Tag: ilsington villa

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!!

halford liverton herald cup semi-final 2024
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.

ryan stanbridge bovey tracey reserves lidstone cup final 2024
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.

jack smith bovey tracey reserves goalkeeper lidstone cup final 2024
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.

ilsington villa v kingsteignton athletic herald cup semi-final

Divisional Cups: Villa Dispatch Rams as Fisherman Fight Back to Oust Bees

Ilsington Villa made amends for their 2022 Herald Cup semi-final defeat (pictured) by knocking Kingsteignton out of the Belli Cup. ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Despite a Saturday morning downpour 11 games went ahead and a big shout out to club volunteers who gave up their time to prepare the pitches for play, especially those who play on grass. Well done and thank you.

There were a number of divisional cup games scheduled, and in the Belli Cup, which is the knockout competition for Premier league teams, without doubt the game of the day featured the top two in the division. Kingsteington Athletic and Ilsington Villa have only met a couple of times in recent years, due to being in different divisions, but the games have always been a great advert for grassroots football and this game did not disappoint. In a pulsating first 45 minutes, Jason Jones was on target for the Rams just before the break, and having spent 10 minutes in the sin bin for dissent, Daniel Langford repaid his team-mates for letting them down by scoring his 13th goal of the season in as many games; he remains the team’s top striker. At the other end of the goal scoring chart, Darren Rowe, making only his fourth start for the Moorlanders, scored his first goal of the season to give his side a 2-nil lead, and it was enough to see Ilsington Villa progress into the second round. Also safely through to round two are Brixham AFC where a revival in fortunes seems to be happening. At 2-nil down, the home team looked to be going out of the cup, but three second half goals secured a 3 – 2 victory against a Beesands Rovers side that are going in the opposite direction; goals from Callum Glew (2) and Noah Green will have put some smiles on the faces of the Wall Park faithful.

In the league, only one Premier Division game went ahead, and East Allington took a giant step in their quest for status in the top division by beating fellow relegation candidates Chudleigh Athletic by 4 goals to 1. Robbie Chalk, Martin Finneron, and brothers Ben and Rob Tapper secured the points for the Pirates taking them 9 points clear of the bottom two who did not play.

In the Dartmouth Cup for teams in Division One, there was a straight forward 5-nil win for Brixham Town against Upton Athletic at Armada Park, and at Long Lane, Totnes and Dartington, who seem to be getting better every week, had a tremendous result in dispatching a very strong Watcombe Wanderers team by 5 goals to 2. Joshua Squires and Jack Whitby got two goals each and James Blackshaw scored a single. Sam Pyne and Keiron Dale were on target for the Greens but there is no doubt that the T and D team are a team to watch.

Only one league game was played, and Paignton Villa moved into mid table by beating Harbertonford by 3 goals to 2. Both these teams only have 6 league games to play but should be safe from the drop.

In Division Two, positions are starting to take shape at the top. Unbeaten Bovey Tracey Reserves remain in fourth place, but with games in hand, thanks to a 4 – 2 win against a stubborn Barton Athletic at Barton Downs. Lewis Perring scored twice with Clifford Walters and Mathew Churchill getting singles; that keeps Bovey on course for consecutive promotions. Also in the mix are pre-season favourites Paignton Saints Seconds. Having been relegated to make way for their first team, they are looking to be back where they should be, but of course that also depends on their first team moving up. A 5-nil win against bottom side Brixham Town Seconds has moved them into second place in a division where one point separates three teams.

In Division Three, only one game went ahead and Paignton Saints Thirds moved 8 points clear of the drop in an 11 goal thriller on the 3g at South Devon College against Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds.

Game of the day in Division Four went the way of Drake FC who remain unbeaten and are now five points clear at the top after an 8 – 1 win over an improving Broadhempston United team with Lewis Thomas scoring four and Callum Collings, Oliver Wells and Oliver Hodgson making short work of their Saturday afternoon. The other game played in this division was in the Les Bishop knockout competition where Chudleigh Athletic Seconds progressed to round two with a 5-nil win at South Brent; Lloyd Hitchins, Gavin Lake, George Nicholls, Christian Williams and Dan Martin all got on the scoresheet for the Maroons.

With another wet week of weather predicted, who knows what games will be played in the Torbay Clearance Services League but you can get up to date information on full time. Click TCSSDFL Fixtures on the menu bar.

