Tag: herald cup

ilsington villa 2024 sdfl premier division champions herald cup finalists

Ilsington Villa Win Premier League while May Day Derby Victory Sees Sixes Make Back to Back Herald Cup Finals

Double in their sights: Ilsington Villa have won their first ever Premier League title – but can they overcome Newton ’66 in Friday night’s Herald Cup final? Photo contributed by SDFL.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 4th MAY, report by Alastair Muirden

The weather continued to play its part in this season’s South Devon League football fixtures with waterlogged pitches on Tuesday reported at Ashburton and South Brent causing the Fixtures Secretary to count the days left in May.

In the games that were played, Totnes and Dartington continue to surprise; a 2-nil home win versus Paignton Saints puts them into second place in Division One, and on this form they may be joining their opponents in the Premier Division next season. Also in this division, Buckland Athletic Reserves and Paignton Villa met in a pre-run of this season’s Dartmouth Cup final at Homers Heath. On this occasion, the home team won with a single strike from Charlie Shearer 10 minutes from the end.

At the top of Division Two, with Bovey Tracey Reserves already crowned champions, the race for second place will go down to the last game of the season. Both Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds and Paignton Saints Seconds won their penultimate games; Spurs scored 7 goals at relegated Brixham Town Seconds, and Saints scored 3 against Newton Rovers. Spurs have a 2 point advantage so will bag the second spot if they win their last game of the season at home to Waldon Athletic Seconds. But a reminder that promotion for the Thirds is dependant on their second team also getting promoted as two teams from the same club cannot play in the same division. No pressure for Spurs Seconds then!!

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Fading light after the Herald Cup semi-final derby between Newton ’66 and Newton Spurs Reserves went into extra-time. Photo contributed by SDFL.

Wednesday evening produced the biggest talking point of the week when the Torbay Clearance Services Herald Cup semi-final went to extra-time and, due to the fading light, could not have gone on any longer. The referee, who had a busy night on the pitch, deserves a lot of praise for managing to get the game completed in a safe manner. This was not a classic cup game by any stretch of the imagination, but it is one that will be remembered by the 200 plus people that were there. Spurs were the better team for large parts of the game and when Joe Bushin put them in front on 33 minutes, it did look as if the Division One outfit were heading for the final. But ’66 have been here many times before, and they just dug in and made it difficult for Spurs to get a second and seal the tie. Then a big tackle on the edge of the box by Joe Bushin was not to the referee’s liking and he saw yellow for the second time in the game, and Spurs had not only lost their captain but their talisman; this lifted ’66, but it took them until the 75th minute to find a breakthrough with a fine strike from Ashley Dove. With extra-time looming, Spurs seemed to get their second wind and again were the team more likely to win it, but then a moment of madness and spurs found themselves down to 9 players and going into extra-time. Rather than go straight into extra-time to beat the light, the Spurs team disappeared into the changing room for a break, but the referee was having none of it; he blew his whistle to get them back out and get extra-time underway. In fact, it only took ’66 five minutes to score through Stijn Brussen, and now all they had to do was hold on to the lead and hope the light held out. Even in the second half of extra time, Spurs were the better team for large parts but in the end, ’66 did hold on as did the light – just.

Newton Abbot ’66 now progress to their second final in two years to meet fellow Premier Division side Ilsington Villa on Friday 10th May under the lights at Stoke Gabriel, and Newton Abbot Spurs have a county cup final to look forward to and 8 more league games to play, and if they win all 8, they will be crowned Division One champions or 6 wins may be enough to get promoted to the Premier League.

Also on Wednesday, in the Premier League, Brixham AFC Reserves remain in a relegation place despite beating Waldon Athletic 2 – 1. A Dalton Sanders double brought home 3 points that will worry both Chudleigh and East Allington who, despite the later winning 7 – 1 at WBB, remain only 5 points clear with Brixham having only 2 games left to play.

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Bovey Tracey Reserves captain Ryan Stanbridge gets presented the Lidstone cup by sponsors Bettesworth. Photo contributed by SDFL.

