Big step for Newton Abbot Spurs in their pursuit of another title

Sixteen games survived another rain-soaked Saturday in the South Devon Football League, and with them went the final unbeaten record in the Premier Division.

Newton Abbot Spurs took a major step toward retaining their title by handing Windmill FC their first defeat of the season. A 2–1 home victory, with goals from Jacob Wales and Aiden Blackie, moves Spurs into third place—just two points behind Windmill and seven points off the top, with three games in hand. Remarkably, this fixture would have been a Step 7 league match only two seasons ago.

Plymouth True Blues continue to set the pace, but their 2–1 win at Coach Road against Paignton Saints was far from straightforward. Saints sit eighth, but the division remains tight; they are only four points away from third place with plenty of football still to play.

East Allington United maintained their strong form with a convincing 4–1 win over Kingsteignton Athletic. The victory moves the Pirates into fourth place, while the Rams—now third from bottom—are in need of a spark, potentially in next week’s trip to Windmill.

Division One

Only two league fixtures went ahead. Beesands Rovers climbed three places following a 2–1 home win over Buckland Athletic, with goals from Adam Winkworth and Brad Williams. They now sit fourth, level on points with WBB.

Paignton Villa also won 2–1, courtesy of Seb Knight and Sam Omara. The victory pushes Villa into second place in what is proving a wide-open division—Watcombe, currently ninth, are just four points off third.

Division Two

Despite the weather, grounds teams produced an almost full schedule. Result of the day went to Babbacombe Corries, who produced a statement 8–1 win in a second-versus-third clash with Ivybridge Town at Long Lane. Corries remain unbeaten—one of only three sides across all divisions—and move a point ahead of Ivybridge with three games in hand.

Ashburton remain in the mix after a hard-fought 3–2 home victory over Harbertonford, with goals from Derek Cartmill, Brandon Hext, and Kameron Pouladdej.

Signal Box Oak Villa stay top after a 5–3 win against Paignton Villa Reserves. Goals came from Callum Austin, Joseph Haslam, Keiron Roberts, and two from regular scorer Jordan Rickards. Villa lead Corries by two points but have played one more game. It continues to be an impressive debut season in the SDFL for the Plymouth-based team.

The division’s most dramatic match came at Armada Park, where Upton Athletic hosted Newton Rovers. Rovers, without a league win until today, finally broke through with a 4–2 victory in a chaotic, heavy-pitch contest that could easily have finished 6–6. The win lifts Rovers out of the bottom three for the first time this season and gives them renewed confidence heading into their winter fixtures.

Division Three

Kingskerswell continue to cruise toward another divisional title. Their 6–1 win at Waldon Athletic keeps them three points clear at the top with a game in hand—and they look unstoppable.

Galmpton United nearly suffered their first loss of the season at Osborne Park, where Newton Abbot 66 overturned an early deficit to lead 2–1 deep into stoppage time. But a late challenge in the box handed Galmpton a lifeline. Although the penalty was saved, Martin Luker reacted first to the rebound to secure a 2–2 draw. Callum Foskett and Keegan Cooper scored for 66.

Totnes & Dartington Reserves earned a valuable point in a 2–2 draw with Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves. Tots remain bottom, but the division is tight—they are just a point away from mid-table, where the Rams currently sit.

Division Four

A single goal from Charlie Potter secured a 1–0 win for Bere Alston United over Brixham Town Reserves, lifting Bere Alston into second place—one point ahead of Teign Village but having played three more games. Chudleigh Athletic, eight points clear at the top, did not play this weekend.

Four of the bottom five teams were in action, with Paignton Saints 3rds the only team to finish empty-handed. Their neighbours Paignton Villa 3rds earned a 3–2 victory, lifting them three places and seven points clear of the wooden spoon. Broadhempston United and Kingsbridge & Kellaton United battled to a 2–2 draw in difficult conditions, with goals from Stuart Hannay and Daniel Wells for the Robins.

Fixtures to Watch – Saturday 6 December

Attention turns to the Premier Division, where an enticing list of pre-Christmas fixtures promises drama across the region.

Plymouth True Blues vs Lakeside Athletic — Millbay Park, 2:30pm
A derby with significant implications. A home win would open a sizeable gap between the two, but many in the division will be hoping Lakeside can take points off the leaders.

Windmill FC vs Kingsteignton Athletic
Windmill look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat. Kingsteignton came close to winning the reverse fixture and will be eager to bring something home up the A38.

Newton Abbot Spurs vs Ilsington Villa
Ilsington have ground to make up, while Spurs—who edged them in last season’s title race—will look to keep momentum going. Expect a competitive, high-quality matchup.

Totnes & Dartington vs Chudleigh Athletic
A must-not-lose fixture for T&D, who risk being cut adrift at the bottom.

Paignton Saints vs East Allington United — Coach Road
Both sides could push into the top five with a victory.

Buckfastleigh Rangers vs Newton Abbot 66
Rangers continue their search for a first win, while 66 look to return to form and solidify their spot in the top three.

Notable Fixtures in Other Divisions

Bovey Tracey vs Barton Athletic
A difficult challenge awaits the visitors at Barton Downs.

Brixham Town vs Watcombe Wanderers
Watcombe’s credentials will be put to the test in what promises to be a lively encounter.

Division Two
Paignton Villa Reserves travel to a resurgent Ivybridge Town and Drake FC face Watcombe Wanderers Reserves at Long Lane—an experience in itself.

Division Three
Kingsteignton Athletic Reserves become the latest to try stopping free-scoring Kingskerswell.

Division Four
The match of the day sees Teign Village host Brixham Town Reserves in a 2nd-versus-4th showdown likely to entertain the neutrals.

Enjoy your grassroots football.