Weather and wartime drama fail to halt South Devon League title race

Only eight matches beat the elements in the Torbay Clearance Services South Devon Football League over the weekend of January 17, with relentless rain compounded by an extraordinary off-field incident in Plymouth that briefly threatened to overshadow the football.

Plymouth True Blues remain the Premier Division pace-setters after grinding out a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Paignton Saints at Millbay Park. Dylan Holgate’s solitary strike proved decisive against determined opposition, keeping the Blues two points clear as the league moves into the second phase of fixtures.

The match went ahead despite concerns over both the weather and an unexploded Second World War bomb discovered nearby — uncovered by True Blues player Caleb Needham while part of a work team. The device was safely dealt with and the exclusion zone lifted on Friday.

Windmill FC continue to apply pressure at the top and are best placed among the chasing pack after an emphatic 5–1 win away at East Allington United. Brodie Simpson and Jack Briscoe both scored twice, with former Golden Boot winner Corbin Mackin adding another to leave the Plymouth side just two points adrift, with three games in hand.

Buckfastleigh Rangers finally tasted league victory for the first time since October 18 — and in dramatic fashion. A 2–1 home win over Kingsteignton Athletic lifts them to within four points of the Rams, who have suddenly found themselves drawn into the relegation picture. Tom Reeves scored for the visitors, but a brace from Lewis Clarke secured a morale-boosting win for the Rangers.

The Premier Division remains wide open, with Windmill FC, Lakeside, Newton Abbot 66, Chudleigh Athletic and Ilsington Villa all capable of overtaking the leaders with games in hand. Newton Abbot Spurs and East Allington United could also close to within two points, setting up a thrilling second half of the season.

In Division One, Barton Athletic were the only team to brave the conditions and they did so in style, condemning Brixham Town to a heavy 5–0 home defeat. Goals from Oakley Hunt, Dom Lavallee, Eden Cresswell-Cluer and Louie Roberts capped a fine win that keeps Barton firmly in contention. Brixham remain just a point off the summit in a tightly packed top four, with several challengers waiting in the wings.

Division Two saw no league fixtures survive the weather, leaving Signal Box Oak Villa top, four points clear of unbeaten Babbacombe Corinthians. Ivybridge Town, Ashburton and Drake FC remain the most likely challengers.

In Division Three, Galmpton United drew level with leaders Kingskerswell after a commanding 7–1 victory over an improving Buckfastleigh Rangers second team. Harley Hooper netted a hat-trick, with further goals from Harrison Arnold, Greg Hindom, Max Prestwood and Austin White. Special praise was reserved for club stalwart and groundsman Mike Drew, whose efforts ensured the pitch was playable in testing conditions.

Division Four action saw Chudleigh Athletic seconds move six points clear at the top with a 2–1 win at Kingsbridge and Kellaton United, courtesy of a Jack Salmons double. Paignton Villa thirds impressed in the local derby, thumping Paignton Saints thirds 7–1. Lucas Burgess scored four, while Martin McHugh added a hat-trick.

In cup action, Ilsington Villa exited the County Premier Cup after a 4–1 defeat to Step 7 side Plymouth Marjons. Newton Abbot Spurs’ quarter-final against Alphington was postponed and will be played on January 24. In the Senior Cup, several SDFL sides remain in contention, while Kingskerswell and South Brent continue their runs in the Intermediate Cup with impressive wins.

Looking ahead to Saturday, January 24, two Premier Division clashes headline the fixture list. Ilsington Villa host Windmill FC at Lewthorne Cross, while Newton Abbot 66 welcome league leaders Plymouth True Blues in what promises to be a pivotal encounter. Elsewhere, Brixham Town face another stern test against Liverton United, while a host of key games across the divisions ensure another compelling weekend of grassroots football awaits.

Enjoy your grassroots football.