Category: League News

thorverton fc

Elmore host leaders as chasing pack hope to gain ground

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

As some of the teams in our league sneak up towards the half way point of the season already, we have another full fixture list of entertaining games including the second encounter between some sides already this campaign.

The league table is really starting to take shape now as we head ever closer to Christmas and the colder weather. It is also important to remember that, due to the dark nights closing in, the majority of games in the league are now kicking off at 2.15 pm with the exception of North Molton SC v Dartmouth this weekend, who remain with a 3 pm kick off.

Appledore v Bere Alston United:

It is the longest trip in the league this weekend as second from bottom Bere Alston United make the mammoth trip to Appledore for the first meeting between the two teams this season. The hosts now sit third in the division and had gone on an unbeaten run of seven games until their last outing, where they lost 3-0 at second placed Plymouth Marjon. The run of seven games without defeat dated back to August and included a 3-2 win at top of the table Alphington, and the Fishermen will be hoping to start another run of form as they look to close in on the teams above them in the table. The visitors come into this match having lost 1-0 at Dartmouth last weekend, thanks to a very late winner, but are unbeaten in their previous two games prior with a 6-1 win against Ipplepen Athletic and a 2-2 draw against Budleigh Salterton. It will be a tough ask for the visitors to get anything from this game, but as we all know, anything can happen on the day.

Beer Albion v Plymouth Marjon:

The hosts currently sit in ninth spot following some mixed form this season which has seen them win six and lose five of their thirteen games, but they will be hoping for some revenge following a 3-1 loss at the Campus earlier in the season. Second placed Marjon will be looking to get the double over their hosts but will know that the Furzebrake is no easy place to win, as Beer Albion remain unbeaten at home in the league this season. Beer won this fixture 1-0 last season and so Marjon will be hoping to get their first win in East Devon.

Elmore v Alphington:

It has only been just under a month since these two sides last met, going head to head in the ThirstFitness League Cup. It was a very even match that day, and it required penalties for the two sides to be separated. Since then, Alphington have won all three of their games in all competitions whilst Elmore have won 6-0 in the Devon Premier Cup and lost 5-0 at Exeter University in the league. The Eagles have won six of their eight home games in all competitions this season whilst Alphington are unbeaten in their eight away games. Everything suggests that this is going to be another close encounter.

Newtown v Budleigh Salterton:

Eleventh against twelfth in what should be an evenly matched game, as two teams struggling for form come head to head. Both sides have already met this season as Budleigh Salterton won the return fixture 2-1 in September, and Newtown will be looking for revenge as they will hope to pick up their first win since September. The Robins haven’t won in the league since beating Newtown on the 11th of September, so they will be hoping for seventh time lucky. Budleigh Salterton currently sit bottom of the form table whilst Newtown occupy thirteenth spot, both teams will be looking at this game as a winnable match to hopefully give their side some confidence.

North Molton SC v Dartmouth:

The only 3pm kick off in the league this weekend, as North Molton SC will be looking for instant revenge after losing 4-1 at Dartmouth in their last league game. It has been a hard start to the season for the north Devon side who have only managed two wins in their opening twelve games, as they sit just three points above bottom of the table. Dartmouth have had mixed form since relegation from the South West Peninsula League and have won seven and lost six of their first fourteen league games but come into this game having won their last two.

Ottery St Mary v Ipplepen Athletic:

The visitors find themselves bottom of the league so far and have been shy in front of goal with an average of just one goal per game. The Pens make the journey to Ottery St Mary looking for revenge from the opening day defeat, where the Otters won 3-1 at Moor Road, hoping to make the most of the hosts recent mixed form which has seen them win one of their last three. Due to grounds maintenance, the Otters haven’t played many home games this season, but they have won three of the four games they have hosted, including a comfortable victory over the University of Exeter. Although bottom of the league, Ipplepen come into this game on the back of a 2-1 ThirstFitness Cup victory against Budleigh Salterton and a 1-1 draw in the league against Newtown.

Plymstock United v University of Exeter:

Struggling Plymstock United welcome last season’s league champions to Dean Cross hoping to use home advantage to try and pull away from the bottom of the table. Whilst scoring goals isn’t too much of an issue for the hosts, as they have scored in ten of their last eleven league games, defensively they will have to try and work on the average of 2.8 goals conceded per game. University of Exeter have managed to get to fourth in the league table and scoring goals doesn’t seem to be a problem for them either, as they average 3.9 goals scored per game. This game could see plenty of goals.

