'Weak' Shammy on their way as Robb nets winning goal

By [mjenkin]

SHAMWICKSHIRE are off and running in the Journal Premier Division after picking up their first win — at the fourth attempt.

Gary Ford's side got off to a dreadful start against Torridgeside but recovered for a 2-1 triumph.

Nigel Cockwill's newcomers needed just 35 seconds to score their first goal in the North Devon top flight as Jethro Kimber scrambled in from close range.

Despite describing his line-up as the weakest Shammy side he has ever put out, Ford's troops hit back to edge a tight encounter.

Matt Ford fired them level and a rare goal from reserve-team player Michael Robb gave them maximum points.

Hartland and Morwenstow shared a point apiece from an end-to-end derby.

Lee Evans and Sam Mellor twice gave Hartland the lead before Andy Heywood and a late leveller from Noah Evans earned the Greens their second draw in four days.

On Saturday, Lee James scrambled their equaliser at Georgeham after Mike Symonds followed up a shot from Tommy Herd to give the Hammers the lead.

Braunton ground out a 3-2 win at Hartland, where Andy Bwye scored twice and saw a sweet volley strike the crossbar.

Mark Sanders put the visitors 3-1 ahead in the last 10 minutes.

Earlier, Richard Bissett struck for the hosts and, after Danny Gifford scored late on, they even sent goalkeeper Ben Arkless up for a last-gasp corner.

New boys Ilfracombe Town announced their return to the top flight by beating Bradworthy 3-0.

Gary Hutchings settled the nerves by lobbing Combe into an early lead before Mark Gilfillan added the second from the spot.

After the break 17-year-old Shaun Brown came off the bench to make things safe.

Neighbours Combe Martin are the division's early pacesetters, however.

Lee Chappell (three), Simon Townsend (two) and Joe Seldon (two) scored the goals which kept them top with a 7-0 win against Dolton.

A majestic volley from Richard Shannon was the highlight for Boca Seniors, who started with a confident 5-2 win over Putford.

Trailing 3-0 in the first half, James Ashton and Nick Roberts ensured the visitors made a game of it.

But Shannon smoothly completed his hat-trick, while Chris Collins and an own goal made sure of the points.

The champions will expect a tougher test in tonight's derby against Barnstaple AAC, who still can't believe they didn't beat Shamwickshire on Saturday.

Marc Thorne and new boys Ben Walters (two) and Ronnie Richmond rewarded the Ammies' sharp football with a 4-2 lead.

However, Andy Clark, Mark Jury and Chris Allan (two) gave Shammy an unlikely point from a performance described by manager Gary Ford as the worst since he's been in charge.

Hotly-tipped North Molton began with a excellent 4-0 win at Appledore after first half strikes from new signings Jack Jenkins and Richard Uffendell.

Tom Marsh and substitute Rob Scott completed the job, while James Tapp had a superb game in the unfamiliar position of left-back.

In the Senior Division, Pilton have made a solid start under new manager Stuart McNeill.

His team were outplayed for long spells against Torrington on Saturday but they still came away with the points.

Tom Nash, Tony Higgs and Quyen Tran grabbed the goals in a 3-2 win.

Higgs and Bill Gregory twice gave the Accies the lead against Northam Lions on Tuesday, while keeper Kevin Weir was called upon to save a penalty.

New player-boss Cosmo Ayres, and Sean Revell, were on target for the Lions, who have already made a good habit of fighting back.

They trailed 2-0 at Clovelly on Saturday before Paul Wright and Robert Crump ensured a share of the spoils.

In the wake of their 11-3 defeat to Kilkhampton, it was a massive improvement for Clovelly as Mark Edwards and Robin Kearney netted in an energetic display.

New boss Edward Johns only took charge a few days before the season kicked off and his squad is still coming together.

Johns rolled back the years with a solo goal against Kilk, while Kieran Vanstone netted twice in between the avalanche at the other end.

Mark Trzcinski led the way with a hat-trick and the rest came from Dave Youldon (two), Ashley Thomas (two), Liam Bunning, John Marsh, James Watson and Tom Denford.

Kilk's youngsters found life much harder at Shamwickshire, where they went down 6-2 after leading 2-1 through Marsh and Youldon. Ryan West hit a hat-trick, Ben Evans-Loude netted twice and Brazilian Junior Santos completed the Rovers comeback.

Santos also managed to score an embarrassing own goal at the weekend — he hastily had the name Robinho printed on the back of his Chelsea shirt.

Elsewhere, South Molton made a storming start to the season when Dean Birchall struck twice in the first 10 minutes against Barnstaple AAC.

However, Jamie Neale, from the spot, and the hard-working Andy King — with his ear — hauled the visitors level by the break.

After a poor pre-season, Ammies gained a real confidence boost with a late winner from Steve Isaac.

It's not too often that a 0-0 draw occurs in the Journal League, but defences were well on top as Bideford faced Chittlehampton and Shebbear United took on Bratton Fleming in two stalemates.