to their Coach Road ground in a fixture that will definitely go ahead. Harbertonford may have to switch their game to Elburton Villa to get it played. Having seen the amount of water on the pitch, I don’t think the RNLI will allow it to be played at the Steve Jane ground.

In the league’s Division Two, Ashburton travel to Ivybridge Town Reserves, and with both teams looking for promotion, it could be a great game.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

Saints and Broads serve up a Christmas feast on fair play Friday

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 20th DEC, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Watts Blake Bearne contributed by SDFL

Was this really a game between two of the bottom three teams in Division Four? The pace and quality of the play had many of the 100 plus supporters scratching their heads for answers.

It took just two minutes for Saints to get the opening goal from Keiron Seatherton who went on to get the Man of the Match award, but they could only hold on to that lead for nine minutes until the other contender for Man of the Match, Dan Wells, equalised with a goal that would grace any fixture in any division. Saints were under a lot of pressure, and their full-backs were not up to speed with Broads’ Ben Muller, and just four minutes after, they drew level; Muller ran past three defenders and pulled the ball back to the edge of the box, where Dan Wells side-footed a curling shot into the top right-hand corner, and both sets of supporters could do nothing else but applaud the finish. With just 12 minutes on the clock, and the score already at 2-1, it was turning into a great game. With play end-to-end and and two more Saints goals from Keiron Seatherton and Darren Millea and, in first-half stoppage time, yet another equaliser from Stuart Hanney sent the supporters for a welcome hot chocolate, and at 3-3, all the talk in the clubhouse was about the quality of the goals, and it had the writer checking to see if his pre-match prediction of 6-6 was actually on his super six selection.

The dynamic of the game seem to change in the second half as Saints were clearly more used to playing on a 3g pitch, and the legs of the Broads players seemed to be getting heavy, and one or two challenges were either too early or too late depending on your speed. but the referee kept good control and did not need to show any cards to either of the two best teams on the discipline charts. Then came a managerial masterclass from Saints when Dylan Cousins was introduced from the bench and he not only upped the pace of the game for Saints, but went on to score two great goals to seal the win 5-3 for the home team in what was a night to remember for both outfits. The result puts Saints one of three teams on nine points, and whilst still third from bottom, they are the second highest goal scorers in the division. At the other end, they are the league’s highest conceders of goals having let in 58 which is 22 more than Broadhempston United who remain second from bottom, two points behind Saints but with four games in hand. Just one other stat is that Saints only have eight league games remaining to finish the season.

The only other league game played was in Division One where Watts Blake Bearne (pictured) climbed onto the top of the table for Christmas with a well-earned 4-nil win at Bovey Tracey Reserves; Jake Cuff, Cam Gill, Ashton Sowerby and Fraser Hossack were all on target for the Claymen who were good value for the win. Bovey lost their goalkeeper in the 51st minute with a red card following a moment of madness which gave them a mountain to climb. Bovey remain in fifth place. seven points off the lead but with three games in hand, and Wattsies leapfrog Brixham Town and Paignton Villa to lead the division by one point going into the Christmas break. This remains a very competitive division with eight teams still in the mix to gain promotion to the Premier Division

The second round of the Herald Cup has thrown up some great ties that will be fixtured for 3rd January with a 2pm kick off.

  • Newton Rovers (Div 2) v Ilsington Villa (Premier)
  • Ashburton (Div 2) v Bere Alston United (Div 4)
  • Paignton Saints (Premier) v Babbacombe Corries (Div 2)
  • WBB (Div 1) v Signal Box Oak Villa (Div 2)
  • Bovey Tracey Reserves (Div 1) v Paignton Villa (Div 1)
  • Kingsteignton Athletic (Premier) v East Allington United (Premier)
  • Buckland Athletic Reserves (Div 1) v Galmpton United (Div 3)
  • Kingsbridge/Kellaton (Div 4) v Ivybridge Town Reserves (Div 2)
  • Newton Abbot ’66 (Premier) v Chudleigh Athletic (Premier)
  • Broadhempston United (Div 4) v Windmill (Premier)
  • Barton Athletic (Div 1) v Lakeside Athletic (Premier)
  • Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves (Premier) v Teign Village (Div 4)
  • Ipplepen Athletic Reserves (Div 3) v Upton Athletic (Div 2)
  • Plymouth True Blues (Premier) v Stoke Gabriel TP (Div 3)
  • Harbertonford (Div 2) v Elburton Villa Reserves (Div 1)
  • South Brent (Div 3) v Buckfastleigh Rangers (Premier)