Topsham Town v Thorverton:

Topsham Town remain unbeaten at home this season with five wins from their opening five home games, as they continue to push near the top of the table. Last time out, Topsham beat Beer Albion 3-1 at home, and they will be looking to add further to their winning streak. Their visitors narrowly lost 1-0 at Alphington last weekend but prior to that won their previous three league games 1-0. This fixture last season saw the two teams play out a pretty uneventful 0-0 draw, but both teams are having a much better season this time around so hopefully we will see some goals. Thorverton (pictured) have already won the return fixture 3-1 back in August.

waldon v thorverton devon premier cup 2024

Marjon v Eagles a Standout Fixture in Late October Fixtures

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

As we come to the end of October we have a full fixture programme in store and plenty more action to come before Christmas which is slowly creeping up on us. So far this season, the weather has been kind to us and long may that continue.

Alphington v Topsham Town:

Alphington have adapted to live in the Devon League, following promotion from the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division, like a fish to water having won eight of their opening twelve league matches and coming into this game top of the table. Visitors Topsham Town have also enjoyed a great start to the season and sit in fifth spot with six wins and three draws from eleven games. The last time the two clubs met in a league game was in the 2021/2022 season, which ended in a comfortable Topsham Town win as they beat the Alphas 5-0. A home win in this fixture will see Alphington end the day just two points less than they ended the entire 2021/2022 season with!

Appledore v Plymstock United:

It is a long trip to North Devon for Plymstock United as they look for their first league points at Marshfield since the final day of the 2013/2014 season which saw Plymstock win 2-1. The Stockies make the long trip on the back of just their second league victory this season, as they beat Beer Albion 3-2 at home last Saturday. As for their hosts, Appledore won 4-1 on the road at Dartmouth last week and currently sit third in the division; the club have also scored three or more goals in all of their last three fixtures, so the Plymstock defence will have to be at their best to help pick up some points on the road.

Beer Albion v Newtown:

These two clubs have something in common: they are the only two sides who have lost away at Plymstock United this season, as Beer Albion lost 3-2 on the road last week. Beer have now failed to win any of their last three league games, and this includes a 3-2 defeat away at Newtown in September. As for Newtown, their last win in all competitions came against Beer Albion as they have gone on to lose 2-1 at North Molton SC and on penalties at Beesands Rovers in the Devon Premier Cup. A game between two out of form teams who will both be looking to change their luck and get back to winning ways.

Bere Alston United v Ipplepen Athletic:

The bottom two in the league go head to head on Saturday, and the hosts remain the only side in the league without a win to their name. It hasn’t been all bad for the hosts this season though who managed a point against high flying Topsham Town, beat Beer Albion in the ThirstFitness League Cup and took a 2-0 lead against Budleigh Salterton last Saturday, only to draw 2-2. Visitors Ipplepen Athletic have endured some heavy defeats so far this season but also managed a point in their last league fixture, as they drew 1-1 against North Molton SC last Saturday. This will be a tough game for both of the league’s basement sides, and a win for either side could prove to be massive in a bid to pull away from the bottom of the table.

Budleigh Salterton v Thorverton:

The hosts will be looking to improve on their performance from last weekend as they had to battle from 2-0 down to get a point at bottom of the table Bere Alston United. The hosts have failed to win in any of their last five league matches and will be hoping to put an end to that run against a Thorverton team who sit just five points ahead. The visitors have won both of their last two away games 1-0, and whilst they don’t score many goals, they are not a team to knock having already taken several points off the clubs at the top of the division this season. This could be a close game that once again comes down to just a single goal separating the sides.

Dartmouth v North Molton SC:

Following relegation from the South West Peninsula League Premier East at the end of last season, Dartmouth have struggled to hit the ground running this season and have just managed five wins from twelve games. The Darts have lost three of their last four league games, and this includes two 4-1 defeats against Appledore and University of Exeter. The hosts will be looking for a change in form as they host struggling North Molton SC who are third from bottom with just two wins in eleven games, however, the visitors come into this game unbeaten in their last two, as they picked up a point at fellow strugglers Ipplepen Athletic and beat Newtown 2-1.

Plymouth Marjon v Elmore:

Second place host fourth place in the league in what could be the standout game of the day, as both clubs come into this fixture on twenty two points. Last Saturday, both clubs were in ThirstFitness League Cup action and went all the way to penalties to determine the winner, as Plymouth Marjon were victorious against University of Exeter whilst Elmore lost at Alphington. In the league, Elmore have won their last two games whilst Plymouth Marjon have lost two of their last four. This should be a tight match but a very entertaining fixture.

