The Stoke march continues with derby day win

Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police have now won nine league games in a row to climb up to fourth in the East Division of the South West Peninsula League.

The Bees have not suffered a league defeat since a 2-1 reverse at Newton Abbot Spurs in August and mid-table Bovey Tracey, although full of endeavour and effort, were unable to stem the tide at a misty Broadley Lane.

Played in front of a superb crowd of 190, all enjoying the only game of footy in South Devon on Saturday, Stoke made the perfect start, Saul Vanes scuttling a 20-yarder inside the near post with less than a minute on the clock.

The game then settled into a period of calm and Bovey gained a foothold with Kai Swann impressive in midfield and young winger Jack Brimming asking some questions down the left.

However, the visitors were pegged back again by a low drive from distance, Ben Aldous this time finding the corner to double Stoke’s lead. A mazy run from Vanes almost produced a third, as the home midfield began to take control of proceedings.

An entertaining first half was completed by Aldous notching a decisive third, calmly slotting a left-foot finish beyond the advancing Bovey ‘keeper.

It felt like the game was over as a genuine contest after the break but effort levels never dropped from either side. There was one more notch on the scoreboard, Fin Herbert stroking a neat finish into the bottom corner after fine approach play from substitute Jay Veysey.

Stoke next face a visit from mid-table Torridgeside on January 11 and must carry on winning if they are to have any hope of catching runaway leaders Sidmouth Town. Bovey, meanwhile, host Bridport on January 4 and then Honiton Town are the visitors a week later.