GOALS were again the theme of the weekend in the Scott Richards Solicitors Devon Football League, with an average of almost five per game in the North & East Division.

Alphington dropped their first points of the campaign, as they were held in a 3-3 thriller at home to Topsham Town. It was a great result for Topsham, who were denied all three points by a superb late penalty save from the home side but a brace from Connor Howe and Alex Gibbins’ strike enough to halt the Alphas march.

Exwick Villa were one of many leading sides given the chance to exploit the dropped points for Alphington and they duly delivered with a 4-2 home win over Chudleigh, who twice pegged back their hosts with goals from Aspden Wilson but were ultimately beaten by a Sam Johnson double and further strikes from Jesse Howe and Tom Tricker.

A 2-1 win at home to Witheridge kept Teignmouth right in the mix at the top and Newtown overcame a tough Braunton side in the battle between fifth and seventh before kick-off. Kyle Bassett and Ben Howard were on target for Newtown in a 2-0 win.

A Lee Radford brace helped St Martins secure a 4-1 triumph over the University of Exeter and the Saints are quietly moving into a dangerous position near the top, while there were important wins for Liverton and Budleigh Salterton down the bottom of the table.

In a clash between two sides without a point before kick-off, Liverton came out 3-2 winners at Bovey Tracey Reserves and Budleigh were too strong for bottom club Clyst Valley, as they ran out 5-2 victors at Winslade Park.

The goals were not quite so free-flowing in the South & West Division, where Kingsteignton Athletic extended their lead at the top with a 1-0 win at fourth-placed Waldon Athletic, with Ashley Dove scoring the only goal of the game.

The two teams in second and third before kick-off could not be separated, as Watcombe Wanderers and Tavistock Reserves battled out a 1-1 draw, with Lloyd Russell’s opener for Tavvy cancelled out in the second half.

Plymstock United moved into the chasing pack with an excellent 3-1 win at home to Lakeside Athletic. Jack Lethbridge opened the scoring for Plymstock, Lakeside then levelled but were beaten by second-half goals from Kriss Young and Fraser Bricknell.

There was a massive win down the bottom for Ottery St Mary, as they defeated Plymouth Argyle’s Community Development side with a 2-0 win. Paignton Villa got their first victory at this level, edging past Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves with a 2-1 scoreline.

Sam Chorley scored the only goal for Roselands in their 1-0 success at Totnes & Dartington, a Dan Rankin double gave Buckland Athletic Reserves a 2-1 win at home to Plympton Athletic and the final game ended in a 3-1 triumph for Paignton Saints at Bere Alston United.

THE march continues for Kingsteignton Athletic in the South & West Division of the Scott Richards Solicitors Devon Football League, as the Rams extended their 100% start to the season with a 5-0 victory over Plymstock United.

Watcombe Wanderers are the side in closest pursuit of Kingsteignton following their impressive 4-0 win at home to Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves. Lloyd Tucker opened the scoring for Watcombe, then Joe Molloy doubled the lead and a Joe Constantinou penalty effectively sealed the win, with Molloy adding the late gloss by scoring his second.

Tavistock Reserves have played a game less than Kingsteignton but also boast a 100% record, although it was hard work in securing a 1-0 win at Ottery St Mary. It was the same scoreline for Bere Alston in defeating Paignton Villa, who will count themselves unlucky not to have secured a first point of the campaign.

Once again, Lakeside Athletic were involved in a sensational goal-fest, eventually winning a wonderful game at Plympton Athletic by the score of 5-4. Waldon Athletic are also finding the net with impunity, racking up a 4-2 win at home to Totnes & Dartington.

Matt Beer and Dan Rankin scored the goals in a 2-0 triumph for Buckland Athletic Reserves at Roselands and the final game in S&W ended in a 2-2 draw between Paignton Saints and Plymouth Argyle Community Development.

Exwick Villa produced a statement performance in the North & East Division, as they comfortably won the battle between two sides entering the weekend with 100% records in the league, as Newtown were defeated 4-0 at the Exwick Sports Hub.

While Villa were making their mark on the division, leaders Alphington extended their goal-difference advantage at the top with an 8-1 destruction of Liverton United, largely thanks to hat-tricks from Ryan Moody and Bailey.

