Top versus bottom in South Devon football

The continued wet weather reduced the South Devon Football League programme to just six games for the second week in a row and will leave the majority of teams needing to use the month of May to complete their fixtures.

In the Premier Division, it was top versus bottom and things did not go to plan for leaders Ilsington Villa, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Brixham AFC 2nds.

Both goals came in the first half and it was Daniel Langford, who struck for the visitors and moves on to 14 goals for the season so far. Calum Glew was Brixham’s target man and whilst the draw will have dented Villas lead at the top, it could have a massive impact at the bottom.

Brixham are now six points from safety with two games in hand. At the top, Ilsington are two points clear of Morley Rangers and five points ahead of Kingsteignton Athletic.

There were two games played in Division Two. Paignton Saints 2nds remain in second place thanks to a 3-0 home win against Waldon Athletic 2nds and East Allington 2nds are right on their tale with the same scoreline at Paignton Villa 2nds.

Lee Prestage (2) and Owen Reynolds-Pound were on target for the Pirates, who remain in third place with just one point separating the top three teams and Bovey Tracey 2nds five points behind in fourth but with four games in hand.

The big game in Division Four went ahead on the 3g at Marjon between the top two, Drake FC and Kingsteignton Athletic 2nds. The game finished 0-0 and the visitors will probably be happy to come away from Plymouth with a point against an unbeaten team.

The game was a credit to football in Division Four of the Torbay Clearance Services League, either team could have won it and with no cards, the referee played his part in a great game.

While this game was being played, Chudleigh Athletic 2nds slipped into second place with a 3-2 home win against Broadhempston in front of an attendance of 80 spectators. Lloyd Hitchin (2) and Ben Hamilton-Hill were on target for the Maroons, who only have five games left to play, whilst Drake and Kingsteignton have nine to play.

In the Premier League this weekend, the long-delayed Beli Cup game between two heavyweights in Buckfastleigh and Waldon hopefully will get played and can the improving Brixham AFC despatch Beesands Rovers for the second time in three weeks and pick up three valuable points.

In Division One, Ivybridge Town have a tricky fixture at Buckland Athletic 2nds and at the bottom, there is a six-pointer at Steps Cross, where Upton Athletic need to win against Buckfastleigh Rangers 2nds.

But, the game of the day is in Division Four, and back to Plymouth, where Chudleigh 2nds will attempt to be the first team to take three points from Drake Fc in a top of the table clash.