Category: Match Reports

Budleigh Salterton v Ipplepen

Robins Enjoy First Win in Four as Bere Alston’s Goal Drought Continues

Match report ©Tom Besford. Photo ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR

A glorious sunny day in East Devon saw Budleigh Salterton welcome struggling Bere Alston United to Greenway Lane in a match where clear cut chances were few and far between. A goal in each half would be the difference in the end between the sides as Budleigh secured all three points and a home clean sheet.

The visitors gave themselves a challenge early in the game when Alex Lowe was sent to the sin bin within the first five minutes, but it was the ten men of Bere Alston who created the first major chance of the game. Just before the quarter of an hour mark, and with a couple of minutes left of the sin bin, the visitors tried their luck from distance. Harry Eaton went direct from a free kick around thirty five yards out but could only watch as his effort struck the post.

Bere Alston were reduced to long range efforts as the Budleigh defence held strong, and Eaton once again tried his luck as his shot from range barely came off the ground but narrowly missed the target as it went wide of the post, barely troubling Budleigh ‘keeper James Sharkey.

Midway through the first half and Budleigh started getting their way into the game, and they found the opening goal as Charlie Skinner was played through with his shot finding the bottom corner followed by a hole in the net as the ball came back out and into the bush behind the goal. The hosts won’t care how it happened, but they were delighted to have broken the deadlock.

Charlie Carstairs had a great chance to double the lead moments later following a brilliant turn and shot on the edge of the box, but the visiting ‘keeper Michael Moore reacted well to deny the hosts.

The half time interval soon came and both teams knew what they would need to do in the second half if they wanted to get a result. Not much separated the two teams before kick off and not much separated the two teams on the day.

The Robins were quick out of the blocks in the second half and would be frustrated not to have done better as Simon Withers skewed a shot high and wide from the edge of the box. It looked like it would be a second half of missed chances when substitute Paul Barnes sent a cross-cum-shot just wide of the far post not long after with the wind looking like it caught the ball mid flight.

The best chance of an equaliser for the visitors came after sixty five minutes when Aaron Hughes would be wanting to forget his miss which many thought would’ve been easier to score. Callum Massey miskicked his effort with the ball falling to Hughes just yards from the goal but somehow he managed to put it over the bar to the annoyance of his teammates.

With ten minutes to go, the hosts managed to add to their tally and virtually secure all three points as Skinner, goalscorer of the first, flicked the ball through to Oliver Partridge who managed to beat the visiting ‘keeper and into the bottom corner.

As the game entered the ninety minutes mark, the hosts had a golden opportunity to add a third as Rilley Harris was played in on goal with just the ‘keeper to beat, but he could only drag his effort narrowly wide. Thankfully for Harris it didn’t matter as the referee blew the final whistle and, with it, all three points secured by Budleigh Salterton.

Budleigh Salterton team: James Sharkey, Finley King, Max Burnham, Harry Gibbings, Harrison King, Jacob Tinsley, Simon Withers, Charlie Skinner, Charlie Carstairs, Oliver Partridge, Karim Coulibaly

Subs: Jamie Crossman, Rilley Harris, Paul Barnes, Daniel Tapp

Bere Alston United team: Michael Moore, Darren Phillips, Dan Mahoney, Ryan Moorehead, Aaron Hicks, Harry Eaton, Connor Johnson, Ben Clarke, Alex Lowe, Aaron Hughes, Callum Massey

Subs: Theo Standing, Will Westlake

Uni to Represent DFL in Devon Premier Cup Final After Sudden Death Shoot-out Victory

Article by Tom Besford.

The second Sportslighting Devon Premier Cup Semi Final matched a strong University of Exeter side against a Fremington team who currently sit second in the North Devon Football League Premier Division as they look for promotion back to the Devon League. Both teams came into this game knowing that Lapford await the winners in the final on Saturday 10th May.

As many would have expected, the University side started the strongest and it didn’t take them long to take the lead; as the game was less than a minute old, Adam Macpherson broke through on the right hand side and slotted past the Fremington ‘keeper from inside the box to give his side the advantage.

The opening period of the game was heavily dominated by the University of Exeter playing short passing football, with Fremington limited to long clearances down the pitch in the hope of finding their lone striker. It didn’t take long for the lead to double and with less than twenty minutes on the clock, Seb Limon headed home at the back post from a corner.

The North Devon outfit, who were being cheered on by a large following of faithful fans who had made the long trip down to the County Ground, had a hard job if they wanted to try and get back into the game, and it was almost out of sight completely when a skilful run by Sam Wade ended in a pass through to goalscorer Macpherson who could only fire into the side netting.

This was possibly the wake up call that Fremington needed and just under a minute later, they had halved the deficit. A wonderful defence-splitting pass by Miles Macree found Hayden Phillips who rifled a shot off the bar and into the back of the net to the delight of the travelling supporters.

