Tag: ronald cup

April 12, 2026April 12, 2026

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.

April 6, 2026April 12, 2026

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.

January 29, 2025

WBB in discussions to salvage season

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 25th JANUARY, report by Alastair Muirden. Photo of South Brent (Div 3), who almost folded but came back from the brink, contributed by SDFL

It is always disappointing to have to report of the demise of any team and, not for the first time this season, another club, in Watts Blake Bearne, have decided that it’s time to call it a day and have given the SDFL notice to withdraw. The rules state that they must now enter a period of discussion with the league management to try to save the club who have 35 registered players. They will be given four weeks without fixtures to attempt to reset and complete the season.

Storm Eowyn also played a part in this weeks grassroots football, knocking out 12 of the 25 games that were due to be played, but in the 13 that were played, there were plenty of goals and talking points. It’s as you were at the top of the Premier Division position-wise, but Ilsington Villa were held to a 1 – 1 draw by Waldon Athletic in a game that would not have been out of place in the pyramid; Jack Langford was again on target for the Moorlanders, but it was not enough to win the game, and the Torquay-based team remain in 3^rd place just 2 points off the lead. In fact, only 4 points separate the top 4 teams in what is turning out to be a very tight title race. Sandwiched between these two, on goal difference, are Newton Abbot ’66 who had a massive scare at Beesands Rovers; in the end, goals from Ashley Dove, Callum Foskett and Joe Clarke Farley cancelled out the 2 home team goals to keep Sixes in the mix. Buckfastleigh Rangers have also moved into a challenging position with a 2-nil win at Paignton Saints; Tyler Wark was the Rangers hero with both goals. The win puts Rangers into fourth place just 4 points shy of ’66, with a game in hand. East Allington United finally secured their first win in 2025 by beating Elburton Villa Reserves by 6 goals to 2 in a game where the venue was switched on Saturday morning, by the hosts, to ensure that it went ahead, so well done to the management at Villa for being proactive; Finley Bullen moved up the golden boot ranks by netting 4 goals with singles from Dan Hurrell and Fred Massey. This puts the Pirates towards mid-table and should help the Weeks family avoid any squeaky bum time this season.

In Division One, only two games survived and both were mid-table games; Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds continue on their rollercoaster of a season; this time, they were on the up with a 3 – 2 win at Paignton Villa thanks to a Toby Pullman hat-trick; and Buckland Athletic Reserves, who lead the mid-table pack, had a good 3 – 2 victory at Watcombe Wanderers, but they remain 7 points off the top four. Interestingly in this division, Paignton Villa only have 7 games left in the league and Plymouth Phoenix have 13 plus interest in 3 cups; one reason is that Phoenix have been fixtured twice to play Brixham AFC Reserves and WBB who are both on a short leave from league games as they continue to work with the league to keep their teams afloat.

In Division Two, Babbacombe Corries moved into second place with a fantastic 5 – 3 victory against league leaders Barton Athletic; Keiron Sweet bagged a brace and there were singles from Jack Cole, Joshua Easterbrook and James Thompson; that put Corries 6 points from top spot with 2 games in hand, and Barton only have 8 games to play, so they could need to win 7 of them for a top two place. Mount Gould remain favourites with 14 games remaining and were victims of the wet weather. East Allington Seconds are also in contention and have games in hand; a comfortable 5 – 1 home win versus Newton Rovers sees them move up to 6^th place. At the other end of the table, Ipplepen Athletic Seconds and Buckfastleigh Rangers Seconds remain a few points from safety; the Pens lost 5-nil at home to Paignton Saints Seconds and Rangers put up a fight at Watcombe Wanderers Seconds but lost 4 – 3 in the end.

The big game in Division Three saw Ashburton and Stoke Gabriel TP share the points in a 2 – 2 draw; Daniel Treseze scored both the goals for the home team who also had a substitute sent off in what must have been a short spell on the pitch. In the only other game to be played in this division, South Brent picked up a valuable win that gives them a bit of a cushion over the bottom two, Paignton Saints Thirds and Brixham Town Seconds, who were both rained off.

