thorverton v bere alston united devon football league

A&S Interiors Ltd Devon Football League: Thorverton 2 – 1 Bere Alston United

Match report and photos by Tom Besford

Thorverton continued their spell of back to back home games at the beginning of the season as they welcomed Bere Alston United to the Recreation Field. The hosts were in search of their first win of the season following a draw and defeat whilst Bere Alston arrived with a 100% record with a 5-0 win in their only game of the season so far.

The teams were very equally matched with both sides cancelling each other out and neither goalkeeper having much to do in the first half other than catch corners and long balls from the opposition.

Sam Stewart had the opening chance for the home side after quarter of an hour as he managed to beat the offside trap and fire his shot goalward but he could only watch as Michael Moore in the visiting goal pushed the effort onto the post. It was game of chances few and far between but the hosts looked the most likely to score as Ryan Moody burst into the right hand side of the box before firing over the top.

With the game nearing the half an hour mark the deadlock was finally broken as Moody was tripped in the box by Darren Phillips leading to the home side being given a penalty. Josh Hole stood up to the responsibility and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to give the hosts the lead.

This goal gave the game a spark of life and it was just over ten minutes before the lead was doubled, once again from the penalty spot. Connor Johnson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and so the hosts were able to double their lead with their second penalty. Hole stood up once again and placed the ball in the same place but this time it was saved by Bere Alston keeper Michael Moore. Unfortunately for the visitors the penalty save was followed by Hole being on hand to tap in the rebound from close range.

Bere Alston United had to look for a way back into the game and this meant that gaps were left at the back resulting in almost conceding a third. A short back pass was gathered by Nathan Lee who fired a shot past Moore in goal but could only watch as it hit the post before being cleared by a visiting defender.

Bere Alston had their work cut out in the second half and they put the pressure on the home defence as they searched for a way back into the match. The visitors did manage to halve the deficit with just over quarter of an hour to go as Darren Phillips found the back of the net to make it a goal scoring afternoon for both players wearing the number three shirt. After a lucky one two with a team mate on the edge of the box Phillips received the ball back and fired into the bottom corner.

It would turn out to be too little too late for the visitors as they put pressure on the home goal for the final ten minutes but couldn’t manage to find an equaliser. The South Devon side came close with just a few moments to play when the ball fell to Johnson on the edge of the box who shot through a crowded area only to see his effort cleared before it could reach the goal.

Thorverton team: Diego Barbero, Charlie Webb, Josh Hole, Pete Hensor, Ben Stevens, Myles O’Reilly, Sam Stewart, Ryan Moody, Nathan Lee, Jacob Dack, Dylan Isaac

Subs: Beckham Pyatt, Paddy O’Loughlan, Chris Powell, Piotr Czaja, Oliver May

Bere Alston United team: Michael Moore, Ryan Moorhead, Darren Phillips, Robbie Court, Josh Monk, Callum Massey, Connor Johnson, Ben Clarke, Jak Plummer, Harry Eaton, Soul Pengelley

Subs: William Westlake

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

Plymouth Derby Gets DFL Under Way on Thursday

Report ©Tom Besford. Photo ©Danni Hide Photography

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

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

LAKESIDE ATHLETIC v PLYMOUTH MARJON:

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

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON v ALPHINGTON:

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

BEER ALBION v PLYMSTOCK UNITED:

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

DARTMOUTH v TOPSHAM TOWN:

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

IPPLEPEN ATHLETIC v OTTERY ST MARY:

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

NEWTOWN v APPLEDORE:

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

THORVERTON v ELMORE:

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

thirst fitness dfl cup final 2024 beer albion v north molton

List of Pre-season Friendlies: Enjoy Some Summer Football

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

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

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

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

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

*DFL teams are in bold type

a&s paving devon football league 2024/25 constitution

2024/25 DFL Constitution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ipplepen v budleigh devon premier cup 2023-24

2023/24 Season Review

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

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

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

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

AUGUST:

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER:

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

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

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

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

OCTOBER:

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

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

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

NOVEMBER:

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

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

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

DECEMBER:

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

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

JANUARY:

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

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

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

FEBRUARY:

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

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

MARCH:

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

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

APRIL & MAY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match report by Tom Besford. Photo ©Danni Hide Photography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ipplepen athletic v budleigh devon premier cup 2023-24

Match Report: Ipplepen Athletic 1 – 6 Plymstock United

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

devon football league winners 2023/24 university of exeter fc

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

Match report and photos ©Tom Besford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subs: Ferenc Bodor, Adrian Parr

topsham town thorverton devon football league

Match Report: Topsham Town 0 – 0 Thorverton

Match report ©Tom Besford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

devon football league cup

Introducing Thirst Fitness: Our New League Cup Sponsors

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

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

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

Website – www.thirstfitness.co.uk

Facebook – @ThirstFitness

Instagram – @thirstfitness or @Bootcampsplymouth

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

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