JANUARY 26

Premier leaders Exeter Civil Service rescued their match at Foxhayes with two goals in the last fifteen minutes after a rejuvenated Heavitree Social Utd were closing in on a big victory. Ahead in the fifth minute through Mark Smith with his first goal for the club, a neat lob over keeper Nick Needs, Heavitree kept their shape and their lead until the 75th minute. Danny Minto then equalised for Civil with a header, and from a free kick the influential Neil Fairchild found the winner when he slammed a long shot into the top corner deep into injury time. For Civil it was an important victory after last weeks shambles at Feniton, and joint managers John Gribble and Paul Gidley were happy the team responded well. Heavitree felt the end result was "cruel" and that they should have drawn it at least as they matched Civil in every department. Heavitree also feel they have come a long way in the last five weeks and are going to have a big say in the title race, although their chance has probably gone.

Second from top Wellington Town sported five first teamers in their 2-2 draw at the University according to manager John Norman, and their players found the big college ground hard work. The Somerset team who are likely to have a couple of points docked soon for fielding an unregistered player, probably had the extra edge in territorial possession, but they were really up against a University team which was keen to make sure they did not lose a second consecutive game for the first time this season. Jack Adams and Simon Ingram scored for Wellington, who in scored an own goal before Tom Arnold netted the second University goal.

Jonathan French scored both goals for Feniton in their 2-1 win at Topsham Town, and that is five wins in succession for the East Devon side, but manager Dave Carnall said they never hit the heights of the week before against Civil Service. The tops only goal came at the end from Gavin Ward, but after joint manager Danny Carpenter missed a good early chance, they never really threatened their visitors. Stand in keeper Jamie Yelland had a good game for Topsham.

St Martins battered Cullompton Rangers 7-0 and after a month break home manager Mike Nosworthy was also delighted with the quality of their football. Rangers offered little in response, but they were up against a Saints side whose Darren Bingham led by example with a hat-trick. Ross Parker, Matt Anderson, Lee Parker and Andy Brooks also scored for the Minster Park club.

Clyst Valley finally grabbed a much needed victory, 3-1 at Bickleigh, and for manager Jeff Weeks that was a welcome relief. Bickleigh managed to get to 1-1 at the interval, but faded in the second half as Clyst stepped up a gear. Ashley McDermid with the first two goals and Ollie Bird scored for Clyst, with Stuart Anderson netting a 35 yarder for Bickleigh in their best spell of the game. Weeks said his team did a workmanlike job and have hopefully turne the corner.

Thorverton were checked by a 0-0 draw at Sidmouth Town where manager Paul Ashford thought his team could have won it 10-0. Ashford felt the vikings dominated the game and had chances by the bucketful, but all their excellent approach work was just never finished off. Thorverton rarely threatened according to Sidmouth, and manager Ashford feels his team are making excellent progress.

Heavitree Harriers hit a late winner at Beer Albion to win 1-0, Matt Dawson getting the only goal while actually sitting on the ground. The goal was no less than Harriers deserved according to manager Jody Bolt, although his view was not shared by home boss Matt Rooke. The fishermen were limited after losing last weeks hat-trick star James Melville with injury, and did not really get going, but Rooke thought they should have taken at least a point from the game.

Pinhoe called off their match against Hatherleigh Town as Pinn Lane was still unplayable. A game a couple of weeks ago left the ground badly cut up, and it has still not recovered and Pinhoe said they could not even mark it out so had no choice but to postpone.

22 goals were scored in the seven Premier matches played, taking the aggregate for the season to 502. That is a return of around four goals a game from the 126 matches played and with another 116 games to go the ratio will have to go up slightly if Premier clubs are to break the 1000 barrier.

TEAM OF THE DAY - Clyst Valley

JANUARY 19

Fantastic Feniton not only settled a score against Premier division leaders Exeter Civil Service, they technically did it twice over. The village side, beaten 7-1 at Civil back in September, destroyed Civil with a first half display that could have seen them at least four goals clear instead of a modest two goal lead. Then having let Civil recover to 2-2 within ten minutes of the second half getting under way, Feniton set about winning the match again, eventually finishing 6-3 to soar up to fourth place in the table. Feniton's Jamie Easterbrook and Jonathan French scored first half goals, and then Andy Jones, Stuart Blackmore with a screamer, Mark Simic and an own goal completed the home tally. Shaun Densham, Dave Wilkes and Neil Fairchild replied for Civil but on the day they were outgunned by a Feniton side which just steam-rollered its illustrious visitors out of the way. Delighted Fenny manager Dave Carnall thinks his players have been quite remarkable since a number of key players left for other pastures, and the current enthusiasm throughout the team is reaping the benefits. Civil managers John Gribble and Paul Gidley  said the team has to regroup and pull itself together to maintain their hopes of staying in the race for promotion to the Peninsula League. Gribble added that after the game the players held their hands up in agreement, and this weeks derby clash against Heavitree will test their character.

An equaliser deep into injury time salvaged a point for title favourites Wellington Town at Beer Albion. The fishermen having turned a two goal first half deficit upside down were on the brink of bringing the Somerset team down but conceded almost on the final whistle and it ended 3-3. It was more drama for a big crowd at Furzebrake who had been silenced as Wellington built a two goal interval cushion. Beer then charged out in the second half to turn the game around with a superb James Melville hat-trick, and his second goal was a scorcher. Beer also missed a penalty, Martyn Hancock's spotkick being well saved, and that proved crucial as the visitors hung in to grab a draw in the dying seconds. Craig Aspin, manager John Norman and Cameron Nott were the Wellington scorers, and the club are now just three points behind Civil but with five matches in hand.

