STILL LOTS OF ACTION DESPITE THE BAD WEATHER

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18

The League and cups were lucky to get over 20 matches played overall despite widespread postponements, and every division managed at least one result. The most significant came at Simmonds Park where Okehampton Argyle Res managed to restrict Premier Division leaders Alphington to a 5-0 victory, exactly half the scoreline from last season when the pair met at Ashbury. The win takes Alphington three points clear of Winkleigh who had to call off their game at home to Clyst Valley, along with postponements at Elmore, Sandford, Sidmouth Town and the University.

Division One saw four matches played but not the top of the table battle between Teignmouth Res and the University 3rds which was a weather casualty. All four played were all home victories and not one of the travelling teams could manage a goal between them. Wellington Res were stunned by a 6-0 reverse at Newtown Res, East Budleigh won their derby against neighbours Lympstone 2-0, as did Hatherleigh Town against their neighbours Bow AAC.
Ottery St Mary Res and Newton St Cyres kicked off with the same record behind them but the Otters grabbed the points with a 1-0 success.

The two matches to beat the weather in Division Two both ended as 3-0 home wins, Clyst Valley Res putting paid to South Zeal United, and the University 4ths winning against Tedburn St Mary.

Goals by the bucketful at Greenway Lane where Division Three leaders Budleigh Salterton won 7-5 against a gallant Sidmouth Town Res in a really entertaining neighbourly clash.
The other match played saw Halwill win their game against travellers Hemyock 4-0.

Team of the day could well have been Chagford who without a win this season in Division Four were reported to have made mincemeat of their hosts Exeter University 6ths. However it has come as little surprise that the result was wrongly communicated and it is the college side who racked up double figures without reply.
Meanwhile leaders Bickleigh had to bag a late winner at home to Uplyme for a 4-3 result which takes them four points clear.

The Division Five leaders Starcross Dons had their 100% record blown away by the University 7ths but it was close, the students getting across the line 3-2.
An elated Exeter United pocketed their first point from a 4-4 draw at Millwey Rise.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Res won the only game in Division Six 2-1 at home to Bampton which was a major blow for the ponies title challenge.

Priory continued their good form in Division Seven as they saw off Bradninch 3-1. It also finished 3-1 in favour of the University 8ths from their game at South Zeal United Res.

The top game in Division Eight lasted only five minutes when a home player suffered a broken leg and the match was abandoned.
Elsewhere Bow AAC Res closed the gap at the top winning 5-0 at home to Amory Rovers.
Okehampton 3rds edged a close contest against the City Raiders 3rds 3-2, and Millwey Rise Res made it a good day for the club with a 2-1 win at Starcross Dons Res.

Exeter Royals hopes of Devon County Intermdiate cup fortune was ended by Newton Abbot 66 Res who came out 5-1 winners, but the other tie between Upottery Res and City Raiders will try again next week after two postponements.

Both Bill Slee cup ties at Honiton Town and Lyme Regis fell victim to the weather and will be recheduled.

Saturday 18th November 2023