University of Exeter v Ottery St Mary:

University of Exeter have lost their last two games, as they were defeated on penalties in the ThirstFitness League Cup at Plymouth Marjon and lost their last league game 2-0 away at Ottery St Mary. The Students will have this recent defeat to the Otters on their mind and they will be out looking for a quick revenge. The Otters lost 1-0 at Thorverton last weekend but won their last two league games prior to that as they beat Uni and Plymstock United. Recent form suggests this game could go either way as University of Exeter will want to close the gap on the top of the table whilst Ottery St Mary will know that a win could help push them closer to the top five.

bere alston v Plymouth marjon

The Premier Cup Gets Underway on Saturday

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

It is County Cup week and this means that ten of our sixteen clubs are in Devon Premier Cup action as they begin their cup runs all hoping to reach the final in May. Beer Albion are the current holders of the trophy following a 3-1 victory against Park United in last season’s showpiece.

Alphington v Totnes & Dartington:

The hosts come into this game on the back of their first defeat this season as they lost 3-2 at home against Appledore on Saturday but will feel confident against South Devon League Premier Division side Totnes & Dartington. The visitors have won three and drawn one of their opening five fixtures in the league below as they currently sit third in their division. This will only be the second away match of the season for Totnes & Dartington whilst Alphington host their fifth home game in their last six matches! The two clubs have history as they regularly met in the South West Peninsula League Division One East and Totnes & Dartington were victorious on the last meeting as they won 3-1 away in February 2017.

Beesands Rovers v Newtown:

South Devon League Premier Division side Beesands Rovers have struggled so far this season and currently find themselves bottom of their division with four defeats from four games, they host a Newtown side who have had plenty of match action this season having already played twelve games. Newtown have only won three of their opening twelve so will be looking at their cup fixture against lower opposition as a welcome distraction. This is the first competitive fixture between the two sides who will both be looking for a win to kick start their season.

Bere Alston United v Plymouth Eco:

The hosts are bottom of the Devon League with just two points from their opening eight games and they will be hoping for a confidence boosting win against lower opposition to help with their league form. Their opponents haven’t had a great start to the season either as they have just two wins from nine matches in the Plymouth & West Devon Football League. The visitors have scored twenty and conceded twenty in their last five matches so supporters in attendance can expect goals.

Budleigh Salterton v Kingsteignton Athletic:

The hosts have won four and lost six of their opening ten games and they face a tough match at home against a Kingsteignton Athletic side who caused one of the biggest shocks of the tournament last season as they knocked out Appledore. It has been a tough start to the season for the South Devon League Premier Division visitors who are yet to win a league game this season and have played every match away from home. The Rams have lost two of their matches 3-1 whilst losing the other matches 3-2 so they will be hoping for that bit of luck to get their first win of the season. Three of Budleigh’s four wins so far this season have come at home and it is proving a tough place to visit.

Princerock FC v North Molton SC

North Molton SC have had a slow start to the new season with only one win and a draw from their opening nine matches and they face a long trip to visit a Plymouth & West Devon League opponent who they have never met before. The hosts are mid-table in their division but have lost their last two matches coming into this 6-0 at Signal Box Oak Villa and 4-3 at home against Plymouth Hope. This will be North Molton SC’s first trip to Plymouth this season and their longest trip so far, the club have struggled on their travels and have only picked up three points on the road.

Elmore v Buckfastleigh Rangers:

Last season Elmore were beaten 2-1 at home against lower league opponents in the first round of the Devon Premier Cup when North Devon League Premier Division side Boca Seniors were victorious at Horsdon Park. The Eagles will be hoping to avoid a similar banana skin as they host South Devon League Premier Division side Buckfastleigh Rangers. Elmore have had a strong start to the season and find themselves fourth with nineteen points, winning six of their opening ten games. For their visitors, this is their first away game of the season following five consecutive home games which has ended in two wins and three defeats.

Ipplepen Athletic v Beer Albion:

The only fixture in this round of the Devon Premier Cup featuring two clubs from the Devon Football League as hosts Ipplepen come into this on the back of a ThirstFitness League Cup victory on penalties just seven days prior. The hosts have struggled for league form with just one win in their opening eight which came on the road at Dartmouth. Beer Albion have had a better start to the campaign with five wins from their first nine but come into this match having lost two of their last three games in all competitions. The two sides are yet to meet in the league this season but shared three points each last season in their matches between each other as Beer won 6-0 away and lost 3-1 at home.

St Martins v Ottery St Mary:

Former Devon League side St Martins welcome Ottery St Mary to Minster Park hoping to pull off a cup shock but they will have their work cut out against an Ottery side who have had a good start to the new season. The Devon & Exeter League Premier Division side sit bottom of their league with four defeats from four games but they won 6-2 in the East Devon Senior Cup two weeks ago against Central. The Otters enjoyed success in the league cup just seven days prior as they beat Plymstock United and they will be hoping for back to back victories in cup competitions.

Waldon Athletic v Thorverton:

South Devon League Premier Division side Waldon Athletic have had a fantastic start to the season as they come into this game with a 100% league record having won their opening five games. Thorverton are the visitors to Windmill Hill on Saturday and they have enjoyed their own successful start to the season with three wins and three draws from their opening nine games, however, Thorverton come into this game on the back of defeat on penalties at Ipplepen Athletic in the ThirstFitness League Cup last Saturday.