Enjoy your grassroots cup 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

kingsteignton athletic herald cup semi finalists 2025

Spurs Stay on Course for the Double

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 29th MARCH, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Kingsteignton Athletic, who drew 4-4 with East Allington this week, contributed by SDFL

The game of the day in the Premier Division George Belli Cup went the distance in the favour of Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves who edged out the current champions Ilsington Villa in a pulsating cup tie that needed extra time; 3 – 1 was the final score with goals from Jack Upshire, Luis Green and Lewis Jordain-Garner seeing Spurs into their first cup final since joining the league following a stint in the football pyramid. They will be joined in the final by Totnes and Dartington who, on the day, were too good for a weakened Paignton Saints side who made hard work of their afternoon. A 2 – 1 victory, thanks to goals from Ryan Walton and James Blackshaw, was more than enough to put Tots in the top division cup final on the 15th May, also for the first time since rejoining the competition from the football pyramid.

In the Premier Division, with two of the top three on cup duty, Newton Abbot ’66 had the chance to close the gap to just 3 points at home to bottom side Beesands Rovers but they got well and truly stung by the Bees: a 3 – 1 win for the South Hams team moves them off the bottom and gives them real hope of a great escape; strikes from Alfie Prowse, Jack Eades and Alex Smith has put a dent in the ambitions of ’66 and, following this latest defeat, Ilsington Villa only need one more victory to make sure that Sixes cannot catch them. In the other relegation fixture, Chudleigh Athletic and Elburton Villa Seconds shared 6 goals in a very entertaining game where a draw was a fair result, but not one either team wanted, and leaves them both teetering with Division One next season. East Allington United and Kingsteignton Athletic also ended with four goals being shared, and with a point apiece, both would probably be happy with a mid-table berth knowing that anybody can beat anybody in this division. I also would like to give a shout out to Finn Bullen of East Allington United who scored his 137th goal this week in 133 appearances for the Pirates; well done Finn. The final shock result in the Prem was at Windmill Hill where ambitious Waldon Athletic lost 2-nil to Buckfastleigh Rangers who themselves could finish in the top three. The Clarets are now 9 points from fifth place and, whilst they have a few games in hand, they desperately need to find some form.

Two Division One teams served up a classic at Bovey Tracey Reserves where the home team prevented the last standing Plymouth-based team from reaching the jewel in the SDFL cup program. A 3-2 win over promotion rivals Windmill is a great result, and goals from Ben Moyle, Ryan Stanbridge and Ben Goble sets up a Herald Cup semi-final against Kingsteignton Athletic on Tuesday 22nd April at Newton Rec with a 7pm kick off.

Plymouth Phoenix continue to be unbeaten and they crushed Buckland Athletic Reserves 11-3 thanks to a double hat-trick by David Moore who set them on their way to their first Dartmouth Cup semi-final since joining the South Devon League from the Plymouth and District competition; they will meet the winners of the Bovey Tracey Reserves v Paignton Villa game that gets played this weekend.

In the league, True Blues continue to be unbeaten after their 7 – 2 home win against a Watcombe Wanderers team who must be looking at the league position and asking how did that happen: they are level on points with Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, third from bottom, and Paignton Villa together with Brixham Town could pulled back into this relegation scrap, and Villa only have two games to play against six for the other two. WBB have recovered well after their disbanding scare, and they continue to win the games against the teams around them; this week was a character-building exercise having been 2-nil down at the break to Newton Spurs Thirds, who went ahead thanks to Jack Taylor and Domanic Osbourne, Wattsies fought back with three second half goals to take the points and move safely into mid table.