My games to catch on Saturday 24th February are: in the Herald Cup at Osborne Park is a potential banana skin for Newton Abbot ’66 (Premier) versus South Brent (Div 3) or a relegation battle at Chudleigh where the visitors are WBB. There is a South Hams derby at Loddiswell where families come together for Beesands Rovers versus East Allington United. In Division One, two promotion candidates meet at Newton Rec where Spurs Seconds take on Ivybridge Town Reserves in a game that could open up a gap at the top, and at the top of Division Three, Totnes and Dartington Seconds welcome Liverton United where only two points separate them (at the moment). The stand out game in Division Four is between the top two: Drake FC host Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds and a home win could see silverware heading for Plymouth in their first season in the Torbay Clearance Services League. There are so many great games to catch and spring is just around the corner, so why not get out in the last of the winter weather and support your local football team.

kingsteignton athletic ollie kewell v newton abbot 66 luke snell herald cup final 2023

Champions End Leaders’ Run

2022/23 Double winners Kingsteignton Athletic have now won four on the spin. Photo © Al Macphee/MiraclePR. Report by SDFL.

At the top of the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division, leaders Ilsington Villa finally surrendered their unbeaten run, losing by 3 goals to 2 to last season’s champions Kingsteignton Athletic.

Luke Manuell (2) and Joseph Long scored the goals that move the Rams up to fourth place. Daniel Langford and Jamie Soper replied for the hosts but it was not enough. Ilsington Villa stay top but only by 1 point, ahead of Morley Rangers who did not play. In the only other Premier game played, Newton Abbot ’66 came out on top in a feisty game against Waldon Athletic who finished the game with 10 players following a red card issued to Ashley Grimes; Sixes held on to their one-nil advantage to remain in mid table where there are a cluster of 5 teams within 3 points of each other.

In Division One, Ivybridge Town Reserves move into top spot following an excellent 2 – 1 win at fellow pace setters Brixham Town; Jayden White and Matt Hill scored the goals that take the points back to Erme Valley. Watcombe Wanderers also had a successful afternoon, taking all 3 points at Paignton Villa, a result that moves them into fourth place and remain a tough team to beat. At the other end of the table, the bottom four teams played each other, and the only team to pick up maximum points were Babbacombe Corries who won 4 – 3 at Armada Park against Upton Athletic; Brendon Highfield scored a hat-trick and Alex Chaimberlain got the winner in a tense game on a sticky pitch. Both these teams will be moving to play at Steps Cross in the new year as the changing rooms at Armada Park are being demolished and rebuilt. In the other game at the bottom, Harbertonford and Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds shared the points in a 2 – 2 draw, a result that probably feels like a win for the Fords; Sebastion Looker and James Thomas were the scorers.

Division Two is turning into a five horse race with 2 points separating the teams; Barton Athletic stay on top after a 7-nil demolition of Waldon Athletic Seconds at Paignton College; Paignton Saints Seconds also stay on course with a 2-nil win at Newton Rovers, and it was one of a number of games that went ahead with a stand in referee due to the shortage of officials at all levels of football; unfortunately, the Torbay Clearance Services League takes the brunt of the shortage as they have to help higher leagues fulfil their own fixtures with three officials whilst managing to play a large number of games in this competition with no referees where the difference in the standard is minimal. The league management committee recently held a training session for stand in club volunteers to take charge of games and another one is planned for the new year as the situation with referees is not improving.

In Division Three of the Torbay Clearance Services League, Ashburton failed to close the gap on leaders Watcombe Wanderers Seconds, losing 2 – 1 at home to Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds in a surprise result; the points move Sixes away from the dreaded drop zone whilst leaving the hosts 6 points off the leaders who were in County Cup action. The other game played in this division was at Loddiswell where bottom team Kingsbridge and Kellaton welcomed second from bottom Paignton Saints Thirds, and at one stage in the game, the home team looked nailed on for their first win of the season; with 1 minute of the first half to play, they were leading 2-nil. Within 2 minutes of the restart, they were 3 – 2 behind and whilst they had chances they just fell short. Billy Reay was the difference for Saints who added a fourth to move them out of the relegation spots, but they wont be taking anything for granted as they have already played more than half of their league games and the teams around them have games in hand; a big well done is due to Tina Thomas of Kingsbridge and Kellaton who spent her Saturday morning marking the pitch, putting the nets up and getting the changing rooms ready so that the game could be played, all of that while her husband Andy is in hospital; true dedication from a South Devon League stalwart, and I am sure the players appreciate it.