On Friday evening, it was the turn of Bovey Tracey Seconds and Paignton Saints Seconds to compete for the Division Two Lidstone Cup. Once again, Liverton United was the venue as the South Devon League committee continue to support member clubs in giving them an end of season boost to their finances. The game was an absolute credit to the strength of competition in Division Two of the Torbay Clearance Services League. It was end-to-end action for 90 minutes and played in a very good spirit, and the referee only had to intervene on a couple of occasions; Saints took a first half lead through Jason Dingley on the half hour, and it was not until the 75th minute when Bovey could finally find an equaliser thanks to Matt Churchill who was in the right place at the right time. Extra-time came and went with a number of stoppages for cramp, and it was down to the dreaded penalty shootout; there is normally only ever one hero in a shootout: it’s either the last scorer or the ‘keeper. That honour this time goes to the Bovey ‘keeper Jack Smith who saved the last 2 Saints spot-kicks to give Bovey Tracey the league and cup double and complete what has been an amazing season.

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Bovey ‘keeper Jack Smith saved two spot-kicks. Photo contributed by SDFL.

Ilsington Villa have been crowned Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Premier League champions for the first time in the league’s long history. A 4-nil home win against Beesands Rovers, thanks to a Daniel Langford hat-trick and a single from Jamie Beer, did the trick and considering they only finished third in Division One last season, is testament to the whole team at the village club as to just how much progress has been made in the past 12 months. A big well done to Tony Lacey and his team of volunteers for what they have achieved this season. As it transpired, they would not have needed to win as Kingsteignton Athletic surprisingly slipped up to Brixham AFC Reserves who beat them 5 – 1 and if they had shown their current form earlier in the season, who knows where they would have finished.

Division One continues to produce shocks and spills and now has new leaders in Totnes and Dartington thanks to a hard fought 3 – 1 win at Watcombe Wanderers, but the standout result in the division was the 7 – 1 demolition by Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves on Paignton Saints; this not only knocked Saints off top place but puts the Herald Cup disappointment to bed. It leaves Spurs with 7 games still to play, and they can afford 1 defeat and still win the league. Saints, Ivybridge Town Reserves and Totnes and Dartington must win their remaining games, and on 23rd May, Spurs host Ivybridge.

The Division Two runners-up spot was secured by Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds with their final game of the campaign. A 4 – 2 home win against Waldon Athletic Seconds who ended the game with 8 players thanks to 3 red cards. Deven Webb and Owen Green were on target for Spurs who must now wait for their second team to secure promotion for them to be playing in Division One next season. Paignton Saints Seconds need 4 points from 2 games to guarantee third place and a possible promotion berth should it not happen for Spurs.

The Division Three title race looks like it’s going to the wire with 5 teams still in the race for silverware. Watcombe Wanderers Seconds remain 3 points clear after a 6 – 1 win over South Brent; Simon Ross scored 4 goals with Kye Walker bagging 2 to keep the Greens on course for the title. Meanwhile, Ashburton slipped up in a 13 goal thriller at Stoke Gabriel TP; 8 – 5 was the final score. Marc Hagland also scored 4 with Russell Cooper, Daniel Treseze and Max Prestwood keeping Stoke in mid table.

Division Four is also going to the wire this season; Liverton Utd Seconds remain in pole position following a 3 – 2 win over Drake FC who drop to third and will be glad to see the back of Liverton this season after 3 defeats in 5 weeks. Elburton Villa Thirrds move into second place with their 4 – 3 win at Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds who are now fourth and must be favourites to win this division as they have a game in hand and a relatively easy run in; up next for Kingsteignton is Liverton United on 11th May.

Game to catch this week in the South Devon Football League…well it has to be the Herald Cup Final on Friday 10th May under the lights at Stoke Gabriel with a 7pm kick off. Ilsington Villa, Premier League new boys and newly-crowned champions will be playing in the final for the first time since 1981 and only the second time in the club’s history where they will face Newton Abbot ’66 who are playing in their second successive final, and they last won the cup in 2000. Although there is plenty of parking available, supporters are advised to arrive early as this is a well-attended event in the South Devon League calendar; gates will open at 5.30pm and the host club will have a full bar and food service available.

