Tag: newton 66

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.

newton abbot spurs reserves

Cup glory for Spurs Thirds!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game to catch this week:

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

Enjoy your grassroots football.

the windmill dartmouth cup winners 2025

Midweek Premier results from the competition that keeps on giving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game to catch this week:

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

Enjoy your grassroots cup finals.

newton abbot 66 south devon football league 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Games to catch on Saturday 14th March:

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

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

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

Thank you for supporting grassroots football in South Devon.

the windmill dartmouth cup winners 2025

17 games finally beat the weather with 11 going ahead on grass!

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 14th FEB, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of The Windmill contributed by SDFL

Only one Premier Division league game went ahead, and it was at Poole Lane where East Allington United moved into third place to disrupt the Plymouth dominance with a hard fought 4-2 win over fellow title contenders Newton Abbot ’66.

Ben Tapper scored a brace, there was an unfortunate own goal, and a special mention to Finn Bullen who also got on the scoresheet to notch up his 147th goal in his 150th appearance. The result was not a disaster for Sixes, as they remain within touching distance of second place if they win their five games in hand.

Two league games were played in Division One, with Brixham Town returning to pole position with a payback win against Beesands Rovers by four goals to one, and with just two points separating the top four teams, this, like other divisions, will go to the wire. Mount Gould also got a game played, and a 3-nil win versus bottom club Buckland Athletic Rerserves sees them into fifth place with four games in hand; Bentley Alcantara was a hat-trick hero, and the home team were full of praise for the way the visitors approached the game and stated that Buckland were one of the better teams they have played this season, and they could do with a win to give them some confidence for what’s left of the season.

In Division Two, every team bar Watcombe Wanderers played a game, and in the league, the top two fixture turned out to be a one-sided affair, with Signal Box Oak Villa running rampant against Babbacombe Corries with a 7-1 win to move ten points clear at the top. On target for Villa were Joseph Haslem and Jake Cribb (two apiece), with singles from Bobby Stone, Coy Breirley and Keiron Roberts. Corries remain in second with a game in hand and will be hoping that Ashburton, in eighth place, can use their five games in hand to inflict a defeat on the leaders to open it up again. Drake FC got back to winning ways with a close 2-nil win over Paignton Villa Seconds and remain as contenders with two games in hand and just seven points from Corries. Ivybridge Town Reserves hold on to third place, thanks to a bruising 8-nil win over Newton Rovers at Erme Valley, and are two points behind Corries having played two more games. Paignton Saints Reserves had a good result on the day. A 4-1 win at Coach Road versus East Allington United Reserves moves Saints into the bottom of a mid-table group of teams that can beat any team on their day, and I am sure there are more rollercoaster results to come in this division.

In Division Three, just two league games went ahead, and perennial underachievers Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves moved away from the bottom three with a comfortable 6-nil win versus Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds. The result leaves Stoke with five games in hand and within touching distance of second place if they can win them. Rangers remain in seventh place in a division that seems to be split in two halves. Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves moved into fourth place with a 3-nil win over bottom team Waldon Athletic Reserves. Goals from squad players Tom Reeves, Kelsey Leach and Ashley Hayworth keeps the Rams in contention in a division where somebody needs to beat the two runaway leaders to open it up.

At the top of Division Four, Chudleigh Athletic Seconds extended their lead to six points as a result of beating Broadhempston United by eight goals to one. They were also assisted by Paignton Villa Thirds who beat Teign Village by two goals to one, in a scrappy affair, and move within one point of Village into third place. Another contender at the moment are Bere Alston Reserves who had a walkover as Paignton Saints Thirds could not raise a team for the fixture; that leaves Alston just two points from Village, but Brixham Town Seconds, Barton Athletic Seconds and Waldon Athletic Thirds, who are still unbeaten, all have games in hand to have a final say in where this division’s honours will end up.

There were seven cup ties that either survived the rain or were played on an artificial pitch, and they all went with the form book.

In the Torbay Clearance Services-sponsored Herald Cup, the biggest scoreline of the day belonged to Ipplepen Athletic Seconds who put 13 goals past Upton Athletic and end this season’s cup hopes for the Torquay side, and Elburton Villa Reserves saw off the challenge from Harbertonford by six goals to nil in a game that was played at Plymstock School. There were two other fixtures that paired teams from different divisions, and Galmpton United (Division Three) gave Windmill (Premier, pictured) a real fright, but the Plymouth-based team got over the line with a 3-2 victory and a reason to celebrate their place in the quarter-final. WBB (Division One) switched their tie against Ashburton (Division Two) to the Ashmoor 3g at South Dartmoor School, and they needed an 85th minute penalty to seal the game. Ashes gave up a 2-nil lead, but a second-half hat-trick from substitute Jake Cuff sees the Claymen into their second cup quarter-final this season.