In Division Four, whilst most of the clubs were in County Cup action, Chudleigh Athletic Seconds took full advantage by recording the highest score so far by beating a young Watcombe Wanderers Thirds by 13 goals to nil; the result puts them into second place with the best goal difference in the division; Lloyd Hitchins scored 5 goals against his old club with Charlie Forey, James Bowden, Lois Hooper, Gavin Lake, Joe Potter, Gavin Martin and Thomas Stoppard finding the net for Chudleigh.

As we prepare for the last full league program in the Torbay Clearance Services League before the winter break, there are some great recommended fixtures to catch and they are sure to beat Christmas shopping:

The weather-delayed Herald Cup game between Bovey Tracey Seconds and Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds kicks off at 2pm at the Western Counties Ground and should be a Christmas cracker. In the Premier Division, at the bottom of the table, Chudeigh Athletic welcome bottom club Brixham AFC Reserves in a game where a win for the home team could make a massive difference to what division they play in next season.

The big game in Division One is at Homers Heath where Buckland Athletic Seconds take on Brixham Town who will want to keep pace with the top three. The stand out game in Division Three is at Chuley Road, Ashburton; the visitors, Watcombe Wanderers Seconds, will be looking to extend their lead at the top against the second placed hosts. Finally, in Division Four, and possibly game of the day, is in Plymouth between Elburton Villa Thirds and Drake FC, both teams playing below the level that you would expect to see in this division, meet for the first time in the competition at Haye Road in a league game that kicks off at 2.30pm

Just a reminder that you can check all of the other games being played on Full Time Enjoy your Saturday afternoon supporting grassroots football.

tom reeves kingsteignton athletic v joey burton windmill herald cup final 2022

11 Goals at Lewthorne Cross as Villa Edge Rangers

Tom Reeves scored three as Kingsteignton move up the gears. Photo © Al Macphee/MiraclePR. Report by SDFL.

In the Premier Division, the moorland machine that is Ilsington Villa continues to plough through the opposition. The latest team to visit Lewthorne Cross and come away with nothing were last season’s runners-up Buckfastleigh Rangers who scored 5 goals, but conceded 6 to a team that finished third in Division One last season.

Buckfastleigh were winning 5 – 2 at half time, but a hat-trick from Dan Langford and 2 from Matt Goodwin keeps the moorlanders top of the table with the only 100% record in the Premier Division. Elsewhere in this division, Morley Rangers stay in second place following a scare at bottom club Brixham AFC Reserves. Dalton Brammer and Jack Tribble made sure of the points for the Plymstock team in a 3 – 2 victory. Beesands Rovers cemented their place in third following a fine 3 – 1 win at Osborne Park against Newton Abbot ’66. Last season’s champions in the Torbay Clearance Services Premier League, Kingsteignton Athletic, are finding their feet after a tricky start; a 4-nil win at home to Waldon Athletic makes a statement to the new boys. A hat-trick for Tom Reeves and a single for Matt Williams puts them up to fourth. Elburton Villa have moved into fifth place following a comfortable 3-nil home win against a young Chudleigh Athletic team who lost their manager during the week and no doubt some players.

In Division One, the match of the day between Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves and Watcombe Wanderers had to be abandoned following a serious injury to Spurs player Ben Frost. All of the South Devon Football League family wish Ben a speedy recovery. The other big game in this division took place at Homers Heath where two of last season’s Devon League teams met for the first time in the Torbay Clearance Services Division One. Paignton Saints moved into third place with a 4-nil win against Buckland Athletic, and Brixham Town remain in second place with a comfortable 6-nil win at Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds. A big well done to Babbacombe Corries who picked up their first win of the season at home to Upton Athletic; Brendon Highfield scored both of Corries’ goals which moves them out of the relegation zone. As expected, this is going to be a very tight division with 5 teams looking to reach the Premier Division next season.

In Division Two, the top 2 met on the 4G at Coach Road, and it was Paignton Saints Seconds that came out on top in a 5 goal thriller; and they move 3 points clear at the top of another very tight and competitive division; Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds and East Allington United Seconds fought out a 2 – 2 draw and remain in second and fourth respectively; Joel Patchet and Jack Taylor were on target for the young Spurs who are going well. Newton Abbot Spurs are in a small select group of clubs that manage to put out 3 teams in the Torbay Clearance Services League at a time where a lot of clubs struggle to get 11 players out on a Saturday; how can Spurs, Waldon, Watcombe, Paignton Saintsa and Paignton Villa manage to put out at least 33 every Saturday? One thing is for sure: it doesn’t just happen without the hard work and dedication of volunteers behind the scenes working their socks off for grassroots football; so a big thank you and well done. Also, well done to Brixham Town Seconds who picked up their first point of the season with a 3 – 3 draw at home to WBB Seconds.

