South Devon Football League finale serving up top level action

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 could well have been played at a higher level.

Lakeside Athletic and Ilsington Villa eventually shared the points in a 3-3 thriller, handing 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 vein of form with a 4-1 win over fourth-placed East Allington United at Poole Lane.

In Division One, Bovey Tracey had a big midweek win at home to Brixham Town by 10 goals to nil and effectively removed 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 contour up a winner in extra time, the dreaded penalty shootout 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 United has still to be played.

In the Premier Division, Windmill 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 one to beat and leaves Saints’ season hinging on the Herald Cup.

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 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 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, 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 will give the fishermen some hope of a strong run 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 2nds with a 4-2 scoreline. Jordan Richards was a hat-trick hero, not for the first time this season, and a single strike from Ryan Willis.

Drake FC and Ashburton fought out a 2-22 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 and Paignton Villa 2nds 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 with a 1-0 score line thanks to Kieron Sweet.

In the Division Three and Four Cups, Kingskerswell, Harbertonford, Newton Abbot 66, Ipplepen Athletic 2nds Galmpton Utd and Bere Alston all made it through in their respective competitions.

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 3rds and 66 2nds at Buckland Athletic 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. There is plenty of parking and a full bar and food service will be available. Enjoy your grassroots cup finals.