Stalemate denies Willand Rovers chance to pull clear of relegation zone

WILLAND Rovers missed the chance to get three vital points towards Premier Division safety when they drew 0-0 at basement rivals Exmouth Amateurs.

It looked like a must-win game for Willand to boost their survival hopes, but neither side looked like breaking the deadlock.

Willand will be the first side to have played 20 league games this coming week if they see action at Newtown. The Newton St Cyres-based outfit are still involved in the title race and will not want a slip up against Willand, who will be doing well if they manage to avoid defeat.

Morchard Bishop had to call off their game with Heavitree Social United as Wood Lane was again waterlogged, and they feel the backlog of catch up matches will cost them dearly.

However, the Mid Devon side should see some action at the University this Saturday, but that will not be easy as the Students are showing better form of late.

Thorverton were without a match anyway, but this week welcome a Seaton Town side who have fallen from grace and are faltering.

It should be a good chance for the Thors to pocket some priceless points, a factor manager Wayne Radford will emphasise in his team talk.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, unbeaten leaders Feniton were just a little more clinical than visitors Topsham Town as they won 3-1.

Second-placed Hatherleigh came from behind to beat Beer 4-1. Feniton and Hatherleigh meet this weekend.

Champions St Martins battered Budleigh Salterton 6-0 and the University saw off Clyst Valley 4-2, which was good news for Willand and Thorverton.

The big upset in Division One saw Tiverton Town crash 1-0 at Heavitree Social United – their first defeat this season. It was a superb win for the Heavies, whose Kenny Smith scored the only goal with a cool finish.

Bow AAC had to work hard to beat a winless Colyton 3-2. Louie Kinch (2) and Nick Mingo netted the Bow goals.

Sidbury were held 2-2 by Tipton St John, whose Barry Wood and Jody Freeman scored. That enabled Witheridge to make up ground after their 2-1 victory at Cullompton, with Gavin Richards and Ryan Greenwood on target.

Division Two leaders Elmore went nine points clear when they beat Honiton Town 3-1. Callum Old, Jordan Copp and Gavin Batten scored for the Eagles, with Tim Genders getting one back for Honiton.

Bottom-of-the-table Chagford walloped Civil Service 6-1, with Robbie Miller and Josh Stanbury both scoring twice. Adam Pidgeon and Ashley Jackson also scored, with Brad Cook netting the Civil goal.

Dean Matthews scored as Westexe hit top form to win 1-0 at Topsham, while Clyst Valley and Dawlish United shared a 2-2 draw. Mark Harris and Tom Mitchell scored for Clyst.

Dolphin were dislodged from top place in Division Three when they drew 1-1 with Crediton. Gary Webb was Dolphin's scorer, with Crediton's equaliser coming two minutes from time.

Newton St Cyres regained top spot when they inched past neighbours Sandford 1-0, while Lympstone are into the top three after their 3-2 victory against Newtown.

Thorverton had three players sent off in a disastrous 7-2 defeat to North Tawton, whose Keith Steward (3), Richard Keast (2), Jake Ayres and George Pitts found the net.

Hemyock battered Winkleigh 8-1, with Alex Baird (3), Phil Bell (2), Pat Cork, Josh Essex and new Brazilian player Andrado do Vasconcelas scoring.

Division Four leaders Heavitree Social United went down 3-1 at home to Exmouth Town, whose Leigh Clarke (2) and Gareth Davies scored.

Woodbury beat Chulmleigh 2-1 with goals from Kev Pitt and Luke Kelsall, but they had two players sent off. Chulmleigh also had a man dismissed. Owen Darch was their goalscorer.

The Lord's XI sent Axmouth packing 5-1. Julian Wills, Nat Salsbury, Gareth Wills, Tom Parry and Mike Holding shared the goals.

Cheriton Fitzpaine widened their Division Five leadership to nine points after putting Lapford to the sword 4-1, with closest rivals Hatherleigh checked 2-2 by hosts Topsham Town. Ryan Burrows had both Topsham goals.

Countess Wear Dynamoes lost ground as they slipped 4-3 to Uplowman, whose Ben Galloway, Steve Bartin, Scott Broomfield and Ricky Lee scored.

Westexe won their derby against Sampford Peverell 3-2, with Terry Martin and Jack Bridgeman scoring for the losers.

Dunkeswell Rovers top Division Six after an easy 4-0 win at North Tawton, while Dawlish United slipped out of the top three following their 2-0 defeat by Morchard Bishop. Gary Stagg and Patrick Phillips were Morchard's scorers.

Amory Argyle recovered from a two-goal deficit to hammer Silverton 6-2. Matt Reed netted both Silverton goals before Scott Butler (2), Carlos Pavia (2), James Howe and Luke Carroll scored for Argyle.

Division Seven leaders Fluxton were delighted to beat a strong Ottery St Mary side 3-2, albeit with the help of two own goals. Olly Paget bagged the other Fluxton goal.

The Met Office's slump continued as they were beaten 5-1 by Starcross Generals. Gary Ofield scored the Weathermen's goal, while Lympstone lost 4-1 against Halwill.

Langdon moved into the top three in Division Eight with a 3-0 win at home to Winkleigh. Tom Chapman-Hunt (2) and Lee Varvell scored for Langdon.

Alphington went level with leaders Newtown after a 2-1 win at Lapford.