Teignmouth dropped their first points of the season after being held to an entertaining 2-2 draw at Braunton. The Teigns twice led their hosts but Braunton displayed tremendous spirit, especially after going down to ten men, in grinding out a fine draw.

After a goalless first period, unbeaten Heavitree United turned on the style after the break to run out 4-1 victors at home to Witheridge and it was the same score for St Martins in beating Budleigh Salterton. Chudleigh Athletic earned their first win of the season by beating Topsham Town 2-1.

The final two games ended in heavy victories for the University of Exeter and Exmouth Town Reserves. Luke Barner scored five goals in a 10-0 win for the Uni over Bovey Tracey Reserves, while Tom Bray struck a hat-trick in Exmouth’s 7-0 triumph at Clyst Valley.

Midweek Action

THE North & East Division of the Scott Richards Solicitors Devon Football League now has three teams riding high on 12 points after another busy midweek of action.

Alphington are top of the pile after an excellent 8-0 victory at Clyst Valley, with hat-tricks from James Mudge and Lucas White. A 4-0 Bank Holiday win for Teignmouth over Chudleigh slots them into second, as Sam Chapman scored a brace and further goals from Geoff Breslan and Sean Ayre.  

Newtown are the third side on 12 points but they were made to work a lot harder to gain three points at Liverton, who are showing signs of improvement after a difficult start. Cory O’Donoghue, Dale O’Donoghue and Ben Howard scored the goals for Newtown.

Heavitree United lead the chasing pack, as they triumphed 3-0 at home to Bovey Tracey Reserves, thanks to a brace from Sam Kemp. Braunton inflicted a 7-0 defeat on Topsham Town, with Lewis Lowe notching four in a superb individual display.

The final midweek games in N&E saw St Martins squeeze past Exmouth Town Reserves with a 3-2 success and Exwick Villa won 3-1 at home to Budleigh Salterton.

Watcombe Wanderers are a side on the move in the S&W Division, moving to within two points of leaders Kingsteignton Athletic after an impressive 6-1 victory at Bere Alston on Monday, with Ben Clark scoring four and Josh Parry bagging a brace.

Tavistock Reserves have played a game less than the leading duo but continued their 100% start with a 5-2 success at home to the Plymouth Argyle Community Development side. Tavvy went 2-0 ahead but were pegged back by the Pilgrims before sealing the win with three further goals after the break, as Alex Henniker and Tallan Burns both scored twice.

There was a cracking game at Windmill Hill in Torquay, where Waldon Athletic just edged Paignton Saints with a 3-2 win. Josh Mason again starred for Waldon, scoring twice and providing the assist for the other goal.

Totnes and Dartington were too strong for Paignton Villa on Wednesday night, running out 3-0 winners, and Roselands also picked up a win, as Tom Reeves, Tom Dunlop and Sunny Coulibaly hit the net in a 3-2 triumph at Buckland Athletic Reserves.

The final two games in midweek ended in 2-2 draws. Ottery St Mary and Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves shared the spoils on Bank Holiday Monday and it was the same on Wednesday, when Plymstock United earned a point at Lakeside Athletic.

THE Rams of Kingsteignton are riding high in the S&W Division of the Scott Richards Solicitors Devon Football League, as they recorded a fourth straight win by defeating Ottery St Mary. It was a superb display from hat-trick hero Ollie Kewell, while the fourth goal came from Jack Smith and Kingsteignton host the dangerous Plymstock next weekend.

Paignton Villa faced the full force of the Plymstock attack, going down to a 5-2 defeat at the South Devon College Sports Centre. Villa actually scored first and had a penalty saved by Ross Temlett before Plymstock turned on the style with goals from Kriss Young, Fraser Bricknell (2), Trav Mackie and a screamer by Jack Lethbridge to run out 5-2 winners.

Tavistock Reserves are moving along very nicely, picking up their second win of the season with a 3-1 triumph at Waldon Athletic and it was a great win for Watcombe Wanderers in the Torbay derby, defeating Roselands 5-1 at Long Lane. Paignton Saints enjoyed a landmark first win at this level by beating Totnes and Dartington 6-1.