Division Three is also proving to be a competitive division, with Stoke Gabriel TP slipping up at Ashburton by 3 goals to nil courtesy of Dan Grute, Dan Wordsworth and Brandon Hext; this allowed Watcombe Wanderers Seconds to go 6 points clear with a 6-nil win at home to Teign Village; Adam Townsend got a hat trick with Mike Fieldhouse, Simon Ross and Ellis Kendall scoring for the Greens; South Brent also remain in contention with a 7 – 1 win at Paignton Villa Seconds, plus they have games in hand on the 5 leading teams.

Division Four returned to normal service with Drake FC returning to the top spot with a 7 – 1 victory at Paignton Villa Thirds; Callum and Louis Thomas got the scoring underway with Ashley Walker and Spike Nicholls scoring one each; Ben Webster and Alex Hambly scored late on to complete a comfortable afternoon. Elburton Villa Thirds are hot on their heals and a 5 – 1 win at Chudleigh Athletic Seconds will restore confidence in the young team; Kingsteington Athletic Seconds also remain at the top end of the table following a 3-2 win at South Brent Seconds; Sam Arthurs and Ashton Hogarth got the scoring underway with Louis Dickinson rolling back the years and remembering where the goal is. And finally, congratulations to Barton Athletic Seconds who picked up their first win of the season with a 2 – 1 win against fellow strugglers Newton Rovers Seconds. With 135 goals scored across the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League, it proves that the grassroots football grounds of south Devon are the perfect place to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Pick of the games on the day the clocks change are in the Premier Division; Buckfastleigh Rangers host in form Beesands Rovers and Newton Abbot ’66 host Morley Rangers at Osborne Park; in Division One, the 2 stand out games are at Ivybridge Town Reserves who welcome Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds and up at Long Lane there should be a cracker when Watcombe Wanderers play Brixham Town. In Division Two, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds host Ipplepen Athletic Seconds at Chuley Road; Ashburton and Newton Rovers will be looking to upset leaders Paignton Saints Seconds at Bakers Park. The stand out game in Division Three is Stoke Gabriel TP Seconds versus Liverton United whilst South Brent host Totnes and Dartington who both were promoted last season; and finally, in Division Four, Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds host South Brent Seconds in what should be a lively encounter. If none of these take your fancy, have a look at the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon League full-time website where you will find a list of all the games, and they all kick off at 2.30pm. Enjoy your weekend and support your local grassroots team.

matt warman ilsington villa dartmouth cup winners 2023

Villa Still in Charge in SDFL Premier Division

Villa’s Matthew Warman collecting his MOM award at last season’s Dartmouth Cup final. Photo © Derek Castree. Report by SDFL.

Ilsington Villa continue to dominate the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division and now are the only team in the top division with a 100% record; this week it was a highly rated WBB team who were on the end of a 3-nil defeat inflicted by the moorlanders.

Matthew Warman scored all three goals to keep his team 2 points clear of Morley Rangers who were held to a 2 -2 draw at home, with East Allington Utd who remain at the wrong end of the table but can beat anyone on the right day; Corbin Mackin got both Morley goals with Josh Pascoe and Ben Tapper replying for the South Hams side; the referee also had a busy afternoon in a game that saw 5 yellow cards. Beesands Rovers also continue their fine start to life in the Premier Division with a 3-nil win at Brixham AFC Reserves. After a slow start to the season, Waldon Athletic and last season’s champions Kingsteignton Athletic are starting to pick up points and remain in the chasing pack. Waldon had an excellent 5-nil win at Windmill Hill against last season’s runners-up Buckfastleigh Rangers; Ashley Grimes and Louis Roberts got 2 apiece whilst Jacob Knapman also got on the scoresheet; the result leaves Buckfastleigh Rangers with some work to do. Another reminder that the competition is fresh came at Elburton Villa who inflicted a 5 – 2 win against an improving Newton Abbot ’66 team who made the trip to Plymouth in third place but came away in sixth; Miles Hunt, Ryan Watershoot and game changer Bradley Davis scored the goals for Elburton Villa.

