Boca Seniors setting standards in the Devon Football League

A step into the unknown is proving extremely worthwhile for Boca Seniors FC, who have enjoyed a fine start to life in the higher level of the Devon Football League.

After dominating the North Devon Football League in recent years, Boca took the plunge at the end of last season, and they now enter November second in the table, just one point behind leaders Alphington, although the East Devon club does have games in hand.

Ryan Hewitt, Jake Williams and Bailey Robertson scored the goals in Boca’s latest victory, a hard-fought 3-1 triumph at Beer Albion, one of the more established clubs at this level in the pyramid.

Appledore were on cup duty, beating Plymouth Marjon 1-0 thanks to a goal from James Harley, but Fremington suffered a surprise 6-2 reverse at home to Elmore.

It was a tough day for North Devon clubs in the South West Peninsula League. Competing in the West Division, Holsworthy have enjoyed a fine start to the campaign and sit third in the table, but they had no answer to leaders Liskeard Athletic, who inflicted a 3-0 defeat on the Magpies.

In the East Division, Torridgeside allowed a 2-1 lead to slip as they fell to a 3-2 defeat at home to Middlezoy Rovers, and there were also defeats for Torrington and Ilfracombe.

Torrington travelled to South Devon and had no answer to an in-form Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police outfit, who ran out 4-0 winners, while the Bluebirds of Ilfracombe battled bravely before losing 2-1 at leaders Bovey Tracey. Jake Chesworth notched for Ilfracombe but Bovey were inspired to victory with a double from seasoned striker Stuart Bowker.

As it stands, Bovey have a five-point lead over Bridport. Newton Abbot Spurs and Cullompton Rangers make up the top four, with Bishops Lydeard and Axminster Town cut adrift at the bottom.

After an intriguing midweek derby involving Torrington and Ilfracombe, both sides are at home this weekend, Torrington taking on Crediton and Ilfracombe welcome Honiton. Torridgeside are on the road at Teignmouth.

In the North Devon League Premier Division, AFC Dumnonii are in fourth after a comfortable 3-0 win over Woolsery, Ben Ford, Levi Huxtable and Dan Wright scoring the goals.

Luke Perry and Jack Langford were the scorers for Hartland in a 2-0 success over Holsworthy 2nds, while Oliver Sussex and James Greenaway hit the net for Torridgeside 2nds in a 2-1 win over Fremington 2nds, Sam Chapman notching the consolation.

Third-placed Braunton shared a nine-goal cracker with lowly North Molton. Dylan Evans and Billy Lowe both sored twice for Braunton, who also had goals from Archie Christie and Isaac Clarke in a 6-3 win, with Daniel Anjos scoring a fine consolation hat-trick for the Stags.

Landkey Town and Shamwickshire Rovers occupy the top two positions in the Premier, while Bideford 2nds and Bradworthy lead the way in the Senior Division. Langtree Lions are top of the Intermediate Division and beat High Bickington 12-5 in a ludicrous game, with Dan Jenkins scoring four for the home side.