Fourth Herald Final in Five Years for Buckland Reserves (Local Football Round-Up Part 1/2)

Fourth Herald Final in Five Years for Buckland Reserves (Local Football Round-Up Part 1/2)

Buckland Athletic Reserves turned up the heat in the second half of last night’s Herald Cup semi-final to reach their fourth Herald Cup final in five years. Opponents Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves had held their own in the first half, enjoying plenty of possession, but Bucks always looked dangerous and went ahead just before the break. After the restart, things went from bad to worse for Spurs who went two down and then lost Darren Sowerby to a red card. Bucks took full advantage of the surplus man, hitting three further goals before Spurs managed a consolation through Andy Eden. Lee Chapman found the net twice for the Yellows who also scored through Gav Collins, Matt Beer (pictured) and Morgan Harford.

Harford and Beer were also on the score-sheet last Saturday, along with Jamie Micklewright who put away two, as Bucks secured their semi-final place with a 4-3 extra-time win at Upton Athletic.

Spurs moved up into the top six of the league after a second 3-1 victory in a row, this time at home to East Allington United. Leaders Watcombe Wanderers were held 2-2 at home by Ivybridge Town Reserves which enabled Dartmouth AFC to narrow the gap with a 4-0 home win over Brixham AFC, Karl Baker scoring twice. Kingsteignton Athletic came away from Windmill Hill with a surprise three points, a single goal enough to beat Waldon Athletic. One goal was also sufficient for Stoke Gabriel at Kingskerswell & Chelston.

In Division One, leaders Buckland Athletic Thirds won 3-1 at home to Newton Abbot ’66 while second placed Chudleigh Athletic were held 2-2 at Bovey Tracey Reserves. Third-placed Ashburton continue to do well, Clifford and Roles helping them to a tight 2-1 triumph at Totnes & Dartington Reseerves. Beesands Rovers’ home tie with Babbacombe Corinthians ended in dramatic fashion with Bees skipper Luke Broad requiring stitches after picking up a nasty gash during an accidental clash of heads.

The match finished two apiece with Danny Tucker and Finley Bullen scoring for Beesands and Jay Essam and Josh Haycox on target for Corries. A Horn double helped Stoke Gabriel Thirds to a 4-2 win over Buckland & Milber. The visitors scored through Dan Steer and Ben Clifford. Ipplepen won 5-3 at bottom side Kingskerswell & Chelston Reserves.

Roselands comfortably brushed Teignmouth Reserves aside 8-1 to tighten their grip on the Division Two title. Buckfastleigh Rangers and Watcombe Wanderers Reserves continue to push with narrow wins. There were two goals apiece for Jordan Ewing and Dave Crowhurst as Newton United returned from Abbotskerswell as 6-0 victors; Ben Drinkwater and Lewis Austin scored United’s other goals. With bottom side South Brent unable to raise a side, Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves picked up an easy three points. Hookhills United exacted immediate revenge for last week’s defeat to Paignton Saints with a 3-2 victory over their rivals. Both sides had had to make several changes from the week before and it was a close match with United starting the better. Had Saints not defended well, Hookhills would have gone ahead in the first half, but the score remained goalless by the break. Hookhills came out fired up and scored two quick goals but, with 20 minutes left, Luke Johnson set up Josh Wigginton to reduce the deficit. Five minutes later, a lay off from Johnson fell into Gareth Hunt’s path and he hit an unstoppable 20 yard strike into the top corner to level it up. But Hookhills had the final word with less than 10 minutes left, breaking forward and scoring despite their striker having scuffed his shot.

Two goals from Ollie Stallard and a single from Ashley Yeoman ensured Division Three leaders Salcombe Town came away from bottom side Dittisham United with a 3-1 win. Dartmouth AFC Reserves moved above Liverton United Reserves with four goals and a clean sheet at Chudleigh Athletic Reserves; Cameron Webb managed a double for Darts with Scott McRoy and Joe Kirby also netting.

Division Four leaders Roselands Reserves won again, beating Broadmeadow 2-1, while Barton Athletic moved back up to second with a 5-1 win away at Torquay Town. Clarke scored a brace with the other three coming from Alvey, Thomas and an unfortunate Town player. David Prout’s goal was consolation only for Meadowbrook Athletic who were beaten 5-1 by Ashburton Reserves. Riviera United and Babbacombe Corinthians shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw.

In Division Five, leaders Moretonhampstead beat Torbay Police 4-2 while bottom side Chudleigh Athletic Thirds shook things up with a surprise 4-1 win over Riviera United Reserves. The result moved Chudleigh above Malborough United who lost out 5-1 at Newton United Reserves, Guttridge and Austin scoring two each and Bunday also on the score-sheet. Broadhempston United Reserves had the opportunity to reclaim second with a win at Paignton Saints Reserves who were missing a number of regular players. It proved to be a day to forget for Saints who battled hard, and even cancelled out Broads’ opener with a Tom Biscardi strike before going down to an 8-1 hammering. The goals were also flying in for Buckland & Milber Reserves who thrashed WBB AFC 8-1; Cory Brennan grabbed the lion’s share of the goals with four, while Danny Harry, Lee Goode, Antony Williams and Lee Hayman netted one apiece. Stoke Fleming & Strete came out on top of a less one-sided nine goal thriller with a 6-3 victory away at Newton Rovers Reserves.

Finally, the last of the outstanding divisional cup first round ties delivered nine goals, Stephen Rohan’s hat-trick and a single from Scott Mackay not enough to prevent Watcombe Wanderers Thirds crashing out of the Les Bishop Cup 5-4 to Newton Rovers who will play Roselands Reserves in the quarter-finals.