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Weekly Match Reports 23rd March

ON ANOTHER CUP RUN: 2023 Herald Cup runners-up Newton Abbot ’66 are into the last eight. Photo contributed by SDFL

Farewell to a Brixham Legend

I start this weeks report with the sad news that Brixham football stalwart Bill Harris has passed away. Bill was secretary of the Brixham Villa club for over 50 years and was the driving force in the merger with Brixham Utd in 2012 to create the Brixham AFC that we have today. And what a merger it turned out to be with the first team now playing football in the Western League, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Buckland Athletic, Clevedon and Falmouth to name a few, and the second team playing in the South Devon Premier League where both Villa and United used to play. Bill also received a services to football award from the FA for the work he had done for football in the county; as a player, he won the Herald Cup and the South Devon Premier Division with Brixham Villa. Bill will also be remembered for setting up the Brixham AFC lottery which funds the club to this day. The current secretary of the club Mark Buley, who provided the above information, described Bill as an absolute legend and a man that has done so much for football, and he will be sorely missed. Bill’s funeral is at All Saints Church, Brixham at 10.30am on Thursday 28th March.

South Brent’s Herald Cup Run Ends –

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JOURNEY’S OVER: Division Three side South Brent were dispatched from the Herald Cup.

In the games played on Saturday, there was no fairytale ending for South Brent in the Herald Cup Third Round against Premier Division Newton Abbot ’66. The home team ran out 9 – 1 winners, but it was not plain sailing in the first half. ’66 scored in the first minute and added a second with a penalty, but it was not until manager Ian Clennehan made sweeping substitutions that ’66 started to click. Three goals in a two minute period put the game beyond the Division Three side who did manage a consolation goal with the last kick of the game to prevent a clean sheet. Tom Lowe and Jamie Groves scored two each after coming on as subs, and there were singles for Callum Foskett, Joe Clark Farley, Ashley Dove and Liam Ashwell.

In the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division, Ilsington Villa remain two points clear at the top after a 5 – 2 home win against bottom club WBB. Daniel Langford notched up a hat-trick with Jack Langford and Jack Dixon adding singles. Just behind them are Plymouth based Morley Rangers who played a home game in Newton Abbot versus Brixham AFC just to guarantee the game would be on, and the move proved profitable as they ran out 3-nil victors. Matt David, JJ Honeywell and James Melluish were the target men for Rangers. Buckfastleigh Rangers opened up a gap into fourth place with a 6 – 4 home win against Beesands Rovers whose season has stalled since December. East Allington United slipped to third from bottom despite holding Kingsteignton Athletic to a nil-nil draw at Broadpark, and that’s because Chudleigh Athletic had a great result, running out 4 – 1 winners over Waldon Athletic at Kate Brook. They are now eight points clear of the drop zone. Joe Potter scored two with Gavin Hammon and Jack Edward Salmons adding singles that could keep the Maroons safe from the drop.

In Division One, it was the quarter finals of the Dartmouth Cup, and Buckland Athletic Reserves booked a semi final slot with a 2 – 1 home win versus Brixham Town, and there was a real heavyweight tussle at South Devon College where Paignton Saints knocked out top of the table Ivybridge Town Reserves by 4 goals to 1; Jamie Micklewright scored twice with Ben Clarke and Jake Powell adding singles. There was also a big result for Watcombe Wanderers who defeated Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves by 2 goals to nil, and Spurs finished the game with 10 players, a result that may be costly for Spurs come the end of May. Totnes and Dartington have now moved into third place, four points clear of Spurs in fourth. Jack Whitby scored in each half for the Tots to secure the points. Paignton Villa moved into the safety zone with a 3-nil win at Upton Athletic who remain at the wrong end of the table and in desperate need of a win; they wont need to wait long for that opportunity as on Easter Saturday they play fellow relegation candidates Harbertonford at Steps Cross.