Heavitree Social Utd grabbed a battling 1-0 win at third place Thorverton to signal what they feel is a new lease of life under their returning managerial team of Wes Rice and Ian Frankum. The Wingfield Park side, with several new signings, dug deep to overcome a Thorverton side which they felt was quality, although the only goal of the game came from a speculative 35 yard cross from Liam Thomas which deceived home keeper Graham Lewis. The thors minder was then sent off for bringing down Stacey Thorp, but his deputy Paul Andrews saved the resultant penalty from John Hawes just to add to the drama. Heavitree also well pleased to keep a rare clean sheet, then settled for what they had and are preparing already for saturdays big derby game with Civil Service. Thors boss Ian Harris felt his team played well despite losing, and a few key decisions did not go their way.

After four successive defeats Clyst Valley finally ended the rot with a 2-2 draw against Sidmouth Town. On paper it should have been a home banker anyway given the respective league standings, but joint bottom of the table Sidmouth under Paul Ashford are getting their game and spirits together and were well worth the point. The vikings were twice behind and their second goal came late in the day, but even Clyst agreed that a draw was the right result. Ashley McDermid scored both Clyst goals making him joint top scorer with eight. For Sidmouth, Chris Duchenski converted a penalty and Andy Thompson blasted in a thunderbolt for the second equaliser.

TEAM OF THE DAY - Feniton

JANUARY 12

Exeter Civil Service goalkeeper Robbie Raddon saved a last gasp penalty to rescue the Premier division leaders in their top of the table clash against Heavitree Harriers. Raddon's save from Heavitree's leading scorer Matt Dawson was the highlight of a brilliant performance by the home keeper who had made at least three other big stops, to keep the final score at 0-0. On a day when most of the League was wiped off by the weather, the Foxhayes ground was very playable, and it staged an excellent game between two teams prepared to go for the jugular. The only ingredient missing was goals, and Civil's Mark Willey said he and manager John Gribble were without eight of their main squad including several strikers and that limited their attacking options. Harriers manager Jody Bolt claimed he was gutted as his team battered Civil in the second half especially, but could not score. Bolt thought the chance had come with the spotkick, but 15 goal top scorer Dawson hit his kick well and could not be blamed for Raddon's final bow as the curtain came down. The point takes Civil four points clear of close rivals Wellington Town whose match against Feniton was one of six Premier games to be postponed because grounds were waterlogged. A draw also moved Heavitree Harriers up to fourth, and Bolt still feels his team can have a big say in the title race, although he recognises that Wellington will take some catching.

The only other Premier match played was at Beer Albion where Clyst Valley were beaten 3-2, their fourth successive defeat. The issue was decided by a startling second half free kick from Martyn Hancock from near the halfway line which bounced in front of goal and deceived everyone before dropping into the net. It was a sickener for Valley manager Jeff Weeks who felt his team had done enough to earn at least a point, especially after a very lively first half. Javier Martin, returning to the side after a two month absence scored his eighth goal of the season to put Valley in front. Matt Rowson then equalised for Beer, but Jeff Saunders restored Clyst's lead with just his second goal, his previous one coming back in August. Hancock made it 2-2 before the break with a stupendous free kick that would have beaten any keeper according to both managers, and it was the same player who decided the outcome in the second half. Beer manager Matt Rooke described Valley as a really good side, but he was delighted that his team rose to the occasion in front of a enthusiastic Furzebrake crowd.

TEAM OF THE DAY - Beer Albion

SATURDAY JANUARY 5

Pinhoe manager John Moore breathed a huge sigh of relief as his team pulled off a New year 4-2 win against Bickleigh at a very muddy Pinn Lane. The pins who have seen several players leave in the last few weeks, rose to their task to delight the boss, who because he was so stretched to raise a side, included himself in the line up. The match was closer than the scoreline suggests, Bickleigh hit back from 3-1 down in the second half to 3-2, but twenty minutes from time their hopes were ended when Vinnie Conabeare scored the fourth Pinhoe goal. Earlier Jason Ronchetti and Mike Williams with their first Pinhoe goals earned a 2-0 lead. Bickleigh pulled one back before the break from Ryan Saunders, but Darren Eshun then hammered in the Pins third. Stuart Anderson scored a stunning goal for Bickleigh as they enjoyed their best spell, but their recovery was stunted by Conabeare, and Moore had the win which takes his club above their mid Devon rivals, whose manager Nigel Raybould said his team could not have given him more.

Exeter Civil Service regained top spot with a 1-0 win at Clyst Valley, but the game could not have been tighter. Neither side was willing to give much away, and although it proved to be a very good match the decisive moment came from Civil and a brilliant goal from Mark Saunders after 25 minutes with a rifled shot into the top corner. Civil's Mark Willey rated the game as top quality from both team's, but he and manager John Gribble were relieved to get back on a winning note. For Clyst it is a third successive defeat and they are now well back in the title hunt.