The Fred Hewings Cup is also at the quarter-final stage, and the highest-ranked reserve team left in the competition, Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds, are safely through with a 5-nil win over Brixham Town Seconds thanks to goals from Zak Carnell, Oliver Bellotti, Nik Garrett and Frank Oyrnik. Joining them are Totnes and Dartington Seconds who enjoyed a 5-nil win over Newton Rovers Seconds. There was a hat-trick for Owen Osman, with singles from Jake Osman and Jordan Baxter. The teams won’t have long to wait for the quarter-finals, as they are fixtured for 21st February.

Games to catch on Saturday 21st February:

Match of the day is at Lewthorne Cross, where Ilsington Villa will be looking to close the gap on visitors Windmill in what should be a great advert for the league. Elsewhere, Chudleigh Athletic face Newton Abbot ’66 who will be looking to get back to winning ways, and in the Herald Cup, Kingsteignton Athletic and East Allington United will have some deja vu when they meet at 2pm. There will also be more of that at Long Lane, when Babbacombe Corries meet Signal Box for the second week running and will be looking to put up a better show than last week. In Division Four, Bere Alston United host Chudleigh Athletic Seconds, and Teign Village face Brixham Town Seconds in what should be two great games.

Finally, the SDFL have a number of teams looking to progress in county cups, and all are at the quarter-final stage. WBB travel to Tiverton to play Elmore Seconds, Mount Gould face South Zeal, and in the same competition, Elburton Villa travel to Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds in an all-SDFL tie. In the Intermediate Cup, Kingskerswell travel up the North Devon link road to face Bampton, and in the same cup, South Brent welcome Alphington Thirds to Palstone Park. Good luck to all of the SDFL teams in the county cups.

League games start at 2.30pm. Cup games start at 2pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football!

newton abbot 66 south devon football league 2025

Scoring records smashed in another South Devon Football League jamboree

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 4th OCT, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of Newton Abbot ’66 contributed by SDFL

Whilst there were 176 goals in total scored, and yes Ashburton did actually score 24 of them in one game, it’s True Blues that continue to be upwardly mobile at the top of the Premier Division.

Unbeaten Newton Abbot ’66 (pictured) surrendered that record in a 4-1 defeat at Millbay Park to a Plymouth True Blues side that are setting the pace. Louis Brace scored a brace, with Mike Storey and Joe Couttes hitting singles to keep the Gers one point ahead of Ilsington Villa, who brought Totnes and Dartington back down to earth with a 3-nil win at Foxhole; once again, Callum Noyce was on the scoresheet and seems to be enjoying his Saturdays again. Jamie Soper and Daniel Langford also found the back of the net to bring the points back to the Carps.

Windmill are also well placed just two points behind Villa but with a game in hand following a fine 5-1 win at Paignton Saints courtesy of strikes from Brodie Simpson, Miles Hunt, Cory Distin and Jack Biscoe. The recommended watch for the week was at Kingsteignton Athletic, and the game did not disappoint. The visitors Lakeside Athletic had lost two of their three opening games and another defeat this early in the season would not have helped the cause. The man in the middle certainly had a busy afternoon, and the crowd enjoyed a nine goal thriller, which the visitors just shaded by the odd goal late in the game. Last season’s champions Newton Abbot Spurs finally got their first win of the season beating Buckfastleigh Rangers by eight goals to nil. Jacob Wales scored a hat-trick, and there were singles for Aiden Blackie, Gav Collins, Kye Drinkwater and Freddie Heath.

