thorverton v bere alston untied dfl

Fishermen Derby Among This Weekend’s DFL Action

Photos © Tom Besford

The final match day of a busy August sees a full fixture list with sixteen teams in action with Thorverton receiving a day off due to being the seventeenth club in the league. The opening month has been full of entertainment and goals and hopefully the rest of the season continues in this form.

Beer Albion v Appledore:

The hosts come into this Fishermen derby unbeaten at home this season with their only defeat on the road at Budleigh Salterton whilst visitors Appledore have had some mixed form so far this season. Two wins and two defeats from Appledore see them currently in tenth and they will be looking to bounce back from defeat last Saturday against University of Exeter. Last season Appledore finished as runners up whilst Beer Albion finished third and just three points behind the North Devon club, however, there wasn’t much more the East Devon club could do as Beer won both games 4-3 at home and 2-0 away. Beer Albion and Appledore joined the league at the same time prior to the 2022/2023 season and since then Beer Albion have a 100% record against Appledore having won the four previous league meetings.

Budleigh Salterton v Plymstock United:

Plymstock United picked up a point in midweek as they drew 1-1 at home against Bere Alston United whilst Budleigh Salterton lost 2-1 at home to Ottery St Mary. Both teams will be looking to bounce back in this fixture to pick up a vital three points having both had a rather slow start to the season. For the visitors, the Stockies have only won once in their opening six matches and would’ve been gutted to not at least get a point at Elmore last Saturday following a 4-3 defeat. Budleigh Salterton have lost their last two games at home and have only won one of their four home fixtures, a record which they will be hoping to improve in this fixture. Plymstock last won at Budleigh Salterton in 2014 winning 2-1 in the South West Peninsula League, however, both clubs drew 4-4 at Deans Cross last season.

Dartmouth v Alphington:

Dartmouth have had mixed form in their opening few Devon Football League fixtures with two wins and two defeats and come into this match on the back of a 1-0 defeat against Ipplepen in midweek. The visitors have been in fine form this season following their promotion from the Devon & Exeter League and remain unbeaten from their first five matches, however, a 0-0 draw at Beer Albion last week saw them lose their 100% record. This will be the first time the two clubs come head to head in a league fixture since the 2006/2007 season when they were both in the Devon County Football League, Dartmouth won both matches that season 4-1 away and 2-1 at home and you have to go back to 2000 to find the last time Alphington won against the Darts. The visitors will be hoping to continue their unbeaten form into September.

Elmore v Lakeside Athletic:

It has been a tough start to the season for Lakeside Athletic who find themselves as the basement club in the division with three defeats from three, it will be a tough match as they make the long trip to an in form Elmore side who currently sit third. Three wins, a draw and defeat so far this season for Elmore who come into this game on the back of a 4-3 victory against Plymstock United last Saturday. Elmore won their home game against Lakeside 6-2 in April last season as the visitors were going through some bad form and that made it six points from a possible six for the Eagles as they had already won the away game 2-1.

Ipplepen Athletic v Topsham Town:

Last season only one point separated these two sides at the end of the season as Topsham finished slightly better as they finished in eleventh spot. This season the two clubs are having completely different form as Ipplepen find themselves near the bottom of the division with their 1-0 midweek win at Dartmouth being their only three points to date. As for Topsham Town, the club have won three of their opening five matches and are currently fourth in the league, they come into this match though on the back of a midweek 3-1 defeat at Thorverton. Although we’re still in August, this is the second meeting of these two sides this season already and Ipplepen will be hoping to get revenge for a 3-0 defeat earlier in the season.

Newtown v North Molton SC:

North Molton SC have really struggled to repeat their fine form from the last two seasons which saw them finish fifth last campaign and second in the North & West Division the season prior. With just one draw in their opening three games, the North Devon side find themselves second from bottom and will be hoping a little run of form could pull them up the table a little. It will be tough for the visitors as they visit a strong Newtown team who are unbeaten since the opening day of the season, a run which has seen two draws and two wins. In this fixture last season Newtown ran out convincing winners as they won 8-1, however, North Molton managed to get revenge winning their home fixture 3-0 before beating Newtown in the semi-final of the ThirstFitness League Cup 4-3 thanks to a dramatic late winner.

Ottery St Mary v Bere Alston United:

The hosts bounced back from defeat last Saturday at Plymouth Marjon by winning 2-1 in midweek at Budleigh Salterton. Bere Alston United were also in action in midweek as a 1-1 draw at Plymstock United put an end to their three game losing run. Last season Bere Alston United picked up four points against Ottery St Mary with a 3-2 home win followed by a 1-1 away draw, a record which Ottery will be hoping to change in this fixture. This will be the first home game of the season for Ottery St Mary and they will be wanting to start their home campaign with a valuable three points.

