|
|
PREMIER DIVISION REPORTS FOR MONTH OF MARCH 2008
for SENIOR AND INTERMEDIATE REPORTS SCROLL DOWN |
|
SATURDAY MARCH 29
Thorverton clung on to second place in the Premier division with a 1-1 draw at title rivals Wellington Town, a result which gave little indication of where the elusive prize will end up. Wellington with matches in hand made a great start when Mark Fitzgerald scored in the fifth minute, but on the half hour Emlyn Harris cracked home the equaliser. After that the two top sides cancelled each other out, especially as the conditions worsened, and both were content with a point. Thorverton felt they could have won it, Adam Langabeer was unlucky twice in the second half, but in the end both camps felt a draw was the right outcome. A win for the thors would have pulled them level with leaders Exeter Civil Service, who have played one game more and had the day off. Wellington have matches in hand on both teams ahead, but their main challenge may come from behind in the shape of St Martins, who had to postpone their meeting with Heavitree Social Utd, and the University who are on their Easter break.
The bad weather reduced the Premier programme to just three games, and the two other matches played both ended level. Clyst Valley who are still in with a shout in the race at the top were held to a 2-2 draw by Feniton for the second week in succession. Unlike last weeks clash which was a bit ill-tempered, the latest offering produced a good sporting game and a result which both teams felt was fair. Jonathan French opened the scoring for Feniton, but Steve Millington then scored twice either side of half-time to give Valley a 2-1 lead. With seven minutes remaining Feniton then equalised through Andy Jones to collect a point manager Dave Carnall felt was crucial. Clyst still have six matches remaining, and a top three finish is not out of their reach.
New Cullompton Rangers manager Dave Greening, whose first match in charge was a 3-1 defeat against Hatherleigh last monday, inspired his team to a 1-1 draw at Heavitree Harriers, and that will have caused a few flutters in the basement. "Gazza" took an active role, and for the best part of an hour his side kept the Exmouth team at bay, until Andrew Taylor gave Harriers the lead. That looked to be enough for a very nervy Harriers, but in the last few minutes Neil Hunter managed to tap in the equaliser and the Rangers had a vital point. With seven games remaining, Cully are still eight points behind Topsham, but there was enough in the game to suggest they might yet come good. Harriers manager Jody Bolt felt his team dominated the match and should have won it, but is biting his nails as they limp towards the close.
TEAM OF THE DAY - CULLOMPTON RANGERS
SATURDAY MARCH 22
Exeter Civil Service claims that they were still up for the title race were justified with a shattering 4-0 win against St Martins, the team most rivals fear. The Premier leaders were able to field a stronger side than in recent matches, but they took the Minster Park team apart with a superb effort. A double first half strike from Mark Saunders gave Civil the momentum, but they really wrapped it up with a stunning goal from Neil Fairchild which left everyone speechless. Sean Densham then headed in the fourth as St Martins crumbled, but the Foxhayes team, getting just their second win in the last seven outings are back in business. St Martins manager Mike Nosworthy said it was the worst his side have played for a long time, but they will bounce back. The game was also witnessed by League general secretary Chris Davey and vice-chairman Roland Brown who agreed that on the day Civil made the Saints look very ordinary. The down side for Civil is that they only have four games left to play, and they cannot afford any slips.
Hatherleigh Town provided the big shock of the day with a 2-1 win at Wellington Town. In a dramatic match of three penalties, the North Devon side grabbed victory two minutes from the end through Simon James, having played three quarters of the match with ten men. Hatherleigh opened their account with a Dean Rice penalty, but then had a defender sent off. Craig Aspin equalised for Wellington also with a penalty, but Rice then missed another spotkick and the game seemed to be heading towards a draw until James popped in the winner. Victory took Hatherleigh out of the relegation zone, but was a severe dent to Wellingtons title hopes.
Having dropped to fifth last week, Thorverton regained second place with a 3-1 win at neighbours Bickleigh, but at the break they were a goal down and second best. The twist came after Bickleigh gave away a penalty, Ben Bristowe the victim, and Lee Riggs converting the spotkick. Thors then got the wind in their sails and goals from Simon Gregory and Emlyn Harris clinched the points. Tommy Taylor was the first half Bickleigh scorer, but the same player was later sent off.
Clyst Valley were held 2-2 at Feniton but were incensed by having a late goal disallowed for offside by linesman Dave Saunders who was adamant he got it right. Feniton had twice come from behind to level the game, but Clyst felt overall they had the edge and were left dejected by having the winner rubbed out. Jeff Saunders and Steve Millington were the Valley scorers, with John French and Jamie Easterbrook replying for the home side. Feniton manager Dave Carnall praised Valley linesman Reg Vicary for his honesty in awarding the opening goal by French, but equally thought his side deserved a point for a battling second half.
Sidmouth Town pulled off a superb 3-1 win at Beer Albion and felt they could have won by more. The vikings managed to ride out Beer's first half pressure and pounced on two defensive errors to get a two goal interval lead. Sidmouth then went three ahead as they enjoyed a strong second half, and Beer's only success came in the last few minutes with a Martyn Hancock penalty. Chris Duchenski, Dave Green and Billy Jaworski were the Sidmouth scorers, and for manager Paul Ashford they are now beginning to reap the benefits as they aim for safety.
Heavitree Social Utd shared a 1-1 draw with Heavitree Harriers with both teams feeling they could have won it. There were no goals in the first half as both team's battled for supremacy, but the Wingfield Park club then took the lead with a Ben Henderson penalty after Ben Murbey was felled. A concerned Harriers hit back with a brilliant right footer from Ryan Devlin, which even surprised manager Jody Bolt, but he was grateful for his defender's moment of glory. Heavitree's Ian Frankum said they were delighted to have Joel Hawes back in the side, and are still aiming to end the season on a good note.
TEAM OF THE DAY - HATHERLEIGH TOWN
SATURDAY MARCH 15
Just half a dozen matches survived the bad weather that decimated the Devon & Exeter Football League at the weekend, and as far as the Premier division was concerned it was a total washout. One by one clubs were forced to call off as grounds became waterlogged, just two senior matches survived, and although five Intermediate games were started, ultimately one of those matches was eventually abandoned.
The biggest disappointment for the Premier division was the crucial top game between St Martins and Exeter University, but that was one of the first fixtures to get the chop. Premier leaders Exeter Civil Service made the trip to Beer Albion but even the Furzebrake ground which is normally defiant whatever the elements throw its way, had to give up the ghost. The Beer club made valiant attempts to get the pitch playable, but an 11th hour downpour gave the referee little option not to start.
