Promotion hopes and relegation fears for North Devon football clubs

It was an understandable washout in the North Devon Football League over the weekend, providing the perfect chance to assess the picture as we head into the second half of the season.

Shamwickshire Rovers lead the way in the Premier Division, two points clear of Braunton. Shammy beat Woolsery 2-1 in their last outing, Jake England and Josh Nixon scoring the goals, while Braunton started their year with a 2-0 win over Torridgeside 2nds thanks to Timmy Pike and Cameron Shaw.

Landkey Town, Fremington 2nds and Torridgeside 2nds complete the top five. Morwenstow and Woolsery occupy the bottom two positions and the fixtures this weekend include AFC Dumnonii at home to Morwenstow, Woolsery travel to Boca Seniors 2nds, Hartland host Landkey and Shammy travel to Holsworthy 2nds.

Bradworthy are fiercely guarding a 100% record in the Senior Division, 12 wins from 12, but Bideford 2nds are only two points behind having lost only once, and just two more points behind them are South Molton.

Merton are enduring a tough campaign at the bottom but will have hopes of recording their first win when they travel to fellow strugglers Combe Martin 2nds. Bradworthy will be looking to extend their impressive record at mid-table AFC Dumnonii 2nds.

In the Intermediate Division, Langtree Lions remain unbeaten at the top and sit six points clear of the Kingsley Wizards. South Molton 2nds complete the top three, while Northam Lions and Fremington 3rds are toiling in the bottom two.

Appledore are the leading North Devon representatives in the Devon Football League, and they are just three points behind Alphington at the top. Fremington and Boca Seniors are both looking comfortable in the top seven of a very tight league.

Fixtures this weekend include Appledore away at Elmore, Fremington host Dartmouth and Boca Seniors make the long trip to Budleigh Salterton.

In the South West Peninsula League East Division, Ilfracombe Town are fifth but a long way behind the top pair of Bovey Tracey and Bridport. Torridgeside are doing nicely in mid-table but Torrington need to find some form to pull away from the bottom three.

The T-Siders are away to Newton Abbot Spurs this weekend, while Torrington host Cullompton Rangers. Holsworthy have a mid-table trip to Wendron in the West Division.

After their amazing cup exploits came to an end in the FA Vase, Barnstaple Town will be focussing on securing a play-off place in the Western League. Barum have a midweek game at Street and then welcome Newquay on Saturday.

Bideford’s game at Falmouth was one of many cancellations in the Southern League and the Robins have a tough task on the weekend, welcoming a strong Winchester City outfit to the Sports Ground.

All we need now is for the rain to stop and the footy to restart.