In Division One, pre-season favourites Mount Gould have taken over at the top and are the only team in this section with a 100 % record. A fine 7-2 home win against a fancied Beesands Rovers side, looking to bounce straight back into the top division, was set up with four goals from Bentley Alcantara, who is looking well-placed to do well in the race for the golden boot. Brixham Town and WBB are both level on points with the Mounties having both lost on the same day. Town were beaten 3-2 by a decent Watcombe Wanderers team who should win more than they lose, and the Claymen lost 2-1 at home to Barton Athletic who despite being fifth from bottom, are just three points off the top. Elburton Villa Reserves moved into fourth place following a 3-2 win at Liverton United, with goals from Lucas Phillips and Finley Lyle. Both Bovey Tracey Reserves and Paignton Villa got back to winning ways with good wins. Bovey had a comfortable afternoon at Homers Heath, with a 6-nil win against Buckland Athletic Reserves, and Villa recorded a 4-1 win versus a Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds team playing only their second game of the season.

Division Two has had most stats people checking the records for 56 goals in one Saturday in one division; I think they are still looking. Ashburton may have stolen the headlines with their 24 goals, but credit must go to Watcombe Wanderers Seconds for never giving up and even at 17-nil changing the formation to try something different, so well done to them, and I am sure they enjoyed their Saturday night out. There is not enough space for all the scorers but a mention for a substitute James Martin who came on with 15 minutes to go and scored four times. Dan Steer also scored four and Lee Grimshaw hit six. Paignton Saints Seconds picked up their first win of the season, and what a way to win: an 11-2 result versus Upton Athletic will give Saints something to build on.

At the top, Ivybridge Town Reserves gave up their 100% start to the season by losing 2-nil to Harbertonford and are now one of four teams on 12 points; George Gordon and Isaac Phillips were the match-winners for the Fords who are just three points off the top. Signal Box Oak Villa lead the division on goal difference thanks to a 6-1 win at Paignton Villa Seconds. A hat-trick from Jordan Rickard and singles from Paul Thompson, Harley Mitchell and Karl White secured the points that were heading down the A38. Babbacombe Corries’ 100% record remains intact, and a 5-nil win against an East Allington United Second team that have not had the best start to a season keeps Corries well placed. Drake FC are the fourth team level at the top and seem to be worthy of a place in Division Two; a 5-nil win at Newton Rovers keeps the Plymouth-based team as early contenders for a third promotion having never finished in the top two.

Division Three is a more straightforward division. Kingskerswell have opened up a six point gap between first and third, and their 100% record looks to be in good hands. Kyle Doughty, Toby Ballard and Sean McArdle scored the goals in a 4-nil win over Totnes and Dartington Seconds. Galmpton United trail three points behind and look the most likely to dent ‘Kerswell’s record, and a 2-1 win over a good Kingsteignton Athletic Second team keeps them well placed for that challenge. Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds go about their business under the radar, and a 3-1 home win versus South Brent moves them into fourth place, four points behind Galmpton. Templer Way had a shock loss this week, an 8-1 reverse against Stoke Gabriel TP has given the Bishopsteignton-based team some catch up work to do in their second season in the competition. For SGTP, they have two games in hand that could see them in the top three if they can win them. Liverton United Seconds move into fourth place with a 2-1 win over Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds thanks to goals from Simon Ross and Kye Graham. Rangers remain pointless alongside Ipplepen Athletic Seconds and Totnes and Dartington Seconds, and all three teams have come close to picking up points so cant be far away from kick-starting the season.

Division Four has also opened up a tad, with Teign Village winning 4-1 at home against Paignton Villa Thirds to move three points clear of local rivals Chudleigh Athletic Seconds who were on County Cup duty on a non-County Cup weekend, and Brixham Town Seconds moved into third place with a great 6-nil win over Newton Rovers Seconds at Bakers Park. Kingsbridge and Kellaton United also had a great win in another nine goal thriller, 5-4 against a travelling Bere Alston United Reserves side is a good result in anybody’s book, but for a team that has endured more struggles than most, shows real character in the group of players that they have.

Games to catch on Saturday 11th October:

With no SDFL league games being played due to the County Cups taking place, It’s your opportunity to watch teams from other parts of Devon. This week’s pick of the bunch in the Premier Cup are Chudleigh Athletic at home to Step 7 club Ipplepen Athletic, Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves host North Molton and Ilsington Villa will welcome East Budleigh. Waldon Athletic are due back to playing duty and host Upottery at Windmill Hill.

In the Senior Cup, there are a number of South Devon v Exeter games: East Allington United Seconds v Newtown; Brixham Town v Exeter University Thirds; Beesands v Dawlish United; Barton Athletic v Central FC, and likewise in the Intermediate Cup: Kingsbridge and Kellaton United host Starcross Dons; Teign Village v Cheriton Fitzpayne. The draw has been kind to most South Devon-based teams which will cause the Referee Secretary a headache with so many playing at home, but spare a thought for Exmouth Albion who have to travel to Bere Alston United Seconds, a round trip of just 122 miles. All of these games start at 2pm.