TEAM OF THE DAY - BEER ALBION (for all their efforts at trying to get the game played)
SATURDAY MARCH 8
St Martins 4-2 victory at Wellington Town has underlined their growing challenge as Premier title favourites but excitement is mounting as just five points now separate the top six clubs. With current leaders Exeter Civil Service taking the day off, all their major rivals had the chance to close up, but St Martins crucial win in Somerset was the most significant result. Saints twice enjoyed the lead at Wellington, turning around 2-1 ahead, and in the second half their sharpness in front of goal and general all round game kept their hosts at arms length. Ross Parker who was the pick of the side had the first and final goal for St Martins, with Darren Bingham and Kevin Pike also scoring. Tim Legg and Cameron Nott replied for Wellington, whose manager John Norman was taken to hospital with a possible cracked shin. Saints manager Mike Nosworthy said his team are buzzing, but it is their finishing which is making the difference.
Thorverton hopes of going top were brought to a halt at Heavitree Social Utd where they were beaten 1-0. The only goal came from Mark Smith in ther 41st minute and was enough to give the champions of two years ago maximum points. Heavies manager Wes Rice said that although his team was not at full strength he did not feel they would lose, and he is confident they are going to have a big say in the title race as they aim for a top three slot. Thorverton have a culture of winning two matches and then losing or drawing, so the next couple of games bodes well for the mid Devon side.
Exeter University made it five home wins in a row as they saw off Hatherleigh Town 3-0, but it was a bit tougher than some of their recent successes. Hatherleigh manager Stuart Dymond reckoned his relegation haunted team did not play well, but they managed to contain a college side which was averaging six goals a game in their last four outings. Dave Jarman, Chris Thorpe and Luke Davis were the University marksmen, and the students really are in the mix for honours.
Clyst Valley stay on the fringe of the race after winning 2-0 at Heavitree Harriers, and valley manager Jeff Weeks was very pleased with the way his team tackled the job. Steve Millington and Mike Lashbrook were the Clyst scorers, and Valley felt they always had the game under control. Harriers boss Jody Bolt said that overall his side had far more of the game but they cannot buy a goal at the moment and that is proving costly.
Shell-shocked Pinhoe chairman and manager John Moore resigned after his team were blown apart 7-2 at Feniton. Moore said he has cut his links totally with the club as he has been battling almost single handedly and getting no help, and was not prepared to continue like that. On the other hand Feniton sparkled and their finishing was second to none. Dave Court with two superb strikes and Andy Jones both scored twice, with Richard Hudson, John Phillips and top scorer John French getting his first league goal for over a month. Mike Williams had both goals for Pinhoe, but they lacked urgency and Feniton took full advantage.
Sidmouth Town took a huge step towards safety with a 5-2 win at Topsham Town, and defeat pulls the Coronation fields side back into danger. After three successive defeats it was just the tonic Sidmouth needed, and for manager Paul Ashford it was a result he felt was coming. Teenager Dave Green starred with two goals and the others came from Andy Thompson, Chris Duchenski and Anthony Griffiths. Gavin Ward and Stuart Tyrer replied for Topsham, but they were well beaten.
Bickleigh secured a 2-0 win at Cullompton Rangers but the Speeds meadow side thought that was a cruel result. The Rangers felt they did enough to get at least a draw for a battling effort. An own goal by Rangers defender Kirsten Parkhouse trying to clear off the line was just typical bad luck for a team which is rock bottom, but Bickleigh did get a late cracker from Jordan Copp. The win takes Bickleigh into a safe mid table slot, but this was not their best.
TEAM OF THE DAY - ST MARTINS
SATURDAY MARCH 1
Exeter Civil Service may have had their promotion and Premier title hopes blown apart after crashing 3-1 to a brilliant Bickleigh. The mid Devon side completed an amazing double over the current league leaders, having won 5-2 at Happy Meadow back in November, but for Civil the defeat could be very costly. Just three victories in their last ten outings has the Foxhayes team on the brink, and they admit they were well beaten by a Bickleigh side which in the second half put together some superb football. Luke Passmore with a real scorcher gave Bickleigh the lead, although Civil levelled when Neil Fairchild struck. At that point it looked like Civil would take charge, but Bickleigh regained the momentum through Stuart Anderson from a free kick and Nathan Haskins added their third goal to put the result beyond doubt. Bickleigh manager Nigel Raybould said his team played brilliantly with scorer Passmore dominating the game.
Thorverton are now within three points of Civil and have two matches in hand after their convincing 4-0 win against Feniton. The lure of second place inspired the Raddon Road side, and they were three ahead by the break with Adam Langabeer getting two of the goals. Feniton managed to calm matters in the second half, but the thors were still able to add a further notch to their belts. Bradley Riggs and Lee Riggs were the other Thorverton scorers, and with four wins from their last five outings the mid Devon team are well in the race for honours.
Exeter University ransacked bottom of the table Cullompton Rangers 9-0, have soared into fourth place and are also now in the title challenge. Cully, facing a fifth straight defeat managed to contain the college side to 2-0 at the break, but caved in after that as the floodgates opened. Tom Arnold with two goals took his tally to eleven for the season, nine goals having come in his last four matches during which the college have racked up 24 goals in total. Luke Davis with a hat-trick, Joe Woodward 2, Dave Jarman and Mike Georgiou were the other scorers for the University.
Beer Albion were held to a 1-1 draw by Heavitree Social Utd thanks to what they felt was a rather generous penalty. The Heavies had taken the lead in the last quarter of the match with a Wayne King header, but five minutes later the Albion were awarded a penalty after James Melville was brought down, and Martyn Hancock converted the spotkick. Heavitree felt they should have won it, but their concern was more for scorer King who may well have incurred an injury which could keep him out for a while.
EAST DEVON SENIOR CUP
Sidmouth Town provided the only upset in the quarter finals of the East Devon Senior cup after coming from two goals down to shatter Heavitree Harriers 4-2. It looked ominous for the vikings, beaten 5-1 by the Harriers in the County Premier cup earlier this season, when they fell in arrears, but they hit back to record a brilliant success and make it into the last four. Andy Thompson, Ben Cole, Simon Hudson and Dave Green were the scorers for Sidmouth. Harriers manager Jody Bolt was almost dumbstruck at losing the tie after goals from Paul McMahon and Andrew Taylor had them cruising, but the vikings had other ideas.
Clyst Valley went on a goal spree against Broadclyst Social Club winning 8-0. The Senior 1 side which has reached the final of the Devon Senior cup were no match for a Valley team which having established a 2-0 lead early in the second half then ran away with the tie. Ashley Mcdermid, Steve Millington and Jeff Sanders all netted twice, with Nathan White and Matt Thompson completing the rout.
