COUNTY CUPS IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY/SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12
This weekend sees many of our teams involved in the Devon County cups with an opportunity to be giant-killers. We have four Devon Premier cup clashes with a chance of this happening and what could prove to be a double whammy for Feniton at home to neighbours Ottery St Mary. Fenny beat the Otters in another competition just a few months ago and will relish a second opportunity. Also St Martins who are at home to another Devon League side in Thorverton. Beer Albion the Premier cup winners from four seasons ago but now home again welcome reigning League champions Upottery, what a clash that promises to be, and then South Zeal United with a first ever Premier cup date at home to Bradworthy of the North Devon League.
Four of our teams involved in the Devon Senior cup have tasted success in the past notably Dawlish when they were Dawlish Town winners in 1958 and Clyst Valley with victories in 1952 and 1981. Now as Dawlish United they are due to make the trip to Hartland of the NDL while the 1994 champions Cheriton Fitzpaine host Babbacombe Corinthians of the South Devon League, a team who over a hundred years ago were in our League and were twice winners of the East Devon Senior cup.
Of the other four ties, St Martins Res are due to make the trip to Watcombe Wanderers, Exeter Royals are at Liverton, Exmouth Spartans with a real toughie at three time winners Buckland Athletic Res who have switched the game into Paignton Leisure centre, and Witheridge who travel west to Shebbear.
The Devon Intermediate cup holders Exmouth Albion have a bye in this seasons competition, and beaten finalists Millwey Rise have moved up to Senior level, but their Reserve team make their debut at home to Kingsbridge and Kelaton of the South Devon League. Seven ties in all for our teams this weekend starting on Friday when Offwell Rangers tackle Buckland Athletic 3rds at their normal base.
With the cup taking the limelight that leaves a smaller but still packed league programme. In fact Crediton United with a derby Premier division match at Westexe Park Rangers will be completing almost a quarter of their league season, but expect big support at Lyme Regis for the visit of current leaders Colyton, and at Ottery St Mary against Sidmouth Town. The other Premier clash is at East Budleigh for the visit of Wellington.
In Division One Central kick off their season at Hatherleigh Town, as do Halwill in Division Two at Broadclyst and Newtown at home to Heavitree United.
Six teams in Division Three share top with three points, and five of those with a chance to draw clear tomorrow, while the pick of the show in Division Four is the meeting between early leaders Uplowman and second place Millwey Rise.
Exmouth Albion set to go top of Division Five if they win at home to North Tawton who at the same team could soar into the top three with victory.
The two “A”s neighbours Axminster Town and Axmouth United head Division Six Brown and both at home against Exmouth Riptide and Cranbrook Town respectively. In Division Six Davey its the two “T”s Tedburn St Mary and Topsham Town leading the way, but only the Teds in action when they host South Zeal United. Finally Phoenix United with a chance to soar clear in Division Six Webb if they get the better of Dawlish United.
Thursday 10th September 2026