Category: Match Reports

alphington fc

Alphas Edge Out Eagles in Entertaining League Cup Tie

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

Current league leaders Alphington entertained third place Elmore at the Chronicles in the ThirstFitness League Cup and the well populated crowd were treated to an entertaining affair that went all the way to penalties.

The hosts started the game strong and controlled the majority of the possession but failed to really create any chances that could possibly lead to goals. The Eagles did well to soak up the pressure and were quick to break, and they had the opening chance of the match, after twelve minutes, when Cody Stansfield beat the home ‘keeper to the ball, but his shot towards an open goal was weak, and an Alphington defender was able to recover and get the ball away to safety.

It was Elmore who continued to have the best of the chances in the first half, and they came close again just before the twenty minute mark when the ball dropped to Brandon Parsons who fired his shot just wide of the post. It would be Parsons that had the next major chance of the game as well, less than ten minutes later, as he saw his effort blocked in the box. Parsons was lucky that the ball bounced back to him but his second goal bound effort was also blocked.

With just five minutes until half time, the deadlock was broken and it was the hosts who took the lead, Jack Mills finding the back of the net. The ball broke free to Mills on the edge of the area who hit his shot low into the bottom corner through a crowded penalty area.

The lead was almost doubled in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half as Elmore defender Luke Broomfield sliced a clearance towards his own goal, but thankfully his goalkeeper saved his blushes as Aaron Marks pushed the ball over his crossbar and out for a corner.

Alphington came out looking for a second goal at the restart and had a couple of early chances as they looked to double their advantage. A cross from the right wing was headed just over the bar by Tre Davey, and Jordan Casey Ford tried his luck from distance as his effort from forty yards out had keeper Marks diving backwards to push the ball over his bar.

As the game passed the hour mark, the visitors managed to find an equaliser; Davey lost the ball on the edge of his own area which was gathered by Stansfield beating the goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net. This made for an interesting finale to the game as neither team would want to take the game to a dreaded penalty shoot-out.

The Alphas came the closest to winning the game as Ben Annunziata burst into the box from the right wing and fired over but neither team could win it meaning penalties were required.

Brandon Parsons, Dan Cole, Cody Stansfield and Tom Bedingham scored their penalties for Elmore whilst Rhys Parsons put his wide and Ryan Shrewsbury had his saved by Leon Woodhead. For Alphington, Jack Furzer, Ben Annunziata, Tre Davey, Jack Mills and Rio Potter scored whilst Charlie Dack saw his saved. Alphington progressed on penalties 5-4 as their name goes into the pot for the next round draw.

Alphington team: Leon Woodhead, Jordan Casey Ford, Jack Furzer, Jack Mills, Charlie Dack, Harry Walford, Rio Potter, Jake Pono, John Gaskins, Tre Davey, Jamie Dingle

Subs: Dean Billingsley, Ben Annunziata, Tom Bray, Charlie Gillard, Harry Wellaway

Elmore team: Aaron Marks, Kamil Wojtowicz, Ryan Shrewsbury, Luke Broomfield, Tom Bedingham, Connor Pearce, Dan Cole, Connor Heard, Lewis White, Brandon Parsons, Cody Stansfield

Subs: Luke Andrews, Rhys Parsons, Freddie Ansley

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.

bere alston v plymouth marjon

Second Half Goal Blitz for Marjon at Bere Alston

Match report and photos by Tom Besford

Plymouth Marjon are on fine form this season and came into this match at Bere Alston United looking to add to their already impressive goal tally against a home side who were looking to bounce back following defeat on the road at the weekend.

It was a real game of two halves in South Devon but an entertaining game for those in attendance on a chilly Tuesday evening in August.

Both teams started brightly playing quick attacking football and it didn’t take long for the deadlock to be broken as Plymouth Marjon took the lead after just seven minutes. A low cross from the right by James Bridges found Lee Coxon at the far post who had the simplest of tasks with tapping the ball into the back of an empty net.

The home side played some good attacking football as they looked to get back into the game but the final ball just seemed to be lacking with the attack often petering out and resulting in a goal kick to Plymouth Marjon. The visitors were still searching for a second goal of their own which led to an end to end game and Liam Donovan struck a shot on the turn which was fumbled by Michael Moore in the home goal but he was quick to react to gather the ball and prevent any further danger.