Enjoy your grassroots football.

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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!

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Silverware for Villa in SDFL opener

The big kick off has arrived as quickly as summer came and went. 60 teams and 2,000 registered players start the long campaign of another football season hoping to bring honours and silverware to their clubs.

For last season’s league and cup winners, the challenge is clear: retain those honours; for the promoted teams, can you make a mark in a higher division? For relegated teams, win some games and rebuild confidence and, for the new teams joining the league, remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

When looking at the divisions, the Premier and Division One are very strong, if not equal, and the new teams that have joined from the Plymouth and West Devon league have added some extra spice to what should be a strong competition. No teams from the South Devon League moved into the football pyramid last season, but that could change over the next two years as the competition improves and the players get used to travelling a bit further afield on a Saturday.

The season officially kicked off last Friday with the Torbay Clearance Services sponsored Charity Shield fixture at Homers Heath that turned out to be a very tight affair that swung one way then the other to the enjoyment of the large crowd. An end to end first half ended in a stalemate, but just as Ilsington Villa stepped up a gear in the second half, they got caught with a breakaway from the Newton Abbot ’66 forwards; the first shot on target produced a great save from the Ilsington Villa ‘keeper, but he could not hold on to the ball and Liam Ashwell was first to the rebound and put the Sixes in front. From the kick off, the Moorlanders stepped up another gear and began to take control of the game, and it did not take game changer Luke Pilkington and last season’s club top scorer Dan Langford very long to put Ilsington in front, and whilst Sixes were still in the game, victory seemed beyond them, and they were not able to add the Charity Shield to the Herald Cup that was won last season. So the South Devon League charity shield sponsored by Torbay Clearance Services will no doubt be on display at the Carpenters Arms. Of course, the big winner on the night was the players’ Benevolent Fund which benefited by some £500, and the league would like to thank everybody that supported this great event as the season opener.

ilsington tcs south devon football league charity shield winners

At the start of every season, most people make predictions and give their thoughts on how their teams are going to finish, so for what it’s worth, here are my thoughts for the top five in each division. And in no particular order:

Premier. Ilsington Villa. Newton Spurs Second. Kingsteignton Athletic. Paignton Saints. Elburton Villa Seconds.

Div One. Plymouth Phoenix. Plymouth True Blues. Ivybridge Town Seconds. Windmill FC. Bovey Tracey Seconds.

Div Two. Mount Gould. Watcombe Wanderers Seconds. Barton Athletic. Liverton United. East Allington United Seconds.

Div Three. Ashburton. Liverton United Seconds. Stoke Gabriel TP Seconds. Drake FC. Waldon Athletic Seconds.

Div Four. Kingskerswell. Chudleigh Athletic Seconds. Waldon Athletic Thirds. Teign Village. Broadhempston United.

Looking through the opening day fixtures it is hard to pick a game that is not worth watching but here are some that catch the eye.

In the Premier Division, Paignton Saints host Buckfastleigh Rangers at Coach Road, and Waldon Athletic welcome Newton Spurs to Windmill Hill; both are tough games to call. Champions Ilsington Villa have to wait until 7th September to get their defence of the title underway, and last season’s runners up Morley Rangers have disbanded.

In Division One, every fixture has quality written all over it, but Windmill versus Plymouth True Blues will be a colourful affair, and at Bovey Tracey, where the visitors WBB, freshly relegated from the Premier Division will be looking to get some early points on the board.

Division Two gives newly joined Mount Gould the chance to lay an early marker for their intent when they visit relegated Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds, and at Halford, newly promoted Liverton United host newly relegated Upton Athletic.

Division Three looks like having a competitive season, and the stand out games on opening day are Drake versus Totnes and Dartington Seconds at Manadon all weather pitch and Elburton Villa Thirds against Liverton United Seconds at Haye Road.

In Division Four, Barton Athletic Seconds host new boys Templer Way, who are testing out Saturday football for the first time, at Barton Downs, and there is a local derby at Teign Village where Chudleigh Athletic are the visitors and have already won a pre season game at the village by 3 goals to 2, so it should be a close affair. All games kick off at 2.30pm, and the full fixture list is available on the menu above.