The goal brought the game to life and suddenly the crowd were treated to a thrilling end to end match with both teams looking to add to their tally. Fremington had started to cause the Uni defence all sorts of problems and not before long they were level. Uni ‘keeper Ben Roberts let the ball run away from him as he tried to dribble into space and Will Jones was quick to punish the ‘keeper, latching on to a loose ball and finishing into an empty net to level the tie.

An entertaining first half ended with the scores level with it all to play for in the second period. After being punished for a slow start, Fremington had well and truly got themselves back into the game and it could go either way in the second half.

It was the University side who were quicker off the mark after half time, just like in the first forty five minutes, and they came close early in the second half as a hard shot from the edge of the box by Liam Morritt was saved well by Fremington ‘keeper Harry Watt doing well to push the ball to safety. Moments later, Sam Wade fired over the bar from the edge of the box as the Devon League side pushed for an opener to retake the lead.

Although the second half was mostly dominated by University of Exeter, with the Fremington defence staying strong and getting bodies in the way of every chance created, the North Devon side still had the odd chance of their own to put a foot into the final. A through ball by Hayden Phillips found Cohen Phillips who dragged his shot wide of the far post.

Fremington substitute Ollie Fosberry had a great run to score the winner as the clock ticked down when he went on a brilliant solo run. However, before he could get a shot away he was tackled which led to a quick break down the other end. Sam Wade found himself through on goal for University but his shot was well saved by Harry Watt who came out of his goal and made himself big to block the shot.

University had one more golden opportunity to win the game in the fourth minute of injury time as Bertie Whymark, who had received quite a lot of stick from the travelling Fremington fans, fired over the bar from the edge of the box.

With neither team able to find a winner, penalties were required to find out who would go up against Lapford in the Devon Premier Cup Final.

University of Exeter took the first penalty as Adam Macpherson put his spot kick into the top right, and the next two were scored by Ryan Elston and Sam Wade to give the Devon League side a 2-1 advantage. Miles Macree put his penalty over the top before Watt saved from James Wakefield; Josh Robinson also saw his saved before Matt Steer put his into the bottom right to give Uni a 3-1 advantage. Matt Goldsack scored emphatically into the roof of the net, Oliver Kavanagh saw his saved and Cohen Phillips scored to level the shoot-out at 3-3 meaning we were now in sudden death. Jack Smith scored for University, even though Watt managed to get his hand on it, before Ben Roberts saved from Kieran Cook to win the game for his side.

An entertaining match which could’ve gone either way in the end with the dreaded penalty shoot out needed to determine the finalist. University of Exeter will now play Lapford in the final of the Devon Premier Cup on Saturday 10th May.

University of Exeter team: Ben Roberts, Ben Harris, Bertie Whymark, Jack Smith, James Wakefield, Seb Limon, Sam Wade, Oliver Kavanagh, Adam Macpherson, Liam Morritt, Matt Steer

Subs: Harry Dunlop, Oliver Powell, Rory Nicoll, Alex Makris

Fremington team: Harry Watt, Will Jones, Matt Goldsack, Alex Boreham, Miles Macree, Jon Tossell, Kieran Cook, Archie Gammon, Hayden Phillips, Brandon Sharples, Cohen Phillips

Subs: Ryan Elston, Josh Robinson, Dan Edgar, Ollie Fosberry, Josh Arthur

ottery st mary at Appledore devon football league 2025

Copp’s decider sees Otters climb above hosts Appledore

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

Seventh place Ottery St. Mary made the long trip to north Devon to take on an Appledore side just one point and one place above them in what was a close fought battle. Neither team really created too many chances with the game dominated by half chances, with Seb Copp’s header at the beginning of the second half being the only goal to separate the sides.

The hosts started the brighter and could have taken the lead within thirty seconds from kick off as Oscar Jarrett beat Ottery ‘keeper Tom Seymour in a foot race to a loose ball, but his tame effort towards an empty net was cleared off the line by visiting defender Jordan Ford.

The Fishermen created more opportunities than their visitors throughout the match but with the majority of them off target, it meant Seymour wasn’t called into action too often. A cross from Matt Bryce, following a short corner, was headed wide of the target at the far post by Jarrett.

Appledore continued the pressure going forward as they looked for an opener, but Jason McGinley could only watch as he curled an effort from the edge of the box just over the bar before James Harley fired a strike from twenty-five yards out over the top.

The hosts almost had egg on their face midway through the first half as defender Noah Harris almost put the ball into his own net. A wayward back pass to the goalkeeper was heading into the back of the net, but Noah Vaughan in goal saved his blushes as he managed to scurry across his goal and keep the effort from crossing the line. With neither side having created much quality, it felt like it was going to be one of those games determined by a rookie mistake.