Lakeside Athletic are the team to watch for goals, as their three fixtures so far have seen the net bulge an incredible 25 times. The latest thriller was a 5-4 success over Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves and, even more impressively, Lakeside recovered from 3-0 down to secure all three points.

The final game in S&W ended in a fine 3-0 victory for Plympton Athletic at Bere Alston and there was just as much entertainment from the N&E Division in what has been a pulsating start to the Devon Football League.

Exwick Villa continued their perfect start by winning 3-0 at Liverton United. Ashley Hudd scored twice and Villa have now scored 12 and conceded none from their opening three outings.

It is already shaping up to be an intriguing battle at the top of the N&E Division, with three other sides boasting 100% records. Newtown are one of those four, beating Clyst Valley 5-1 with goals from Ben Howard, Kyle Bassett, Matt Hesford, Dale O’Donoghue and Daniel Gill. Something will have to give next weekend, however, as Villa host Newtown, although both have midweek fixtures to contend first.

Teignmouth are another team enjoying a flying start but they were made to work very hard in beating Bovey Tracey Reserves 1-0. Alphington complete the leading quartet after securing a powerful 4-1 success at Budleigh Salterton.

Heavitree United are also unbeaten from the opening weeks of the season, continuing their fine form with a 3-0 win at Braunton, while the University of Exeter got their first points of the campaign with a 2-1 victory at home to Chudleigh Athletic.

Witheridge are enduring a difficult start to the season and were well beaten at home to St Martins, as the visitors ran out 7-1 winners to complete a fascinating weekend of football in the blazing sunshine.

THREE teams share top spot with maximum points in the North & East Division of the Devon Football League after the midweek round of fixtures.

Exwick Villa are top on goal difference, one ahead of Teignmouth, who, in turn, are one goal in front of Alphington. Villa have an impressive +9 in the GD column, backing up a superb opening day by defeating Exmouth Town Reserves 3-0 on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Sam Johnson, Harry Walford and Jesse Howe.

The Teigns were ruthless in winning 5-1 at Liverton United, who have endured a tough start, while Alphington recorded a 3-0 triumph at Witheridge. Heavitree United hold fourth position on their own after a 3-1 win over Clyst Valley.

The other midweek results saw Newtown beat the University of Exeter 4-1, Topsham Town produced an excellent display in defeating Budleigh Salterton and there was a 1-1 draw between St Martins and Chudleigh Athletic.

In the South & West Division, Kingsteignton Athletic have made a big early statement, recording three straight wins to open up a five-point lead, although they have played a game more than the chasing pack. The latest win for the Rams was a 5-2 local derby success over Newton Spurs Reserves.

Buckland Athletic Reserves and Waldon Athletic are among the clubs on four points after they shared an entertaining 2-2 draw on Tuesday night, while the Wednesday fixtures in this Division gave us 13 goals from two games.

Plymouth Argyle’s Community Development side just edged past Plympton Athletic in a thrilling encounter that ended 4-3 to the visitors and just as much fun at Lakeside Athletic, where the hosts shared a six-goal cracker with Bere Alston United.

THE opening weekend of the Devon Football League season is complete and what a cracking start, with 36 goals scored in the South & West Division and the net bulged 31 times in North & East.

The very early pacesetters in N&E are Exwick Villa, who won 6-0 at Clyst Valley, with Sam Johnson scoring a brace, Jesse Howe, Nathan May and James May also on target, plus an own goal.

Teignmouth recorded a 5-1 victory at home to Topsham Town and it was the same scoreline for Newtown against Liverton United. After going 1-0 down to Liverton, Kyle Bassett banged in a superb hat-trick for Newtown and there were also goals from Sam Stapleton and Cory O’Donoghue.

Budleigh Salterton had kicked-off the Division on Friday night with a 3-0 home win over Witheridge, scoring all three goals in a blistering first-half, as a strike by Sam Hollis was sandwiched by two efforts from Harry Gibings.

The University of Exeter put in a fine display at Exmouth Town Reserves but could find no way past a resolute home defence, and Exmouth were ruthless at the other end, winning 2-0 with goals from Tom Bray and a Josh Gresham free-kick.

