Saturday, February 8

North Devon Football League round-up

HOLSWORTHY Reserves will face Combe Martin in the Combe Martin Cup final in May after beating neighbours Shebbear United 2-1 at South Close.

Both sides are enjoying good campaigns in the Senior Division, and reached the last 16 of the Devon Senior Cup, so a close game was expected.

The first-half was a relatively even affair with neither side able to get the all-important first goal.

The visitors are in pole position to take the league title following victories over nearest challengers Kilkhampton, and went in front when Joel Robins’ toke-poked effort went high into the net.

Shebbear rallied and eventually drew level through Jack Squire, but despite looking more likely to find a winner, were caught on the counter-attack, allowing Keaton Meagan to fire home the all-important winner.

Bradworthy’s tough season continued on Saturday in the Premier as they were well beaten 4-0 at Appledore in the North Devon Premier.

The Horniwinks, who are four points behind third from last Braunton Reserves, face a must-win home game against bottom side Torridgeside Reserves on Saturday.

Kilkhampton warmed up for their big Cornwall Junior Cup quarter-final at Duchy Premier high-flyers Gunnislake on Saturday by thrashing Fremington Reserves 6-0 at Lamb Park to go top of the table.

Ryan Thomas was once again amongst the goals, notching a hat-trick, with Ewan Reeves, Luke Darke and substitute Tommy Henderson also on target. They sit six points ahead of Holsworthy, who have three games in-hand.

Bridgerule recorded a much-needed success, beating Landkey Town 3-0 at Vinnicombe Park.

Joel Davey put the hosts into an 11th minute lead before second-half goals from Todd Peschke and Brendan Hearn sealed a second league win of the season.

Ten-man Bradworthy Reserves beat Ashwater 2-1 at the Bradworthy Recreation Field in Intermediate Three.

David Flynn notched for the Yellows but goals from Martin Galvin and Ben Neville-Jones proved decisive despite Jordan Ley’s red card.

Shebbear United eased to a 6-2 victory at Hartland Clovelly Thirds.

Both sides traded goals at 2-2, which included a 30-yard stunner from Carl Spear, before Shebbear ran away with it in the second-half. Nick Purcell and Rory Howrihane were both at the double with Liam Brend rounding off the scoring.