Brixham back to winning ways ahead of NYD showdown

The menu is prepared and ingredients all in place for a New Year’s Day main course to savour in the Jewson Western League.

Brixham AFC, sitting just two points behind leaders Portishead Town, travel to third-placed Barnstaple Town for a kick-off to 2025 that could prove crucial at the end of an incredibly tight title race.

Throw in Clevedon Town, and just four points separate the top four of an enthralling division.

The Fishermen will feel a lot more chipper after banishing the memory of a surprise defeat at St Austell by overpowering Ivybridge Town 5-1 on Boxing Day at Wall Park.

On a misty morning, the festive crowd were treated to a fabulous attacking display from Brixham, although they first had to endure the worry of falling behind to a superb free-kick from Jacob Smelt.

The Ivies only had seven minutes to enjoy their lead, James Moxon restoring parity with a close-range finish, and then it was all about man of the match George Dandridge, who surged forward and rifled a terrific low drive across the visiting custodian and into the bottom corner.

Brixham extended their lead with a pivotal third just four minutes after the restart, Reece Somers snaffling up the rebound in a crowded penalty area. The Fishermen were now in complete control, sealing their win with further goals from Kieran Parkin, his 100th for the club, and young forward Jaden Maslen.

Barnstaple, however, will be a tougher nut to crack, as they prepared for the big game with a comfortable 4-0 win at neighbours Ilfracombe Town.

After a stuttering run of form, Buckland Athletic pinched all three points at Wellington with a solitary goal from Myles James. The Bucks host Ilfracombe on New Year’s Day and could still mount a promotion push in the second half of the season.

It was an unhappy Christmas for two Devon clubs in the Southern League Premier, as Tiverton Town and Plymouth Parkway both remain in the relegation zone after heavy defeats on Boxing Day.

Parkway’s 5-0 loss at Frome Town was particularly painful, with their hosts also in the bottom four, while Tiverton had no answer in a 3-0 home defeat to Taunton Town.

Kevin Hill’s Exmouth Town remain second in Division One South after a 2-1 win at Helston, while former Torquay United midfielder Sean Joyce guided his Bideford side to a 1-0 victory over Willand Rovers. A late equaliser gave Tavistock a 1-1 draw at Cribbs.