University of Exeter v Plymouth Marjon:

The battle of the University’s as University of Exeter play their first home game of the season against an unbeaten Plymouth Marjon side. University of Exeter have only played once so far this season and they won the game 2-1 at Appledore to start their hunt to reclaim the league title. Plymouth Marjon are currently top of the division with four wins and a draw from their opening five games and already have an impressive goal difference of +16, eleven goals better than the next best goal difference. The University of Exeter claimed bragging rights last season as they won both games 3-1 and 4-0, a record which Plymouth Marjon will need to change if they want to continue their unbeaten run.

bere alston united v plymouth marjon

League Champs Get Their Season Underway in Another Busy Week

Photos © Tom Besford

It is another busy week in the A&S Interiors Devon Football League this week as all but three teams play which includes University of Exeter playing their first league game of the season.

Dartmouth, Ipplepen Athletic and Budleigh Salterton are all without a game. The games continue to come thick and fast in August as the league table slowly starts to take shape, two teams remain unbeaten whilst three clubs remain winless, it’s proving to be a competitive division already.

Appledore v University of Exeter:

Last season’s champions University of Exeter start their new season with a tough match on the road at last season’s runners up Appledore in what will be a competitive and entertaining match. Appledore won the home fixture 2-0 last season whilst University won their home match 3-0 as the two teams battled it out at the top of the table for the majority of the campaign. The hosts have won two and lost one of their opening three fixtures this season but come into this match on the back of a 2-1 local derby victory against North Molton SC in midweek.

Beer Albion v Alphington:

Alphington have adapted to life back in the Devon Football League extremely well and are the only team with a 100% record having won all four of their opening games. The Alphas’ 100% record was put to the test on Tuesday night as they needed to come from behind with ten men to secure victory at Ipplepen but two goals from Jack Furzer helped the Alphas to the points. Beer Albion have won two and lost one prior to this game and had to work hard in midweek to pick up the points against an Ottery St Mary side who never gave up. This will be the first league meeting between the two sides since the 1991/1992 season when both clubs featured in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Division.

Bere Alston United v Newtown:

These two sides come into this game in contrasting form as Bere Alston United have lost their last two whilst Newtown are unbeaten in their last three league matches. Bere Alston won this fixture 2-1 last season and with the return game finishing in a 1-1 draw, Newtown will be hoping to pick up their first league win against Bere Alston at the third time of asking. Both clubs have visited Thorverton in the last week as Bere Alston lost 2-1 on Saturday whilst Newtown battled hard for a 3-2 win in midweek. The hosts will be hoping to recover from a heavy midweek defeat against Plymouth Marjon.

Elmore v Plymstock United:

It has been a week of mixed results for an Elmore side who have started the season strongly, a fantastic 4-1 home win against Dartmouth on Saturday grabbed the attention of most local football fans but this was followed by a midweek loss at home against Topsham Town. Their opponents Plymstock United have struggled a bit so far this season with three defeats in their opening three games before winning 4-0 at Lakeside Athletic in midweek. Plymstock United have never beaten Elmore in a league game with the Eagles winning both matches last season 4-1 and 3-2.

Lakeside Athletic v Topsham Town:

It has been a tough opening few games for Lakeside Athletic who have lost all three of their games so far this season and sit bottom of the division. Their opponents Topsham Town are enjoying some fantastic form at the moment and have won their last three games, all without conceding as well. Lakeside won both fixtures last season 4-1 and 3-2 and so Topsham Town will be hoping it will be third time lucky and win a league game against Lakeside for the first time.

North Molton SC v Thorverton:

This will be the first away game of the season for Thorverton who have played their first four games at home with one win and one draw alongside two defeats, including a 3-2 loss against Newtown in midweek. The hosts are yet to get going this season and have lost both of their opening games, a 3-1 home loss to Alphington followed by a 2-1 defeat at Appledore midweek. Thorverton won both fixtures last season but lost both games during the 22/23 season.

Plymouth Marjon v Ottery St Mary:

Plymouth Marjon hit six without return in midweek at Bere Alston and look like a strong team in the division already as they remain unbeaten after four games. Marjon don’t seem to be shy in front of goal and have so far scored eighteen goals in their first four. Ottery St Mary worked hard in midweek at Beer Albion but ultimately returned home with no points to show for their efforts. One win, draw and loss from the opening three for Ottery who will be hoping for a better season than last year. Ottery were unbeaten in the league against Plymouth Marjon last season drawing 1-1 at home and winning 4-3 away, however, a second trip to Plymouth in the ThirstFitness League Cup ended in a 5-1 defeat.

bere alston v plymouth marjon

Second Half Goal Blitz for Marjon at Bere Alston

Match report and photos by Tom Besford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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