Herald Cup shock as Paignton Saints crash out against Kingskerswell

Last season's Herald Cup runners-up Paignton Saints crashed out of the competition after losing to Division Two side Kingskerswell, while Lakeside Athletic, Ilsington Villa, Newton Abbot 66, Plymouth True Blues, Totnes and Dartington, and Newton Abbot Spurs all booked their places in the third round.

Saints will be kicking themselves after failing to take their chances against lower-league opposition. Billy Reay put the Premier Division side ahead on 20 minutes with a fine header, and the home team looked comfortable as they dominated proceedings. However, a second goal proved elusive.

A freak hailstorm just before half-time appeared to inspire the visitors, who returned a different proposition after the break. Ten minutes into the second half, Oliver Critchlow unleashed a superb 25-yard strike into the top corner to level the scores.

Both sides made several changes, but it was Kingskerswell substitute Shane Essam who made the decisive impact, getting his head to a cross before the ball looped over Lewis Jones in the Saints goal.

Saints threw everything forward during the closing stages, but the Torquay side held firm to claim a memorable victory.

Holders Lakeside Athletic faced a difficult test against Division One leaders Paignton Villa but showed their cup pedigree with a convincing 6-2 victory. Villa breached the home defence twice, but Lakeside's attacking quality proved decisive.

Ilsington Villa were another Premier Division side facing lower-league opposition, travelling to Galmpton United. The hosts battled well and scored three times, but Dan and Jack Langford helped themselves to five goals between them. Matt Warman and Tomas Johns also found the net in a convincing 7-3 victory.

Plymouth True Blues travelled to Buckfastleigh Rangers for what was virtually a Plymouth derby. Goals from Charlie Holbrook, Oliver Tyson, Hadyn Whiteway and Caleb Taliss secured a 4-0 victory and a place in round three.

Newton Abbot 66 also progressed after a competitive 4-2 home win against Division Four side Barton Athletic, who made life difficult for their higher-ranked opponents. Liam Ashwell (2), Liam Dore and Frank Major were on target for the Sixes.

If 66 had a close shave, Premier Division Kingsteignton Athletic needed an even closer one. Division Five Newton Albion pushed them all the way, but Sam Chapman's solitary goal was enough to see the Rams through.

Premier Division strugglers Totnes and Dartington enjoyed a much-needed confidence boost with a comprehensive 9-0 home victory over Division Five side WBB, comfortably securing their place in the next round.

There was an all-Division One encounter at Long Lane, where Mount Gould proved too strong for Babbacombe Corries. The visitors, who have recently pressed the reset button in an effort to secure the club's future, suffered a disappointing 7-0 defeat. Credit must go to the Plymouth side, who will be a tough proposition for whoever they face next.

Another cup upset came in a local derby between Division Three Ipplepen Athletic 2nds and Division Five Broadhempston United. The lower-league visitors claimed a superb 4-1 victory to reach the third round for the second consecutive season. Dominic Osbourne (2), Danny Duke and an own goal provided the damage.

The final tie was another local derby, with Division Four Bere Alston United hosting runaway Division Five leaders Tamerton Foliot. The visitors progressed with a 3-1 win, although Bere may not be too disappointed, given they now have six games in hand on some of their divisional rivals.

League Round-up

Premier Division

There was just one league fixture, with Chudleigh Athletic upsetting the form book in a thrilling 4-3 away victory against East Allington United.

Jack Salmons (2), George Davidson and Thomas Corbin scored for the Clarets, who moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Division One

Beesands Rovers recorded their second win of the season with an impressive 5-0 victory over Brixham Town. Louis Brace and Brad Williams shared the goals as Rovers moved towards mid-table.

The match between Buckland Athletic and Bovey Tracey was abandoned after 30 minutes when a freak hailstorm made playing conditions impossible.

Division Two

Leaders Newton Abbot Spurs 3rds suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat against Plymouth True Blues 2nds, who moved into fourth place and are beginning to look genuine promotion contenders.

Tavistock remain just one place behind them after continuing their impressive start to life in the SDFL with a narrow 3-2 victory over an inconsistent Ashburton side.

Friday evening saw the division's bottom two meet under the lights at Coach Road in the first of three fixtures sponsored by the Devon County FA. The games reward clubs with excellent disciplinary records and respect policies supported by all stakeholders.

In an entertaining encounter, Paignton Villa 2nds raced into a 3-0 lead against East Allington United 2nds, with Xander Narvidge scoring twice and Nigel Vass adding the third.

Rob Hutchings pulled two goals back for the Pirates, who created further opportunities to level the contest. However, Villa held on for their first win of the season, moving out of the bottom two in the process.

Division Three

Chudleigh Athletic are now level on points with Newton Abbot 66 2nds after a convincing 6-1 victory over Newton Rovers.

Keiron Fletcher helped himself to a hat-trick, with Tyler Brown, Thomas Taylor and Daniel Martin completing the scoring for the Clarets.

Liverton United 2nds enjoyed an excellent away day at Horrabridge Rangers, returning with a hard-earned 2-1 victory to move into fourth place.

Buckfastleigh Rangers 2nds also picked up a valuable point with a 1-1 draw at Kingsteignton Athletic 2nds, a result that leaves the young Rams slipping away from the top two.

Division Four

Just two league fixtures took place, with leaders Lakeside Athletic 2nds strengthening their position at the summit with a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Ilsington Villa 2nds, moving three points clear.

Brixham Villa 2nds recorded their second win of the campaign with a 5-1 success against Paignton Villa 3rds. The Fishermen leapfrogged Bere Alston United, while Villa 3rds remain bottom without a point.

An interesting statistic is that Villa 3rds are now the only team in the SDFL not to have received a card this season. Credit to them for maintaining their disciplinary record and enjoying their football!

Division Five

There was just one league fixture, with Tavistock 3rds strengthening their grip on second place after an emphatic 11-1 demolition of Newton Rovers 2nds.

Ryan Smale led the way with an impressive four-goal haul as Tavistock enjoyed a comfortable afternoon.