Dartmouth v University Of Exeter:

One of two league games due to both clubs receiving a bye in the first round of the Devon Premier Cup and a quick turnaround from last Saturday when the reverse league fixture was played, University winning 4-1 on that occasion. University of Exeter come into this match on a four game winning run which has seen them scoring twenty three goals and conceding just one, against Dartmouth last Saturday. The hosts have had a mixed bag of results so far this season and have lost two of their five home games but they will be hoping for a quick revenge on their opponents.

Plymstock United v Topsham Town:

The second league game of the day between two sides who have to wait until the next round to start their Devon Premier Cup run. Both Plymstock United and Topsham Town have already met in the league this season as Topsham won 4-0 in August and the hosts will be looking for revenge as they aim to win just their second game of the season, winning their last match 4-2 at home against Newtown. Visitors Topsham Town currently find themselves third with six wins from their opening nine and will be hoping to take advantage of the top two not in action to close the gap at the top of the table.

bere alston united v plymouth marjon

League Champs Get Their Season Underway in Another Busy Week

Photos © Tom Besford

It is another busy week in the A&S Interiors Devon Football League this week as all but three teams play which includes University of Exeter playing their first league game of the season.

Dartmouth, Ipplepen Athletic and Budleigh Salterton are all without a game. The games continue to come thick and fast in August as the league table slowly starts to take shape, two teams remain unbeaten whilst three clubs remain winless, it’s proving to be a competitive division already.

Appledore v University of Exeter:

Last season’s champions University of Exeter start their new season with a tough match on the road at last season’s runners up Appledore in what will be a competitive and entertaining match. Appledore won the home fixture 2-0 last season whilst University won their home match 3-0 as the two teams battled it out at the top of the table for the majority of the campaign. The hosts have won two and lost one of their opening three fixtures this season but come into this match on the back of a 2-1 local derby victory against North Molton SC in midweek.

Beer Albion v Alphington:

Alphington have adapted to life back in the Devon Football League extremely well and are the only team with a 100% record having won all four of their opening games. The Alphas’ 100% record was put to the test on Tuesday night as they needed to come from behind with ten men to secure victory at Ipplepen but two goals from Jack Furzer helped the Alphas to the points. Beer Albion have won two and lost one prior to this game and had to work hard in midweek to pick up the points against an Ottery St Mary side who never gave up. This will be the first league meeting between the two sides since the 1991/1992 season when both clubs featured in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division.

Bere Alston United v Newtown:

These two sides come into this game in contrasting form as Bere Alston United have lost their last two whilst Newtown are unbeaten in their last three league matches. Bere Alston won this fixture 2-1 last season and with the return game finishing in a 1-1 draw, Newtown will be hoping to pick up their first league win against Bere Alston at the third time of asking. Both clubs have visited Thorverton in the last week as Bere Alston lost 2-1 on Saturday whilst Newtown battled hard for a 3-2 win in midweek. The hosts will be hoping to recover from a heavy midweek defeat against Plymouth Marjon.

Elmore v Plymstock United:

It has been a week of mixed results for an Elmore side who have started the season strongly, a fantastic 4-1 home win against Dartmouth on Saturday grabbed the attention of most local football fans but this was followed by a midweek loss at home against Topsham Town. Their opponents Plymstock United have struggled a bit so far this season with three defeats in their opening three games before winning 4-0 at Lakeside Athletic in midweek. Plymstock United have never beaten Elmore in a league game with the Eagles winning both matches last season 4-1 and 3-2.

Lakeside Athletic v Topsham Town:

It has been a tough opening few games for Lakeside Athletic who have lost all three of their games so far this season and sit bottom of the division. Their opponents Topsham Town are enjoying some fantastic form at the moment and have won their last three games, all without conceding as well. Lakeside won both fixtures last season 4-1 and 3-2 and so Topsham Town will be hoping it will be third time lucky and win a league game against Lakeside for the first time.

North Molton SC v Thorverton:

This will be the first away game of the season for Thorverton who have played their first four games at home with one win and one draw alongside two defeats, including a 3-2 loss against Newtown in midweek. The hosts are yet to get going this season and have lost both of their opening games, a 3-1 home loss to Alphington followed by a 2-1 defeat at Appledore midweek. Thorverton won both fixtures last season but lost both games during the 22/23 season.