Heavitree Harriers beat Topsham Town 4-2 and for manager Jody Bolt it was a win they badly needed. The damage was done in the first half when Harriers built a three goal cushion, but Topsham pulled back to 3-2 and for a while had the Exmouth side rattled. A fourth goal late in the day made it safe for Heavitree, but until then the result was always in the balance. Matt Dawson with two goals, Liam McMahon and Andrew Taylor scored for Harriers. Joint manager Danny Carpenter and Tim Rivett replied for Topsham. Tops Mike Webb thought they did not quite play as well as recently, with several players finding it tough because as they were not feeling too well.

Title winning manager Wes Rice has rejoined Heavitree Social Utd and led them to a 3-2 win against Hatherleigh Town, and the scoreline indicates how close the game was. Rice was in charge when the Wingfield Park side were champions two years ago, and has come back to help the troubled team in their hour of crisis. Heavitree began with a flourish taking a three goal lead, David Day set up by Elliot Wells, Callum Hoare and an own goal hitting the Hatherleigh net, but after the break Graham Bryant and Mike Cooper scored for the visitors and Heavitree were more than happy to hear the final whistle. Liam Thomas and Darren Pattinson made a big difference in midfield for Heavitree as did skipper Gary Webb and Scott Bowker who have all recently returned and the club already feel the dressing room spirit is back.

Feniton manager Dave Carnall enjoyed the 2-1 win against Exeter University, that ended a Christmas period for the club which has seen them take nine points from nine and elevate into the top six. Carnall has been keen to get his team away from danger, and they acheived that ambition with a determined victory against a college side playing its first game since their return from vacation. The University did take the lead through Phil Baker, his second goal of the season, but top scorer Jonathan French equalised for Feniton, before Dave Court blasted in the winner with an effort the keeper could only palm into his own net.

SATURDAY JANUARY 26

DEVON SENIOR CUP
Seaton Town hopes of a place in the semi finals of the Devon Senior Cup were ended at Horrabridge where they were beaten 2-0. Both goals came in the second half but the tie was always in the balance. Seaton reckoned they were denied two penalties, and had a couple of efforts cleared off the line. At the same time Seaton manager Mark Rooke felt his team just did not do enough against the Plymouth side who he rated not as good as some of the teams Seaton beat in earlier rounds.

The quarter final between Willand Rovers and Barnstaple Town takes place under lights at Silver Street on tuesday 29 Jan with a 7.45pm kick off.

Senior One
An elated Exmouth Amateurs have their first victory of the season. The current Senior 1 wooden spoonists triumphed 1-0 at the University to claim their opening win and boost their hopes of getting out of relegation danger. Ashraf Ghani was the lone Exmouth scorer in the first half, and the college were denied an equaliser by some great keeping from Pete Hazell.
Westexe Rovers caused another upset when they beat second from top Newtown 2-0. The Exeter side were not at full strength, but Rovers played well with both goals coming from Andy Lane.
Otterton were held 2-2 at Broadclyst Social Club scoring their first goal in the first minute and their second goal in the 90th. Jimmy Frost and Lee Williams netted for the home side who were beaten 8-1 by the Otters earlier this season.
Culm Utd and Willand Rovers shared a 3-3 draw and the visitors at Magelake were happy with a point after trailing 2-0. Adam Pengelly, Stuart Shaw and Ross Stickland were the Culm scorers, with Sam Williams 2 and James Howe rescuing Willand.

Senior Two
Bottom of the table Exeter Civil Service produced the Senior 2 shock of the day when they won 2-0 at promotion chasing Barnstaple Town. The Foxhayes team, looked after and inspired by their legendary chairman Jim Webber for the day, scored from a Jason Bastin penalty and Jason Adam-Ryall.
Leaders Bow AAC had to work hard for a 2-1 win against the University who at times ran their hosts ragged. Mark Searle and Ryan Greenwood scored for Bow who were missing five players due to a wedding.
Halwill were two down at home to top rivals Honiton Town but recovered to win 3-2 with manager Andy Winser scoring the winner. Ross Slade and Andy Wonnacott also scored for an elated Halwill. Rich Newby and Dan Taylor were Honiton's scorers.
Sidbury Utd won their local derby against Sidmouth Town 3-0 and the victory lifts them above Honiton into third place. Two goal Dan Churchill cemented the points for Sidbury after Ben Clay scrambled in the opener.
Upottery were 1-0 winners at Dawlish Town who felt they just did not get their game together. Andy Isaac was the Upottery scorer.
Newtown and St Loyes drew 0-0 but home chairman Pat McDonough reckoned it was a cracking derby clash lacking only goals.
Lympstone beat North Tawton 4-1 to continue their climb their recent improvement. James Beverly 2, Pete Smith and Carl Wilson scored for the Lympets.

