SDFL round up 07.01.23
Paignton Saints Reserves and East Allington United became the first sides through to the Herald Cup quarter-finals last Saturday as two ties survived the torrential weather, writes Neil Hocking.
Torbay Clearance Services Premier Division side Saints scored five against Division Three opponents Ipplepen Athletic Reserves. but Pens left Coach Road with their heads held high scoring three themselves. There were two goals each from Brandon Kelly and Joshua Mason with Joe Franklin also on target for the home side.
A hat-trick for Finley Bullen saw Premier side East Allington United comfortably through to the last eight at the expense of Division One outfit Upton Athletic. Dylan Coates and substitute Finley Bullingham wrapped up a 5-1 victory for the Pirates with Kirean Nixon sinking a consolation for Upton.
Only six league ties survived the weather, including one Premier Division clash, between Waldon Athletic and Brixham AFC Reserves. The Clarets, under new manager Casey Roberts, and fielding a host of new faces, were unable to upset the form book, losing out 3-1 to the high-flying Fishermen who are now just two points off the top with a trip to second-placed Buckfastleigh Rangers to come on Saturday.
Rain was no issue for the players at South Devon Sports Centre, and Ilsington Villa were especially effective on the artificial surface in the first half against hosts Paignton Villa. The visitors took a three goal lead into the break with strikes from Dan Langford, Matthew Warman and Robert Young leaving Ben Norton’s side with a huge job to do after the break. But the hosts rose to the occasion, goals from Harry Atkinson and Josh Wren pulling the score back to 3-2. But Ilsington held on for the win which takes them within three points of unbeaten Division One leaders Beesands Rovers who host them next month. Ilsington’s next game is at home to Division Two side Newton Abbot Spurs Thirds as they eye a Herald Cup quarter final spot.
It was a good afternoon for the division’s Plymouth contingent. Third-placed Morley Rangers, playing their first league game since November, got back to business with an emphatic 9-1 victory over Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves. Dalton Brammer put away a hat-trick, Steven Rogers and sub Charlie Hardcastle scored twice each, and there were also goals from Raine Chinnock and Ben Hall, Russell Ellis responding for Buckfastleigh.
Plympton Athletic returned from bottom-placed Barton Athletic with the points, scoring five and keeping a clean sheet. Colin Pritchard scored three times with Mitchell Medlen and Grant Craven adding their names to the score-sheet in the second half.
There were no games at all in Division Two while in Division Three, Waldon Athletic Reserves increased their lead to six points with a 3-0 win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United. Shane Essam netted an early penalty for the Clarets, and goals from Adam Townsend and Josh Clarke had the points wrapped up by half-time.
The sole game in Division Four saw Paignton Villa Thirds celebrate a 4-2 triumph at Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves. Sean Hunter and Stuart McAuley each bagged braces for Villa with Corries’ goals supplied by Jonty Kingston and Connor Nettleton.
This Saturday, Herald Cup holders Kingsteignton Athletic host Plymouth side Elburton Villa Reserves in the round’s only all-Premier clash. Division Three’s Bovey Tracey Reserves will be hoping to spring yet another cup surprise as they host Premier Division outfit Ivybridge Town Reserves. Torquay Town face a tough test at Watts Blake Bearne, Brixham Town welcome Newton Abbot ’66 to Furzeham Green, and Babbacombe Corinthians are at home to SGT Police Reserves.