Budleigh Salterton the other remaining Senior 1 team went out 4-2 at Hatherleigh Town, and the Premier side were a little surprised that their task was not quite as tough as they had expected it to be. Hatherleigh were two ahead at the break, and although Budleigh got it back to 2-1, they went 4-1 down and the tie was beyond them. Simon James with two goals, Scott Huxtable and a Dean Rice penalty did the job for Hatherleigh. Scott Thornhill with a penalty and Simon Rose scored for Budleigh whose manager Alex Freer agreed the better side won.
St Martins are now favourites for the trophy after their 4-0 victory at Pinhoe. Top scorer Darren Bingham with a hat-trick took his goals tally in cup ties to a dozen and could not be contained by the Pinn Lane side. Ross Parker also scored and Saints manager Mike Nosworthy said his team could have doubled their account. Pinhoe were short of their full side but manager John Moore would not use that as an excuse, they just did not play well.
team of the day - BICKLEIGH |
|
SENIOR DIVISION REPORTS FOR MARCH 2008 |
SATURDAY MARCH 29
Senior One A third draw in succession edged Seaton Town forward in the Senior 1 promotion race but manager Mark Rooke would have preferred a victory. In the only match played in this division because of the bad weather, Seaton were denied by some brilliant goalkeeping from Budleighs Nathan Hadley, and for the home side the draw also keeps alive their slender promotion chances. East Budleigh led at the break through Luke Kelsall, but Josh French levelled it for Seaton, and Hadley was the star as Budleigh held out.
Senior Two In the only match played in Senior 2, leaders Bow AAC won 2-0 at Barnstaple Town and are now within two matches of promotion. Both goals came in the last twenty minutes and the North Devon side were holding out well until they conceded an own goal. Gavin Coles then netted the second Bow goal, and the mid Devon side had the points in the bag. Barum manager Keith Shapland rated it a good spirited match.
Senior Three A hat-trick from Marcus Wyatt was the main feature for Seaton Town in their 4-2 win against the bottom club Motel & Offwell. Defeat means the Rangers are relegated, and they never really looked like adding to the meagre four points they have accrued after going two down at the break. An own goal added to the Rangers misery, but for Seaton they are at least looking fairly safe from the drop. Lapford won the only other match played, 5-2 against South Zeal, and among the goalscorers was Ed Quick who was celebrating his birthday. The other Lapford goals came from Luke Monkley, Mark Quick, Jack Tweedy and Roger Hill and the win gives Lapford renewed hope they can avoid the drop.
Senior Four
Topsham Town eased their relegation worries with a 3-1 win against Westexe Rovers. Danny Carpenter, Danny Pym and Gary Simpson shared the Topsham goals. Newton St Cyres and Crescent drew 2-2 but the home side had to come from behind twice. Chris Heardson scored both Cyres goals, and in the last two minutes Newton had a third goal disallowed for offside. The top game between joint leaders Axminster and Witheridge was a victim of the weather.
Senior Five Runaway leaders Phoenix Club are within a point of promotion and need to win just two more of their remaining eight games to become Senior 5 champions. Their latest success was a 9-2 romp at home to Thorverton with Ashley Bailey getting four of the goals. Scott Dove 2, Aaron Lee, Ashley Cummings, and Mark Layfield were the other Phoenix scorers, with Ryan Smith their man of the match. Second from top Oakwood were felled 3-1 at Dawlish Utd who rated their performance as one of their best this season. Dawlish also missed a penalty, but reckoned they could have doubled their account by the close. Mike Riches, an own goal and Adam Fahy scored for Dawlish. St Martins kept the pressure on their rivals with yet another win, 2-1 at Broadclyst Social Club, but it was close. Martin Partridge was the Broadclyst scorer. The Lord's XI won 3-0 at Colaton Raleigh in their penultimate match and that keeps alive their slender chance of a top three slot. Chris Chamings with two goals and Sam Johns were the Lord's scorers, while defeat leaves Colaton almost out of the equation. Sidbury Utd won 6-0 at Legends and even if they win their last match can finish no higher than where they currently lie eighth. Russell Coombes with a hat-trick, Johnny Beer, Mark Hadley and Paul Beacham were the Sidbury scorers.
TEAM OF THE DAY - DAWLISH UNITED
SATURDAY MARCH 22
Senior One Willand Rovers on the brink of the Senior 1 promotion race smashed five goals in the last fifteen minutes to shatter relegation threatened Exeter St Thomas 6-2. The mid Devon side were 2-1 down and facing a shock defeat on their own patch when they suddenly exploded into action. After the deluge Chris White finished up with a hat-trick, with Sam Williams, James Howe and George Rogers getting a goal apiece. Defeat was another major blow to St Thomas fading hopes of staying up. League leaders Budleigh Salterton won 3-0 at Westexe Rovers and on the day were much the better side and put in a performance which delighted manager Alex Freer. Dave Evans, Scott Thornhill and Tony Pallett shared the goals for the robins who hit the 50 mark in points. Joint leaders Newtown beat Elmore 2-0 to edge ever closer to promotion but they were made to work hard by an Elmore side which played well above their position in the table. Richard Frayne and Ross Walker were the Newtown scorers both goals coming in the second half. Seaton Town had to settle for yet another draw, 1-1 at home to Alphington who startled their hosts by taking a tenth minute lead. Seaton then hit the bar four times, three of those from corner kicks, but taker Ben Ede finally got his reward with yet another corner kick. East Budleigh won 1-0 against Culm Utd but felt they were much the better side. Richard Thompson was the Budleigh scorer and the home team also had a goal disallowed. Exmouth Amateurs game against Broadclyst Social Club was postponed as Warren View was still waterlogged.
Senior Two Senior 2 leaders Bow AAC clocked up their 16th win of the season and are almost within sight of promotion after getting the better of Sidmouth Town 2-0. The bottom side played well but conceded a goal in each half and are now virtually stranded on the basement rung with just four games left. Second place Halwill were checked by a 1-1 draw at Newtown whose Paul Brooks scored their only goal, and renews hopes that they can scramble to safety. Honiton Town saw their promotion hopes almost ended by a 0-0 draw at third place Upottery. It was Honiton's first draw this season but was a good point for Upottery who look well placed to step up. Sidbury Utd won a crucial game at Barnstaple Town 2-1 with goals from Matt Rasmussen and Dan Churchill. Keith Shapland was the Barnstaple scorer. St Loyes are temporarily out of the danger zone after beating Exeter Civil Service 3-2. Jason Bastin had both goals for Civil. Ashley Arscott scored twice as North Tawton won 4-0 at Dawlish Town who drop into the relegation zone having had four points deducted last week.
