Tag: kingsteignton

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.

kingsteignton athletic sdfl premier division 2025

Leaders Villa fend off stern Bees challenge

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 8th FEBRUARY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Kingsteignton Athletic, who hit Elburton Villa Reserves for six this week, contributed by SDFL

It may well be as you were in the top half of the Premier Division after this weeks results, but Ilsington Villa huffed and puffed to get past a determined Beesands Rovers side that are fighting for their Premier Division status; it took goals from Daniel Langford and Myles Caldwell to secure a 2 – 1 home win and remain in pole position with 7 games to play.

Keeping up the pressure, and remaining level on points with the Moorlanders, are Newton Abbot ’66 who have played a game more and made no mistakes in their 4 – 1 victory over Chudleigh Athletic who are also fighting for their top division status. Ashley Dove scored twice with Carl Foskett and 17 year old Marley Rivers also finding the net. No doubt young Marley will be hoping to follow in his fathers footsteps into the pro game. In Mark’s career, he made 331 appearances for Crewe Alexandra, Norwich City and Carlisle United and netted 62 goals along the way. Coincidentally, ’66 only have 6 games to play and two of them are against top four clubs, so there are plenty of points to be played for especially next week against Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves. Elsewhere, Kingsteignton Athletic (pictured) remain in third place after brushing aside Elburton Villa Reserves by 6 goals to 1; Nick Garret won the match ball with a hat-trick, and Tom Reeves, Kelsey Leech and Matt Williams weighed in with singles. That was more than enough to give the Rams a comfortable afternoon at Broadpark. Buckfastleigh Rangers stay in fourth place, but it could have been so much more as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw by Paignton Saints in a game that both teams felt that it was 2 points dropped; the two teams meet again next week in the Herald Cup and with extra time and penalties there will definitely be a winner. Newton Abbot Spurs continue to be upwardly mobile; they had a good win over East Allington United and stay in fifth place thanks to a 3- 2 scoreline at the Rec; Callum Noyce, Jamie Micklewright and Jake Mitchell were the target men for Spurs who are 8 points off the lead with 4 games in hand and as the weeks go by, they are becoming the writer’s favourites for the title just two seasons after joining the South Devon Football League from the Devon Football League. Waldon Athletic got back to winning ways after a turbulent week for the club; a 4 – 1 home win against Totnes and Dartington was just the medicine for the Torquay-based team who will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season; Les Afful bagged two and there were singles for Kyle Doughty and Frank Major to keep the Clarets in contention.

There were only two league games played in Division One due to delayed cup games as Bovey Tracey Reserves took advantage with a fine 5-2 win at Newton Spurs Thirds to keep themselves ahead of The Windmill and within touching distance of Plymouth True Blues. Paignton Villa moved above Buckland Athletic Reserves in the standings with a 2 – 1 win over the Newton Abbot side; goals from Daniel Petty and Charlie Thomas puts the Villa into fifth place and just 4 points off the top four.

In Division Two, Barton Athletic picked up three free points as Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves could not raise a team, but despite being in pole position, they must be looking over their shoulders as the clubs as far down as East Allington Seconds in seventh place have games in hand over the leaders who only have 7 to play; Mount Gould in third place have an incredibile 7 games in hand and are 12 points behind. Paignton Villa Seconds have been in a run of good form of late but that came to an end at Harbertonford who ran out winners on the day by 3 goals to 1. Strikes from Seb Looker, Joshua Block and George Haan won the points for the Fords who have now picked up points from over half of their fixtures and seem to be more settled after a worrying couple of seasons. Most of you know that you can never write off a Watcombe Wanderers team and the Greens, having had an indifferent start to the season, are up to fifth place with games in hand thanks to a 5 – 1 win at Bakers Park against Newton Rovers; Keiron Dale scored two and there were singles from Simon Ross, Steve Doyle and Sam Edney. Paignton Saints Reserves also moved away from any potential squeaky bum time with a 6 – 2 home win versus Upton Athletic who are also in a safe mid-table berth.

In Division Three, Drake FC let 2 more points slip away in their quest for a second successive promotion as visitors South Brent are more than happy with a 1 – 1 draw that moves them further away from the bottom two; Kasper Gorecki was on target for the Plymouth team who remain in second place but just to put this division into context, South Brent are third from bottom with five games in hand and should they win them, they could bag a promotion spot, so it’s all to play for; another team with games in hand are Totnes and Dartington Seconds; they dispatched Paignton Saints Thirds 6-nil with strikes from Ryan Turner, Jimmy Spriggs, Jordan Baxter, Connor Bagnell and Harry Parnham, a result which leaves Saints second from bottom having conceded 95 goals in 13 games.

It was business as usual in Division Four as Kingskerswell saw off the Teign Village challenge, winning 7-nil, and now only need 1 more win to be crowned Division Four champions, and we are only in February; they have a free weekend this week so I will report next week in case you would like to see the first silverware of the season won. The race for second place will go to the wire; Templer Way, currently in second place, won 5 – 2 at home against Broadhempston United; Toto Whittle scored 4 goals before being subbed off(!!) and James McGrain added a single after replacing him; now that’s what managers are supposed to do. And Teign Village remain in third place with a game in hand, and should it come down to goal difference, Templer are on plus 21 and Village are on plus 20, so that extra game for Village could make the difference but of course they both have to win the games before goal difference is considered. Chudleigh Athletic Reserves remain in fourth place with two games in hand but would need Templer or Village to slip up to overtake them; this week they won 4 – 1 at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United with goals from Joshua Webber, Jack Wills and Warren Smart to keep their good season on track. Paignton Villa Thirds and Waldon Athletic Thirds shared a 2 – 2 draw and both remain in mid-table.