In Division One Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves remain 3 points clear without playing a league game as they were on County Cup duty. This allowed Watcombe Wanderers and Ivybridge Town Reserves to move within catching distance of the unbeaten Spurs. Watcombe had a close game at Babbacombe Corries, coming away with 4 – 3 win at Armada Park, but result of the day goes to Ivybridge Town who inflicted the first defeat of the season on Paignton Saints at Erme Valley; Jamie Micklewright scored twice for Saints, but it was not enough as Joe Truelove and Owen Howard got 3 between them to prove that this division will not be a two horse race. Buckland Athletic picked up 3 valuable points at Harbertonford, and Paignton Villa moved up a few places with a 4 – 1 home win versus Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds; Billy Williams, Sam Woodcock and Charlie Thomas scored the goals for the Clarets.

Division Two is looking like a division of two halfs; Bovey Tracey Reserves had to give up top spot as they were on County Cup duty; Barton Athletic took full advantage with a 6 – 3 home win against Newton Rovers who themselves had a good start to the season, but the wheels have come off in the last 3 weeks; Paignton Saints Seconds demolished WBB seconds 9-nil to move into second spot on – guess what – goal difference. East Allington Utd Seconds also remain in the leading pack following a 2 – 1 win at home to Waldon Athletic Seconds; Daniel Bastin got both the goals for the Pirates.

In Division Three, Stoke Gabriel TP moved into second place with a fine 7 – 1 win at Waldon Athletic Thirds; Paul Christie scored 5 of the goals with Russell Cooper and Shane Pike adding to the tally for the Railwaymen. Half time game changer Dave Sanders scored 2 consolation goals for the home team. Watcombe Wanderers remain in top spot with a close 4 -3 win at Osborne Park against Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds who remain in third place jointly with Totnes and Dartington Seconds, Liverton Utd and Ashburton who came away from Liverton with a 4 – 1 victory – a few results that have kept this division very competitive where anybody can beat anybody.

Division Four may not be quite so open as the rest of the South Devon divisions; Liverton Utd Seconds are clear at the top following a 2-nil win in Plymouth at Elburton Villa Thirds; the experience of a few players in their twilight years took advantage of last season’s youth team to come away with the points. Jamie Chamberlain and Sean McArdle were on the scoresheet for Liverton. This was the first defeat for Elburton who remain in Third spot, and I am sure they will bounce back; Drake FC were on cup duty so Kingsteington Athletic Seconds, Watcombe Wanderers Thirds and Babbacombe Corries Seconds all stay within touching distance of the leaders. Corries picked up a 4 – 3 win at Paignton Villa Thirds whilst the other teams in the chasing pack had cup games.

174 goals were scored by South Devon League teams this week, so there is plenty of action to catch on the football fields of south Devon.

This week’s top games to watch are unbeaten Ilsington Villa who take on last season’s runners up Buckfastleigh Rangers at Lewthorne Cross whilst, also in the Premier Division, Newton Abbot ’66 host Beesands Rovers at Osborne Park. The two stand out games in Division One are Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds versus Watcombe Wanderers at the Recreation Ground and a game that last season would have been played in the Devon League is Buckland Athletic Seconds against Paignton Saints at Homers Heath. In Division Two, it has to be second placed Paignton Saints Seconds versus top placed Barton Athletic at Coach Road. In Division Three, game of the day should be at Chuley Road, Ashburton, where Stoke Gabriel TP will be looking to keep close to Watcombe at the top. In Division Four, Drake FC from Plymouth will be looking to return to the top of the table with a win at Paignton Villa Thirds as current top team Liverton are on cup duty.

Plenty of great football to be seen, and it won’t cost you a penny so get out in the autumn wind and support South Devon League football.

newton rovers v watts blake bearne reserves

New Boys Continue to Set the Pace in the Premier

Newton Rovers (purple) will face a tough test at fellow unbeaten side Bovey Tracey Reserves in Division Three. Photo © Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

Report contributed by SDFL.

Two of the promoted teams continue to set the pace in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier League in the form of Morley Rangers and Ilsington Villa.

