devon football league trophy 2023/24

Students go top of the table in wet North Devon

On a dreadful and wet night a hardcore set of supporters turned out to watch North Molton SC host title challenging University of Exeter in the A&S Interiors Devon Football League. The visitors came into this match knowing that Alphington had dropped points a day earlier and that three points would take them top of the league. For the hosts they knew they couldn’t mathematically finish bottom of the table and would be looking to pick up as many points as possible from their last few games to climb a few places in the final standings.

The first half lacked in any real quality chances for both sides and the conditions showed with both teams unable to find the killer pass to break past the defence. North Molton picked up a handful of yellow cards for not taking the wet surface into consideration when tackling with a few strong tackles flying in.

It was the hosts who had the best chance to break the deadlock early on with less than ten minutes on the clock when an angled shot from Jack Moses was saved by the University shot stopper Ben Roberts rebounding directly into the path of Adam Jerrett who’s rebounded effort was gathered on the second attempt by Roberts.

A few moments after almost going behind the visitors were gifted with a chance to open the scoring themselves as a clearance from home keeper Jake Greening only went as far as Sam Wade who shot towards the open goal but his effort went well wide of the target.

The opening goal of the game came at the midway point of the first half as Greening had a bit of a howler as he tried to claim a lose ball but Matt Steer had other ideas as he pounced on the ball and tapped in from just a couple of yards out.

The Students took the lead into the half time interval and both teams knew what was required in the second half.

Whilst North Molton would’ve been reasonably happy to only be behind by one goal at the break against a team pushing for the title it was one way traffic in the second half with the visitors comfortably on top.

With the second half barely a couple of minutes old the Students almost doubled the lead as a ball from the right wing found Adam Macpherson who threw himself at the ball but could only put the effort wide of the target. The away side were then gifted another golden chance moments later as an attempted clearance by Michael Hatcher hit Macpherson with the ball going towards the goal, Greening got down well to save the ball and managed to hold on to it as well.

Scorer of the only goal that separated the sides, Matt Steer, was once again involved in the action as he headed goalwards from a long throw but could only watch as Greening was at full stretch to tip the effort over the bar.

With all the chances coming their way it wasn’t long before University managed to double their lead as a ball from the left wing was cut back to Steet who shot towards the target as team mate Jake Faul flicked the ball in to the net to ensure the ball went over the line.

The evening went from bad to worse for North Molton as they were reduced to ten men as Sam Phillips disagreed with the linesman over the decision of a throw in. This led to abusive comments made towards the assistant with the referee dismissing Phillips for dissent.

The students made the man advantage count and added a third goal before the end of the game as substitute Paul Hunold sent a left footed effort towards the bottom corner from the edge of the box which was pushed around the post by Greening. From the resulting corner Hunold had a free header making no mistake in finding the back of the net this time.

With Alphington having dropped points on Monday, University now sit two points clear at the top of the table knowing that a win in Saturday’s crunch match between the top two will secure the title.

North Molton SC team: Jake Robert Greening, Jack Moses, Michael Hatcher, George Folland, Cory Roach, Harley Ashdown, Joshua Stoneman, Sam Phillips, Ciaron Lishman, Joe Southcott, Adam Jerrett

Subs: Matthew Jones, Daniel Anjos, Will Pancherz, James Giffard, Stephen Filsell

University of Exeter team: Ben Roberts, Sam Thomas, Joe Zamir, Jack Smith, James Wakefield, Ben Harris, Sam Wade, Ollie Kavanagh, Adam Macpherson, Jake Faul, Matt Steer

Subs: Michael Massey, Paul Hunold, Oliver Powell

alphington fc

ALPHINGTON PROGRESS TO THIRST FITNESS CUP FINAL

Alphington booked their place in the Thirst Fitness League Cup Final at Budleigh Salterton on the 10th of May with a penalty shoot-out victory against near neighbours Topsham Town on Tuesday night. A wet Ottery St Mary was the venue for an entertaining match with Alphington keeper Leon Woodhead proving to be the hero as the league leaders had to come from behind on the night.

The game begun with both teams having early chances to take the lead but neither side were able to take advantage from close range. Alphington left back Charlie Gillard was caught not paying attention as Tyler Kelly pounced on a lose ball inside the box but couldn’t find the target as he sent his effort over the bar for Topsham with the first real chance of the game. Moments later and Alphington had a similar chance as Tre Davey was played through one on one but he did well to lift the ball over the keeper but could only watch as it went narrowly wide.

A potential let off for both sides but both teams would also be frustrated to have not taken the lead with such an early chance.

Young Topsham forward Tyler Kelly was proving to be a bit of a handful for the Alphington defence and found himself through on goal once again as he shot just wide from the edge of the box. Both teams were getting plenty of early chances but neither keeper was yet to be tested.

Topsham looked the most likely to score in the first half and as the first forty five minutes drew to a close they had another golden opportunity to take the lead as a shot from Nathan May deflected off a defender and directly into the path of Lee Radford inside the box who hit his effort over the bar.

Alphington had the last chance of the half as substitute Ben Annunziata saw his effort saved well by Topsham keeper Will Davis. An entertaining end to end first half ended goalless as both teams were able to create chances but looked like they had left their shooting boots at home.

Topsham started the second half the strongest and they had the opening goal inside ten minutes of the restart. A superb solo run by Nathan May ended in his shot being saved by Woodhead with the ball falling to Kelly who made no mistake from close range. The goal wouldn’t count though as the linesman was quick to raise the flag for offside.

The disallowed goal seemed to bring the game to life and it wasn’t long until Topsham took the lead, this time with the goal standing. Tyler Kelly who had been lively all match hit a sweet shot from the corner of the box which flew past the Alphington keeper and into the far bottom corner of the goal. A well taken effort and what a time to score.

