TCS South Devon Football League: Three hat-tricks in as many games for unbeaten Rams

The top two in the Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division have opened up a small gap with home victories last Saturday, writes NEIL HOCKING.

Kingsteignton Athletic, the only unbeaten side in the division, enjoyed a 4-1 home win over Elburton Villa Reserves with Dan Rankin bagging his third hat-trick in as many games. Kelsey Leech also found the net for the Rams.

Buckfastleigh Rangers were ruthless at home to Waldon Athletic, winning 10-1 with George Davidson scoring four times. Steve Sutton and Joshua Zimmerman doubled up and there were further goals by Tyler Wark and Sam Riddel.

Brixham AFC Reserves slipped off the pace with a narrow home loss against Newton Abbot '66. Two goals from Joe Clark-Farley earned the Sixes the points, with Graham Mercieca on target for the Fishermen.

Bottom club Paignton Saints Reserves are unbeaten in two after securing a decent 0-0 draw at Watts Blake Bearne.

Finley Bullen, Ben Tapper and Joshua Pascoe found the net for East Allington United as they moved back into the top six with a 3-2 home win over struggling Ivybridge Town Reserves.

In Division One, Beesands Rovers extended their lead to eight points despite not kicking a ball, opponents Buckfastleigh Rangers Reserves unable to raise a side.

Morley Rangers beat fellow Plymouth side Plympton Athletic 3-1 to move above Ilsington Villa into second spot. Ilsington drew 2-2 with Paignton Villa, Matt Warman with both goals for the hosts.

The finishing line is in sight for Division Two leaders Watcombe Wanderers who beat Paignton Villa Reserves 2-0 at Long Lane with goals from Sam Pyne and Toby Woodmore.

Adam Townsend picked up the match ball for Waldon Athletic Reserves as the Division Three leaders scored six without reply against Kingsbridge and Kellaton United.

Ben Moyle scored twice for fellow title hopefuls Bovey Tracey Reserves who won 5-0 at Paignton Saints Thirds.

Division Four is heading for an exciting climax, with the top three all within a point of one another, and even one or two mid-table teams with enough games to join the race.

Unbeaten South Brent are strong contenders to take the title, but the South Hams side were held 3-3 by a Watcombe Wanderers Reserves side that still have half a season left to play.

Liverton United return to the top of the table with a heavy 6-2 defeat of Broadhempston United, while Waldon Athletic Thirds, despite having a player sent off, banged in six second half goals to beat bottom side Newton Rovers Reserves 8-1 at Barton Cricket Club.

"We actually played better with the ten men to be fair," said Mark Corderoy, who manages the Clarets alongside Jason Collings. "But their heads dropped after the fourth goal, and we then ran away with it.

"This is a new third team at Waldon. Overall, we’re happy with how things are going, but a little bit frustrated. We have slipped from when we had a big gap at Christmas, and the last few draws dropped us out of the top two.

"There are only two games left for us now. We’ve just got to keep trying to drag out the goals, get the wins and keep the points coming. They all put a shift in today. We needed those points and the goal difference."

Ashley Grimes and Shane Corderoy scored goals in each half, and there were second half goals from Jack Berry, substitutes Johnathon Briscomb and Alexander Easson, and a last minute penalty from Clarets goalkeeper Ross Buckler. Brandon Porter netted Rovers' consolation.