Plymouth Marjon v Ottery St Mary:

Plymouth Marjon hit six without return in midweek at Bere Alston and look like a strong team in the division already as they remain unbeaten after four games. Marjon don’t seem to be shy in front of goal and have so far scored eighteen goals in their first four. Ottery St Mary worked hard in midweek at Beer Albion but ultimately returned home with no points to show for their efforts. One win, draw and loss from the opening three for Ottery who will be hoping for a better season than last year. Ottery were unbeaten in the league against Plymouth Marjon last season drawing 1-1 at home and winning 4-3 away, however, a second trip to Plymouth in the ThirstFitness League Cup ended in a 5-1 defeat.

thirst fitness devon football league cup final 2024 beer albion v north molton

Plymouth Derby Gets DFL Under Way on Thursday

Report ©Tom Besford. Photo ©Danni Hide Photography

With a blink of an eye, the new season is upon us already as the A&S Interiors Devon Football League enter their second season as a one division league. Last season it was an enjoyable campaign eventually won by University of Exeter, however, following their denied promotion by the FA, they will be hoping to once again reclaim the title.

The 2024/2025 season starts this weekend with two special opening fixtures on the Thursday and Friday before the rest of the games on Saturday. With the late withdrawal of Barnstaple Town Reserves, the league are now running with an odd amount of teams which means that every week one club will be without a game, this week it is reigning champions University of Exeter.

LAKESIDE ATHLETIC v PLYMOUTH MARJON:

The Thursday night opener to the new season will take place in Plymouth with only the third league fixture between these two sides in the Devon Football League. Last season, Plymouth Marjon finished fourth in the league and were semi-finalists in the League cup, a run in the competition which included victory at Lakeside in the quarter finals 3-1. Both league games between the sides were played in the first half of the season and both games ended in a 2-2 draw. Hopefully we can get a winner on Thursday night to start the season in style.

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON v ALPHINGTON:

Alphington return to the Devon Football League for their second spell and kick off the new season with a Friday Night fixture at Budleigh Salterton, a side who they will know very well. Both clubs have played in the same division for thirty seasons prior to Alphington leaving the Devon League to play in the Devon & Exeter League a few years back. Budleigh finished last season in seventh and only lost four home games in the league whilst Alphington know all about winning having only lost three games in the last two seasons.

BEER ALBION v PLYMSTOCK UNITED:

Plymstock United were founder members of the Devon County League in 1992 and have played at this level every season since. They start their new campaign on the road at a strong Beer Albion side who are only entering their third season at this level of football but have enjoyed plenty of success with a league title and two league cups in that time! Beer Albion won both league games comfortably last season and even won 4-1 against Plymstock in the ThirstFitness League Cup. Plymstock will be out for revenge this season as Beer Albion will be hoping for a strong start to the season to launch another push at the top of the table this season.

DARTMOUTH v TOPSHAM TOWN:

Dartmouth had a season to forget last time out as they were relegated from the South West Peninsula League Premier East with just two wins in thirty two league games. The last time these two sides met in a league game was during the 2003/2004 Devon County League season when Dartmouth won their away match 6-1 before drawing the home game later in the campaign. You would have to go back to March 2001 for the last time Topsham Town beat Dartmouth, winning 2-1. Topsham will be hoping to start their season with a win on the road whilst Dartmouth will be wanting the three points to start their push for promotion back to the Peninsula League.

IPPLEPEN ATHLETIC v OTTERY ST MARY:

Last season was the first time these two sides met in a league match and Ipplepen took four points from the two matches with a 1-1 home draw followed by an impressive 4-1 win on the road. Some end of season form saw Ipplepen rise to a twelfth place finish last season whilst Ottery finished in fourteenth place. Will Ottery be able to pick up their first win against the Pens or will Ipplepen continue their unbeaten run against the Otters?

NEWTOWN v APPLEDORE:

Appledore picked up all six points against Newtown last season with a 3-2 win at home in August followed by a 3-0 victory on the road in May where they were presented with their runners-up medals. Last season, Newtown finished in sixth position in the league and will be hoping to finish higher this season, but both teams will be looking for a quick start to the new season in a competitive division.

THORVERTON v ELMORE:

This will only be the third meeting between these two clubs who finished level on points last season after thirty two games each. It was the former Western League club that picked up six points last campaign as Elmore won their home game 3-2 and the away game 2-0. The hosts will be hoping to make home advantage count as they will be eager for a good start to the new season with a first victory over Elmore.

thirst fitness dfl cup final 2024 beer albion v north molton

List of Pre-season Friendlies: Enjoy Some Summer Football

PRODUCTIVE SEASON: Beer Albion proved to be the team to beat in the cup competitions – in fact, nobody could manage it! Albion also finished a respectable third in the league. ©Danni Hide Photography

Have the Euros inspired you to take in some pre-season football around Devon? Or are you interested in seeing who might be turning out for your team – or your rivals – in 24/25? We will be updating the list below as clubs confirm their pre-season games to us, so make sure you keep coming back!

