County cups dominate local scene

County cups quarter finals Premier, Senior and Intermediate and change to 3pm kick off times for League matches highlight this weekend

Huge weekend for Joma Devon & Exeter league clubs involved in the quarter finals of the County cups especially the Devon Premier competition with Beer Albion facing Lapford at an expected packed Furzebrake. Lapford start as favourites but the fishermen will be formidable opponents.

The Joma league is guaranteed at least two semi final places in the Devon Senior cup with Alphington at home to Topsham Town, and Teignmouth hosting Tipton St John. There could be a third if Newton St Cyres make a successful trip to South Devon League Kingsteignton.

Our four remaining teams in the Devon Intermediate cup all have to travel. Starcross Dons head north to face Park Rangers, while Bickleigh, St Thomas Social Club and Falcons are off to face South or West Devon opponents.

There are also two Bill Slee cup ties this weekend at Devon Yeoman and St Martins, and a reminder they differ from the County cups as extra time comes into play.

Thorverton have the chance to get back to joint top in Premier with their meeting against fourth place Kentisbeare, who equally know a victory would take them level with Beer.
Four other Premier matches taking place possibly the most interesting at Lyme Regis where they have a big derby against Axminster Town.

Crediton Uniteds lead in Division One has dwindled to just two points, although they have matches in hand, but with Alphington in cup action, Kirton could widen the gap again if they get a good return from their big derby clash with Bow AAC.

With matches in hand Teignmouth are the Division Two favourites, but have cup commitments, so present leaders Winkleigh get the chance to stretch their position when they visit mid table Exmouth Spartans. The big game though could be at the University where they welcome Beer Albion.

The two front runners in Division Three are both facing Bill Slee cup action, which gives third place Central and Westexe Park Rangers the chance to close up Central pop over from KGV to face Exeter United at Hamlin Lane, while Westexe host Honiton Town.

Division Four leaders Cranbrook make the short trip to East Budleigh, while former leaders Farway United are at Sidmouth Town.

With Topsham Town having withdrawn their Division Five team, that leaves three sides sharing top place with the University ahead on goal difference. The College could now pull clear with a postive result at Cranbrrok United.

The Division Six University team also have a chance to close in on top spot with victory at Kenn Valley United, which could be a belter.

Morchard Bishop hopes of finishing runners up in the slimmed down Division Seven contest mean they must get maximum points against Bradninch.

Unbeaten Heart of Oak step up their Division Eight title chase at home to North Tawton.

 

Thursday 3rd February 2022