Senior Three
An incredible opening half prepared the stage for Colyton to shatter Senior 3 title favourites Morchard Bishop 3-1. The opening spell saw Colyton rack up a three goal lead through two goal James Tucker and Jimmy Richards and then despite conceding in the second half, held out superbly. Defender Mark Potter and Tucker were the pick of the side.
Leaders Beacon Knights scored two minutes from time with a George Burningham penalty to edge a disappointed Tipton St John 1-0. Tipton gave it their best shot and were so close to a big result.
Third place Kentisbeare won 4-1 at the Motel & Offwell but made heavy weather of their success. Two goal Ashley Perrott, Carl Todd and Luke Robinson with his first for Kentisbeare scored the goals.
Heavitree Social Utd dropped out of the top three after slipping to a shock 5-3 defeat against Uplowman Athletic. Shaun Legg 2 and Elliot Wells with his debut goal scored for Heavitree whose manager Shaun King reckoned his side gifted four goals.
Sandford won a thriller against Pinhoe 5-4 and it was almost as close at Winkleigh where Lapford drew 4-4 after being two goals down and then leading 4-2.
Seaton Town ended a bleak spell when they won 4-2 at South Zeal.

Senior Four
Woodbury replaced Clyst Valley as Senior 4 leaders after winning 4-1 on their rivals ground. It was the first time Clyst have dropped points at home and they were beaten by a Woodbury side which got its tactics right. Will Bardot was the Valley scorer.
Axminster Town were checked by a 2-2 draw against Bampton and reckoned they scored all four goals. Steve Bedwell and Robert Sheen were the ponies real scorers.
Witheridge were glad to get a match at last - just their tenth league game after a seven week break - and as a bonus they were 3-2 winners at Crescent. Kyle Hall with two goals and Alex Shepherd were the Withy scorers.
Westexe Rovers also won 3-2 at Tedburn St Mary with Lee McArdle, Shane Mears and Matt Lindsay on the mark for the rovers.
Bottom of the table Crediton Utd held Dunkeswell Rovers to a 1-1 draw, the first time the rovers have shared points. Joel Rice was the Crediton scorer.
Topsham Town moved into the top half of the table after a 5-4 win at struggling Newton St Cyres.

Senior Five
St Martins became the first team to take points from Senior 3 title favourites Phoenix Club with a 1-1 draw and reckoned they ought to have won it. Saints led through Paul Pengelly, but Ryan Smith rescued Phoenix whose Dave Brown was their top player.
Leaders Oakwood moved three points clear after a 2-0 win against Sidbury Utd. Lee Mellon and Dave Fox scored for the Oaks who were pleased to get this game out of the way.
The Lord's XI jumped into second place after a tough 4-1 win at Exmouth Amateurs. The home side wiped off the Lord's opening goal and were on terms for a long time before Julian Wills completed his hat-trick and Tim Holding finished things off.
Thorverton were shocked by a 3-1 defeat at home to Ottery St Mary whose Barry Wood scored twice. Aaron Carpinin was the other Ottery scorer and the East Devon side are now unbeaten in their last seven.
Dawlish Utd won 5-0 at Legends with all five goals coming in the second half. Mike Riches 2, Dave Chadwick, Damien Missen with his first goal for the club and a Matt Johnson penalty did the business for Dawlish.
Colaton Raleigh beat struggling Broadclyst Social Club 3-1.

SATURDAY JANUARY 19

Devon County Cups
Buoyant Broadclyst Social Club are through to the semi finals of the Devon Senior cup after a terrific but fiery 2-0 victory against Upton Athletic from the South Devon League. Three players were red-carded, two of them from the visiting team, but Broadclyst manager Paul Taylor felt justice was done and he took huge satisfaction from the result. Taylor reckoned Upton arrived with the attitude that this would be a cakewalk, but it back-fired on them big time. Both goals came from the reliable Jimmy Frost, and Taylor reckoned the second goal could not have been bettered by the infamou Marco Van Basten against England in similiarity. Upton, down to ten men after one of their players lost his cool, then had a second player dismissed after a poor tackle on Tony Kyle, but the Broadclyst player was also dismissed for retaliation. That was the only downer for Broadclyst, but victorious manager Taylor was elated his team are in unchartered waters and just one game away from a final at County headquarters in Newton Abbot.
The quarter final tie between Horrabridge and Seaton Town was postponed and will now go ahead next saturday. In the event it gets called off again Seaton will play their original league match at home to East Budleigh.
The midweek tie between Willand and Barnstaple which was also postponed has been re-arranged for tuesday 29 Feb at Silver Street.

Senior One
East Budleigh pressed their drive towards Premier soccer with a workmanlike 3-1 win at Exeter St Thomas, and manager John Pannell felt it was another good job done at the office. Third place Budleigh are still adrift of the top pairing, but with matches in hand could not be better placed to have a big say in the title race. First half goals from Spencer West and Luke Kelsall put Budleigh in total charge, and then Colin Jeans made it three. 26 year old Gareth Treharne with his first ever goal pulled one back for St Thomas, but the home side did not have the armoury to get back in the game and manager Adie Stone felt his players just did not compete well enough.
Leaders Budleigh Salterton edged Culm Utd 2-1 but their winning goal in the 75th minute came later than they would have liked. The robins bombarded Culm in the first half winning eleven corners but the only goal they could manage came from Carl Lavis. Culm responded well in the second half and equalised through Stuart Shaw, but Dave Evans then netted the decider and the robins managed to see it through. Budleigh manager Alex Freer felt the result was right overall, but Culm were disappointed not to have got a draw.
Otterton had their promotion bid checked by a 2-2 draw with Alphington, having enjoyed a two goal lead. Mike Simpson and Kevin Pitt scored either side of half time for the Otters, but Alphington desparate for points to get out of the relegation zone responded well in the second half to grab a draw.