In Division Four, Templer Way closed the gap at the top but used another game; they are now 5 points from Kingskerswell who have played two games less. They had to work hard to overcome Kingsbridge and Kellaton United, a 4 – 3 scoreline with goals from Bradley and JJ Breslen, with another single for Alfie Moffatt, keeps Templer in the mix for second place; they also finished the game with ten players. Paignton Villa Thirds also had a good win; a 4 – 3 victory at home to Broadhempston United sees them safely into mid-table and Broadhempston just 6 points above the bottom two, and Kingsbridge have 3 games in hand. Earlier, I mentioned the number of games that some teams have left to play; in Division Four, Waldon Athletic Thirds have just 2 league games to play to complete their season whilst Templer Way and Barton Athletic Seconds have 3 games left.

The Fixture Secretary has reported that compared with recent seasons, the league fixtures are in a fairly healthy position with only 3 or 4 teams out of 59 two or three fixtures behind.

Games to catch on Saturday 1^st February:

The divisional cups get under way providing all clubs with the shortest route to winning a trophy.

An absolute belter in the Belli Cup, and my game of the day is a repeat of last seasons Herald Cup semi-final and a local derby at Osborne Park where Newton Abbot ’66 and Newton Abbot Spurs lock horns at 2pm.

In Division One’s Dartmouth Cup, can Watcombe Wanderers overcome The Windmill in what will be a tricky test for the Plymouth outfit?

The Division Two, the knockout competition offers another local derby in Barton Athletic versus Watcombe Wanderers Seconds at Paignton Community College.

The Ronald Cup for Division Three teams sees Liverton United Seconds travel to the Manadon sports hub to play Drake FC in a fixture that normally keeps on giving.

And in the Division Four cup at Bakers Park, Newton Rovers Seconds meet Templer Way in what could be an interesting game as the visitors are looking for some silverware in their first season in the competition.

All cup games kick off at 2pm. Enjoy your grassroots football.

buckland reserves dartmouth cup winners 2024

May 28, 2024May 30, 2024

Nine Goal Thriller Sees Bucks Edge Paignton Villa in the Dartmouth Cup

LAST GASP VICTORS: Buckland Athletic Reserves clinch the Dartmouth Cup, beating Paignton Villa 5-4 at Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police. Photo contributed by SDFL.

TORBAY CLEARANCE SERVICES, SOUTH DEVON FOOTBALL LEAGUE. WEEKLY MATCH REPORTS 25th MAY, report by Alastair Muirden

Ten days to go until the end of the South Devon Football League season, and still only two of the five divisions can name their champions which amplifies just how competitive this football season has been.

Whilst Ilsington Villa are one of the two teams that have claimed their divisional title, tonight’s 1 – 1 draw at Kingsteignton Athletic, where Jamie Beer added to his excellent goal tally for the season, puts the Rams out of contention for the Premier Division runners-up spot; that honour will go to either Buckfastleigh Rangers or Morley Rangers. The Plymouth-based team will need to win the final game at Chudleigh to get the trophy.

In Division One, Paignton Saints returned to pole position with one game to play thanks to a 6-nil win at relegated Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves; the game had no score at half-time, and it’s fair to say that Saints were firing blanks and could have scored 6 or 7, but following the half time introduction of Jamie Micklewright to the pitch, within 3 minutes they scored twice and settled down to make inroads into their small goal difference shortfall. A word of credit must go to Buckfastleigh Rangers who pushed Saints all the way and made them work for the win, and hopefully they will have a better season in Division Two. It is incredible to note that with 10 days to go, 4 teams in Division One could still be promoted. Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves are one of them, and they received a walkover as Brixham Town could not raise a team.

In Division Three, Ashburton wrapped up their season with a 3-nil home win versus Teign Village which puts them joint top with Watcombe Wanderers Reserves and relegates Teign Village to the division they thought they would be in when they rejoined the league from the Devon & Exeter league 12 months ago. The result means that Liverton United must win their last two games to overtake Ashburton on goal difference. But waiting on the sidelines are Watcombe who will have to play two games in the last few days to gain the point they need for the title.

In Division Four, we know the top three but not the order: Liverton United Reserves are 9 points clear at the top and have no games left; Elburton Villa Thirds have 4 games to play in 10 days and two of them are against local rivals Drake who sit in third place and could get the runners-up spot if they win both games; talk about going to the wire!!

On Wednesday in Division Three, Liverton United moved within touching distance of the runners-up spot with a 3 – 1 win over South Brent. The result ends Brent’s interest in a promotion spot and Livvy will move into second place if they win their final game; in fact, they will go top if they score 15 goals!!!