Senior Three Morchard Bishop opened a four point cushion at the top of Senior 3 after winning 7-2 at South Zeal. Chris Andrews and Matt Buckingham both scored twice for Morchard. Heavitree Social Utd deposed Kentisbeare from third place after beating their promotion rivals 3-0. Two goals by Elliot Acton and a 40 yard wind assisted lob from manager Shawn King did the trick for Heavitree. Sandford moved into fifth slot after beating Uplowman Athletic 2-1. Steve Morrish and Lloyd Phillips were the Sandford scorers, but with just four games remaining Sandford still need to keep it going to have a chance of a promotion spot. Colyton hopes suffered a big setback when they were beaten 4-2 at Winkleigh. James Tucker and Ian Gooding scored for Colyton. Luke Skinner making his first team debut scored for Lapford in their 4-2 win against fellow basement strugglers Motel & Offwell. Luke Monkley, Dave Shepherd and Mark Williams also scored. Steve Flack with his first goal gave Tipton St John the lead against visiting Pinhoe, but the Exeter side then scored twice to win 2-1.
Senior Four With Senior 4 leaders Axminster out of action as their game at Woodbury was rained off, Witheridge missed the opportunity to take over when held 0-0 by Westexe Rovers. Withy manager Mark Vellacott was not best pleased but he paid big credit to Westexe who fully deserved a point. Clyst Valley made up some ground beating Dunkeswell Rovers 2-0 but it was far from easy and the Dunks forced the home keeper into a few big saves. Toby Tagg and Mark Harris were the Valley scorers. Bampton also chasing third place had to dig deep to better Crediton 1-0. The only goal came from Danny Loftus and neither side had many chances. Topsham Town were held 1-1 by Newton St Cyres, Simon Jenkins getting the home goal, and it ended all square at 3-3 between Tedburn St Mary and Crescent. Paul Mills, Adam Slater and Barry Stansford scored for Crescent who were twice behind and then 3-2 ahead with five minutes to go.
Senior Five The Phoenix Club, seeking to become the sixth team in the last ten years to go through the entire season unbeaten, went top of the Senior 5 division after a narrow 2-1 win at Thorverton. Dean Brown and super sub Ryan Smith with the winner after good work by Jason Worth, were the Phoenix scorers, but the star of the show was keeper Lee Butler. St Martins beat Ottery St Mary 2-0 to step up to fourth place, level on points with Colaton Raleigh who turned it on in the second half to beat Sampford Peverell 5-1 having been 1-1 at the break. Tom Rapps 2, sub Nick Baxter 2 and Neville Furnival were the Colaton scorers but they were denied more goals by a brilliant Sampford keeper. The Lord's XI won a dramatic game against Kentisbeare 5-4, the winning goal from Tim Holding coming in the last minute. Chris Roper and Steve Alford both scored twice for Kentisbeare. Two own goals, Mike Holding and Julian Wills were the other Lord's Scorers. Dawlish Utd won 3-0 against Broadclyst Social Club but felt it was a tough contest. Jack Chadwick, Kit Hardee and John Hardee were the Dawlish hitmen. Sidbury came from a goal down to beat Exmouth Amateurs 3-1. Kevin Dorman 2 and Johnny Beer were the Sidbury scorers.
TEAM OF THE DAY - WILLAND ROVERS
SATURDAY MARCH 15
The weather could not beat the amazing Broadclyst Social Club ground where Senior 1 rivals Seaton Town featured in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The astonishing fact was that a youth game had been played on the same pitch in the morning yet it stood up to the test with flying colours and both Broadclyst and Seaton did the day credit with a full-blooded contest that ended with a deserved outcome. Five goals came in the first half, and the pace never relented. For the home side Colin Gray snapped up a couple of goals and Adam McNeil had the third. Bradley Groves scored twice for Seaton with Ollie Highett netting their third. Broadclyst manager Paul Taylor was happy with a point as was Seaton manager and goalkeeper Mark Rooke who on the day probably had less to do than his opposite number. The only other Senior match played was in division 5 where a strong Thorverton team won 4-0 at Sampford Peverell. The home side felt the scoreline did not do their game justice, but Thorverton had an outstanding edge in attack which brought double strikes for Paul Campbell and Carl Davey. For Sampford their man of the day was Dominic Van-Bussell, but unhappy manager Bruce Henderson said his team did not deserve to have lost so heavily.
TEAM OF THE DAY - BROADCLYST SOCIAL CLUB
SATURDAY MARCH 8
Senior One Three wins from their last four games will guarantee a top three slot for Newtown and be enough to apply for Premier football for the first time in their history. The Grace road team scrambled a nervy 1-0 win at home to East Budleigh, Jake Hobbs getting the only goal in the first half, but that was good enough to take them joint top as they move into the final sprint for the line. Promotion rivals Seaton Town also won 1-0, at home to Westexe Rovers, but the winning goal from Mike Wheeler came in the 89th minute from a corner kick and was a big relief for manager and keeper Mark Rooke who had an outstanding game. Leaders Budleigh Salterton were held to a 1-1 draw by the University scoring just eight minutes from time through Dave Evans, and have finally been caught. The robins, missing a number of key players at the college, have six games left to play, and like Newtown, three wins will ensure a promotion place. Otterton won 5-3 at Exmouth Amateurs who are now five points adrift of their nearest relegation rivals. Ashraf Ghani 2 and Robbie Lambrook scored for the Amateurs. Culm Utd won their derby game with Elmore 3-2 but have left themselves too much to do. Darryl Berner 2 and Stuart Shaw were the Culm scorers. Mark Pickford had both for the eagles. Exeter St Thomas and Broadclyst Social Club shared a 1-1 draw, Steve Brown giving the Saints the lead before Colin Gray equalised.
Senior Two Senior 2 title favourites Bow AAC regained top spot after beating Honiton Town 3-1. The mid Devon side felt they were always in control and goals from Mark Searle, Craig Harris and Ryan Greenwood proved the point. After just a week at the top Halwill were edged back with a 1-1 draw at Sidbury Utd. Russell Coombes converted the Sidbury goal after a brilliant move, but Andy Wonnacott rescued the visitors. Upottery came from a goal down against St Loyes to win 4-1. Andy Isaacs with a hat-trick and Bruce Leaman were the home scorers. The University won a close match at Exeter Civil Service 3-2 and have moved ominously into fifth place. Danny Belsten and Mark Saunders scored for Civil. Sidmouth were a goal up at Barnstaple at the break but were then turned over 3-1. Dean Jones, Keith Shapland and Liam Hawkins scored for Barum.