The visitors started to push forward a bit more themselves as they looked to try and test the home ‘keeper, and with just under half an hour played, Seb Copp came close to scoring as his shot from the edge of the box was saved well by the feet of Vaughan to keep the game goalless.

With the first half drawing to a close, both sides had one more chance of note to try and forge their way in front as a free kick from distance by Bryce was tipped over the bar by the Otter shot stopper whilst moments later, down the other end, Joe Byre hit an effort straight at Vaughan.

A goalless first half with neither ‘keeper having much to do in a tight game between two evenly matched sides. A goal was needed to spark this game into life!

The second half started quickly, and within less than a minute the visitors had taken the lead with what would turn out to be the only goal of the game. A free kick on the left wing was crossed into the box by Ethan Matthews finding Seb Copp who headed home from close range.

Appledore had to find a way back into the game and they had a golden opportunity just over quarter of an hour after going behind when McGinley got the ball past the visiting defenders but couldn’t test Seymour as he dragged his shot wide of the target. It was a similar chance moments later, this time Jarrett poking the ball wide of the target from inside the box.

As the hosts threw everything at Ottery St. Mary, as they began to get frustrated looking for an equaliser, this left gaps at the back allowing the visitors the odd counter attack. Substitute Luke Matthias managed to get a shot from the edge of the box for the visitors which looped up into the air but it was easily gathered by Vaughan who quickly tried to start another Appledore attack as they knew time was running out.

As the clock ticked down, the visitors held on for the three points as no matter how hard they tried, Appledore just couldn’t manage to get the ball into the back of the net. It was a game which on another day may have yielded a few more goals but unfortunately, neither team packed their shooting boots.

Appledore team: Noah Vaughan, Joseph Stevens, David Mason, Noah Harris, James Harley, Kai Dymond, Philip Kelly, Matt Bryce, Oscar Jarrett, Jason McGinley, Brian Levien

Subs: Morgan Taylor, Joe Kelly, Jamie Bowden, Robin Kearney

Ottery St. Mary team: Tom Seymour, Jake Blackmore, Ferenc Bodor, Jordan Ford, James Gosney, Cholwe Hachipuka, Joe Byre, Jake Williams, Luke Wilson, Ethan Matthews, Seb Copp

Subs: Luke Matthias, Kristian Katunsky, Jamie Green, Noah Lovedale, Noah Al-Sedani

newtown v university of exeter devon football league 2025

Gill hat-trick not enough as University fire in five at Newtown

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

Newtown hosted a University of Exeter team who are trying to close the gap at the top of the table, at a chilly Newton St Cyres Recreational Ground and put on an entertaining match for the small crowd in attendance. Jamie Dingle was making his debut for the hosts following his signing from league leaders Alphington and he would’ve been looking to add to his two goals so far this season.

The hosts had the first chance of the match to break the deadlock with the game less than five minutes old as Noah Hitchmough curled an effort just wide of the target from the edge of the box. The game was a bit of a slow burner with both sides cancelling each other out for the majority of the opening twenty minutes with the best chance for the visitors coming when Ollie Kavanagh fired straight down the keeper’s throat from the edge of the box.

The deadlock was finally broken inside the first half an hour when a Liam Morritt pass into Kavanagh on the edge of the box was finished with a smart looping effort over the head of Zach Tait in the home goal. The opening goal would lead to some added confidence in the University side leading to a flurry of attacks as they looked to add a second to their tally.

With just over five minutes until the interval Morritt was released through on goal and managed to fire across the keeper and into the opposite corner to double the lead.

Just moments later and University came close to a third as Joe Zamir was played through on goal as he ran into the box, took the ball around the out rushing keeper and put his effort wide with an open goal gaping. His blushes were saved though as he looked back to see the offside flag raised in the air.

Newtown had their work cut out for the second half if they wanted to try and salvage something from the game as a strong University of Exeter side had given themselves a comfortable lead at the break.

The second half was just two minutes old when a third goal was added to the tally as University forward Jake Faul converted a twenty five yard free kick into the top left corner out of the reach of Tait. University had started to show their dominance and now had a three goal lead to show for their efforts so far.

With Newtown pushing forward looking for a way back into the game it left several gaps at the back where they could be punished further and when a Faul cross to the far post found Zamir it looked likely to be four but a great save by Tait with his feet prevented further damage. Damage limitation would only last a few minutes later though as a break from the half way line by Jack Smith resulted with the ball being squared to Kavanagh to tap in from close range for his second.

University further tried their luck with a couple of long range efforts as Sam Wade struck the bar from thirty plus yards whilst Zamir hit his shot from distance narrowly wide.