Here are the confirmed pre-season fixtures so far (as of 24th June).

Please note that these fixtures are subject to change. Please check with the clubs before travelling.

Click the table headers to sort by column and find your team more easily!

*DFL teams are in bold type

a&s paving devon football league 2024/25 constitution

2024/25 DFL Constitution

Following a successful 2023/2024 season where the A&S Interiors Devon Football League ran as one division for the first time since it’s formation, the league are proud to announce the 2024/2025 league constitution. As the league enters its sixth season only seven ever present clubs remain showing the competitive nature of the league and hopefully we are once again in for an exciting new season. 

Sixteen clubs remain from last season whilst we sadly say goodbye to one club, welcome a new club and also see the return of a former Devon Football League side. Unfortunately, University of Exeter had their promotion to the South West Peninsula League refused by the FA and so they will once again take part in our league next season. 

With only one relegation spot last season due to the withdrawal of Mount Gould midway through the season, Feniton sadly leave us as they return to the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division. The club enjoyed three seasons with us and leave with a league playing record of P76, W13, D13, L50, F114, A204, Pts52. We wish the club all the best for the future and hopefully we will see them back in the league in the future!

The league would like to welcome a new club to the league as Dartmouth join us following their relegation from the South West Peninsula League Premier Division East. The Darts have a great set up at their Longcross home ground and will be a welcome addition to the league adding to the already superb quality of venues in a strong Devon Football League. 

We would also like to give a warm welcome back to Alphington who rejoin the league following two seasons in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division where they won back to back league titles only losing three league matches in the process. The Alphas will be a strong addition to the league and they’ll be hoping to continue their form at the higher level. 

So with all the changes post season, the 2024/2025 A&S Interiors Devon Football League Constitution is as follows: Alphington, Appledore, Barnstaple Town Reserves, Beer Albion, Bere Alston United, Budleigh Salterton, Dartmouth, Elmore, Ipplepen Athletic, Lakeside Athletic, Newtown, North Molton SC, Ottery St Mary, Plymouth Marjon, Plymstock United, Thorverton, Topsham Town, University of Exeter.

Finally, the league would like to thank our league sponsors A&S Interiors and cup sponsors Thirst Fitness for their continued support. We would also like to extend our thanks to Neil Hocking and Clubnets UK for their continued support with the league website.

ipplepen v budleigh devon premier cup 2023-24

2023/24 Season Review

Report ©Tom Besford. Photo from Ipplepen’s County Cup game against Budleigh Salterton ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

Following the end of the 2022/2023 season it was decided that the two divisions of the A&S Interiors Devon Football League would merge to make a stronger county wide division. This meant the league would reduce from the twenty two teams that finished last season to a maximum of eighteen clubs for the new campaign.

Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police won promotion to the South West Peninsula League whilst complications with their ground lease meant that Windmill FC were forced to leave the league. The following clubs resigned from the league due to the extra travelling distances which would be required following the merger of the divisions: Paignton Saints, Newton Abbot Spurs Res, Buckland Athletic Res and Fremington.

Plymouth Marjon and Elmore would join the league prior to the 2023/2024 season following relegation from the South West Peninsula League Premier Division East.

AUGUST:

The new season began on Tuesday the 8th of August with a few local derbies. New side to the division Plymouth Marjon drew 1-1 at Mount Gould whilst Feniton and Topsham Town also drew 1-1; little would many people realise this would be the only point Feniton would pick up until December. Plymstock United and Appledore also started the season with wins on the opening day.

Appledore completed the month of August unbeaten and top of the league, although University of Exeter were yet to kick off their campaign. With four wins and a defeat, Beer Albion would finish the month in second place.

It would be a month without registering a single victory for Feniton and Bere Alston United who only remained off bottom of the table due to University having not played a game. The result of the month came at Ipplepen Athletic as they became the first team to take any points off Mount Gould in over twelve months. Joshua Haynes scored twice as Ipplepen won the fixture 2-1.

SEPTEMBER:

Although they started a month after everyone else, University of Exeter found themselves top of the division at the end of September with six wins out of six, and they even found time to play a fixture in the Devon Premier Cup.

Fellow University side Plymouth Marjon were finding life in their new surroundings difficult as they finished the month in thirteenth spot with two wins, four draws and one defeat; Marjon would go on to become the draw specialists in the division.

Newtown enjoyed an 8-1 victory over North Molton whilst Lakeside Athletic also scored eight on the same day as they beat Thorverton 8-2. The heavy score lines continued into the Devon Premier Cup as Topsham Town were knocked out of the cup 7-1 at lower league side Ilsington Villa and Ipplepen Athletic beat Plymouth Hope 17-0 with Joshua Haynes scoring four and Billy Courtier bagging a hat-trick. Appledore enjoyed a weekend without a fixture as their opponents Brixham AFC Reserves were unable to raise a side.