Topsham only had the lead for seven minutes before Alphington managed to equalise with a well taken effort. The ball was played through the defence to Annunziata who beat the offside trap and fired a shot into the roof of the net with power from close range.

With the scores level once again the game seemed to even out with an end to end affair once again taking place with both teams trying to create chances to take the lead but ultimately the final ball letting them down. As the final whistle drew closer and the dreaded penalty shoot-out was just around the corner Alphington had one more chance to grab the winner deep in injury time as a long throw into the box found Tre Davey who headed goalwards which required Davis in the Topsham goal to react tipping the ball over the top.

Nothing could separate the two sides after ninety minutes and so the penalty shoot-out would determine who would make the trip to Budleigh Salterton for the final. Topsham took the first penalty and Matt Bye could only watch as his effort was well saved by Woodhead down to the keepers right. This would be the penalty that would determine the result as the following nine were all scored.

Alphington await the winners of Ottery St Mary v Appledore in the final with the second semi-final due to take place on Wednesday 23rd April at Elmore.

Topsham Town team: Will Davis, Harry Drew Cull, Sam Clarke, James Skinner, Lee Riggs, Matthew Bye, Fred Kingdom, Sam Tapp, Tyler Kelly, Nathan May, Lee Radford

Subs: Mitch Ward, Brad Riggs, Brad Phillips, Ryan Saunders

Alphington team: Leon Woodhead, Tom Bray, Jordan Casey, Jack Furzer, Charlie Gillard, George Bosworth, Rio Potter, Jake Haggerty, Joel Greenslade, Tre Davey, Ben Bickle

Subs: Ben Annunziata, Jake Pond, Harry Wellaway

appledore v ottery st mary devon football league 2025

LEAGUE NEWS – April 1st 2025

April is now upon us and this means we are entering the final few weeks of another football season, however, it also means we are entering the most important period of the campaign where titles are won or lost and cup semi-finals and finals are played. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors A&S Interiors and Thirst Fitness who are vital to the success of the league in what has been an entertaining season so far.

FIXTURES – We have been extremely lucky this season with the weather so far and it means that we haven’t had many weekends where we have had a washout with all the games getting postponed. Normally as we enter this period of the season we have a backlog of games but thankfully this campaign is different with 206/240 games played and 12/15 ThirstFitness League Cup games played. Dartmouth and Budleigh Salterton have also become the first two clubs to complete all their home fixtures this season with Plymstock United, Beer Albion, Ipplepen Athletic and Appledore all having just one game left!

LEAGUE BALLS – Clubs are reminded that only official league match balls should be used for all A&S Interiors Devon League and ThirstFitness League Cup matches as per league rules. If any club are unhappy with the league balls or the quality of these, please report any concerns to the league secretary and this can be looked into with the ball supplier. If clubs require more match balls these can be purchased directly from the supplier on the league website.

THIRST FITNESS LEAGUE CUP – As we enter April and towards the end of the season it means we also enter cup final season. In April we see both of our Thirst Fitness League Cup semi-finals take place with the final due to take place at Budleigh Salterton on Saturday 10th May 2025. It would be great to see as many people as possible supporting these matches in what should be a memorable event for all those involved. The semi-finals are as follows:

Tuesday 15th April 2025

Topsham Town v Alphington

Played at Ottery St Mary

7.30PM KO

Wednesday 23rd April 2025

Appledore v Ottery St Mary

Played at Elmore

7.30PM KO

We will have a new name on the trophy this season as previous winners have all been knocked out of the competition.

NEW REFEREE SUPPORT OFFICER – The league are pleased to announce Dan Uren as our new referee support officer who has taken over the role from Nick Chapman who stood down from the league committee. As a former referee Dan is excited to take over the role and looks forward to getting to know the wonderful volunteers behind all the clubs in the league. If anyone has any questions or wants to get in touch with Dan his contacts can now be found on the online league handbook and in the league officials section on the league website.

REGISTRATION OFFICER VACANCY – The league are looking for a new player registration officer to take over for the 2025/2026 season. Experience with the FA Full Time system would be an advantage but it is not mandatory and can be learnt during the role. Anyone who wants more information or to apply for this role can contact the league secretary at secretarydevonfootballleague@gmail.com Deadline for all applications is Saturday 31st May 2025.

SPORTSLIGHTING DEVON PREMIER CUP – Everyone from the A&S Interiors Devon League would like to congratulate University of Exeter on reaching the final of the Devon Premier Cup following a semi-final victory against Fremington. The Students found themselves 2-0 up early into the game but were pegged back at 2-2 before half time. With neither side able to add any more goals in the second half the dreaded penalty shootout was required which ended in the University winning 4-3 to progress to the final. The University of Exeter will take on Lapford at the Devon FA ground on Saturday 10th May 2025.

LEAGUE CUP SPONSOR FOR 2025/2026 SEASON ONWARDS – Everyone involved with the Devon Football League would like to thank ThirstFitness for their sponsorship of our League Cup for the last two seasons as they have decided they will no longer sponsor the competition after next month’s final. We would be delighted to speak with any business or organisation who would be interested in taking over sponsorship for the competition and would invite them to get in contact with any league official.

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

thorverton fc

Elmore host leaders as chasing pack hope to gain ground

Article and photo by Tom Besford.

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

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

Appledore v Bere Alston United:

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

Beer Albion v Plymouth Marjon:

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

Elmore v Alphington:

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

Newtown v Budleigh Salterton:

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

North Molton SC v Dartmouth:

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

Ottery St Mary v Ipplepen Athletic:

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

Plymstock United v University of Exeter:

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

Topsham Town v Thorverton:

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