Tag: lakeside athletic

signal box oak villa south devon football league 2026

Penultimate week sees the top two divisions going to the wire

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 23rd MAY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Signal Box Oak Villa contributed by SDFL

Midweek Roundup:

When is a title decider not a title decider? When Lakeside Athletic beat Windmill 3-2 to deny them winning it in their final game of the season. In a fantastic game of football that will surely be played at some time in the near future at a higher level, both teams were a credit to the standard of football being played in the SDFL at the moment, but it was the home team that have now set themselves up to win the title from Windmill, who have led the division since Christmas, if they win their last three games against Ilsington Villa, Plymouth True Blues and Kingsteignton Athletic on the last day of the season. Down at the bottom, Liam Ashwell, Callum Foskett and Jacob Cockram scored the three goals that will keep Newton Abbot ’66 in the Premier Division. A 3-2 win over Chudleigh Athletic confirms that Totnes and Dartington and Buckfastleigh Rangers will both be relegated to Division One.

Meanwhile, the race at the top of Division One could not get any hotter. They say at the start of every season that it’s a marathon not a sprint, but in the case of Elburton Villa Reserves, the opposite applies with them now facing seven games in eight days, and 17 points will get them promoted back to the Premier Division; but that will change by the day, so be sure to check full-time and look out for daily updates on Facebook to follow what would be an incredible achievement. Elburton only played twice in midweek, winning 4-1 at local rivals Mount Gould, who could now miss out on a second promotion, and losing 4-3 to Barton Athletic, who will be hoping that Villa lose at least twice in the final week. At the top, WBB continue to motor along, and their 12-1 win at Liverton keeps them top of the spots in Division One.

George Belli Cup Final

Just short of 200 spectators turned out at Ivybridge Town FC on a Friday evening to watch episode three of the Lakeside v Windmill saga, where the bragging rights were one each at the start of play, and when Windmill hit the bar on ten minutes then the post on eleven minutes, the game looked as if it were going to go their way, but you all know what they say about missed chances. 22 minutes in and Marley Krac scored a great goal from the edge of the box, and now it was Windmill who were wobbling. They just could not get back into the game and half-chances came and went, and talisman Brodie Simpson was frustrated with the final passes that were going astray. The second half was end-to-end, but it seemed that every time Windmill had a chance, the Lakeside ‘keeper Ben Martin was on hand to tidy things up and his eventual man-of-the-match award was well deserved. 67 minutes in, and following three or four clean passes, the ball fell to JJ Honeywell far on the left of the penalty box, and he placed the ball past Sam Wells in the Windmill goal to effectively finish the job. Windmill never gave up and kept playing their game right to the end, but it was Lakeside’s night and it could well be their season as well.

The SDFL would like to thank our hosts Ivybridge Town for agreeing to host yet another league final and allow the teams to enjoy the facilities at the club.

Saturday 23rd May: Goals galore as the final league placings are chased

In the Premier Division, there were ten goals in the East Allington United v Paignton Saints game; unfortunately for the home team, Saints scored nine of them, which has not helped the Pirates’ goal difference which is negative 21 and unusual for a team in sixth place. There were nine goals in the Kingsteignton Athletic v Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves game, and again it was the visitors who scored the most in a 6-3 victory that keeps them in third place and the only team that can break up the Plymouth union at the top. Newton Abbot ’66 and Ilsington Villa played out an entertaining end of season 2-2 draw; Cody Monk and Luke Snell were on target for Sixes, and Jack Dixon and Dan Langford were the scorers for Villa. I say entertaining, but that would be for the neutral, as the referee had a busy afternoon in issuing six yellows and one red to no doubt close off his season with disappointment. Plymouth True Blues warmed up for their local derby next week with a 5-1 win over Chudleigh Athletic to keep them in fourth place and, of course, Chudleigh reached their safety place with points gained at the start of May.