The best chance the home side had in the first half came in the last ten minutes as Jak Plummer got the better of the visiting defence before hitting a shot low towards the corner, however, Dom Richards was equal to it and managed to push the ball out for a corner.

The second half was less than a minute old and Marjon should’ve doubled the lead when Donovan squared the ball across goal to Coxon who fired over the bar from inside the six yard box, a chance which looked easier to score.

The visitors didn’t have to wait much longer to double their lead as two goals came in quick succession within the first six minutes of the half. Firstly Coxon turned provider as he played a far post cross for Donovan to fire home before Donovan added another moments later as got on the end of a ball from Jake Anderson.

What was already a hard task for Bere Alston had become even harder within a blink of an eye and they now had to come back from 3-0 down. The home team showed good spirit and never gave up as they looked for a way back into the game. Harry Eaton came close to starting a come back as he shot from the edge of the box but Richards pulled off a great save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

The game was pretty much confirmed as over as a contest moments later as Donovan completed his hat-trick in fantastic fashion. Thirty yards out, the Marjon front man saw the home keeper stranded off his line and sent the ball over his head and into the back of the net, a goal that will live long in the strikers memory.

With just over quarter of an hour to play Bere knew luck was against them as Ryan Brimacombe hit a fantastic shot from the edge of the box leaving Richards with no chance of saving but could only watch as his shot cannoned off the post and back into play.

As the game drew towards a close Plymouth Marjon found time to add two more goals as George Warren tucked a penalty into the bottom left corner before Connor Trewin caught the home keeper in possession of the ball before rounding him and finishing into an empty net.

Plymouth Marjon will be a tough team to beat this season with their quick attacking football and they are already show they are capable of scoring goals this season, as for Bere Alston United, their attacking football will cause problems for several teams and they were unlucky not to score on the night.

Bere Alston United team: Michael Moore, Ryan Moorhead, Tom Martin, Robbie Court, Josh Monk, Ryan Brimacombe, Callum Massey, Ben Clarke, Jak Plummer, Harry Eaton, Jordan Williams

Subs: Connor Johnson, Darren Phillips, Liam Wheeler, Soul Pengelley, Theo Standing

Plymouth Marjon team: Dom Richards, James Bridges, Tom Wakeham, Mitch Hosking, Luke Suttcliffe, George Warren, Lewis Jago, Adam Smietanka, Liam Donovan, Jake Anderson, Harvey Tomlinson

Subs: Ben Jenkins, Lee Coxon, Ryan Dawe, Connor Trewin, Liam Tylor

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

ipplepen athletic v budleigh devon premier cup 2023-24

Match Report: Ipplepen Athletic 1 – 6 Plymstock United

Match report ©Tom Besford. Photo from Ipplepen’s County Cup game against Budleigh Salterton earlier in the season ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

An end of season fixture between two clubs at the bottom of the table had the makings of a poor game, but the fans in attendance would’ve been shocked by the one-sided outcome which occurred.

Plymstock United came into this game just one point and one place above their hosts in the league table but it wasn’t long until the visitors were in front with just over two minutes played. Jordan Hogan managed to beat the defender and cooly finish from close range, the dream start for his side.

The dream start only got better and just four minutes later Plymstock had doubled the lead with a scrappy goal. Jake Howson flicked the ball past the home keeper Toby Benett before casually rolling it into the bottom corner. Two soft goals in the first couple of minutes and the hosts suddenly had a mountain to climb.

The hosts slowly got back into the game and started to create a few chances of their own, Toby Pullman hit a first time shot which was spilt by visiting keeper Liam Hooks but the keeper reacted quickest to gather the ball at the second attempt. Pullman was the biggest threat for the home side and he came close again shortly after, this time firing a shot wide from the edge of the box.

With just under half an hour played and albeit the hosts trying their best to get back into the game, Plymstock added a third and with it virtually guaranteeing the three points. Mike Burke hit an outstanding first time volley over Benett and into the back of the net.

Cayleb Needham struggled to get a corner into the box at the end of the first half as the ball was cleared by the first man but it came straight back to him for a second attempt, this time finding the head of Mark Louden who could only head wide of the target.