It was a terrific tussle at St Martins, where Braunton ran out 2-1 winners with goals from Russell Harrison and debutant Ryan Mugford scoring from close-range. Alphington also won 2-1 at Bovey Tracey Reserves, with Aidan Whitfield picking up the man of the match award for the Alphas.

Kingsteignton Athletic lead the S&W, following up their 2-0 success at Totnes & Dartington in the inaugural game on Wednesday night with a 3-0 triumph at home to Paignton Villa, largely thanks to an excellent brace from Ashley Dove.

There was a thriller at Lakeside Athletic, where Tavistock Reserves won 7-3. Tavvy raced into a 2-0 lead with goals from Morten Wilmot and Josh Ryeland. Lakeside responded with a three-goal burst, including a screamer by Kriston Gargett. Incredibly, Tavvy came back again to lead 4-3 at the interval. The visitors were inspired after the break, with a Lloyd Russell double helping them run out 7-3 victors.

The goals were also flying in for Buckland Athletic Reserves, 5-1 winners at Paignton Saints. Dan Rankin scored a superb first-half hat-trick for the Bucks and Saints were unable to find a way back in the game, but got their debut goal at this level through Matt Reed.

Josh Mason scored twice and goals from Tom Pennicott and Spike Bond helped Waldon Athletic to a 4-2 success at home to Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves, while Totnes & Dartington recovered from their opening day loss by winning 3-0 at Ottery St Mary.

Bere Alston were made to work in defeating Plymouth Argyle Community Development 2-1, with goals from Aaron Rocky and Hardy. The final two games ended in entertaining 2-2 draws at Watcombe and Roselands.

At Roselands, there were home goals from Tom Dunlop and Curtis Booth but they also came up against a top performance from Plympton Athletic goalkeeper Ryan Walkey. Chris Batey and Scott Rennie scored the goals for Plympton. Plymstock United came away happy with a 2-2 draw at Watcombe to complete an excellent start to the Devon Football League.

BUDLEIGH Salterton made the perfect start to the North & East Division in the Devon Football League, recording an impressive 3-0 win over Witheridge in the inaugural game on Friday night.

Despite the gloomy weather, Budleigh put on a great show, on and off the pitch. Budleigh Ladies Football Club put on much of the hospitality and the men’s team did their stuff with a fine performance.

It was all about a sizzling first-half display from the Robins, as Harry Gibings opened the scoring on just six minutes. Sam Hollis doubled the lead on 22 minutes and Gibings struck again before the interval.

Witheridge had their moments after the break but could find no way past the Budleigh defence, and a great start to life in the DFL for the home side.

THE North & East division of the Devon Football League kicks-off tonight and a potential cracker, as Budleigh Salterton host Witheridge.

The game at Greenway Lane kicks-off at 7.30pm tonight and admission is just £3 for adults, £2.50 for OAPs and free for Under-16s. Exe Valley Pizza will be on site and the bar / clubhouse opens at 6.30pm.

Elsewhere in the DFL, it is a full programme of fixtures on Saturday. The games are listed below and good luck to all teams at the start of a new football adventure.

South & West Division
Bere Alston v Plymouth Argyle Community Development
Kingsteignton Athletic v Paignton Villa
Lakeside Athletic v Tavistock Reserves
Ottery St Mary v Totnes & Dartington
Paignton Saints v Buckland Athletic Reserves
Roselands v Plympton Athletic
Waldon Athletic v Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves
Watcombe Wanderers v Plymstock United

North & East Division
Budleigh Salterton v Witheridge (Friday)
Bovey Tracey Reserves v Alphington
Clyst Valley v Exwick Villa
Exmouth Town Reserves v University of Exeter
Heavitree United v Chudleigh Athletic
Newton v Liverton United
St Martins v Braunton
Teignmouth v Topsham Town

IT needed two great finishes to beat an inspired home goalkeeper, as Kingsteignton Athletic won 2-0 at Totnes and Dartington in the opening game of the Devon Football League.

Amid the fragrant fires of a delicious barbeque at T&D, the game started brightly for Kingsteignton and they went close when Aaron Paget was released on goal, but he was pulled up for an infringement. T&D responded with a superb passing move and the final shot was steered inches over by Thomas Weymouth.