Senior Three It was all change again at the top of Senior 3 with new leaders Morchard Bishop getting the better of a battling Heavitree Social Utd 4-2. Liam Scholfield 2, Chris Andrews and Matt Woodward scored for Morchard, but at 2-2 the Heavies were really in with a shout. Beacon Knights were a goal down at South Zeal after an hour but managed to hole out for a 1-1 draw. Gary Smith scored for Zeal and the Knights were rescued by an own goal, although they did dominate the last half an hour. Kentisbeare were also held 0-0 at Tipton St John, but it was a good match despite the lack of chances. Derek Heavey was the Tipton man of the match. Sandford increased their promotion hopes with a 4-2 win against Winkleigh. Steve Morrish, Nigel Harris, Dan Wheatman and Ben Waller shared the goals. Uplowman won 3-1 at Lapford whose Shane Leach scored their only goal. Pinhoe won 2-0 in their basement clash against the Motel and Offwell.
Senior Four Clyst Valley were beaten 4-1 at home by Bampton in Senior 4 just two weeks after winning 4-0 in the ponies stall. Defeat was a blow to the Valley promotion hopes but they are still well positioned. Danny Loftus 2, Ryan Cottrell and Rob Sheen netted for the ponies. Matt Thompson was the Clyst scorer with a 25 yard rasper. Leaders Axminster Town won 5-2 at Tedburn St Mary despite going a goal down. Terry Emmett was the star for the tigers and one of their scorers. Second place Witheridge won 4-1 at Newtown whose Paul Brooks scored their only goal. Steve Roach, Kyle Hall, Alex Shepherd and Phil Dart shared the Withy goals. Newton St Cyres are almost out of danger after their 2-1 win at Westexe. Sam Moore and Chris Dudley were on target for Cyres. Chard Town beat Dunkeswell 3-2 after being three up. John Lewis with a penalty, and Phil Patterson scored for Dunks whose manager Rod Hill hit the bar in the last minute. Crediton are off the bottom rung after their 2-1 win at home to Crescent. Joel Rice and Dean Tickner scored for Crediton.
Senior Five The Phoenix Club brushed aside Sampford Peverell 5-0 to stay on course for the Senior 5 title. Star man Ashley Bailey with a hat-trick, Nick Brooks and Lee Moxey scored for the Wonford side who really turned on the style. Top of the table Oakwood stay ahead after a battling 2-1 victory at Thorverton. Lee Mellon had both goals but Thorverton were always in with a chance. Colaton Raleigh won 5-2 against Legends after a brilliant first half which had them 5-1 ahead. Mike Bott with a hat-trick was in awesome form, with Ollie Paget and Neville Furneval also scoring. St Martins soared into fifth place after a 2-1 win at home to Exmouth Amateurs and that was their ninth game unbeaten. Greg Price was the Ammies scorer and they led 1-0 at the break. The Lord's XI were checked by a 2-2 draw against a very good Dawlish Utd. Julian Wills and Steve Brown scored for the Lord's team. John Beer netted twice for Sidbury in their 3-0 win atainst Broadclyst Social Club. Mike Pigeon had the other goal.
TEAM OF THE DAY - BAMPTON
SATURDAY MARCH 1
Senior One Exeter St Thomas manager Adie Stone fears his team may well be on the brink of relegation from Senior 1 after they could only draw 2-2 against visiting Westexe Rovers. The Saints were just four minutes away from a long overdue win when Westexe equalised, and although they still have nine matches to play, Stone thinks the task of survival is probably beyond his team. Goals from Rob Privett and Steve Carter turned a deficit into a 2-1 lead, but Westexe came late to snatch a draw. Exmouth Amateurs also look doomed after going down 2-1 at home to Alphington. The Ammies with just one victory all season were ahead through Ashraf Ghani, but then missed a few good chances and were made to pay. The win takes Alphington up to tenth, their highest place this season, but they too are still in danger. Elmore eased their worries with a 3-0 win against East Budleigh who in turn are dropping rapidly out of the promotion race. All the goals came in the second half, Steve Rowlands getting the eagles in front with a penalty. before Neil Wilkinson and Kieran Harvey added further goals. Newtown closed to within two points of top spot after their 2-0 win at home to the University. Goals from Richard Denton and Dan Leverton were enough to see off the college side and delight Newtown boss Gary Miles, and the Grace road side are now eleven points clear of their nearest promotion rivals. Two of those challenging are Otterton and Culm Utd who battled out a 2-2 draw. The visitors led twice through Stuart Shaw and Adam Pengelly, but Otterton replied with two goals from Simon Tuley, his second coming just five minutes from the end. Seaton Town with matches in hand added spice to the promotion race with a superb 3-0 win against Willand Rovers. Ollie Morgan, Jamie Poynton with a penalty and Bradley Groves scored for Seaton.
Senior Two With leaders Bow in cup action, Halwill regained top spot in Senior 2 after crushing Lympstone 6-2. Doubles from manager Andy Winser and Andy Wonnacott, with Thomas Ogbourne and Ross Slade also scoring were far too much for a disappointing Lympets team which is now seriously in danger of the drop. There was disappointment for Upottery whose recent good run was brought to a juddering halt at the University by a 4-2 defeat. Andy Isaac had both Upottery goals. Dawlish Town shocked Honiton Town 4-1 and the East Devon side currently cannot buy a win. Josh Chastey, Lee Fenner, Liam Jones and Gary Hodgson were the Dawlish scorers. Richard Newby netted the Honiton goal but they were well beaten. Barnstaple Town ended a poor spell with a 4-2 win at North Tawton whose Dan Cornwall and Luke Compton scored their goals. St Loyes also stopped the rot winning 2-1 at Sidmouth Town whose only goal came from Jean-Paul Staniforth.
Senior Three Senior 3 leaders Beacon Knights were stunned by a 3-2 defeat at Sandford, who are currently riding on the crest of a wave. Goals from Steve Morrish, Kevin Payne and Ben Spears lanced the Knights, and on this form Sandford might yet have a big say in the promotion hunt. Third place Kentisbeare lost for just the second time this season 2-0 at Colyton. It was a superb win by the East Devon side whose goals came from a James Tucker penalty and Jason Potter. Kentisbeare had a man sent off for the penalty they conceded. Struggling Lapford won 3-1 at home to Seaton Town which has renewed their hopes of survival. Two goal Ed Quick and Luke Monkley scored for Lapford. Charlie Cross was the Seaton scorer. Winkleigh were 1-0 winners at the Motel and Offwell who felt unlucky to have missed out, and there were no goals between Uplowman Athletic and South Zeal, although the home side felt they should have been given a last minute penalty.