The top of the table game in Division Two drew a big support and ended in a complete reverse of the scoreline when the teams clashed just seven days earlier; this week, it was the turn of Barton Athletic to inflict only the second loss of the season for Mount Gould in a 4-nil win that continues to make this division as open as it has been all season; goals from Zach Norton, Liam Walton, Dom Lavalee and an own goal takes the Torquay side 18 points clear at the top and reduces Mount Gould’s games in hand to nine. Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds had a great result in upsetting promotion contenders East Allington United Seconds by 3 goals to 1; Matt Maller, John Bovey and Isaac Potter were on target for the Rangers who won for only the second time this season, and with only four games to play, they will need to continue the same form to avoid the drop. Elsewhere, second from bottom club Ipplepen Athletic Reserves picked up their third win of the season at Bakers Park in a 4-2 win against Newton Rovers. The win brings them within touching distance of Upton Athletic who did not play. The situation at the top of this division is getting clearer by the week, but it is still between five or six teams: Barton Athletic, Mount Gould, Liverton, Watcombe Seconds and East Allington Seconds could all still finish top, but 2nd and 3rd placed Paignton Villa Reserves and Babbacombe Corries are running out of games with only 4 to play, so it looks like this competition will go to the end of May. In the division’s league cup semi-finals, Liverton United and Paignton Villa Seconds ended in a 2-2 draw and it was Liverton that held their nerve in the penalty shoot-out to progress to the Lidstone Cup final on Friday 25th April where they will meet Watcombe Wanderers Reserves who won 2-nil at Long Lane against Babbacombe Corries.

In Division Three, Drake FC took advantage of leaders Ashburton being on cup duty by leapfrogging them into pole position by beating a good Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves side by 3 goals to 1; Ben Ayre, Louis George and Kacper Gorecki were the points winners at Broadpark. Stoke Gabriel TP moved into 3rd place with a 10-3 demolition at Brixham Town Seconds who will be looking forward to a better season in Division Four; Daniel Tresize (3), Max Prestwood (4) and Adam Blackburn (3) did the damage at JC Park. Elburton Villa Thirds, who could also win this division, continue to be upwardly mobile; a 7-nil thrashing over a decent Liverton United Reserves side, who must have had their minds on an upcoming cup final, keeps Villa in fourth place with six games to play. Two teams in mid-table met at Windmill Hill where Waldon Athletic Seconds and Totnes and Dartington Seconds shared four goals and the points that keeps them both in the safety zone.

With Division Four almost done and dusted, thoughts turned to the Les Bishop league cup semi-finals that were closer than the form book predicted; Paignton Villa Thirds took Kingskerswell all the way in a pulsating game that ‘Kerswell just edged by 3 goals to 2 to reach the final on Thursday 17th April where they will clash with Templer Way who edged out Chudleigh Athletic Reserves by 5 goals to 4 in a game that went to extra-time; and Chudleigh had to play out the game with ten players. It is a credit to both of the finalists who have a different story to tell from making the step from Sunday morning football to disbanding to reforming and most importantly enjoying playing football again; well done to both team.

Games to catch on Saturday 5th April.

As you would expect at this part of the season, there are games to catch that would appear to have more riding on them, but at the end of the day its just another 3 points towards the team objective to win.

My pick of the games this week is at Broadpark where a Kingsteignton Athletic side will be licking their wounds and looking forward to stopping Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves surging towards the top of the table. There is also a tasty local derby at the Millennium Pitches where Windmill come up against an unbeaten True Blues team in the Dartmouth Cup; this is one of two chances for the Rangers boys to get their hands on silverware in their first season in the Torbay Clearance Services League. In Division Two, Liverton United meet East Allington Seconds at Halford in a fixture where both are in the mix for promotion and defeat for either could confirm another season in the same division. And in Division Four, Kingskerswell play their final league game at home to Newton Rovers Seconds where a win for the home team will secure a 100% record in their first season back in the South Devon Football League.

Cup Finals are on the horizon and the first is on Friday 11th April at Newton Rec with a 7pm kick off. Liverton Utd Seconds meet East Allington Utd Seconds in the Fred Hewings Cup. There is limited parking on site, but a full bar and food service will be available.

The following week, we have two fantastic games to offer: first up on Tuesday 15th April, again at Newton Rec, is Herald Cup semi-final number 1. Waldon Athletic versus East Allington United will kick off at 7pm; further details to follow in next week’s issue.

This is followed by the Les Bishop Final on Thursday 17th April; what a way to start your Easter weekend: Templer Way versus Kingskerswell with details to follow next week.

Enjoy your grassroots football.