Callum Nightingale dragged a shot just wide of the target for the hosts who searched for a route back into the game before the visitors came close again down the other end as Kian Berry lobbed the keeper but could only watch as the ball went wide.

Ipplepen had a lot to do in the second half to get back into the game and they came out fighting like a completely different side. Drew Cove fired a shot straight at the visiting keeper at the beginning of the second half before half time substitute Zak Carnell hit a volley from the edge of the box which bounced off the crossbar.

The strong start to the second half by the home team only lasted a couple of minutes and as the game hit the fiftieth minute Plymstock added a fourth. Drew Cove was caught taking too much time with the ball on the edge of the six yard box by Kian Berry who fired into the bottom corner from close range.

Cayleb Needham almost added a fifth as he sent a curling effort from distance over the bar before a first time shot by sub Charlie Mahoney was saved comfortably by Benett down to his right hand side.

With slightly over twenty minutes to go Berry found the back of the net once again, this time hitting a low shot from distance which went straight through the legs of home custodian Benett much to his frustration.

The game had turned into a very one sided match with an unexpected score line but the hosts were determined to prevent their visitors from getting a clean sheet and with five minutes remaining the consolation goal was scored. A ball from the left found Toby Pullman who calmly finished into the bottom corner.

It would be Plymstock who had the final say though as less than a minute from the restart they restored their five goal lead as Berry completed his hat-trick, firing into the bottom corner from distance.

Plymstock remain in fourteenth spot but open up a four point gap on their hosts Ipplepen who had an evening to forget. An entertaining match with plenty of goals for the neutral.

Ipplepen Athletic team: Toby Benett, Josh Hurren, Callum Nightingale, Lee Fenner, George Clark, Drew Cove, Tyler Joint, Nick Edmunds, Billy Courtier, Toby Pullman, Josh Haynes

Subs: Zak Carnell, Mason Joint, Jack Palmer, Chris Currie, Kieren Savage

Plymstock United team: Liam Hooks, Shane Hawes, Freddie Chapman, Mike Burke, Sam Romang, Jordan Hogan, Jake Hawson, Mark Louden, Lewis Dickson, Kian Berry, Cayleb Needham

Subs: Carson Wheeler, Charlie Mahoney, Chris Harvey, Jayden Preece, Sam Dovey

devon football league winners 2023/24 university of exeter fc

Match Report: University of Exeter 8 – 0 Ottery St Mary

Match report and photos ©Tom Besford

A bumper crowd was in attendance on Saturday to watch as University of Exeter were presented with the league trophy after winning the title during the week. Ottery St Mary were the opponents at the Exwick Sports Hub looking to spoil the party but in the end the hosts ran out convincing winners to show everyone why they were deserving champions.

The game was barely five minutes old when University took the lead, attacking down the right wing a low ball was played across the penalty area by the impressive Sam Wade finding Luke Steer at the far post who tapped in from close range. The goal was Steers thirty seventh of the season as he leads the way in the golden boot standings by quite a distance.

Straight down the other end from the restart and Ottery St Mary had a chance of their own, Makan Coulibaly could only fire his shot directly at home keeper Dan McGreevy who managed to save well with the ball going out for a corner.

University were on the front foot for the majority of the game and it wasn’t long until they were creating more chances. Midway through the first half Steer fired a shot against the post before putting the following chance a moment later just wide of the goal from inside the box. Whilst University were wasting chances down one end of the pitch, Ottery were trying their best to get back level down the other end and almost scored a goal of the season contender but could only watch as a thirty five yard effort from Marius Pislaru was well saved by the home keeper.

With half an hour played the hosts missed a glorious chance as a shot from Liam Morritt was blocked with the ball falling kindly for Callum Chalmers who fired over the bar from inside the six-yard box with a chance which looked easier to score. The club wouldn’t have to wait long for the second goal, just a couple of minutes had passed when Jacob Lund saw his shot blocked with the ball coming back to him to finish into the bottom corner to double the lead.