Senior Two
Halwill won the only game played in Senior 2 at bottom of the table Exeter Civil Service, but they had to work extra hard to beat their hosts 3-2. Goals from manager Andy Winser with a penalty, Andy Wonnacott and Liam Dart earned Halwill the points, but they could not understand why Civil are struggling as they really were tested. Veteran Roger Walford scored one of the Civil goals and it was a real scorcher. The result brings Halwill to within three points of unbeaten leaders Bow AAC whose match at Sidmouth was one of over 40 league matches called off because of the bad weather.

Senior Three
Promotion chasing Kentisbeare were held 3-3 by Sandford and had mixed feelings about the outcome. The home side came from behind to enjoy a 3-1 lead and felt they should have pressed on. Instead Sandford recovered well in the second half with two goals in the last fifteen minutes and despite having a man sent off. Ashley Perrott with two goals and Carl Todd were the kentisbeare scorers. Kentisbeare manager Graham Peers said making a double substitution at the half time when it was 1-1 made a lot of difference, and so he had to be dejected after losing the initiative.

Senior Four
Topsham Town chairman Kevin Heaver watched with pride as his son Lewis starred with a hat-trick in the 5-2 win against Crediton Utd. It was an afternoon for son's to make their dad's happy as one of the other Topsham goals came from Danny Pym, son of Mel. Topsham secretary Mike Webb also enjoyed the result and the afternoon although his son Kevin was denied a game because the Premier derby against the University just a pitch width away was waterlogged off.

Senior Five
The Phoenix Club took their senational 100% record to 11 after their 4-2 win against Colaton Raleigh and they are now just two points adrift of leaders Oakwood who were without a game. Phoenix manager John Antat reckoned it was a comfortable win although Colaton played well, and the show belonged to the Brown brothers. Dean Brown netted a hat-trick, Lee Brown had the other goal and Dave Brown was man of the match.
The Lord's XI came from two goals down to beat Legends 4-3 in what they felt was a cracking game. Two goal Julian Wills, Mike Holding and Chris Chamings did the business for the Lord's team, but the Exmouth side who enjoyed a two goal start which included a penalty and hit the post were always in the frame.
Sidbury Utd drew 3-3 with Ottery St Mary in their East Devon derby. Two goals from Chippy Churchill and one from Dan Norman earned Sidbury a point, but Ottery recovered well after being 3-1 down. Aaron Carpinini scored twice and the eventual equaliser came from Harry Potter. James Hudson was Otterys man of the match.

SATURDAY JANUARY 12

With the weather affecting most of the Devon & Exeter League, Newtown took advantage to close the gap at the top of Senior 1 with another outstanding 3-1 win at Broadclyst Social Club. The Grace Road side had to come from behind to take the points, but they were described by Broadclyst manager Paul Taylor as the best side they have met this season, with few weaknesses anywhere. Dean Voaden put Broadclyst ahead but they spurned the chance to increase their lead when Lee Williams missed a penalty. That was the catalyst for Newtown's response which began with a Corey O'Donaghue equaliser. A Jake Hobbs free kick put Newtown ahead and they completed the win with a shot from Simon Piper which deflected in off a Broadclyst defender. Newtown manager Pete Gaywood was delighted with the result which brings them to within five points of inactive leaders Budleigh Salterton. However they may be without key player Ross Walker for a while after he suffered a head injury which was quite serious.
East Budleigh also won 3-1 at home to Exeter St Thomas and likewise came from a goal down. The Saints goal was a Steve Brown penalty and the visitors managed to hold on to their lead until just before the break. Once level Budleigh gained momentum and in the second half established control with two further goals in the closing thirty minutes. Spencer West, Dave Radford and Dink Thomas netted one each for Budleigh and the win takes them up into the top three, and with matches in hand they are well placed to mount a title challenge. Saints manager Adie Stone says his team need a break, but they will keep plugging away to try and climb to safety.
Seaton Town won 2-0 at home to Elmore but claimed they ought to have been six goals up by the break. In fact Seaton failed to score until the 80th minute thanks to some great goalkeeping, some desparate Elmore defending and woeful home shooting, but finally Ben Ede with a terrific strike found the net. Josh French making his debut then added another goal for Seaton whose manager Mark Rooke was pleased not just with the victory but the chance for his side to get a game under their belt in readiness for next weeks County cup quarter final at Horrabridge.
Halwill climbed into second place in Senior 2 after their 4-0 derby win against North Tawton, but the West Devon side did not make the breakthrough until the second half. James Giordani then struck, Phil Wonnacott added a second and two goals from Thomas Ogbourne completed Halwill's success.
In the only other game played bottom of the table Lympstone won their basement clash against Exeter Civil Service 3-1 and as a result climb two places with Civil now dropping to last. Goals from James Beverley, Neil Middleditch and Liam Ellis did the business for Lympstone.
The entire Senior Three and Senior Five divisions programme suffered a wipeout because of the bad weather, and the only game to survive in Senior 4 was at Dunkeswell Rovers where Woodbury missed the chance to go top after losing 2-1. Brett Gloyn was the Woodbury scorer but either side of his goal, Dan Snell and Dan Crabb scored for the Dunks. Rovers whose pitch was in superb condition for the game, now have only two home matches left to play and both matches come in the next three weeks.