On Thursday, the big Division One promotion clash at Newton Rec went the way of Newton Abbot Spurs. A 2-nil win against fellow promotion rivals Ivybridge Town Reserves thanks to goals from Joe Bushin and another strike from Callum Noyce who up until 6 weeks ago, had not played recreational football this season; he is now the team’s top scorer with 23 goals in 9 games; now that’s what you call an impact player. The result guarantees Spurs a place in the Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division next season as they move into second place behind Paignton Saints who have just one tricky game left at Brixham Town, and Spurs have two versus Babbacombe Corries and Harbertonford; so 4 points for Spurs and they will be crowned champions. As for Ivybridge Town, who will be disappointed that they did not bounce straight back after a relegation. they can be proud to know that they were one of the five teams that made Division One such a great competition, and a fourth place for them, just behind Totnes and Dartington who also played their part in pushing the two favourites all the way.

Also on Thursday, at Liverton United, Stoke Gabriel TP Reserves played Watcombe Wanderers Reserves (left) in the Division Three Ronald Cup Final. The Greens of Watcombe were chasing yet another trophy having already collected the Devon Intermediate Cup. The game was end-to-end and SGTP probably had the best chances to take the lead, but it has to be said that Watcombe Wanderers are a team who do not leave anything on the pitch and they are real team of battlers for the club. It took them 33 minutes to break Stoke’s resolve, a lovely goal from Jamie Smith following a 6-man pass eased the Watcombe nerves and Stoke did not look as if they had what it was going to take to get back into the game. Early in the second half, Stoke’s Paul Christie was fortunate not to see a yellow card as he went over in the box in an attempt to gain something for nothing, and the ending result was a free kick to Watcombe which went straight through to Simon Ross who hit a twenty-yard bullet into the top of the Stoke goal, and the tremendous Watcombe supporters celebrated with the team. With the result being effectively over, Jamie Macintyre came on as a substitute and got the third and final goal of the game to set up a possible hat-trick of trophies for Watcombe Wanderers Reserves; what a season, what a team and just one point needed to be league champions and two games to get it. Gareth Kendall and Luke Reeby have certainly done very well with this group of players.

simon ross watcombe wanderers reserves ronald cup winners 2024 — Simon Ross – Watcombe’s top scorer. Photo contributed by SDFL

paignton villa dartmouth cup runners-up 2024 — Simon Ross – Watcombe’s top scorer. Photo contributed by SDFL

On to Friday, and the brave few people on the league management committee together with the volunteers at Stoke Gabriel gave up yet more time for yet another cup final, but boy, did they save the best ’til last. An attendance close to 400, assisted by the families of the team mascots, made for a great occasion and the under 8s and 9s of Buckland Athletic and Paignton Villa certainly enjoyed their warm up and the penalty shoot-out competition. There was a great moment before the game that hopefully will be remembered by the youngsters as they were led out with the teams for a Respect handshake; a representative of the South Devon Football League presented each mascot with a medal to commemorate the cup final.

The game got underway with both sets of supporters getting behind their team and it definitely added to the atmosphere, and when Owen Caldwell crossed an innocuous ball into the Villa box close to the back post on 7 minutes, the Villa defender went to clear it and somehow it either hit his leg or the post but the screams of the Buckland faithful seem to have helped it go over the line.