The hosts were in control and had numerous chances to add to the score. Sam Wade saw his shot-cum-cross tipped over the bar whilst Chalmers found himself one on one, rounding the keeper but unfortunately slipping over before he could put the ball into the unguarded net. With six minutes remaining of the first half Steer managed to beat a few players before firing into the top corner to add a third before Joe Alman ended the half by hitting a shot against the crossbar.

luke steel university of exeter fc
University of Exeter club captain Luke Steel receiving the A&S Interiors Devon Football League trophy from league official Mark Isaacs

The second half began in the same manner as the first half ended, University retaining the majority of possession and coming close on numerous occasions. Xari De Pedro hit an early free kick from the edge of the box into the side netting as University threatened once more but it would only be a few minutes until the fourth goal was added. Jacob Lund sent a shot from outside the box off the post and in via a helpful hand from the Ottery goalkeeper Jack Pepperall.

Pepperall was in action again shortly after, this time pulling off a fantastic save to prevent Sam Wade’s curling effort as University continued to put the pressure on the Ottery goal in search of adding to their tally.

On the seventy fifth minute of the match University added to their dominance by scoring twice in two minutes. First Wade cleverly beat the defender on the left wing as he cut into the box and played a short pass to Seb Lawson who converted from close range. Moments later and Tommy Hutchinson converted a Xari De Pedro corner through the legs of the visiting keeper to make it 6-0.

With ten minutes to go the away side were given a lifeline as they managed to get the ball in the back of the net, a quick counter attack led to Seb Copp being released one on one with McGreevy and a calm finish saw Copp slot the ball past the keeper and into the net. Any celebrations were quickly halted though as the offside flag was raised to add to a miserable afternoon for the Otters.

Two goals in the space of about thirty seconds in the final minute of the game saw University complete a comfortable victory in style. Steer rounded Pepperall and finished into an empty net to add another goal to his tally before James Wakefield completed the scoring as he found the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

A confident and comfortable victory for the hosts who demonstrated why they have won the league so comfortably this season as they took their goal difference to +100. Captain Luke Steer lifted the trophy after the game and the celebrations would have continued long into the night.

University of Exeter team: Dan McGreevy, Liam Morritt, Hamish Cushing, Jacob Lund, Joe Alman, James Wakefield, Sam Wade, Tom Jordan, Callum Chalmers, Xari De Pedro, Luke Steer

Subs: Seb Lawson, Ben Roberos, Dan Garrow, Josh Bailey, Tommy Hutchinson

Ottery St Mary team: Jack Pepperall, James Blain, Sam Gleeson, Riki Pitter, Charlie Norris, Jake Blackmore, Marius Pislaru, Jamie Pitter, Seb Copp, Jack Kissane, Makan Coulibaly

Subs: Ferenc Bodor, Adrian Parr

topsham town thorverton devon football league

Match Report: Topsham Town 0 – 0 Thorverton

Match report ©Tom Besford

This Monday night football fixture was the first meeting between Topsham Town and Thorverton this season and it was as tight as the table would suggest with the visitors in twelfth, one point and one place above their hosts. A good sized crowd turned up for what would be an entertaining fixture which just lacked some goals.

The game started slowly and all that either team could manage was tame efforts from distance, Kieran Smith shot wide from the edge of the box for the visitors in the first five minutes and Lee Radford sent a free kick wide of the target with twenty minutes on the clock. It was an end to end start to the game with both sides full of energy but Thorverton were slightly on top but lacked any quality on the final ball.

It took until the last ten minutes of the half for the game to really start and Nathan May went close for the hosts but could only drag his shot wide of the target from the edge of the penalty area. It was a similar story at the other end of the pitch as Smith beat the defender before shooting straight at the home keeper George Richards.

With just a few minutes remaining in the first half it was the visitors who thought they had broken the deadlock, Mattie Cram hit a shot from distance which fired off the post and rebounded straight into the path of Smith who made no mistake in finishing from close range, however, before any celebrations could take place the linesman’s flag was in the air for offside.

The final chance of the first half went the way of the hosts and it was the first chance that really tested either goalkeeper as Connor Saunders broke into the box from the right driving a shot goalwards from an angle which was saved well by visiting keeper Jack McAndrews.

The second half began in the same way the first half ended with both teams working the ball well but lacking the killer pass in front of goal as the game swayed from end to end. It was Topsham who had the best of the early chances as Brad Edwardson hit a shot straight at McAndrews in goal from the edge of the D before McAndrews was called into a great double save firstly preventing Saunders before Tristan Courtney also saw his effort thwarted by the Thorverton number one.