Senior Four Axminster Town regained top spot in Senior 4 after edging promotion rivals Clyst Valley 2-1. Kye Feller was the Clyst scorer, but the Valley had key player Paul Jarman taken to hospital with a dislocated knee. Woodbury promotion hopes were virtually ended by a 3-1 defeat at home to Newton St Cyres. Ian Lock was the Woodbury scorer. Chard Town were 3-1 winners at Tedburn St Mary who are now deep in trouble. Carl Smith scored twice for Chard. Basement dwellers Newtown and Crediton Utd shared a 0-0 draw which really did neither side a favour. Dunkeswell Rovers are up to fifth after a 3-2 win at Crescent, but after being three down the Exeter side only played in the last twenty minutes when they hit back from Carl Sandy and Adam Slater. Topsham Town are also in trouble after losing 2-0 at home to Bampton, and the tops did not play well at all.
Senior Five Ottery St Mary had their ten match unbeaten run in Senior 5 brought to a grinding halt at Colaton Raleigh where the home side won 5-3. Colaton raced into a three goal lead in just fifteen minutes and kept their grip after that. Tony Cox and Ollie Paget both scored twice but the pick of the Colaton goals and a real rarity came from Darren Bennett. Scott Halliday, Nick Searle and James Hudson scored for Ottery. The leaders Oakwood suffered a huge setback when they were toppled 3-2 on their own patch by much improved Sampford Peverell. Goals from Tim Robinson, Dominic Van-Bussell and Phil Conn did the job for Sampford after they had gone a goal down. The Lord's XI also foundered 3-1 at home to St Martins although they felt they were much the better side. Micheal Holding was the Lord's scorer. Saints who are now unbeaten in their last eight matches scored through Paul Vice, Paul White and Adam Price, and have set their sights on finishing in the top two. Thorverton won 3-1 at Legends to renew their promotion hopes with Sean Tucker, Carl Davey and John Nott on the scoresheet. Kentisbeare held out for 40 minutes against Dawlish Utd, but then gave away a penalty and went on to lose 4-0. Broadclyst Social Club won for just the third time this season beating bottom of the table Exmouth Amateurs 3-0.
EAST DEVON BILL SLEE CUP Five players were sent off in an amazing Bill Slee cup quarter final between Westexe Rovers and Sidbury Utd which the latter won 6-3. Sidbury finished the game with just eight men on the pitch, their goalkeeper being the first of their three players to be red-carded, but Sidbury are through to the semi finals thanks to a Russell Coombes hat-trick, two goals from Dan Churchill and a Matt Rasmussen single. Heavitree Social Utd came up with a shock 3-2 win against Bow AAC and manager Shawn King was elated. Adam Cann, an own goal and Richard Phillips with the winner put Heavitree through. Tipton St John edged Newtown 1-0 with a goal from Neil Gooding after being put through by former Exeter city star Steve Flack. Morchard Bishop sailed into the semi finals on the back of a 4-0 win against Witheridge. Liam Scholfield 2, Chris Andrews and Neil Vogwill were the Morchard scorers.
TEAM OF THE DAY - HEAVITREE SOCIAL UTD RESERVES |
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION REPORTS FOR MARCH 2008 |
SATURDAY MARCH 29
Intermediate One Intermediate first division leaders Countess Wear Dynamoes had to settle for a 1-1 draw against visiting Cullompton Rangers which was a jolt to their title hopes. Dynamoes led at the break, but a spirited Rangers hit back from Shane Coffey and felt they were good value for a point. Second from top Bickleigh bounced back from their Easter Monday defeat to win 4-1 at Culm Utd. Culm in relegation trouble were three goals down at the break and went four behind before getting a consolation from Ben Sharland. Axmouth Utd had their promotion drive checked by a 1-1 draw with Heavitree Harriers. Christian Burridge was the Axmouth scorer after Harriers had taken the lead.
Intermediate Two Awliscombe missed the chance to gop top of Inter 2 when they were held 1-1 by Hatherleigh Town. The North Devon side defended superbly to deny the Awls who went a goal down early in the second half before Dave Trenchard scored a vital equaliser. Awliscombe also had a late goal ruled out. Beer Albion stole the show with a thumping 7-1 win against Lympstone, and the visitors reply only came in the last minute. Luke Bartlett scored a first half halt-trick for the fishermen, and after that the trail continued through Matt Cosgrove, Callum Gribble, Justin Adkin and Chris Bowles. Cheriton Fitzpaine saw off Rockbeare Rangers 5-0 with Mark Bristowe getting a hat-trick. Chris White and Alan Webber also scored for the Fitzers who doninated the game. Honiton Town also won 5-0 away to Oak FC, and were also in top form. Paul Blackmore with a brace, Craig Lampton, Stuart Mackay and Tom Chown scored for Honiton. AFC Sidford put together one of their best displays this season to beat North Tawton 6-1, and that takes them out of the bottom three for the first time. Joseph Samuals scored the first two goals for Sidford, whose Rhys Perry, Guy Privett, Rob Maloney and Ash Allen then added a goal each.
Intermediate Three The Intermediate third division leaders Silverton conceded two goals in the last five minutes to end an extraordinary game against second from top Langdon which finished 6-6. Entertainment was certainly the name of the game but given how tight the title race is in this section, both teams regarded it as points dropped. Chris Jones the Silverton goal machine hit four goals and Parry-John Jarman had the other two. Bow AAC romped to a 9-1 win against the Sporting Club Newton Abbot and that has hoisted the mid Devon side into second place. Chris Venelle and Mark Frost both scored twice, with Paul Edworthy, Neil Carpenter, Richard Dyer, Brian Leach and Andy Lethbridge also getting in the act. Defeat leaves SCNA just a game away from the drop. Heavitree Social Utd were 2-1 winners at Priory but they really had to work hard for the points. John Britton and Jack Seatherton were the Heavitree scorers. Ace High replied for a dejected Priory who felt they played against a stronger than expected Heavitree unit. Clyst Valley won 4-2 at Crediton Youth with Toby Tagg getting two of the goals. East Budleigh won 5-0 at Colyton to remain on the brink of the promotion race, but they need several more results like this to catch the leaders.
Intermediate Four The Beacon Knights took another big leap towards promotion with a 5-3 win against Winkleigh. Ryan Crocker, Mark Langdon, Darren Ley, Ross Tremewen and Liam Roast all chipped in for the Knights with a goal, and they now share third place with Amory. Bampton were a goal down at home to Sandford but rallied to win 2-1. Danny Coles and Nick Eaves were the scorers for the ponies whose substitute Pete Wilde was credited with turnng the game around.