Villa seemed stirred but not shaken and went straight on the attack; a shot from the edge of the box by Stuart McCauley bounced off the Buckland keeper’s chest and Ashley Beetchen was in the right place at the right time to cooly slot home the equaliser on 12 minutes. Late arriving supporters were disappointed to be told that they had missed 2 goals but they need not have worried; in fact, they only had to wait 7 minutes; a goalmouth scramble in the Buckland penalty area following a Villa corner kick and once again Ashley Beetchen in the right place at the right time to put Villa 2 – 1 in front and surely the game would settle down; nope, straight from the kick off, Buckland pushed forward with Josh Houghton on the ball looking for a team-mate to pass it to, but nobody offered to help; he noticed the ‘keeper on the edge of the 6-yard box and shot from 20 yards into the top of the net; what a goal, 2 – 2. Now, late arrivals were being offered free entry if they could guess the score. The game remained level and continued end-to-end which I think affected the beer sales as you just could not take your eyes off the play. The crowd were then made to wait 12 minutes for Buckland to retake the lead; a lovely cross from Luca Stiniforth was met by Callum Whiteoak’s head and the ‘keeper had no chance: 3 – 2 to Buckland and 32 minutes played, by now the script for the game had been thrown away as Buckland looked as if they were taking control of the game; a slick passing display was well finished by Josh Houghton who put the Bucks 4 – 2 in front and claimed his first half hat-trick. Villa restarted with some extra resolve knowing they had a job on their hands to pull this game back, but within 2 minutes, they won a corner which was played into the front post and Ashley Beetchen got to the ball just before a defender to make it 4 – 3 to the yellows and to be the second player to claim a first half hat-trick. The game was now heading for the break and perhaps the smell of the barbecue got to the Buckland defenders as in the 43rd minute, a long ball from Sam Woodcock, who was having a great game, was left by the Bucks back four for the ‘keeper, but as it bounced, Stuart McCauley was there to head it over the outcoming ‘keeper to equalise 4 – 4 and it was game on again. What a first half.

The second half could not possibly live up to the first 45 minutes; it continued end-to-end and there were lots of chances; in fact, in the 55^th minute, Ashley Beetchen found himself one on one with Robbie Terry in the Buckland goal but with a first half hat-trick, he had already used up all of his credits as the ball sailed over the bar. There were lots of stoppages for cramp-related injuries as most of the players had been at work or college during the day; it looked like both teams were going to struggle with extra-time; with the game going into the 90^th minute, a wide pass from Buckland substitute Phil Farrar found Lee Grimshaw unmarked; he went around a Villa defender and hit the ball from the edge of the box which sailed into the roof of the net: 5 – 4 to Buckland and the players celebrated in the corner. With just 3 minutes of stoppage time, Buckland put an extra 2 players at the back and closed the door on another Villa comeback. What a game, what an event; Ashley Beetchen was awarded the man of the match but it could have gone to any player in what was the most entertaining cup final of the South Devon League’s end of season games and just completes the contribution that this season’s Division One teams have given to the competition.

On the final Saturday of the league season, there were a few games that would affect promotion and relegation. The last piece of the Premier Division jigsaw was completed at Chudleigh where the visitors [Morley Rangers] recorded a 6 – 2 win to claim the runners-up spot on goal difference from Buckfastleigh Rangers; a Corbin Macken hat-trick and singles from Ben Hall, Dean Jenkins and Ruben Kane rounded off a great season for the Plymstock-based team. Beesands Rovers held the league champions Ilsington Villa to a nil-nil draw and moved into fourth place which means that 3 of the top 4 came up from Division One last season. Elburton Villa Reserves continued their strong second half of the season with a good 4 – 2 win at Kingsteignton Athletic, and Newton Abbot ’66 won 3 – 1 at relegated Watts Blake Bearne who should be congratulated on getting their fixture backlog cleared which just 4 weeks ago looked impossible.

Division One has been a fantastic competition for a few seasons and this year did not disappoint. With two teams rejoining the league from step 7 football, they were always going to be favourites, and they have proved to be the teams to beat and some did. Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves are looking as if they will take the title with one game to play. A 15-nil victory against relegated Babbacombe Corries has put them in pole position just ahead of Paignton Saints and a goal difference of 14. Spurs’ final game is against Harbertonford and Saints face Brixham Town on Tuesday at the 3g at South Devon College with a 6.45 ko.

At the top of Division Three, Liverton United were denied an opportunity to score the goals needed to overtake Watcombe Wanderers Seconds at the top by their opposition who couldn’t raise a team, but it did give Livvy the points for the game which slips them into the runners-up spot and a place in Division Two next season. For Liverton to win the division, Watcombe would need to lose their final two games by 16 goals.

As promised in previous reports, Division Four will go to the wire; the top spot is between Liverton United Seconds, who have finished their season, and Elburton Villa Thirds, who have 3 games to play in 5 days. Livvy are 6 points clear so can be overtaken, but Villa have to play local rivals Drake FC twice, and the situation is that if Drake win twice, they will move into second place; so watch this space or, better still, watch the games. The game at Villa is on Tuesday with a 6.30 ko and the game at Drake is on Thursday also a 6.30 ko at Millbay Park.