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.

newton abbot 66 herald cup winners 2024

Sixes Lift Herald Cup for First Time in 24 Years

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 11th MAY, report by Alastair Muirden

As the midweek games ramp up for most clubs, and some are having to play twice as well as Saturday to get their season complete, squads of players are sure to be used which can affect outcomes both positively and negatively.

In Division One Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves continue to turn their games in hand into points. A 10 -2 win versus Babbacombe Corries moves them into fourth place, 7 points behind with 3 games in hand; Kye Drinkwater, Joe Bushin and Jack Upshire got two goals each and there were singles from Ross Beer, Aiden Blackie, Callum Noyce and Jason Jones. The result also leaves Corries perilously close to the drop.

In Division Three Watcombe Wanderers Seconds had a great result at in form Totnes and Dartington Seconds; a 4 – 1 win puts them 9 points clear with 4 games to play, and depending on results this weekend, they could clinch the title next week. Casey Cooper, Keiron Dale, Jamie Smith and Kye Graham were on target for the Greens.

Wednesday night in the Premier Division focused on the relegation battle. Chudleigh Athletic’s 3 – 1 win versus WBB guarantees the Clarets Premier Division football next season and confirms that both Brixham AFC Reserves and WBB will be playing in Division One next season. Brixham, who have a very young team, will no doubt benefit from winning more games next season and will no doubt return to the Premier Division as some at the club are keen on pyramid football for the reserves as the first team consolidate at step 5; as for WBB, it has been a nightmare season for manager Andy Moore who has worked miracles just to put a team out, and I am sure that once he takes a break and presses the reset button, they will be a force in a tough Division One.

Buckfastleigh Rangers moved into second place with just 2 games to play. A 2 – 1 win over Waldon Athletic means that 1 of 3 teams could clinch the runners-up spot which will go to the wire.

And now on to the big game of the week and the flagship fixture for the South Devon Football League calendar. The Herald Cup Final was played on Friday evening at Stoke Gabriel TP where the volunteers at the host club certainly know how to put on a show, and the 300 plus spectators and the teams and their officials were well looked after.

Newton Abbot ’66 went into the game as underdogs; a poor run of form in their league fixtures has caused them to be in the bottom half of the Premier Division. Whilst most teams have players out with injuries at this time of the season, ’66 seem to have suffered more than most, and it did not go unnoticed that long-serving ’66 player Marc Graham was named as a sub; for those of you who do not know Marc, in age years he is north of 49 and south of 51, but what an achievement to be good enough to be part of the team on the biggest game in the season. For Ilsington Villa, they came into the game full of confidence; only last Saturday they were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in their history having only been beaten once this term and have already got the better of their opponents tonight by 4-nil and 3-nil.

With 8 of the top 18 goalscorers in the Premier Division playing in this final, the stage was set for a goal-fest; the truth of the matter was that Newton Abbot ’66 did not read the script and the homework and tactics that were put into place by Ian and Kurt certainly played a part in the outcome. The game itself was by no means a classic but there were lots of thrilling moments at both ends although none were on target. It was noticeable that ’66 must have felt that the main threat was going to be Jack Langford so they put a man on him for the whole game, and he was simply not given any time on the few occasions that he got the ball. The first main talking point on the sidelines was when Ilsington Villa had to replace their goalkeeper Tom Watson through injury, and despite having a substitute ‘keeper named on the team sheet, they replaced him with top scorer Daniel Langford; you could see the disbelief and delight from the ’66 bench. It was not until the 67th minute that the breakthrough came but it was well worth the wait: an innocuous cross from Ashley Dove fell a bit short for the only ’66 forward in the penalty box and he was surrounded by 4 defenders, but as it was short, it allowed Tom Lowe to chest it away from the defenders and volley the ball into the top of the net to send the team into the corner to celebrate and the travelling ’66ers up on the patio to possibly spill their drinks during the celebration.

Within 20 seconds of the restart, Ilsington Villa had their best chance of the game when Jamie Beer really should have equalised, but Jack Callum in the ’66 goal made him shoot wide. In the last 20 minutes there were 7 substitutions made in an attempt to freshen things up for Villa and to slow things down for ’66, and for a team that have been here many times before and are becoming experts at closing down cup games when they are one goal in front, ’66 knew what they had to do against all odds to win the Herald Cup for the first time in 24 years, and I am told the celebrations continued until 4am. Big congratulations to Newton Abbot ’66.