SATURDAY MARCH 22
Intermediate One Alphington hopes of avoiding the drop from Intermediate 1 were given a big boost by their 2-1 victory against Cullompton Rangers. Dan Hayman and Adam Westle were the Alphas scorers after they had been a goal down, and the Alphas are out of the relegation zone for the time being. Second from top Bickleigh were held to a 2-2 draw by Culmstock who have already been relegated. Jerry Smith and Jemie O'Lauchlin scored for Bickleigh but they missed a penalty and scored an own goal. Axmouth Utd won 2-1 at Exmouth Town to boost their promotion challenge, Phil Squire and manager James Teed scoring. Culm Utd drop into the bottom three after their 1-1 draw at home to Dawlish Town. Phil Farrah was the Culm scorer.
Intermediate Two
Intermediate 2 leaders Hemyock were unable to play their match at Exmouth Amatuers and made a wasted journey as the changing rooms at Withycombe common remained locked for Easter and not a groundsman in sight. That gave Uplowman Athletic the chance to draw level which they did with a 1-0 win at Northlew, the only goal coming from Paul Forman. Third place Lympstone were held to a 1-1 draw by Cheriton Fitzpaine whose Mark Bristow scored their only goal. Awliscombe pressed their challenge winning 2-0 at Hatherleigh Town, and that was the same scoreline for Beer Albion at Honiton Town. Ben Raynes and Callum Gribble scored for the fishermen. AFC Sidford won 4-2 at North Tawton after being 2-1 down. Bobby Hunt and Gwiddian Daker were the Tawton scorers. Matt Preece hit a hat-trick for Axminster Town as they saw off Rockbeare Rangers 4-0.
Intermediate Three Silverton are now four points clear at the top of Intermediate 3 after a 3-2 win at Clyst Valley. Langdon clung on to second place after a 1-0 win at Colyton, Dave Reed was the matchwinner, but it was equally close for rivals Bow AAC at Halwill where the mid Devon side won 2-1. Paul Sanders was the Halwill scorer. Andrew Underhill hit a superb hat-trick to steer Newton St Cyres to a 3-2 win against East Budleigh having been one down. Andrew Case and Jamie Drummond scored for Budleigh. Long time leaders Heavitree Social Utd blew a 2-0 lead, missed a penalty and had to recover from a 3-2 deficit to take a point from a 3-3 draw. Two goal Jack Seatherton and John Britton with a late equaliser scored for Heavitree. The Met Office clocked up a 4-0 win at home to Tedburn St Mary to maintain their recent good run. Gary Ofield, Ben Stainfield, Craig Stevens and Ross Lister shared the goals.
Intermediate Four Bradninch were three goals down at half-time against promotion hopefuls Amory Argyle in Intermediate 4, but made a startling recovery to win 6-3. Elliot Acton and Dan Brooks both scored twice for Bradninch, with Steve Bishop and Nat Davey getting a goal each. Leaders Okehampton destroyed Otterton 7-2 to maintain their ten point cushion over Bampton who were 4-1 winners at Lapford. Danny Coles, Paul Gould, Sean Hitchcott and Nick Eaves shared the ponies goals. Adam Phillips earlier gave Lapford the lead. Langdon had their work cut out to defeat Seaton 4-2 but at a cost as replacement keeper Jimmy Harvey was then sent off in the last minute. Finn Graham and Matt Goodchild both scored twice for Langdon, Gavin Warren the Seaton manager had both goals for his side.
SATURDAY MARCH 15
Feniton won the only game played in Intermediate 1 with a 4-2 success at bottom of the table Culmstock. The victory elevated Feniton up to fourth but they struggled against a Culmstock side which has twice given their rivals a hard time. Tom Perryman had the last two goals for Feniton after strikes by Ben Allen and Phil Palfrey. John Stone and Richard Hayes scored for Culmstock.
Cheriton Fitzpaine were leading Axminster Town 1-0 after 58 minutes in the only Second division match played but the referee then brought matters to a halt as play became impossible. Mark Bristowe scored the Cheriton goal, but the League are likely to order a replay.
Follygate spent most of the morning getting their ground ready for their Intermediate 3 game against Langdon, and it paid off. Follygate won 6-4 having been 5-0 ahead and 5-1 at the break. Paul Dennis with a hat-trick in a 12 minute period, Chris Brooking 2 and Dan Timms scored for the home side.
The Intermediate 4 leaders Okehampton Argyle routed Awliscombe 9-1. Will Eddy and John Copeley both scored twice for the Okes with singles coming from Shane Moddox, Richard Caron, Chris Holland, Tom Wall and Paul Prouse.
Otterton beat Feniton 2-0 with both goals coming in the second half. Mark Tett and Pete Mclean were the Otters scorers.
SATURDAY MARCH 8
Devon Intermediate Cup Okehampton Argyle hopes of a place in the Devon Intermediate cup final were ended at Horrabridge near Plymouth where they were beaten 2-1. The Okes were two goals down at the break but got back in the game through Aaron Ditchburn before Horrabridge scored their third goal. Buckland beat Bideford 2-0 in the other semi final.
Intermediate One Richard Gilbert scored a hat-trick for Intermediate 1 leaders Colaton Raleigh as they won 4-2 at the UAU Exeter. Gilbert's brother Adrian Letheren was the other scorer. Bickleigh went on a goal spree against Culmstock winning 11-0 and that means Culmstock are the first team in the league anywhere to feel the drop. Adrian Baker and Jerry Smith both scored hat-tricks. Dawlish Town won 3-1 against Newtown Town with Josh Ferry-Woodward and newcomers David Hudd and Ben Chick scoring. Alphington and Feniton drew 2-2, Steve Lawler and Ben Allen getting the goals for Feniton. Exmouth Town beat Culm 4-2 but only after squandering a two goal lead.
Intermediate Two League leaders Hemyock were held to a 4-4 draw at Axminster Town who thought they gave the game away. Two goal James Bennett, Lee Beer and Matt Preece were the tigers scorers. Andy Hiller with two goals, Darren Salter and Robbie Brooke were the Hemyock scorers. Uplowman Athletic shocked Cheriton Fitzpaine 5-1 after scoring four goals in the first twenty minutes. Paul Forman 2, Mike Cooke, Adam Westbrook and a Ben Hellier penalty provided the Uplowman goals. Honiton Town did even better as they stunned neighbours Awliscombe Utd 6-1. Paul Blackmore starred with four goals with Sean Lapping and Steve Charlton getting a goal each for Honiton who feel they are not out of the running. Beer Albion gave Oak FC a two goals start but recovered to win 4-2. Luke Bartlett began the rescue with two goals and then James Melville and Simon Smith netted the last two for the fishermen. Northlew ended a bad spell when they won 2-0 at North Tawton, Chris Raymont had both goals, and Lympstone moved into third place after their 3-0 win against neighbours Exmouth Amateurs. Mark Dabrijivic 2 and and Nathan Thompson scored for Lymstone.