This acted as a bit of a wake up call for the visitors who sprung into action with a couple of chances of their own. Jacob Dack shot across goal following a cross from the left wing by Sam Stewart before the latter had a golden chance of his own as he hit a shot from distance which cannoned off the crossbar.

It was a game where both teams had clearly left their shooting boots behind with Lee Radford shooting wide from close range for Thorverton before Topsham’s Cameron Webb saw his effort from close range well saved by the keeper.

The final chance of the match came through the home side as a cross from the left found Matt Dovedale who could only head over the bar from close range. As both teams desperately went in search of a winner in the dying minutes panic set in with misplaced passes and poor balls frustrating players from both sides.

A goalless draw in a match between two very close teams who although they both had moments of quality, cancelled each other out and defended well. The return fixture at Thorverton in a few weeks could well be a very interesting game.

Topsham Town team: George Richards, Connor Saunders, Brad Phillips, Tom Tricker, Ash Matthews, Mitch Ward, Tom Price, Marcus Howe, Cameron Webb, Nathan May, Tristan Courtney

Subs: James Skinner, Ben Lyne, Matt Dovedale, Brad Edwardson, Ollie Knowles

Thorverton team: Jack McAndrews, Patrick O’Loughlin, Jake Ebdon, Sam Stewart, Joe Radford, Max Oliver, Beckham Pyatt, Mattie Cram, Ryan Moody, Lee Radford, Kieran Smith

Subs: Nathan Lee, Chris Powell, Jacob Dack, Pepe Eixeres

Match Report: Beer Albion 3 – 2 Newtown

Match report ©Tom Besford

On a wet and horrible Saturday afternoon, Newtown made the trip to Beer Albion in what would be an even battle between two mid-table sides.

The away side found themselves behind within the first couple of minutes but levelled before the break. An early goal in the second half from the hosts and a third soon after secured the three points would remain in Beer, but Newtown scored a penalty to push the home side right till the death.

If you turned up late to this match, you will have missed the first goal as the game was just three minutes old when Beer Albion took the lead. The Fishermen tested their visitors from kick off, and Tony Pinder found the back of the net from the edge of the box to break the deadlock. The home side continued to come forward as they dominated the opening exchanges and with the game less than ten minutes old, could have doubled the lead when good interchanging play down the right wing ended with Aaron Daniels putting the ball over the bar.

The visitors started getting back into the game and created a few chances going forward, but their best chance to get back into the game came after twenty two minutes. After playing the ball down the right hand side, Cory O’Donoghue burst into the box and struck low against the post, the ball came back out to Ryan Gilpin, but he couldn’t keep his effort down and the ball went over the top of the crossbar for a goal kick.

Newtown continued to look for a way back into the game as the half passed the thirty minute mark. Joe Mackensey pulled the ball back from the right wing for Josh Gresham who put his effort wide of the far post. The away team didn’t have to wait long for an equaliser though, and on their next attack they were level. After Charlie Ledger, in the Beer goal, and one of his defenders failed to get the ball clear, Billy Turl was left with an easy finish into the net for 1-1.

Gilpin sent a curling effort just over the bar, from the edge of the box, as he looked to put Newtown in front, but the scores remained level going into the half time interval. An even first half with the majority of it played in heavy rain.

It didn’t take the Fishermen long in the second half to retake the lead as they found themselves in front after three minutes of play, just like in the first half. A corner was crossed into the box and found the head of Finley Rooke who guided a head past the visiting ‘keeper.

The next goal would be crucial and it was Beer who scored it to add to their lead as the second half neared the twenty minute mark. Matt Berry beat the offside trap and was played through on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat. Newtown custodian Laurie Martin saved the original shot but could do nothing as the rebound fell back to Berry who finished into the empty net.

Newtown continued to push for a way back into the game, but as the pitch got heavier in all the rain, the chances came fewer and further apart, and with ten minutes remaining, the game looked like it could have been in doubt. The match referee became increasingly worried about a puddle of standing water on the pitch that had grown and so a pause in play was required to fetch some brushes and try to clear the puddle.

When the game eventually restarted, it was the visitors who reacted the quickest and they were awarded a penalty with five minutes to go as the Beer Albion defender slipped and handled the ball in the area. O’Donoghue calmly finished down the middle to make a tense end to the game.