Dalton Brammer and Corbin Mackin were again on the score sheet, inflicting a first defeat in 12 months on last season’s Division One champions Beesands Rovers by 3 goals to 2. Just up the A38 at the Duckspond, Ilsington Villa won a 9 goal thriller against Buckfastleigh Rangers; Daniel and brother Jack Langford were on target with Matt Warman and Jamie Soper. Both these teams meet each other this weekend in the league at Plymstock School which should be on your calendar as game of the day.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Newton Abbot ’66 continued their unbeaten start with a fine 4 goals to 2 win down in the South Hams at East Allington United. The local derby between WBB and Kingsteignton Athletic ended with a share of the points in a 2 – 2 draw, and Chudleigh Athletic got their first win of the season with a fine 7 – 1 victory at Brixham AFC Seconds.

In Division One, 5 teams remain unbeaten with Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds setting the pace; Calum Noyce hit a hat-trick and Calum Fyce added himself to the scoresheet in a 4-nil win at fellow new boys Buckland Athletic Seconds. Ivybridge Town Seconds got their second win of the season, following relegation from the Premier League, with a 3 – 1 win against Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds, and Brixham Town are in good form, winning 3 – 2 at Totnes and Dartington. Watcombe Wanderers remain in third place with a comfortable 4 – 1 win at home to a young Paignton Villa team who are rebuilding following the departure of last season’s manager, and Paignton Saints finally got their league season up and running with a hard fought 4 – 2 victory at Windmill Hill against Babbacombe Corries. A mention must also go to Harbertonford who, thanks to Sebastian and Daniel Looker, took the points against a hot and cold Upton Athletic to get their season up and running.

In Division Two, 3 teams remain unbeaten: Bovey Tracey Seconds had the stand out win with a 4 – 2 victory against Paignton Saints Seconds who, last season, were in the Premier Division, Ryan Stanbridge and Ceesay Mballow on the scoresheet for the Moorlanders. Newton Rovers also got their second win of the season in a 9 goal thriller at Bakers Park against an Ipplepen Athletic Seconds team who should be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds remain well-placed with goals from Deven Webb, Jack Tayler, Nathen Cole and Luis and Owen Green helping them to a 6 – 3 win at home to WBB Seconds.

In Division Three, after 3 games its only Watcombe Wanderers Seconds and Ashburton with a perfect record. Simon Ross scored 7 goals in a 17 -1 thrashing of Paignton Saints Thirds who are yet to put some points on the board. Ashburton had a tighter game winning 3 – 2 at Osborne Park against Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds. Liverton United, Waldon Athletic Thirds and Teign Village added some league points for themselves with good wins on the day. I am told that Tom Beer enjoyed his first hat-trick for Teign Village in their 6 – 2 home win versus Kingsbridge and Kellaton.

In Division Four, only new boys Drake FC, Elburton Villa Thirds and Liverton United Seconds have yet to drop any points. Drake turned around a half time deficit with goals from Callum Thomas, Ashley Walker and Harrison Jones to win 4 – 2 at Barton Athletic Seconds. The young Elburton Villa lads had a close call at South Brent Seconds but came out on top with a hard fought 2 – 1 win, but result of the day in this division must go to Broadhempston United who picked up their first win of the season with an impressive 8-nil win at home to Watcombe Wanderers Thirds; Marcus Hilditch, David Alford, Joseph Kneen and Micheal Tuff got on the scoresheet whilst the match ball went home with Daniel Wells for his hat-trick. I expect they will need it back for next week!

There are some great games of South Devon League football taking place on Saturday 23rd September, so why not get out in the fresh air and support a local team; all games are on the South Devon League’s Full-Time page (click the relevant buttons on this page) and all kick-offs are at 2.30pm.

Pick of the games are Morley Rangers versus Ilsington Villa at Plymstock School, Kingsteignton Athletic versus Buckfastleigh Rangers and Newton Abbot ’66 versus WBB at Osborne Park. In Division One, Paignton Saints take on Ivybridge Town Seconds on the 4G pitch at Coach Road in Newton Abbot; both teams are yet to drop any points so it should be a great game. The stand out game in Division Two is at Bovey Tracey Seconds where the visitors are Newton Rovers, both unbeaten and looking to continue their good starts to the season. The top two teams in Division Three meet at Long Lane where Watcombe Wanderers Seconds take on Ashburton in what will be a cracking game. The final pick of the week will be at Broadhempston who will welcome Drake FC from Plymouth who no doubt will enjoy the open space at the Headlands in Division Four.

Langford and Warman Star as Villa Stun Topsham in Premier Cup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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