Final score. Newton Abbot ’66 1 – 0 Ilsington Villa.

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The Newton ’66 skipper lifts the Herald Cup presented by Torbay Clearance Services
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Sixes celebrate their victory
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Goalscorere and Man of the Match Tom Lowe with sponsors Torbay Clearance Services

With the Premier Division title wrapped up, the race for the runners-up spot will go to the wire for 4 teams: Kingsteignton Athletic, who lost out to a resurgent Beesands Rovers by 3 goals to 1 but remain third; Buckfastleigh Rangers, who won 2 – 1 at home to Chudleigh Athletic, thanks to a brace from Steve Sutton, and remain in second place; Morley Rangers, who still have 4 games to fit in and remain fourth, although they have not played for a few weeks, and Elburton Villa who are in top form with enough games in hand to nick second place; they had the stand out result of the week in the league by winning at WBB by 11 goals to 6; I wonder if both teams forgot to take a ‘keeper!! So to sum up this division, Ilsington Villa are champions, second place will be Kingsteignton Athletic / Buckfastleigh Rangers / Morley Rangers or Elburton Villa. The 2 relegated teams are WBB and Brixham AFC Reserves.

Division One is also going to the wire. Paignton Saints returned to pole position with a 9-nil win at Harbertonford. In the big game between the top two, Totnes and Dartington and Ivybridge Town Reserves shared the points in a thrilling 2 – 2 draw; the Ivies were 2-nil up at one point but let the visitors back into the game, a result which helps Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves who seem to be using all playing resources available to them as they continue to chip away at those games in hand. Callum Noyce, who is one of the top goalscorers in the football pyramid at step 6 and banged in 4 goals to add to the 3 he scored last week, has certainly helped their cause and leaves them 6 points behind with 3 games in hand but in fourth place. On the 23rd May, Ivybridge Town visit Newton Abbot Spurs in a game that will decide who goes up. At the bottom, Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds are already relegated and will be joined by Babbacombe Corries, who have 2 games to play, or Upton Athletic, who have finished their fixtures and will be watching Corries’ results to see if they can get the 1 point needed to survive the drop.

Division Two is almost complete with Bovey Tracey Reserves as champions and Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds runners up. Spurs cannot be promoted unless their Seconds win promotion out of Division One which they wont know for 2 weeks; Paignton Saints Reserves will finish a disappointing third but will be hoping Spurs Seconds in Division One slip up. At the bottom, Brixham Town Seconds will return to Division Three after volunteering to fill a vacancy last season and will be joined by Waldon Athletic Seconds unless Ipplepen Athletic Reserves concede more than 15 goals in their last 2 games in which case they will accompany Brixham Town into Division Three.

The promotion race in Division Three is now between 3 teams; Watcombe Wanderers Reserves, who won the Devon Intermediete Cup this week by beating Railway FC from Exeter by 3 goals to 2, remain at the top and need 4 points from 4 games to clinch the title. Should they not get the required number of points then Liverton United or Ashburton could win the division. South Brent are also in the race for second place but don’t have enough games for the points needed to top the division. At the bottom, Kingsbridge and Kellaton United will have a better season in Division Four and will be joined by either Paignton Saints Thirds or Teign Village who need 3 points from 2 remaining games to stay in this division and condemn Saints to Division Four. Unfortunately for them, they have Watcombe and Ashburton to play.

Division Four has also been a great competition this season and the top spot could go either to Liverton Utd Seconds or Elburton Villa Thirds; both had good wins on Saturday; Liverton won 4 – 1 at Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves who themselves have had a great season and will get a top 4 place; Villa, who won 5 – 1 at Newton Rovers Reserves, remain in second place 7 points behind with 3 games in hand, so they will need to win them all. Drake FC have also had a great season in their first venture into adult football; whilst they did not play on Saturday, they need 6 points from 3 remaining games to secure third place in what has been a very competitive competition.

Game to catch this week: Friday 17th May, with a 6.30pm kick off. The George Belli Cup Final at Foxhole Ground, Totnes and Dartington. This is the Premier Division league cup and features the in form team in the premier division, Elburton Villa, who will be looking to win their first silverware since joining the league three years ago, and Newton Abbot ’66, who will be hoping to add the Belli Cup to the Herald Cup which will allow Geeman to buy another shelf – all shelf-installers are asked to contact the club directly!!