WEEKEND ROUND UP

Only 14 matches beat the weather but loads of action

The rain swept in to decimate the first matches of the New Year but 14 games did get resolved, a credit to the clubs who were determined to see in 2023. All but one division managed at least one result, Division 6 only having a completely blank day.

PREMIER ACTION
Leaders Alphington and Sidmouth Town agreed to switch their fixture to play at the Exwick Hub and that offered up a thriller with the vikings getting two goals clear, the Alphas coming back to lead 3-2 before Sidmouth grabbed a third to share the points. The result sees Alphington nine points clear but will have been a boost to their main rivals who have matches in hand. It was also a bonus for Sidmouth as they finish the first half of their season in mid table and currently clear of danger.

SENIOR ACTION DIVISIONS 1-4

Winkleigh regained top spot in Division One with a thumping 4-0 victory at Beer Albion but they have played more matches than disposed leaders Upottery who were held to a 2-2 draw in an excellent contest over the border at draw specialists Wellington. The tangerines along with Upottery held a minutes silence before the match in memory of former player Lloyd Manning who sadly passed away just before Christmas.

Exmouth Spartans slim hopes of staying in the title race in Division Two look to have faded away after being held to a 2-2 draw against Tedburn St Mary which for them was a big bonus point.
Feniton meanwhile took a major stride towards safety as they scuppered Farway United 5-1.

AFC Exe drew 2-2 at Bampton but will not be too disappointed in their chase of the Division Three crown. The ponies meanwhile will have been very happy with a point as they battle against the drop.
It also ended all square 1-1 between South Zeal United and Halwill who staged the game at the Ashbury Hotel ground.

Division Four favourites St Thomas Social Club made short work of leaders East Budleigh trouncing their rivals 7-0, a result which will have been noted by their other main rivals Exeter University who return to action quite soon after their festive break.

INTERMEDIATE ACTION DIVISIONS 5-8

Three matches were resolved in Division Five and saw leaders Bickleigh given a stiff test at Millwey Rise where they managed to scrape home 2-1. Bickleigh were pleased with the points as they also mourned the loss of their founder Tony Dascombe who sadly died at New Year.
Cranbrook United put the cat among the pigeons as they kept alive their hopes of the title with a 4-2 win at home to Whipton & Pinhoe, only a second loss this season for the Exeter team.
The Heart of Oak and Awliscombe United shared a 2-2 draw which keeps them in the chasing pack.

Division Six had all its matches called off because of the bad weather, and just one game played in Division Seven but a good day for leaders Exmouth Rovers as they went four points clear with an 8-2 victory at Bradninch.

A similar scoreline for Division Eight leaders Ex Dons as they sent Millwey Rise packing. The Dons are now 14 points clear but inactive rivals Tedbury St Mary have six matches in hand so still some way to go.

The other game played saw Bow AAC swap places with North Tawton after a 3-1 win at home to their neighbours.

 

Sunday 8th January 2023