SATURDAY JANUARY 5

Senior One
Second place Newtown kept up their challenge to Senior 1 leaders Budleigh Salterton with a 4-2 win against their nearest neighbours Alphington, but manager Pete Gaywood felt they had luck on their side. The Alphas who are second from bottom played well enough to get something from the game acording to Gaywood, but they did not quite match Newtown in attack. Corey O'Donaghue with his customary two goals, Simon Piper and Ross Walker who was later sent off scored for Newtown, who are heading into the New Year with the prospect of Premier soccer looming for the first time ever.
Meanwhile leaders Budleigh hit the 50 league goals mark for the season, and took another stride towards the title with a 5-1 victory over Broadclyst Social Club. The contest was virtually all over in just fifteen minutes as the robins went three goals ahead. Simon Rose 2, Scott Thornhill, Scott Howarth and Craig Higham scored for Budleigh and they could even afford the luxury of a penalty miss by Dave Evans.
Willand Rovers won 3-0 at the University in the only other game to survive the weather. An incredible opening goal from Chris White shot Willand in front, White also had the third goal and manager Brett Andrews scored their second. The college team matched Willand for football but could not penetrate a Rovers defence which is the meanest in the division.

Senior Two
With their main rivals rained off, Halwill grabbed the chance to close in on the leaders with a startling 8-1 win at the University, and that after the college side had taken the lead. The response was emphatic led by an Andy Wonnacott hat-trick. Two goals from manager Andy Winser, Fraser House, Rob Hollins and James Giordani completed the scoring.
Upottery were also in the goal mood as they won 6-3 at Lympstone. Goals from Andy Isaacs 2, Jake Phillips, Mark Reed, Andrew Lord and Dan Prettejohn kept Upottery ahead, athough the vikings replies from James Beverely, Josh Sale and Dave Whipp maintained their interest.
Newtown are out of the bottom three after they won 2-0 at Dawlish Town. Mark Taylor had both goals for Newtown who rated their performance as the best this season.

Senior Three
Second from top Morchard Bishop had their 100% record ended by a 1-1 draw against their great rivals and current league leaders Beacon Knights. On chances Morchard felt they ought to have won and were disappointed not to have taken all three points, but having gone ahead with a Liam Scholfield strike, the Knights hit back for a point with an Adam May goal.
Colyton won the local derby at Seaton Town 1-0 and that took themr above their rivals and into the top six. Richard Tratt was the Colyton scorer.
Pinhoe climbed out of the bottom three after they won 3-2 at South Zeal whose Tom Riley and Scott Hooper scored the home goals.

Senior Four
Just two matches survived the weather in Senior 4 and that gave Woodbury the chance to climb into the top three after a 3-2 win at Newtown. The Exeter side led twice but they then had two players sent off including scorer Richard Denning. Adam Boulter was the other Newtown marksman.
Bampton won 1-0 at Crescent with a first half goal, but the Exeter side felt they had far more possession and ought to have at least drawn. The win lifts the ponies level on points with Crescent in mid-table.

Senior Five
Struggling Kentisbeare won an amazing match at Senior 5 basement rivals Broadclyst Social Club 10-6. According to Kents manager Andy Beaton it was non stop entertainment with Ross Kerslake and substitute Ross Acton both getting hat-tricks. The other goals came from Chris Beddows, Darren Wise, Daniel Bealey and the pick from Ross Pike from his own half.
Leaders Oakwood were beaten 7-2 at the Phoenix Club in Exeter despite coming from a goal down at half-time to lead 2-1. That sparked the Wonford team into action and the goals flowed freely. Dean Brown and Ashley Bailey both netted twice for Phoenix who maintain their 100% record. James Fanson, Ashley Cummings and an outstanding own goal completed the win and Scott Dove was rated as top player.
Thorverton closed to within two points of top spot after their 1-0 victory at the Lord's XI. Liam Vanstone was the goalscorer in a game of few chances.
Dawlish Utd beat Colaton Raleigh 2-1 with the winning goal from Adam Fahy coming just seconds from time. Ollie Bycroft had opened the Dawlish account in the first minute, but Colaton thought they had grabbed a deserved point seven minutes from time when they equailsed before Fahy had the last word with a free kick.

SATURDAY JANUARY 26

Intermediate One
Intermediate 1 leaders Countess Wear Dynamoes lost for just the second time this season beaten 2-1 at Cullompton Rangers. The Dynamoes scored first through Adam Whitty, but Rangers hit back by half-time and then on a sticky pitch netted the winner midway through the second half.
Axmouth Utd without a game for six weeks won 2-0 at second place Feniton. Dan Reynolds and Phil Squires scored for Axmouth.
Bickleigh leap into second spot after their 4-2 win at Dawlish Town. Matt Jones and Ian Mitchell shared the Dawlish goals.
Okehampton beat Culmstock 3-0 but felt they did not play that well. Rob Sandercock, Stuart Entwhistle and James Callaghan were the Okes scorers.
Heavitree Harriers were held 1-1 by derby rivals Exmouth Town, and Alphington won their basement clash against Newton Town 2-0, yet the South Devon side felt this was one of their best displays of the season.