In Division Two, the top four all won and it remains very tight as we move into the business end of the season. Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds stay top with a 5 – 2 win over Paignton Villa Seconds; East Allington United stay in second place after a 4 – 1 win at home to Newton Rovers and in third place, Bovey Tracey Reserves had a comfortable 7-nil home win against Waldon Athletic Seconds. Pre-season favourites Paignton Saints Seconds remain in fourth place, three points off second and seven points off the top following their 4 – 1 victory at bottom side Brixham Town Seconds. Billy Reay, George Keats and Syzmon Brzezinski were the heroes for the Saints. There are three points separating four of the bottom five, and Ipplepen Athletic, Paignton Villa Seconds, Newton Rovers and Waldon Athletic Seconds could all do with winning a game.

In Division Three, Watcombe Wanderers Seconds beat third placed Totnes and Dartington Seconds by 2 goals to nil to remain three points ahead of Ashburton who had a comfortable afternoon by inflicting an 8-nil on Kingsbridge and Kellaton United, and Stoke Gabriel TP moved into the safety zone with a 7 – 1 win at Teign Village; Adam Blackburn, Max Prestwood, Paul Christie and Ian Sloman were all on target for Stoke.

Elburton Villa Thirds continue to improve and make inroads into their games in hand on their rivals; a 5 – 3 win at Broadhempston United puts them into fifth place but only eight points off the top with two games in hand. Their neighbours Drake FC were given a walkover as Watcombe Wanderers Thirds could not raise a team.

Games to catch on Easter Saturday in the South Devon Football League include the Premier Division clash at Buckfastleigh where Kingsteignton are the visitors; there is a relegation battle for Brixham AFC who host Elburton Villa Reserves. Who does not like a local derby? At Coach Road, Paignton Saints entertain Paignton Villa and there’s a relegation six-pointer at Steps Cross where Upton Athletic play Harbertonford. In Division Two, there is a promotion six-pointer when Bovey Tracey Reserves welcome East Allington United Seconds. In Division Three, there are two big cup quarter finals at Ashburton who host South Brent in an A38 derby and at Totnes and Dartington Seconds who play Liverton United. The big game in Division Four is first versus third in the form of Drake FC versus Liverton United Seconds which could have a big say in who is in the top two come May.

Thank you for supporting grassroots football in South Devon.

Voisey Fires Rams into Herald Cup History Book

All pictures © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Super sub Mark Voisey sealed Kingsteignton Athletic’s place in Herald Cup history with a late winner for the Rams which saw the club lift the treasured trophy for the tenth time, equalling Upton Athletic’s record.

Although Kingsteignton had gone into the game off the back of two straight defeats, there were no signs of any nerves at the Speedwell Kia ground as both themselves and opponents Newton Abbot ’66 treated a decent crowd to a display of positive, competitive cup football. The match that unfolded was all you would expect from a Herald Cup final – and a local derby. Kingsteignton’s Ryan Tovagliari and Newton ’66’s semi-final star Liam Ashwell both forced saves in the opening exchanges before the Rams took an 18th minute lead. Jason Jones raided down the right and played a low cross into the box. A deft back-heel by Ollie Kewell put the ball into the path of Chris Barnett who buried his chance. Barnett, one of a number of standout players, was awarded man of the match by sponsors Torbay Clearance Services.

Torbay Clearance Services (cup and league sponsors) present the Man of the Match award to Chris Barnett along with SDFL President Mervyn Benney.

There was a moment of concern early in the second half when Newton 66’s George Dodge went down with a blow to the head following a corner, but quick action by the players and officials meant that Dodge was soon patched up and back on the pitch. Dan Rankin had a chance to double the Rams’ advantage when he was put through for a one-on-one with the goalkeeper ten minutes into the second half, but the prolific marksman hit the ball straight into the midriff of the grateful Adam Daly. The Sixes then had their best chance of the game, on 75 minutes, when Russ Faulkner was forced to tip over a free-kick. That was one of a number of set-pieces awarded to Ian Clenahan’s side as the game drew closer to its thrilling conclusion. A year earlier, Steve Workman, sensing the game against The Windmill was turning, brought on Aaron Paget to win the game. This time it was Mark Voisey who was sent on with the job of settling the tie. And just like Paget, Voisey struck a venomous last minute shot from the right to beat Daly and send the Rams’ supporters wild. Voisey’s goal was not the last word though. That went to Sixes sub Olly Hastie who scored an even later goal deep into stoppage time. Newton ’66 deserved that consolation, but were unable to force the game into extra time.