The opening goal arrived on 17 minutes, and it was a cracker. Kingsteignton worked the ball nicely down the right flank and the cross was met on the half-volley by Ross Beer, who rifled an emphatic finish into the roof of the net.

The dangerous Beer, who was also a rock at the back, nearly doubled the lead from a corner moments later, but was denied by an athletic save from David Carroll, his first of many in a brilliant performance from the T&D custodian.

Carroll produced two more fine blocks before the Tots began to settle into the game and imposed themselves toward the end of the first period, again going closing through Weymouth.

It was, however, fitting that Carroll ended the first 45 minutes of the Devon Football League with another brilliant save, and started the second period with his next block.

The decisive moment arrived in 62 minutes and even Carroll could do nothing about a wonderful dipping free-kick from Ollie Kewell that found the top corner to extend Kingsteignton’s lead.

Totnes and Dartington remained a threat to the end and very nearly pulled one back but Kingsteignton goalkeeper Thomas Brooks, perhaps inspired by Carroll, produced a fine save of his own, and a compact defensive display from the visitors gave Kingsteignton a clean sheet start to the campaign.

It was a great occasion, played in tremendous spirit by both clubs, and superbly officiated in a calm manner by referee Matt Redmond. Well done to all involved and we move on to the start of the North & East Division on Friday night, when Budleigh Salterton host Witheridge.

The Devon Football League kicks-off tonight and we have very proud hosts in Totnes & Dartington Football Club, who welcome Kingsteignton Athletic for the opening game in the South & West Division.

For Chairman Andy Newson, Vice-Chairman Alan Blake, Club legend Charlie Stephens and the Committee at Totnes & Dartington, tonight’s game represents the culmination of three years of consolidation, having opted to drop down from the South-West Peninsula League to focus on work behind the scenes and building a comprehensive junior section.

The hard graft has been done and it is now all about the football, as two historic clubs in the County game prepare to kick-off a new adventure.

 “The work has been done behind the scenes to prepare us for this new level and we’re delighted and honoured to host the first game in the Devon Football League,” said Alan.

“Three years ago, we decided to come out of the Peninsula League after enjoying a lot of success, winning the Devon Premier Cup and two Throgmorton Cup finals. We won three major trophies but the committee made the decision to go back to our roots in local football, with a view to building to the level of football that we wanted.

“The creation of the new Devon Football League has been perfect for us. We were promoted from Division One in the South Devon League to the Premier and did well last season, so this means everything to us.

“The new league is a perfect stepping stone to where we want to be and we’re comfortable with this level. We don’t pay players’ wages or expenses, we’re a community club and our heart and soul is in the junior teams and disability teams, because that grows our senior team.

“We’re back into the County league against clubs we know well and some that are new to us. We’ve done a lot of work in the past few years and every penny goes into the club. We’ve upgraded our facilities to include a new small stand, improvements to the clubhouse and the pitch is in fantastic condition.

“Our second team has been restarted with a lot of young players, rooted in local football to bring through the next generation. We have consolidated over the last three years and hopefully now a stronger club for this league.”

There is also a nice symmetry for Alan to be welcoming Kingsteignton for this inaugural fixture, having played against them in his first and last games as a local footballer.

“In 1970, I made my debut for what was then called Dartington United Football Club and it was against Kingsteignton,” said Alan. “In my early fifties, I played my last game in South Devon League football against Kingsteignton Reserves.

“Charlie Stephens, who is the lifeblood of our football club, has been involved for 49 years, same as me. We’re convinced he lives at the ground because he does so much work and it’s fantastic for all of us to welcome Kingsteignton in the first game. Charlie was honoured for his incredible long service by the South Devon League last season.

“We’re off to Ottery St Mary on Saturday, who we’ve played in the Peninsula League, but also very excited to play against new clubs, such as Bere Alston, Tavistock Reserves and new grounds for Totnes & Dartington.

“To be given the honour of the first game is fantastic for us and we’re looking forward to the evening.”

The game kicks-off at 6.30pm at Foxhole Sports Field, TQ9 6EB