Intermediate Three Priory soared into second place in Inter 3 after their convincing 4-1 victory at Langdon. Scott Laskey 2, Ace High and Ben Miller with his first of the season scored for Priory. Miller scored from less than a foot from a long clearance by Mike Phillips which was going in anyway. Alex Main was the Langdon scorer but it was a bitter blow for the South Devon side. Silverton moved four points clear of the pack after their 4-2 win against Clyst Valley. Former long time leaders Heavitree Social Utd bit the dust again beaten 4-1 at East Budleigh. James Drummond scored twice for the home side. The Met Office maintained their good run beating Crediton Youth 2-0. Ben Stanfield and Gary Ofield were the Met men scorers. Newton St Cyres long trip to Halwill was ended by a 3-0 defeat. Sean Knight, John Richards and Thomas House shared the goals. Follygate were a goal down at the break away to the Sporting Club Newton Abbot, but then got going to win 4-1. Paul Dennis 2, Dan Timms and Neil Thomas had the follies goals.
Intermediate Four With leaders Okehampton not in action, Bampton closed up after swamping Beacon Knights 5-1. Amory Argyle came from two goals down to beat Lapford 4-2. Luke Skinner had both Lapford goals before Paul Pengelly, Lee Butler, Rob Hannah and Marlon Holley hit back for the Tiverton team. Winkleigh powered to a 6-2 win against Langdon and four of their goals came from corner kicks. Steve Leaman and Finn Graham scored for Langdon. Seaton Town won 3-2 at the Motel & Offwell but nearly paid the price for being too casual. Jez Rostrun, Bill Yeoman and Asa Sandman scored for Seaton. Awliscombe and Feniton drew 1-1, Bruce Knight getting the visitors goal with a penalty.
SATURDAY MARCH 1
Intermediate One Bickleigh clung on to second place in Intermediate 1 after their 5-3 victory at the UAU Exeter. Two goal Rob Davey, Simon White, Dave Triggs and Stuart Entwhistle were the Bickleigh scorers. Okehampton kept their title hopes going as well after their 5-2 win at Culmstock but the bottom side put up q good fight. Okes Daniel Gibbs with a hat-trick included two penalties, but they also had manager Steve Harris sent off. Exmouth Town won 3-0 at Dawlish Town whose top striker Tom Ormandy suffered a broken collar bone.
Intermediate Two Inter 2 leaders Hemyock had two players sent off but managed to recover from being a goal down at Rockbeare Rangers to win 2-1. An own goal and then Alex Baird with the decider won it for Hemyock. Cheriton Fitzpaine's legal trio Jerry Tricks, Hugh Sims and Chris White were the first three scorers on route to a 4-0 win against AFC Sidford. Mark Bristowe completed the summing up in what the cherries said was a good sporting game. Oak FC beat Hatherleigh Town 4-0 but rated it a dour game. Dean Willis with a hat-trick and Jamie Denham scorer for the city outfit. Awliscombe Utd were 2-1 down at the break against Axminster Town but turned it around to win 7-2 with Sam Tennant getting four of the goals. James Bennett and Howard Midworth were the tigers first half scorers. Lympstone won a close match at Northlew 3-2, Simon Page and Matt Adams scoring for the home team.
Intermediate Three Silverton have gone top of Inter 1 for the first time after winning 4-2 at Crediton Youth. Jamie Farrel 2, Parry John Jarman and Matt Worthington provided the silver ware. Season long leaders Heavitree Social Utd were finally knocked off their perch after a 4-3 defeat by Bow AAC. Heavitree were leading 3-1 with a Paul Furzer hat-trick, then lost their way and another player with a bad injury. Clyst Valley edged Tedburn St Mary 2-1 after being a goal down at the break. Sam Cooper and Chris Haase were the Valley scorers. The Met Office enjoyed a 2-2 draw at Halwill despite leading 2-0 at the break. Paul Hutchings and Gary Ofield scored for the weathermen, but Thomas House and John Richards rescued Halwill. Colyton won 5-2 at the Sporting Club Newton Abbot with Dave Long getting a hat-trick. Nick Taylor had the other two goals. Matt Burridge scored twice for Newton St Cyres in their 2-2 draw against Langdon who were one up at the break.
Intermediate Four Lapford felt they had won the lottery after racking up an 8-1 win at Awliscombe. It was a day to savour for the mid Devon side whose Luke Skinner scored four goals as they won for just the third time this season. Amory Argyle beat Otterton 3-1 to close the gap on the leaders. Marlon Holley 2 and Russell Worby with a penalty scored for Amory. Beacon Knights had to work hard to better Seaton Town 3-2, but all three goals came in a purple patch just before half-time. Winkleigh and Sandford shared a 3-3 draw, Gary Stagg, Wayne Bradnock and Glyn Baker on target for the visitors. Langdon ran Bradninch ragged as they dismissed their visitors 4-0.
FOOTBALL EXPRESS CUP The Phoenix club stormed into the semi finals of the Express cup after steam-rollering Axmouth Utd 7-0. The Wonford side had thought they would be given a tough test, but Axmouth mounted little resistance. Nick Brooks 3, Scott Dove 2, Ashley Bailey and Joseph Taylor were the scorers for Phoenix with Dean Brown the pick of the side. Feniton beat Sidbury 5-2 after extra time but ought to have won it in the first 90 minutes. Both Tom Perryman and Jamie Doidge scored twice for Feniton. Heavitree Harriers are through after beating Culm Utd on penalties 4-2. Ben Sharland and Phil Dunbar scored for Culm but their star was keeper Andrew Parkhouse.
EAST DEVON GEARY CUP Priory made it into the semi finals of the Geary cup despite being behind in extra time against Follygate. The tie had ended 1-1 and the visitors managed to go in front but Priory then woke up to win the day 4-2. Ace High and an own goal kept Priory in the game and then Scott Laskey had the two deciding finishes. Honiton Town went through to the last four with a first half goal from Paul Blackmore that beat East Budleigh 1-0, and Beer Albion are also through after winning a penalty shoot against Bampton 3-1, having spent two hours battling the ponies and the elements without scoring.
Team of the day - Lapford Reserves |
|