The hosts never gave up, even at four nil down they were pushing for a way back into the game, and the continued efforts were rewarded with a goal. Jamie Dingle hit a shot from distance which was spilt by the University keeper and out for a corner. From the resulting corner Dan Gill headed home at the far post from a Ryan Gilpin delivery. Was this the start of an impressive comeback by the hosts with fifteen minutes to go?

The answer was no as just two minutes later the visitors added a fifth as Tait lost the ball resulting in Jack Smith having the easy task of walking the ball into the back of an empty net.

Just like before Newtown kept going and with three minutes left on the clock Gill had found the back of the net again, this time a long range effort flying into the top corner.

With the game entering injury time Gilpin sent a thirty yard effort just wide and the game had enough time for Gill to secure his hat-trick. Kavanagh brought down Noah Hitchmough in the box for a penalty and up stepped Gill with the last kick of the game sending the ball into the bottom right corner.

A hard fought performance from the hosts who, on another day, would’ve done enough to share the points but University punished them at the back to secure all the points.

Newtown team: Zach Tait, Harry Hitchmough, Noah Hitchmough, Jon Smith, Brad Butterfield, James Ansell, Jack Gill, Dan Gill, Cody Cox, Ryan Gilpin, Jamie Dingle

Subs: Theo Herbert, John Smith, Ben Howard

University of Exeter team: Ben Roberts, Sam Thomas, Seb Limon, Jack Smith, James Wakefield, Ben Harris, Joe Zamir, Ollie Kavanagh, Saman Ahmadi, Liam Morritt, Jake Faul

Subs: Sam Wade, Matt Steer, Adam MacPherson

topsham town v appledore devon football league 2025

Topsham benefit from early goal to claim tight home win over Appledore

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

An extremely cold Saturday afternoon saw a hardy few turn out as Topsham Town welcomed Appledore to Coronation Field for an entertaining fixture. With many of the local fixtures around the Exeter area getting postponed due to frozen pitches, it wasn’t an issue at Topsham; however, the weather had played its toll with the match taking place on a heavy and muddy pitch.

Any late comers, of which there were a few, would’ve missed the opening goal and the first Devon League goal of 2025 as the hosts were ahead after forty five seconds. A free kick on the right wing was crossed into the box and headed back across goal into the far corner by James Skinner.

Topsham dominated the first half and could’ve doubled their lead just before the twenty minute mark, as a free kick into the box was cleared as far as Sam Tapp who volleyed over from the edge of the box.

It was only a couple of minutes after firing over before the hosts doubled their lead when David Mason bought down Harry Drew Cull in the box with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Lee Radford stood up and calmly slotted the ball down the middle of the goal with visiting keeper Aaron Screech diving away towards the corner.

Appledore had to dig deep to try and find a way back into the game, and as the half drew to a close, they managed to scrape together a couple of chances as Brian Levien was played through on goal but could only fire straight at Martin Rice in the Topsham goal before James Harvey fired high and wide.

The second half started with a comedy of errors as the score almost became three, but thankfully, Screech had his blushes saved with the ball somehow not finding the back of the net. Screech fired a pass at the feet of Aaron Souster whose poor touch saw the ball fall to the feet of Topsham striker Lee Radford with an open goal in front of him. As Radford went to shoot, he slipped over and Screech just about managed to recover to retrieve the ball as it was slowly rolling towards the empty net.

With the second half less than ten minutes old, the visitors had managed to pull one back as substitute Rafe Barnes fired a left footed strike into the top corner from twenty five yards out past Rice who could do nothing to keep the effort out.

The second half was just like the first with one team on top but this time it was Appledore who dominated possession as they now looked for an equaliser, as they looked like a completely different team since the half time interval; whatever the management team had said in the changing rooms was clearly working.

Brian Levien played a standout performance for Appledore as he caused all sorts of problems for the Topsham defence, and he almost had an assist to his name as he floated a ball into the box from the left wing which found Noah Harris who glanced his header just wide.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, Levien managed to work his way down to the byline and drag his shot back across the penalty area finding Jamie Bowden unmarked who couldn’t keep his shot down as he fired over the bar.

The hosts were reduced to ten men with five minutes remaining, as a late tackle by Nathan May ended with him picking up his second yellow of the game and marching orders for an early shower. Appledore couldn’t make the man advantage count though and Topsham managed to hold out for all three points.

Topsham Town team: Martin Rice, James Skinner, Connor Pengelly, Lee Riggs, Adam Langabeer, Sam Tapp, Harry Drew Cull, Nathan May, Lee Radford

Subs: Ash Matthews, Sam Clarke, Ryan Saunders, Brad Phillips

Appledore team: Aaron Screech, Joseph Stevens, David Mason, Aaron Souster, Jonathan Elvins, James Harley, Noah Harris, Matt Bryce, Oscar Jarrett, Jason McGinley, Brian Levien

Subs: Jamie Bowden, Matthew Fay, Rafe Barnes

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