The Torbay Clearance Services League has so far been fairly fortunate with the weather; with only a couple of weeks totally lost to the season, it’s amazing that we are in the first week of February and Waldon Athletic Thirds only have one league game to play at Cricketfield Road and whilst Division Four is a smaller division with ten teams, it’s only two less than the Premier Division where Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves have eleven games still to play. In Division One, Plymouth Phoenix still have to play thirteen games and they play on a 3g pitch!! They have been blighted by postponements by other teams and to their credit are still in three cup competitions, so if they continue to be unbeaten they could have 20 games to play, and there are only sixteen playing Saturdays left, so if you take out eight of those Saturdays for cup games, they could have to arrange at least eight midweek games in a six week period to finish the season. Another Plymouth based team in Mount Gould are also in a similar situation with fourteen league games to play not including their remaining cup games and in Division Three, South Brent, who had a month off earlier in the season, still have a bit of catch up to do in their remaining twelve games. Most other teams fall into the six to ten games left to play which should give the majority plenty of time and not so many mid-week fixtures to arrange. Having said that, I expect 6 feet of snow to hit us within a fortnight!!

Games to catch on Saturday 15th February.

It’s all up for the cup this week as teams battle for a place in the quarter finals of the Herald Cup, and what an offering is available to grassroots supporters. Premier Division East Allington United welcome Division One’s top team Plymouth True Blues to Poole Lane in what should be a difficult game for both teams. Another Plymouth based team in Phoenix get the experience of visiting Long Lane to face a Watcombe Wanderers team determined to keep a cup run going. There is an all Division One tie between Bovey Tracey Reserves and Ivybridge Town Reserves and down at Loddiswell, two of the bottom three in the top division clash in the cup when Beesands Rovers play Chudleigh Athletic in a game where the winning team will get a boost of confidence to take back to their league fixtures. The cup would not be the cup without a banana skin game and there are two on offer. Premier Division Waldon Athletic travel to Division Three outfit South Brent with no doubt a brief to avoid any trainspotting during the game, and Kingsteignton Athletic will be taking nothing for granted when Division Two side Liverton United visit Broadpark . Buckfastleigh Rangers host Paignton Saints for the second time in a week in an all Premier Division tie at Duckspond. But my game of the day is not in the cup, it is the Premier Division clash at Osborne Park between Newton Abbot ’66 and Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves where it really is a don’t lose game for both teams; the last meeting, just two weeks ago, went the way of Spurs who won 3-nil and put ’66 out of the Belli Cup, so I am sure that Mr. Clenahan and Mr. Feaver will make sure their teams have their eyes on the prize for this game. All cup games kick off at 2pm with the Newton Abbot derby starting at 2.30pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

herald cup final 2022 windmill v kingsteignton

Summer Update

WE’RE BACK! The Windmill F.C., who reached the Herald Cup final in 2022, are rejoining the SDFL for the new season. Main photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Report by Alastair Muirden

The South Devon Football League continues to buck the trend in adult Saturday football. At the annual general meeting held at Buckland Athletic football club, 6 new teams were voted into the growing competition by the current member clubs.

Plymouth Pheonix, last season’s champions from the green city, have decided to test themselves against stronger opposition and the teams that finished in second and third behind them have also switched allegiance. The Windmill rejoin the South Devon League after a 2 year stint in the football pyramid and Plymouth True Blues, who are a branch of the Glasgow Rangers supporters club and have a fantastic support, are sure to add to the colour and occasion of a Division One football game.

Also joining them, but in Division Two are Mount Gould FC who disbanded their Devon League team after a mass player exodus to Ivybridge Town who will be playing in the Western League this coming season; the club have had to press the reset button and start from scratch in Division Two.

Kingskerswell FC have also reformed an adult team after a two year absence, and Sunday league outfit Templar Way will try their skills in Saturday football; both will play in Division Four.

The league will operate with 60 teams, which is an increase of 11 from two years ago, and cements its place as the second largest football competition in the county. It has also become an England FA accredited league during the last 12 months which is a credit to the league management committee who oversee the competition.

In addition to the five divisions, the league will have 7 cup competitions, one for each division and one for all reserve teams plus the Herald Cup which is the league’s flagship knockout competition. The league will have 2200 registered players that will be chasing trophies, and the first trophy they will be interested in is the traditional season opener, the Torbay Clearance Services Charity Shield; this seasons invitees are Herald Cup winners Newton Abbot ’66 who will face Premier Division champions Ilsington Villa at Buckland Athletic F.C. on Friday 16th August with a 7pm kick off. This will be a repeat of last season’s Herald Cup final which ’66 just edged, so the Moorlanders will be looking for revenge, and both teams will want to get their hands on some silverware to boost their hopes for the season ahead.

Most other teams will need to wait for the official first weekend of fixtures on Saturday 31st August.

ilsington villa torbay clearance services sdfl premier division winners 2023 2024
23/24 Premier Division winners – Ilsington Villa. Photo contributed by SDFL.
newton abbot spurs torbay clearance services sdfl division one winners 2023 2024
23/24 Division One winners – Newton Spurs Reserves. Photo contributed by SDFL.

The league also had their presentation evening at Dainton Golf Club where an array of trophies were handed out by sponsors to league winners Ilsington Villa, Newton Abbot Spurs, Bovey Tracey, Watcombe Wanderers and Elburton Villa. Sporting trophies were won by Buckfastleigh Rangers, Harbertonford, Paignton Villa, Newton Abbot ’66 and Newton Rovers.

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.

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.

herald cup final 2023

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.