Intermediate Two
Hemyock widened their lead at the top of Inter 2 with a 3-0 win against promotion rivals Awliscombe Utd. Sam Morgan 2 and Keith Bright were on target.
Uplowman Athletic were checked 2-2 by Honiton Town who were leading 2-0. Craig Lampton had both Honiton goals before Uplowman struck back and eventually saved a point with a Ben Hellier penalty.
Andy Lane grabbed a hat-trick for Lympstone who won 6-3 at Rockbeare Rangers. Jeff Dorman 2 and Ben Canning also scored for the Lympets. Bryn Lister, Ashley Andrews and Mark Walters scored for the Rangers.
Cheriton Fitzpaine beat Oak FC 3-1 with Djiji DoumbiaJ, Chris White and Hugh Sims scoring. Doug Scott the Oaks skipper was their scorer.
Hatherleigh won their derby match at North Tawton 2-1 with Steve Parsons getting both goals. Mike Drake was the Tawton scorer.
Northlew won 3-1 at home to AFC Sidford with Chris Raymont 2 and Simon Page scoring. The visitors goal was a penalty.
Beer Albion made short work of Exmouth Amateurs 7-0 with Luke Bartlett and Callum Gribble both scoring twice.

Intermediate Three
Heavitree Social Utd regained their outright leadership in Inter 3 after beating Colyton 4-0. Paul Furzer and Scott Jones who now has 20 for the season both scored twice for Heavitree.
Bow AAC were stunned by a 4-0 defeat at Priory. The Exeter side really hit top form with Scott Laskey getting a hat-trick. Ace High also scored and Trevor Quaintance was man of the match.
Langdon won 6-0 against Sporting Club Newton Abbot with Dave Reed scoring twice. Further goals came from Anthony Williams, Craig Farley, Mark Vooght and Micheal Hutchings.
Silverton beat the Met Office 3-1 with PJ Jarman 2 and Chris Jones getting the goals.
Chris Brooking and Dan Timms both scored twice for Follygate in their 4-2 win against Tedburn St Mary, and the winners celebrate that they have more points now than they collected all last season. Follygate also won sundays Geary cup tie against Uplowman 6-3 with Dan Timms 2, Paul Dennis 2, Neil Thomas and Andy Dennis netting the goals.
East Budleigh drew 1-1 with Crediton Youth, Matt Chown was the Budleigh scorer, and it also finished 1-1 between Newton St Cyres and Halwill with Sam Steer on target for the Cyres after they had keeper John Burridge injured. The referee making his debut in this match had an excellent game.

Intermediate Four
Inter 4 leaders Okehampton retained their ten point lead with a 5-1 win against Langdon. John Copeley 2, Paul Prouse, Tom Wall and Sean Hitchcock were the Okes scorers.
Bampton struggled to beat Otterton 1-0 with Rupert Harvey getting the only goal, but the win lifts them into second place.
Bradninch smashed six goals in the opening 35 minutes on their way to a 7-2 win against Lapford. Elliot Acton with a hat-trick, Steve Bishop 2, Nat Davey and Mike Holland with a penalty led the way for Bradninch.
Feniton beat Beacon Knights 3-2 with manager Bruce Knight getting the winner after two goals by Lee Ralls. Mark Flay and Darren Ley scored for a disappointed Knights.
Winkleigh ransacked Awliscombe 8-0 and the home side just didnt play according to their manager.
Sandford were 2-0 winners at Seaton whose 16 year old keeper Ryan Turner had a brilliant match.

SATURDAY JANUARY 19

At the third time of asking, Cheriton Fitzpaine are through to the area final of the Devon Intermediate cup after a 4-2 win against Langdon. A hat-trick from Chris White and a Jeremy Tricks goal did the job for Cheriton who will now meet Okehampton for a place in the semi finals proper.
A weary Cheriton failed to land a second cup success when they lost 3-0 at Halwill in the Geary cup on sunday. All three Halwill goals came in the closing ten minutes from Mark Wonnacott 2 and Lyndon Piper and included a penalty.

Intermediate One
All six matches in the first division were wiped out by the bad weather. The last match to go was at Culmstock where they were due to play their basement battle against Alphington.

Intermediate Two
Top_of_the_table Hemyock powered to a 6-0 win at Oak FC to open a seven point cushion. George Banfield starred for Hemyock with four goals with Darren Salter and Keith Bright adding singles. The match would have been called off as Oak's Hamlin Lane pitch was waterlogged, but they were switched to King George's.
No pitch problems at Lympstone where a 4-2 win against bottom of the table North Tawton lifted the home side into the top three. Dave Phillips with a good half volley, Andy Lowe, Jeff Dorman and Kim Garnsworthy scored for the Lympets and they praised Tawton for making it a good match.

Intermediate Three
Newton St Cyres and Clyst Valley drew 1-1 in the only game played in Inter 3 but the Cyres were slightly disappointed as the Valley equaliser came just ten minutes from time. Andrew Underhill was the Cyres scorer.

Intermediate Four
Bampton won the top of the table clash against Amory Argyle 2-0 with Pete Wilde getting both goals, and Amory knew it was not going to be their day when they missed a penalty. The ponies felt that overall they were worth the victory.
Bradninch came from a goal down to win 3-1 at Feniton where referee Phil Margretts had to send two spectators and their dog from the ground. Two goal Mike Bamforth and Nat Davey scored for Bradninch in a lively match well contested by both teams. Jamie Doidge was the Fenny scorer.

