Round-up from North Devon football

Teams from Braunton FC attended the final Ability Counts tournament of the season at Devon FA Headquarters on Sunday. The club has two teams who both play at different ability-banded levels in the league.

Team Wave played five matches, winning two and drawing three. Team Storm played two matches and won both to top their league. Both teams were undefeated on the day.

The squad donned kit poppies to show their respects on Remembrance Sunday and then the day was made even more memorable when the club were presented with an award from Dave Parish, Deputy Chair of the Board of Devon FA.

Braunton was chosen from clubs all over Devon to win the McDonalds Grassroots Club of The Year 2022. Furthermore, coach Mel Benson was presented with her award as the McDonalds Grassroots Coach of the year for adults.

League action returns in February. In the meantime, the club trains on Saturdays with teams for adults and youth. Contact Mel Benson on 07764 767955 for further details.

In the South-West Peninsula League, both Torridgeside and Torrington enjoyed brilliant results on the weekend.

Torridgeside welcomed Honiton Town to Donnacroft and they served up a feast of attacking football. Shaun Copp and Tyler Evans-loude both grabbed doubles and there were further goals from Rory Paine, Oliver Kenneally and Fratton Tetley in a superb 7-3 victory.

While the goals were not quite so free-flowing for Torrington, they will be equally pleased with a fine 1-1 draw at home to high-flying Ivybridge Town. George Nancekivell broke the deadlock for the Super Greens and they nearly pinched a memorable victory, but the Ivies struck late for a point.

Brixham and Bovey Tracey maintained Peninsula League interest in the FA Vase, as they both secured narrow home wins.

Torrington travel to bottom club Bridport this weekend, while Torridgeside host Bovey Tracey. Holsworthy are at home to Axminster Town.

In the Toolstation Western League, Barnstaple Town edged past Torpoint Athletic with a 1-0 victory. After both clubs observed a minute’s silence and The Last Post was played beautifully by Caroline Williams, Barum got underway with two early opportunities forcing the best from the visiting custodian.

Teenager Tommy Rogers grabbed the decisive goal on the half-hour and Barum were also grateful to goalkeeper Liam Kingston for an astounding save that secured the victory.

Barnstaple Town Women travelled to Halwill in the Devon Women’s Football League but were beaten 3-2 in a terrific game.

It was honours even for Ilfracombe Town, who came home from Millbrook with a hard-earned 1-1 draw, Liam Short scoring for the Bluebirds.

After the midweek derby with Bideford in the Devon Bowl, Ilfracombe travel to Cadbury Heath on Saturday, while Barnstaple welcome high-flying Bridgwater United.

Appledore turned on the style in the Devon Football League, as they dismantled Ottery St Mary 10-2. Sam Fishwick grabbed a hat-trick and there were doubles for Jason McGinley, Joe Kelly and Mike Jones. Phil Kelly also notched.

In-form Ollie Stevens bagged a brace for North Molton in their 4-1 win at home to Topsham Town but there were defeats for Barnstaple Town Reserves and Fremington, who lost at Budleigh Salterton and Beer Albion respectively.

Boca Seniors extended their 100% record in the Premier Division of the North Devon League, as goals from Sam Box (2), Chris Moore and Liam Hawkins gave them a 4-1 win over North Molton 2nds. Jake Knapman grabbed a consolation for the visitors.

Park United remain hot on their heels in second after they defeated Chittlehampton in a feisty game that saw both sides end the afternoon with ten men. David Brown (2), Ross Middleton and an own goal gave Park the points.

Appledore Lions had no answer to the attacking prowess of Braunton 2nds, who romped to an 8-1 victory. Jamie Pratt (2), Liam Alexander, Jake Arrowsmith, Matt Bull, Cameron Shaw, Robert Morgan and Connor Stapley were the scorers.

Eastside beat Combe Martin 7-4 in an NDFL thriller and, despite being on the losing side, kudos to Stan Jenkins for scoring four.