Elmore had a mixed start during their opening two months in the league as they won four, drew three and lost three of their opening ten games. Thorverton were flying and found themselves ending the month in fifth whilst Plymstock United were also enjoying a positive start to the season and occupied seventh spot.

OCTOBER:

The season was in full swing now and gaps were starting to form with Feniton and Ipplepen Athletic finding themselves adrift at the bottom. League newcomers Elmore were sitting comfortably in second whilst Appledore had slipped to fifth.

It was a slow start to the season for Newtown, the club sitting in thirteenth position with just twelve points from eleven games.

October was a wet month with just twenty eight fixtures played throughout the month, although clubs managed to once again play another round of the Devon Premier Cup. The County cup provided more shocks as Appledore crashed out against South Devon League side Kingsteignton Athletic and Plymouth Marjon lost 3-2 at home against Boca Seniors.

NOVEMBER:

Come the end of November the league table was incredibly close as everyone seemed to be able to beat each other. Just eleven points separated the top fifteen in the league with the top eight all separated by just one win. Feniton were still struggling to get their first win of the campaign whilst Thorverton were going strong, just two points from top of the table.

Lakeside Athletic were also enjoying life in the new single division; with just three defeats in their opening fourteen games, the Plymouth based side were only three points from top of the league with games in hand over several teams above them.

The wet weather continued and this time only eighteen league games were played, we were beginning to struggle against the elements.

DECEMBER:

University of Exeter sat top of the tree at Christmas time but Appledore were hot on their heels with just two points between the top two. Budleigh Salterton had climbed into sixth spot and at the bottom Feniton had picked up some more points with a 2-2 draw against Newtown and a 1-1 draw at Plymouth Marjon.

The University beat Ipplepen Athletic 8-0 whilst Beer Albion won 8-2 at Plymstock United in a month full of goals. Plymstock United were starting to slide down the table and Thorverton were slowly falling with them. Ottery St Mary had played the most games come the turn of the year but with only five wins they found themselves down in twelfth spot.

JANUARY:

This is the month where eighteen became seventeen as we started the new year with the resignation of Mount Gould from the league. Just months after they had won every league game on route to the South & West Division title, the club were no longer in the Devon Football League!

Ipplepen Athletic were affected by the withdrawal of Mount Gould having lost six points from the table but with Feniton still looking for their first win, the now only relegation spot still seemed a distance away.

Elmore were on a run of eight league games without a win and this poor form had seen the club drop dramatically down the table, now occupying thirteenth spot.

FEBRUARY:

Newtown had climbed up to fifth and the league table had began to spread out a bit more now with teams no longer all clustered together. University of Exeter had a fifteen point lead over nearest rivals Appledore whilst at the bottom of the table, Feniton had secured their first win of the season. The win came in dramatic style as they beat Plymstock United 6-1 at home.

Just sixteen games beat the weather as the rain never seemed to end. Bere Alston United fell to a heavy 9-1 defeat at University whilst Beer Albion knocked the league leaders out of the Devon Premier Cup 3-2.

MARCH:

Lakeside Athletic had fallen a long way down the table as they now found themselves in thirteenth; a poor run of results and waterlogged pitches saw them in a poor state of form including conceding 40 goals in a spell of seven games.

Ipplepen Athletic lost heavily at Park United in the county cup as teams started playing catch up from the poor weather we have endured throughout the season.

APRIL & MAY:

Never before did I think we would see waterlogged pitches into the final months of the season but the rain was relentless and had no plans in stopping. Teams did manage to get the season completed although it was a lot later than originally planned.

Just like it had looked all season, University of Exeter were crowned champions and celebrated with an 8-0 demolition of Ottery St Mary before lifting the trophy. Appledore were given runners-up before being deducted three points for failing to fulfil a fixture. The North Devon side beat Bere Alston United in their final match to secure second place once again.

The Thirst Fitness League Cup had a scare in the semi-finals when the air ambulance was called but the match was able to finish with Beer Albion progressing to the final where they took on North Molton SC following their dramatic late winner to come from behind against Newtown. In the final it was Beer Albion who managed to regain the trophy following two quick goals at the beginning of the second half to win the match 2-0.

It was double success at the end of the season for Beer who went on to lift the Devon Premier Cup after beating North Devon Premier League side Park United 3-1 in the final.

It was a tough season which looked like it would never end due to the constant rain but we finally got there and now the wait for the new season begins!

thirst fitness devon football league cup final 2024 beer albion v north molton

Thirst Fitness Devon League Cup Final: Beer Albion 2 – 0 North Molton SC

Match report by Tom Besford. Photo ©Danni Hide Photography

The cup final is always the highlight of the season and after what had been a long and wet season, this showpiece didn’t let us down with a brilliantly contested final once again. Beer Albion came into this season’s final as the holders of the cup after lifting the silverware twelve months prior and they would go on to reclaim the trophy following two goals at the beginning of the second half.