If I could have written a script at the start of the season for Division One!!!! I had to go back to the 4th October to find the last league game that WBB lost, and that was against Barton Athletic who won 2-1 back then. Yesterday, they won three-nil and leapfrogged Wattsies into pole position but have finished their fixtures. Eden Creswell-Cluer and Oakley Hunt were on target for the Blues, who will now have to wait for WBB to play two final games where they need two points for promotion, and those games are v Mount Gould away on Wednesday 27th and Elburton Villa at home on 30th. As for Elburton Villa, they kept up the pressure with an 8-4 win at Watcombe, which is not an easy place to score that many. They have six games to play and need to win them all to be champions. They also have one to arrange versus Bovey Tracey Reserves, and they only have Friday free, so they could possibly have to forfeit points if they don’t play it. Depending on the mid-week scorelines, it will probably come down to the game on 30th v WBB that decides the title. Mount Gould were gifted three points, as Bovey Tracey could not raise a team for a home game, but as results elsewhere went against them, they are likely to finish in fourth place in their first taste of Division One football. The bottom two sides met at Chuley Road, and Liverton United enjoyed an afternoon in the sunshine, scoring five goals and only conceding one versus Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds. Mathematically, Livvy could escape relegation, but that would get in the nationals as they need six points and 63 goals.

In Division Two, it’s congratulations to Babbacombe Corries, who, having picked up six points from their last two games, will join SB Oak Villa (pictured) in Division One next season. A six-nil win at Paignton Saints Seconds, with a hat-trick from Joshua Hills, two from Keiron Sweet and a single from Curtis Marshall, sees the Corries bounce straight back after last season’s relegation. Harbertonford signed off a stable season with a 2-1 win versus Ashburton; Jaimie Simmonds and Billy Bright won the points for the Fords leaving Ashes needing to win their final game to get third place.

In Division Three, incredibly, no games were played, and seven of the teams still have fixtures to play; Kingskerswell have the most, with three outstanding, and one of them has not been fixtured yet, so another team that may have to forfeit points.

In Division Four, it’s congratulations to Teign Village, who finally got over the line after using up as many lives as they could. They pulled out a four-nil win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United to join Chudleigh Athletic Seconds in Division Three next term. Chudleigh Athletic were presented with the divisional winners’ trophy at today’s game at Bere Alston United Reserves but fell short of that standard on the pitch, losing 6-1 to the team that could finish in third place depending on the result against Barton Athletic Seconds on Wednesday 27th. Waldon Athletic Thirds have also made up some ground in recent weeks, and with two games to play, could get into fourth place. This week, they won eight-nil at Broadhempston United, and Paignton Villa Thirds signed off a good season with a 3-2 win versus Newton Rovers Seconds to finish in mid-table and only two wins away from a promotion challenge.

Games to catch Saturday 30th May:

Dependant on mid-week results, these are the championship/promotion games:

Lakeside Athletic v Kingsteignton Athletic. 2.30pm at Parkway social club.

WBB v Elburton Villa. 2.30pm at Abbrook Park.

Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds v Kingskerswell. 2.30pm at Osborne Park.

And an unusual fixture to catch on Wednesday 27th at 6.45pm, if you have no interest in the Europa League final, is a relegation one-pointer game at South Brent where they take on Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds in a Division Three game where a draw keeps both teams up, but a win for Brent relegates their local rivals or a win for Rangers leaves Brent teetering on goal difference.

Enjoy your final week of grassroots football. You will miss it when its gone.

Lakeside move into position to challenge Plymouth rivals Windmill

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 16th MAY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of WBB contributed by SDFL

Midweek Roundup:

Premier Division

Lakeside Athletic moved into second place with a 4-2 win at East Allington United setting up a tilt at the title if they can win at home to Windmill on Monday 18th May at Parkway social club at 6.30pm. Anything less that the full three points will hand the title to Windmill. At the bottom, the great escape is still on as Totnes and Dartington won five-nil versus a Paignton Saints side planning ahead for their trip to Plainmoor. The result leaves Newton Abbot ’66 still needing a win for survival from a home game v Kingsteignton Athletic or, on the 19th May, v Totnes and Dartington. One thing is for certain and that is that anything can happen in an end of season game.

Division One

Elburton Villa Reserves repaid Bovey Tracey Reserves for taking the Dartmouth Cup from their grasp by beating them 8-1 and start the task of not only playing ten games in 17 days, but winning at least seven of them to pinch one of the promotion spots, and what an achievement that would be. Next week, they face Barton, Mount Gould and Watcombe, and if they navigate those three, then the last game for them on 30th May is WBB!!!. Barton Athletic moved three points clear of Mount Gould with a five-nil win versus Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds. Oakley Hunt, Alfie Luscombe and Dom Lavalee were on target for the Blues.

