TCS South Devon Football League: Rams in fine form following two group wins

TCS South Devon Football League by Neil Hocking

Torbay Clearance Services SDFL Premier Division leaders Kingsteignton Athletic went into last night's Herald Cup semi-final in fine form following two wins in Group B of the Belli (Premier Division) Cup.

First up for the Rams were Chudleigh Athletic, who finished runners-up to their opponents in two cup competitions last season. But home advantage wasn't enough to prevent Kingsteignton from collecting three points, Stephen Payne and Ryan Tovagliari on target in a 2-0 win.

Then followed a tough trip to Group leaders and title rivals Buckfastleigh Rangers on Saturday. That game was closer, but Kingsteignton edged the contest, Jason Jones with another two goals for his club and Mark Voisey also scoring in a 3-2 triumph. George Davidson and Tom Moody netted for Rangers.

A draw at home to Newton Abbot '66 will be enough to see Kingsteignton reach yet another semi-final.

Joseph McFarlane scored a hat-trick for Waldon Athletic as they walloped Elburton Villa Reserves 10-1 at Windmill Hill, although both sides were already too far adrift to qualify.

Ivybridge Town Reserves, who will play their Herald Cup semi-final against Newton '66 next Wednesday night, narrowly lead the race for the second Belli Cup Group A qualification spot after they won 5-3 at home to Brixham AFC Reserves.

Lee Merchant scored twice for the Ivies, and he was joined on the score-sheet by Harrison Hardy, Joshua Mills and Joe Truelove. Brixham, who can no longer qualify, scored through a Martin Brown brace and a Zac Chancellor strike.

Watts Blake Bearne collected three points with a 2-1 win away at Paignton Saints Reserves. Both sides can still qualify, but Saints have played an extra game.

In Division One, Barton Athletic hung up their boots after losing twice to fellow Torquay side Upton Athletic. Reece Shaw scored a hat-trick at Armada Park last Thursday night as Upton won 8-3.

The reverse fixture, played at Paignton Community College on Saturday, finished 4-1 which meant that Barton ended their season with no points on the board.

At the other end, Ilsington Villa are now the only team that could reel in Beesands Rovers after they won 6-3 at Morley Rangers, Matthew Warman claiming a hat-trick. Paignton Villa put five past Harbertonford without reply.

Paignton Villa have also qualified for the semi-finals of the Dartmouth (Division One) Cup as Beesands beat Babbacombe Corinthians 3-1 to end Corries' qualification chances.

In Division Two, Jamie Easton and Jack Johansen struck for Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook in a 2-1 victory at Newton Rovers, keeping their slim title hopes alive.

Alistair Chuchuk scored a hat-trick last Thursday night as Bovey Tracey Reserves won Group A of the Ronald (Division Three) Cup following an 11-1 thrashing of Paignton Saints Thirds.

With four games left to play, third-placed Watcombe Wanderers Reserves have the Division Four title in their hands. They enjoyed back-to-back wins over Totnes, Dartington and Meadowbrook Reserves and Babbacombe Corinthians Reserves this week.

Liverton United are currently top, following their 4-0 win at Paignton Villa Thirds but they have played all their games. South Brent are a point behind Liverton with one game remaining.