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newton abbot '66 2024

Weekly Match Reports 23rd March

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

Farewell to a Brixham Legend

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

South Brent’s Herald Cup Run Ends –

south brent 2024
JOURNEY’S OVER: Division Three side South Brent were dispatched from the Herald Cup.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for supporting grassroots football in South Devon.

newton abbot 66 v ivybridge town reserves herald cup

Morley Upset Rams in SDFL Opening Day Surprise

SIXES AND SEVENS: Newton Abbot ’66 make the perfect start to their SDFL Premier campaign. Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR.com

The opening weekend of the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League season provided 153 goals and plenty of shock results that were worthy of a double take. Highest scorers of the day were Newton Abbot Spurs Seconds in Division One. Fresh from a poor season in the Devon League, Spurs managed to put 11 goals past a newly built Harbertonford team that will need to dust themselves off and start again. In this division, both Brixham Town and Ivybridge Town got their season under way with solid 4–1 wins, and one of the favourites, Watcombe Wanderers, also started well.

But it really was all about the new teams, as all but one enjoyed an opening day win: South Brent Seconds, Elburton Villa Thirds and Drake F.C. all scored 5 goals with Watcombe Wanderers Thirds going 2 better with 7 against Paignton Villa Thirds. In Division Three, Ashburton F.C. just scraped past Paignton Saints Thirds by the odd goal in 7, and the only new team not to win on opening day was Teign Village who lost 4–1 to Newton Abbot ’66 Seconds. The season did not get off to a good start for Matt Shepherd of Stoke Gabriel TP who broke his leg in two places and had to be taken to hospital in the back of an estate car as there were no ambulances available. The game was delayed for some time as a South Brent player broke his wrist in a separate incident; we wish both players a speedy recovery. Stoke Gabriel TP went on to win the game 6–3. Watcombe Wanderers Seconds completed a hat-trick of wins for the club, and Liverton United got off to a winning start following promotion from Division Four.

The biggest shock results came in the Premier Division where the expected ‘Ramsfest’ at Plymstock failed where champions Kingsteington Athletic lost 6–2 to newly-promoted Morley Rangers, and at Ilsington Villa, who are playing in the Premier Division for the first time in their long history, and got the better of a strong East Allington United side in a 7 goal thriller on the moor. Beesands Rovers, who are back in the top league following an unbeaten season in 22/23, continued the theme with a 2–1 victory at Elburton Villa Seconds. Last season’s runners-up Buckfastleigh Rangers got off to a solid start by beating fancied Watts Blake Bearne 6–2 at the Duckspond. There was a tighter affair at Windmill Hill between two of last season’s relegation candidates, but it was Waldon Athletic who took the points against Chudleigh Athletic, Pete Summerfield rolling back the years with the only goal. The final result was at Osborne Park where Newton Abbott ’66 put 7 goals past a young Brixham AFC Seconds team without reply.

Voisey Fires Rams into Herald Cup History Book

All pictures © Al Macphee/MiraclePR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McEwen’s Wonder Goal Delivers Fred Hewings Cup for Waldon

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

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

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

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

herald cup final 2023

19/5/23: Teignbridge Rivals Contest Herald Cup

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

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