Kingsteignton captain Jason Jones lifts the Herald Cup, presented by sponsors Torbay Clearance Services and SDFL President Mervyn Benney.

“It was really hard graft. I thought ‘66 were really good,” said Kingsteignton manager Steve Workman. “We’ve beaten them four times this season, but they’ve always given us a really good, really hard game.”

The two games lost prior to the final may not have been ideal preparation, but Workman felt they might have actually done his side some good. “We hurt badly for a couple of weeks because we’re not used to losing,” he said. “We’d probably played the best we’ve played all season, while we’ve played other games where we’ve won and not played well.

“All of a sudden, we thought, ‘We’ve got to earn this.’ And they did. To a man, they were all brilliant today.”

One of the night’s stars, Mark Voisey, revealed exactly what Workman’s instructions had been ahead of his decisive introduction. “Right wing, don’t forget your defensive responsibilities but they’re knackered. Just keep pushing and get that winning goal,” he said. “I had a couple of dodgy touches at the start, but I got there in the end, and thankfully it was a winning goal.

“I think experience comes into it,” continued Voisey. “We were there in the final last year, and we just had to keep knocking the ball around. It’s a big pitch, and a great pitch to play football on. Fair play to Newton ’66. They gave us a good run for their money but we just got there in the end.

“Last year was fantastic, as I’d played football for years and it was the first Herald Cup final that I’d won. This year was just as special, especially scoring the second goal, it was amazing. But it was a team effort. The defence was outstanding, the midfield worked hard. It was just an incredible win.”

As for Voisey’s manager, he has now lifted the Herald Cup four times in all, both as a player and as a manager. “It never gets boring,” said Workman. “I absolutely love this cup. It’s still the biggest cup in this area. Everybody still loves it and it’s the one to get your hands on. So it’s great to have our hands on it again, and I can’t wait to have a few drinks out of it.”

The season is not quite done and dusted for the Rams who had two days to prepare for a potential banana skin Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division league game against Ivybridge Town Reserves. A win would see them clinch a magnificent double, while anything else could mean a ‘winner takes all’ clash against second-placed Buckfastleigh Rangers on Wed 31st May.

“I think this win has helped,” said Workman, “because if we had not won today, I think that would have put the pressure on. We’re just going to go out and play our game, hopefully get the three points, and then we won’t need to get anything against Buckfastleigh in the last game. We waited so long for a trophy, then we get six in two seasons. Hopefully, we’ll get the seventh.”

“If we play like we did tonight, we shouldn’t have a problem,” said Voisey. “But we’ve still got business to complete.”

McEwen’s Wonder Goal Delivers Fred Hewings Cup for Waldon

Fred Hewings Cup winners Waldon Athletic Reserves celberate their victory at Halford.

Another team with work still to do are Waldon Athletic Reserves who are now one game from an impressive treble haul following last Thursday’s 2-1 victory over East Allington United Reserves in the Fred Hewings Cup final.

East Allington stormed into an early lead, with Dan Joyce finding the net, but Adam Townsend restored parity with ten minutes remaining. Waldon huffed and puffed for a second goal, but it took a moment of brilliance from Gareth McEwen to put the Clarets in front. McEwen took the ball into the box, past a couple of defenders and then rounded the goalkeeper before slotting home. It was a goal worthy of winning any final, but the Pirates thought they had equalised in the dying seconds, only for referee Steve Pearce to deny the goal for handball.

Match action from Waldon Athletic Reserves and East Allington United Reserves in the Fred Hewings Cup final.

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19/5/23: Teignbridge Rivals Contest Herald Cup

SGT Police will host the prestigious Herald Cup final this Friday with holders Kingsteignton Athletic taking on fellow Teignbridge side Newton Abbot ’66 at Broadley Lane.

Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division leaders Kingsteignton have lost their aura of invincibility over the last week, having lost two games on the spin. In contrast, Newton ’66 are coming into form at just the right time. The Sixes, who last lifted the trophy in 2000, are looking for their fourth ever Herald Cup win, while Kingsteignton can equal Upton Athletic’s record haul of ten trophies should Friday be their night. This year’s competition is sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services.