Stoke await Sidmouth in an epic football showdown

Broadley Lane will host the game of the weekend in South Devon semi-pro football, as Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police welcome Sidmouth Town in a crucial fixture to the outcome of the South West Peninsula League title.

Stoke have suffered just one league defeat since August and only a sluggish opening to the campaign prevents them from being closer to leaders Sidmouth in the table.

As we enter the final stretch of the season, Sidmouth hold an 11-point lead over Stoke, with Cullompton sandwiched in second. However, Stoke have a game in hand over Sidmouth and three games in hand on Cullompton, so a victory this weekend would narrow the gap to eight points, and taking full advantage of their game in hand makes it a manageable five points.

Going into this epic encounter, Sidmouth will be feeling slightly bruised after being held to a 1-1 draw at Bisphops Lydeard, while Stoke had their scoring boots fully tightened for a 6-0 walloping of Teignmouth.

The Bees were 3-0 up after just eight minutes. An own goal started the fun, followed by youngster Fin Herbert sweeping in a low finish and a header from Jed Roberts extended the lead.

Number four was a lovely piece of control and poked finish from Josh Haynes before Sol Barclay thumped home a debut goal and Elliot Simson added late gloss with a low strike into the corner.

While Stoke were racking up the goals, Brixham and Buckland suffered setbacks in their pursuit of Western League leaders Clevedon Town.

The Fishermen were uncharacteristically off the pace at second-placed Portishead, while the Bucks were held to a draw by an improving Torpoint. There is, however, a tantalising prospect developing of the two local club meeting each other in the play-offs.