An entertaining and even game came to an end after almost ten minutes of time added on, and for the first time in almost three hours, the players and officials could go and dry off!

Beer Albion team: Charlie Ledger, Matt Berry, Liam Cox, George Harwood, George Richards, Finley Rooke, Josh Lund, Charley Skilton, Josh French, Tony Pinder, Aaron Daniels

Subs: Joe Adkin, Harry Lawrence, Barnaby Down, James Melville, Jack Prior

Newtown team: Laurie Martin, Joe Mackensey, Evan Murry, Ryan Gilpin, Jack Gill, James Ansell, Cory O’Donoghue, Dan Gill, Josh Gresham, Billy Turl, Joel Greenslade

Subs: Ant Bowen, Theo Herbert, Ben Howard, Josh Daines

Do you want to see your club’s match report on the DFL website? Send it to tom.besford@uwclub.net and we will post it (posts may be edited for grammar and style)

Match Report: Beer Albion 3 – 1 Thorverton

After going down to a shock 2- 1 defeat at the hands of Ottery St Mary 1sts in midweek, Beer Albion bounced back with a convincing 3-1 home victory against Thorverton last Saturday.  In front of 110 supporters, the Fishermen served up a feast of high-intensity, attacking football writes Richard Honnor.

But it was Thorverton, who made the early running, testing Beer’s defence with some brisk direct football. Within the first 6 minutes, ‘keeper Charlie Ledger was called into action twice, first when he saved a well-struck 18-yard shot from their talented number 11, Josh Hole, who had cut through the Beer defence. Then Ledger made a fine save at full stretch, tipping a teasing 15-yard overhead kick over the bar after Beer had only partially cleared a corner kick. 

Gradually, Beer’s midfield trio of Jake Rowe, Finley Rooke and Charley Skilton began to take charge and with Cody Bowditch playing in a more advanced left side midfield role they began to create good chances. On 14 minutes, right wing back Joe Adkin narrowly missed the target from 15 yards after Skilton and Bowditch combined well on the left to create the opportunity. One minute later, Rowe and Brook Wilkins swept down the right wing to present Josh French with a difficult near post opportunity which went wide.

Forward players French and Wilkins were proving a handful, and although the playing squad was weakened by unavailability, the starting line-up selected by manager Mark Rooke blended really well as a team.

After sustained pressure, the Fishermen went ahead on 21 minutes with a well-worked free kick.  Rowe was brought down outside the penalty box after an incisive run. With the visitors’ defence expecting a shot on goal, Bowditch cleverly “dinked” the ball wide to Finley Rooke who cut inside the defender and his low strike was deflected past the Thors keeper at the near post.

Beer continued to pile on the  pressure with Wilkins and Rooke going close, and then French “scored” with a powerful strike but was ruled offside. Thorverton’s ‘keeper made a couple of good saves, but he could do little about Beer’s second goal on 42 minutes. Again, Bowditch provided the assist, getting behind the visitors’ defence down the left and squaring across the goal into the path of Skilton who scored from 10 yards out.

After the break, Beer continued in the same vein with Wilkins and then Rowe foiled by fine saves by the visitors’ ‘keeper early on.

Wilkins, in particular, was finding space and making good runs down the right, and it was he who put Beer 3-0 ahead with a spectacular goal on 54 minutes. Squeezing between two defenders, Wilkins was first to reach a through pass from Bowditch, and then he expertly chipped the ‘keeper, who was off his line, from 25 yards out.

Beer continued to dominate the contest but, throughout the game, Thorverton’s forward line always looked dangerous going forward. They were duly rewarded with a consolation in the 80th minute, an unstoppable free kick from wide left, 25 yards out, scored by Hole who was their outstanding player on the day.

This was essentially a fine team performance from the Fishermen with centre back George Richards in dominating form at the back, but on behalf of match sponsors, the Chapple family-Beer Beach, Brooklyn Wilkins got the man-of-the-match award for his attacking forays and excellent goal.

Next up, Beer are in action on Wednesday away at Budleigh Salterton, and then they travel to Elmore next Saturday.

Do you want to see your club’s match report on the DFL website? Send it to tom.besford@uwclub.net and we will post it (posts may be edited for grammar and style)