SDFL Round-Up: County Cups interrupt league campaign
Review from the South Devon Football League
Week two of the league season was interrupted by the first round of the county cups, resulting in just 16 league fixtures going ahead for the teams awarded a bye by the DCFA.
The big game in the Premier Division saw Lakeside Athletic make the trip to Kingsteignton Athletic and return home with an impressive 4–1 victory, keeping them at the top of the early standings.
In the only other Premier Division league fixture, Elburton Villa picked up their first points of the season with a 2–1 win at Totnes/Dartington, who have now lost by a single goal in both of their opening games.
Several Premier Division clubs were involved in the County Premier Cup, with Newton Abbot 66 producing a notable result by beating higher-league opposition AFC Brixham 2nds. Neighbours Newton Abbot Spurs 2nds also made the long trip to North Devon worthwhile with a good win at Coombe Martin.
There was disappointment for True Blues and East Allington United, however, as both exited the competition in the first round. An all-SDFL tie saw Ilsington Villa progress at the expense of Paignton Saints.
Division One
All eyes were on Mount Gould, where Bovey Tracey gave the hosts a game to remember. Bovey took a two-goal lead, but Mount Gould fought back to run out 5–3 winners and maintain their excellent start. Ray Spear scored twice, with Keiron Morris, Barney Gillies and Soloman Sinclair also on target.
The biggest result came at Loddiswell, where Paignton Villa put in an impressive performance to beat Beesands Rovers 6–0 and move into fourth place.
Both Division One teams involved in the County Senior Cup progressed. Watcombe Wanderers advanced courtesy of a walkover, while Buckland Athletic 2nds recorded a convincing 7–2 victory over Exmouth Albion.
Galmpton United and Newton Abbot Spurs 3rds share the early lead after both recorded good victories. Galmpton scored five without reply against Ivybridge Town 2nds, while Spurs defeated a good Ashburton side 5–2. Ashburton have now faced both of the division's early pacesetters in their opening two games.
Nick Garett, Dylan Price, Jack Bailey and Montell Peart were on target for Spurs.
Tavistock 2nds got their first points on the board with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Paignton Saints 2nds at Langford Park.
There was just one Division Two team in County Senior Cup action. Liverton United made hard work of their tie against Exeter Royals, surrendering a 3–1 lead to draw 3–3 before eventually progressing on penalties.
Division Three
Newly promoted Chudleigh Athletic 2nds secured their first win of the season with an impressive 5–1 victory at Buckfastleigh Rangers 2nds. The result puts them top on goal difference, with Keoron Fletcher, Jack Salmons, Hayden Cox and Jack Slocombe among the scorers.
At Bakers Park, Newton Rovers and Liverton United 2nds drew 1–1, with both sides picking up their first point.
There were also several county cup successes. Horrabridge Rangers made the cross-Moor trip to Witheridge and returned with a 4–1 victory, while Newton Abbot 66 2nds deserve plenty of credit for fulfilling their fixture at High Bickington and progressing 3–1. Ipplepen Athletic 2nds also advanced after beating Exeter International.
Division Four
Barton Athletic are the early pace-setters after a thrilling 5–4 victory over Windmill. That gives them two wins from two.
Signal Box 2nds recorded their first victory in style, beating Waldon Athletic 13–1 to move into second place. Credit to Waldon, who played the final 25 minutes with 10 men following an injury.
Ilsington Villa 2nds and Lakeside Athletic 2nds both got their seasons up and running with 2–1 victories. Villa won at Paignton Villa 3rds, while Lakeside defeated Brixham Town 2nds.
County Intermediate Cup results were mixed. Bere Alston United made the long trip to Sandford but lost 4–3, while Buckland Athletic 3rds enjoyed an emphatic 8–0 win over Offwell.
Division Five
Tamerton Foliot remain the early leaders after scoring four goals for the second consecutive week, this time winning 4–2 at Broadhempston United. George Cordon, Owen Deakon and Isaac Phillips were among the scorers.
Paignton Saints 3rds found the net 11 times against Newton Rovers 2nds to move into second place. It is particularly pleasing to see teams that have struggled in previous seasons enjoying some success, and Saints will no doubt be full of confidence.
Tavistock 3rds also picked up their first win, edging past WBB 5–4. Ryan Smale, Tom Pritchard, Matt Davidson and David Harwood were on target for the Lambs.
At Windmill Hill, Waldon Athletic and Newton Albion shared the points in an entertaining 2–2 draw, leaving both sides unbeaten.
In the only county cup fixture, Kingsbridge/Kellaton travelled all the way to Millwey Rise in Axminster, where they lost 3–0. Credit to them for flying the SDFL flag in the East.