SATURDAY JANUARY 12

Just a week after their humiliating defeat by bottom of the Intermediate One division Newton Town, Culmstock came within seconds of a draw at second from top Feniton. The mid Devon side, showing great character, were less than 30 seconds from getting a priceless point but Ian Creek rescued Feniton to snatch a 3-2 win. John Phillips had earlier scored both goals for Feniton as they twice led, but goals from Rogert Drewett and Andy Ward lifted Culmstock hopes before Creek found his paddle. The match was the only survivor in the first division, and the win takes Feniton three points clear in second place but still some five points behind runaway leaders Countess Wear Dynamoes.
In Intermediate Two second from top Uplowman Athletic had their work cut out to edge promotion rivals Beer Albion 3-2. The winning goal from Ross Waring came in the second half after the first had ended 2-2. Ben Hellier and Lloyd Jackson were the other Uplowman scorers. Callum Gribble with a penalty and Phil Arbourne replied for the fishermen.
Hatherleigh Town also won 3-2 against North Tawton who fought back well after being three down. Alan Dennis, Robert Cockwill and Paddy Giles were the Hatherleigh scorers.
Follygate won their Intermediate third division derby match against Halwill 4-1 and rated it a very sporting game with not a bad tackle anywhere to be seen. The home side led 1-0 at the break through Dan Timms, but gained momentum after Chris brooking scored with a 35 yarder. Substitute Brian Welham and Joe Piddington added further goals.
A possible broken leg for one of the visiting Lapford players brought an early end to their game at Amory Argyle in Intermediate 4. The match stood at 2-1 in Amory's favour when the incident occurred after 74 minutes, and both team's were happy to call a halt to the match after the Lapford player was taken away to hospital. Richard Saupe and Rob Hannah were the Amory scorers.
League leaders Okehampton won a remarkable match at bottom of the table Otterton 7-4. The Otters resisted well but overall the Okes had the firepower to win the day. Mike Tett with a hat-trick and Mike Dabrowiecki were the Otterton scorers.Feniton manager Bruce Knight stunned his own team and visiting Langdon with a 40 yarder that was unstoppable. It only earned a 1-1 draw with the South Devon side, but was the highlight of a good battle between the two clubs. Neil Keene was Langdon scorer but the visitors finished with ten men after getting a red card.
Beacon Knights won 4-3 at Bradninch who felt a little hard done by as one of the Knights goals was alleged to have been handled. It was still rated as a good contest with Gary Jones, Steve Bishop and Zak Skinner from a free kick scoring for Bradninch.

Devon Intermediate Cup
Okehampton Argyle are through to the East area final of the Devon Intermediate cup after their 3-1 win against Oak FC. It has been a gallant road for the Exeter side who managed to lead at half-time, but in the second half Argyle finally found their goal touch which they felt had deserted them before the break. Stuart Entwhistle, Ricky Drew and Ross Sandercock then scored for Okehampton but the other semi final between Cheriton Fitzpaine and Langdon was postponed for the second week in succession. The game will now be rescheduled for this coming saturday with the league games between Beer Albion v Cheriton and East Budleigh v Langdon postponed to another day.

SATURDAY JANUARY 5

Intermediate One
The first saturday of 2008 was a massive day for bottom of the table Newton Town as they registered their first ever win in the Devon & Exeter league. The Newton Abbot team lost all 26 matches they played in Senior 4 when they first joined last season and actually ended on minus two points. The South Devon side were duly relegated two divisions into Intermediate 1 and have since lost their opening eleven games until last saturday when they finally cracked it, winning 4-2 at struggling rivals Culmstock. Janek Kapinski and Roland Blowers both scored twice for Newton, and it was a huge lift for secretary Simon Davison and treasurer Jo Davison who took over the running of the club at the start of the current campaign.
The UAU Exeter won the other game played 2-1 at home to Alphington. Damien Densham and Rob Southgate were the UAU scorers.

Intermediate Two
Beer Albion soared six places into the top four in Inter 2 after their narrow 2-1 win at home to Axminster Town. The tigers enjoyed the lead and the better of the game for the first half an hour in their local derby, but the fishermen hit back with a double from Luke Bartlett to take all three points.
AFC Sidford climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory against Hatherleigh Town. Rhys Perry and Guy Privett scored for Sidford and they felt that they could have scored a few more goals based on the possession they had.

Intermediate Three
Bow AAC went joint top of Intermediate 3 after their 3-1 victory against the Met Office. Goals from Tim Andrews 2 and Mark Frost saw off the weathermen.
Silverton put behind them last weeks defeat with a 6-3 win against Follygate with their goal machine Chris Jones getting four of the goals. Robert Money and Jamie O'Connor were the other Silverton scorers.
Priory won a really competitve match against East Budleigh 4-3. Two goal Mike Sorensen, Scott Laskey and Ace High with the winner were the Priory scorers.

Intermediate Four
Only one game in Intermediate 4 survived the elements Feniton able to deploy their third pitch, drawing 3-3 at home to Seaton Town. Feniton led 3-1 through Lee Ralls 2 and Jamie Doidge, but Seaton recovered for a point with Asa Sandman, Jack Bottomley and Josh Stunnell on target.
Over 40 matches throughout the League were washed away by the bad weather, easily the League's worst saturday of the season.