It had been a long week for both clubs leading up to this match following dramatic semi-finals during the week. For Beer Albion, their semi-final on the Tuesday had a lengthy delay whilst we had to wait for the Devon Air Ambulance meaning a late night was had by all. For North Molton SC on the Wednesday, they had to come from two goals behind on two occasions before a late winner secured their spot in the final.

Beer Albion had the better of the early chances in this match and after just a couple of minutes, a quick counter attack ended with the ball reaching Brooklyn Wilkins who raced into the box and could only watch as his shot was blocked and deflected over.

Jacob Rowe was next to test the North Molton SC goalkeeper as he tried his luck from distance but Adam Chamberlain was equal to the effort to tip over the bar. Down the other end of the pitch and it was North Molton this time trying their luck from distance as Callum Hutchings saw his effort blocked and out for a corner.

James Giffard came close for North Molton from the edge of the box as he fired narrowly over before Beer had a golden opportunity to open the scoring as a Giles Basson shot from the corner of the box was saved well down low by Chamberlain.

The first half ended goalless with neither team really able to break down their opponents. With both league matches between these two sides ending in draws this season, it felt like this could be a case of déjà vu.

Beer Albion came out the second half hungry to get in front and they were rewarded after just three minutes of the second half as Aaron Daniels crossed the ball from the right and found Taylor Rooke at the far post who slid the ball into the back of the net. North Molton SC had to find a way back into this match but things went from bad to worse for them as just two minutes later the lead was doubled as Beer had one hand on the trophy. Giles Basson received the ball on the edge of the box and fired into the bottom corner.

North Molton suddenly had a hard job in front of them to get back into this game and it was made even harder following the second goal as goalkeeper Adam Chamberlain went off injured meaning they had to play the remainder of the match with defender Josh Phillips in goal.

Matt Berry saw his effort tipped over the bar from the edge of the box as Beer went in search for a third goal and the East Devon side tried to take advantage of the lack of a goalkeeper for North Molton as they continued to put the pressure on the Stags defence.

Liam Cox found himself released one on one with the rookie goalkeeper and decided to try and beat him down low but Phillips had other ideas as he saved well with his feet to keep his side in with a slim chance of getting back into the game.

The early goals at the beginning of the second half and the injury to the goalkeeper virtually ended this match as a competition and the only chance North Molton had of troubling the score in the second half came with just minutes left on the clock, Sam Phillips managed to turn on the edge of the box and fired wide of the target.

Another cup victory for Beer Albion who are enjoying life in the Devon Football League and pick up their third piece of silverware in two seasons.

Beer Albion team: Elliot Driver, Matt Berry, Charlie Ledger, George Richards, Tony Pinder, Jacob Rowe, Aaron Daniels, Brooklyn Wilkins, Taylor Rooke, Giles Basson.

Subs: Joe Adkin, Cody Bowditch, Charley Skilton, Liam Cox, Josh French

North Molton SC team: Adam Chamberlain, Jack Moses, Josh Phillips, George Folland, Ian Cockwill, Adam Jerrett, Callum Hutchings, Josh Wren, Will Tucker, James Giffard, Joshua Stoneman

Subs: Michael Hatcher, Joe Southcott, Harry Knill, Sam Phillips, Daniel Anjos

devon football league cup

Introducing Thirst Fitness: Our New League Cup Sponsors

The Devon Football League are honoured to announce Thirst Fitness as our new League Cup sponsors for the 2023/2024 season. 

Thirst Fitness have been delivering tailored health and fitness services to the people of Plymouth and surrounding areas for the past eight years. The professional services provided by the company, which include Personal Training, Boot Camps and Sports Therapy, are designed to cater to individuals at every level, from novice to professional athletes. With a strong community ethos at the forefront, Thirst Fitness take pride in their ability to offer something to everyone, helping every team/individual to ‘unlock their potential’ and create a clearer vision for the future. 

For any team or sports club interested in experiencing their fitness services on a mobile basis, get in touch today by emailing admin@thirstfitness.co.uk or follow on Facebook or Instagram. 

Website – www.thirstfitness.co.uk

Facebook – @ThirstFitness

Instagram – @thirstfitness or @Bootcampsplymouth

We look forward to this season’s competition kicking off and hopefully witnessing some entertaining football. The draw for the first two rounds have already been made and can be seen by clicking here.

The current holders of the League Cup are Beer Albion who came from behind in last years thrilling final to beat Mount Gould, a match report from that game can be found by clicking here.