Bojar Heroics Puts Wattsies Through
As sunshine and football returned to South Devon, Watts, Blake & Bearne were reminded that every cloud has a silver lining as young debutant goalkeeper Matt Bojar performed heroics to knock holders Loddiswell Athletic out of the George Belli Cup. WBB were due some good news after the recent departures of manager Neil Snell and shot-stopper Jamie Bradley, and sixteen year-old Bojar delivered the goods with two penalty saves as the Claymen dispatched Hoops 4-3 in the shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. While WBB were busy becoming the first team through to the last four, Brixham AFC and Waldon Athletic were finally contesting their delayed First Round tie at Wall Park. Scott Dodgson and Stephen Beer put the hosts through to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 extra-time victory over the Clarets where they will meet Ivybridge Town Reserves in the last eight.
Ivybridge were in league action at home to Kingsteignton Athletic, and despite not having kicked a ball this year, Colin Barnard’s side maintained their unbeaten streak with a 2-0 win. Stoke Gabriel Reserves enjoyed their biggest league victory of the season beating Kingskerswell & Chelston 4-0 at Broadley Lane.
Brixham AFC Reserves dug out a shock result in Division One, beating leaders Bovey Tracey Reserves 3-1 away in the division’s only game.
Meanwhile, on-fire Ben Robey hit a hat-trick for holders East Allington United as they edged into the semi-finals of the Dartmouth Cup at the expense of Newton Abbot 66. Broadhempston United are also into the last four, Liam Clifford and Sam Chorley with the goals in a narrow 2-1 win over Kingskerswell & Chelston Reserves. Abbotskerswell fell at the first hurdle, going down 2-1 at Teignmouth Reserves.
Beesands Rovers booked their place in the Lidstone Cup semis with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Upton Athletic Reserves; Lee Morgan and Tim Bromfield managed two apiece, with Nick Bromfield also scoring. Foxhole United heaped more cup misery on Babbacombe Corinthians with a surprise 4-0 win at Barton Downs to book their quarter-final place. John Bolus was once more on target for the Ronald Cup holders with Clarke, Wooton and Highfield adding to their tally.
South Brent defeated Teign Village 5-0 in the First Round of the Ronald Cup.
Max Prestwood and Gary Aldous both racked up hat-tricks as Roselands demolished Bovey Tracey Thirds for the second time this season. Not content with scoring 16 against the Moorlanders in the league back in September, the league leaders netted another 13 with no reply to reach the Les Bishop Cup semis. Also on target were Andy Raybould (2), Marc Graham, Dan Paget, Sonwabile Mlenze, Martin Luker and Lloyd Martin. Watcombe Wanderers Reserves and Waldon Athletic Thirds will meet in the quarter-finals, with the Clarets looking for recompense for their Reserves’ losses in both the Fred Hewings and Devon Intermediate cups. Watcombe saw off Salcombe Town 6-0 with Sevvy Reilly (2), Jordan Finch, Joshua Lowles, Joseph Mascilo and Zane Turner on the score-sheet. Waldon put out Ilsington Villa 3-1. South Brent Reserves ended Dartmouth AFC Reserves’ participation winning 2-1.
Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves scored through Ryan Porter, Jay Revell and Alex Haynes to knock out Newton United Reserves and move into the quarter-finals of the Bill Treeby Cup. Newton Abbot 66 Reserves are into the semis after winning 3-1 at rivals Newton Rovers, while Torbay Police also won away in their quarter-final, beating Polonia Torbay 2-0.
Barton Athletic set up an Ivor Andrews Cup semi-final clash with title rivals Watcombe Wanderers Thirds with a thumping 10-0 triumph over Torre. Jody Rooney bagged himself a hat-trick; Craig McGuinness and Jamie Tozer hit doubles and Daniel Windemer, John Fleet and Chesh Solecki scored singles for Athletic. Also through to the final four are Kingsbridge & Kellaton United who knocked Ashburton Reserves out 3-0 at the Malborough Playing Fields.
In Division Two, Corderoy’s double ended Paignton Saints’ dismal run as the home side defeated Hookhills United 2-1. Reece Summers and Jamie Ford netted for Brixham AFC Thirds as they beat Harbertonford 2-0.
In Division Three, Ashburton moved four points clear with a 3-1 home win against Tots Thirds. Chudleigh Athletic secured their first points of the year with a 2-1 victory against East Allington Reserves.
In Division Four, Dittisham United goal machine Sam Bruckner struck three times at Shinners Meadow as the South Hams side defeated Paignton Saints Reserves 5-1; Bastin and Kirby completed the rout.
A single goal from Nick Rushe at Riviera United was enough to keep Preston South End top of the pile in Division Five. AFC Staverton returned to form with a 6-0 victory at home to Broadhempston United Reserves to move second, while goals from Liam Walton (2), Luke Williams and Matt Billingham lifted Roselands Reserves up to fourth as they beat Buckland & Milber Reserves 4-2 away.
Watts, Blake & Bearne Reserves will play South Brent in the Buddens Westinsure Devon Intermediate Cup Area Final after knocking out last year’s Area winners Buckland & Milber 4-2 at Abbrook Park.
