Brixham v Barum rivalry extends to football

The rugby rivalry between Brixham and Barnstaple has become the stuff of legend over the past nine months, and now the respective football teams want some of the action.

On Tuesday evening, Barnstaple Town will make the journey south to face Brixham AFC in the semi-final play-off for the Jewson Western League, and both sides enter the game in good form.

The Fishermen finished their regular season with a 2-1 victory at Brislington, Reece Somers notching the late winner, while Barum demolished Oldlan Abbotnians 6-1 with goals from Gabby Rogers, Tommy Rogers, Ricky Marinaro, Callum Rose, Brodie Montague and Lee Gardiner.

The prize for the winner is a final against either Clevedon Town or Buckland Athletic. If Clevedon beat Buckland on Tuesday, they will host Saturday’s final, but a win for Buckland would mean either Brixham or Barum hosting the showpiece event.

Former Torquay United captain Asa Hall has masterminded an incredible escape from relegation for Tiverton Town, who were staring at the drop down to Division One South in the Southern League.

The Yellows found their form at the right time and a thrilling 3-2 win over Marlow on Saturday confirmed Tivvy would climb out of the bottom four. Plymouth Parkway finished a comfortable mid-table.

After a blip in recent months, Exmouth Town recovered enough to book a place in the play-offs and a chance to join Parkway and Tivvy in the Premier Division.

After previously flirting with relegation, Bideford AFC have enjoyed an excellent end to their campaign and secured a top ten finish. Willand Rovers and Tavistock also pulled away from trouble.

Sidmouth Town won the Peninsula League East and Newquay were triumphant in the West Division.