Division Three

South Brent reached the safety point mark with a one-nil win over Liverton United Seconds, and Totnes and Dartington Seconds also won by the same scoreline over Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds leaving them needing one point from two games to condemn Ipplepen Athletic Seconds and Waldon Athletic Seconds to a lower division. South Brent played their second midweek game against Ipplepen Athletic Seconds, who really needed all three points but had to settle for one in a 3-3 draw. It leaves the Pens needing to win their final game to stand a chance of staying in Division Three.

Division Four

Barton Athletic Seconds moved into third place with a 2-1 win at Brixham Town Seconds. The result leaves Teign Village, in second place, needing two points from three games to be sure of promotion, and they lost one of those lives when they lost 3-1 to Waldon Athletic Thirds, who can still catch them. Village now need three points from two remaining games to be sure of second place. It really could not be any closer, as Barton Athletic Seconds can also catch them. They won 2-1 at Brixham Town thanks to goals from Mathew Leighton and Zach Norton.

Division Three Ronald Cup final (sponsored by Coast and Country estate agents)

The players and volunteers of Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds and Kingskerswell were given the once in a lifetime opportunity by Torquay United and the SDFL management to play the Division Three cup final at Plainmoor, and both teams responded by providing a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes of cup final football then another 30 minutes of nailbiting extra-time for supporters, and then a penalty shoot-out that ended in joy for ‘Kerswell and pride from the ’66 players who were soaking up the atmosphere they had created for 450 watching spectators. Toby Ballard put ‘Kerswell in front on 13 minutes, and ’66 looked like they were wobbling. But ’66 are a difficult team to beat and they kept to their game plan, and by the time we got to half-time, Jordan Pidwell and Mat Groves had put them in front. Just five minutes into the second half came the big talking point of the game: ‘Kerswell player running into the box with the ball, in comes a tackle, some thought the player got the ball, some did not, and the referee agreed with the latter. The referee spoke to his assistant, who offered an opinion, and then pointed to the spot, and Kyle Doughty stepped up to score a penalty that he will never forget. Extra-time came and went with lots of nerves and missed chances, and the penalty shoot-out was as nervous as the previous 30 minutes. ’66 missed two kicks to ‘Kerswell’s one and handed the divisional cup to Kingskerswell for the second year running.

Herald Cup (sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services)

It’s been 20 years since the Herald Cup final has been played at Plainmoor, and the 600 spectators that turned up were reminded that football is still a winter sport and even in May it can be freezing when the sun goes down. Both teams were playing in their first Herald Cup final and were appreciative of the work that had gone into securing the venue for such a fixture. Lakeside Athletic arrived as favourites and to have the eventual man of the match in Adam Carter playing up front for them was surely a red flag for Paignton Saints. However, it was Saints that took the game to the Plymouth side and had those two early chances got past Ben Martin in the Lakeside goal, then this report would have been different. David Moore put Lakeside in front on 29 minutes and just three minutes later, that man Adam Carter had made it two. By now, Lakeside were playing with some swagger and Saints needed to up their game, but it seemed to be over when Carter got his second of the night and a third for Lakeside. Having nothing to lose, Saints did seem to wise up and give Lakeside less time on the ball, and when Thomas Ross pulled one back, there was hope that if they could get a second goal, it would be game on. Thomas Ross was putting himself about a bit more, but at five foot something up against Mr. Carter at six foot something, the difference was there to see. All ten substitutes were used, and the fourth and final goal came right at the end and sealed a 4-1 victory to put Lakeside Athletic on the Herald Cup for the first time.

The SDFL would like to thank Torquay United for including grassroots football into their community project thus giving four football teams and their volunteers the opportunity of a lifetime to experience playing a game on what to many is considered hallowed turf. Close to 1100 supporters, family and friends have also been included in the experience of watching the games that both turned out to be entertaining and played in good spirits. The SDFL would also like to thank our sponsors for these two events in Torbay Clearance Services and Coast and Country estate agents.

Devon County Senior Cup Final

Congratulations to Watts Blake Bearne who beat Bovey Tracey Reserves 2-1 in another all-SDFL Senior Cup final. In fact, this is the third year in a row that two SDFL teams have made it to the final and, of course, keep the trophy in the south of the county. Both teams so far have had a great season with Bovey winning the Dartmouth Cup and Wattsies reaching the Herald Cup semi-final and currently enjoying top spot in Division One. Is it true that Andy Moore was seen putting up a new shelf in the clubhouse last week?

Saturday summary

In the Premier Division, it was the relegation zone that was in the spotlight with Newton Abbot ’66 picking up one of the two points they need to stay in the top division. A 1-1 draw with Kingsteignton Athletic at Osborne Park means they just need a draw when they play Totnes and Dartington at home on Tuesday at 6.30pm. Just to emphasise how tight the division is, ’66 could finish in fifth place. They could also be relegated. East Allington United won their first game since early April with a 4-2 win against Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds, and that puts a bit of pressure on the third place that Spurs looked like achieving just last week, but they still have three games to put the loss behind them.

Division One is proving more difficult to predict with two weeks to go, and Barton Athletic will be kicking themselves for dropping more points on the run in, this time at Buckland Athletic Reserves, who concluded their season with a credible 1-1 draw against the promotion challengers. The result leaves Barton hoping that Mount Gould and Elburton Villa Reserves drop points. Villa cruised to an 11-nil victory versus a Liverton United side that look like they are returning to Division Two after one season in this division. Villa, on the other hand, have 14 days to play eight games, and the target is 22 points from those games which gets them promoted; that, of course, may be less as they still have to play Barton, Mount Gould and WBB. Watcombe Wanderers moved away from danger with their second win in two weeks; this week, they won 6-2 against Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds to create an eight point gap as breathing space.

In Division Two, Babbacombe Corries took a giant leap towards promotion by winning 3-2 at Drake FC and now only need one point from three games to be sure of bouncing straight back to Division One after relegation. Ashburton are making a final push for third place, and a 14-1 win versus Newton Rovers improves their goal difference as a bit of insurance. One of the results of the day must go to Upton Athletic, who, in playing their final game of the season, won their first game of the season and scored eight goals in the process against Harbertonford, proving that it does pay to be patient.

The relegation picture in Division Three is a bit clearer after Ipplepen Athletic Reserves won their final game versus Waldon Athletic Reserves 4-2 leaving themselves in the bottom two on goal difference from Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds, who need a point against ’66 Seconds or South Brent to avoid the drop as the goal difference is just one, meaning they can’t lose both games and stay up. Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds still had a hangover from their trip to Plainmoor as they lost to Totnes and Dartington Seconds 3-2. This win for Tots, and other results, means they are safe from relegation. South Brent edged a 3-2 mid-table game against Kingsteignton Athletic Seconds in their third game of the week that produced nine points for them. For some reason, only half of the teams in Division Three had a fixture on Saturday, and all of them still have games to play.

Division Four is just as close as the others, and with two weeks of the season to go, Teign Village used up the second of three lives they had a week ago. A two-nil loss at Bere Alston United Reserves leaves them needing to win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United to secure promotion, but having lost their last two games, this will give all connected to the club seven sleepless nights. Bere Alston United are still in the mix as are Barton Athletic Seconds, who won 4-1 at Broadhempston United and are in a battle with Alston for third place or second if Village slip up for a third time, but this time next week, we will know. One thing that we do know from those results is that Chudleigh Athletic Seconds cannot now be caught and are the Division Four champions. Congratulations to all at Chudleigh Athletic Seconds for a league and cup double.

Game to catch on Friday 22nd May: George Belli Cup final (Premier Division)

The Windmill v Lakeside Athletic at Ivybridge Town FC, 7pm kick-off.

Probably the top two teams in the SDFL go head-to-head to win the newest trophy in the SDFL collection. They both actually meet each other in a league showdown on Monday 18th May, so by the time this game is played, either one of them will be playing for a league and cup double. The earlier league fixture between them went the way of Windmill by three goals to two, so expect to see the unexpected.

Our hosts have plenty of parking, and a full bar and food service will be available.

Enjoy the last grassroots cup final of the season.

lakeside athletic crest

Herald Cup joy for Lakeside Athletic

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

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

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

Midweek results:

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

Saturday report:

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

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

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

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

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

Games to catch:

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

Enjoy your grassroots football.

the windmill dartmouth cup winners 2025

Midweek Premier results from the competition that keeps on giving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game to catch this week:

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

Enjoy your grassroots cup finals.

ilsington villa sdfl premier division 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Games to catch on Saturday 13th September:

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

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