Mid Devon rivals clash in derby with points vital for both sides

WILLAND Rovers travel to Thorverton this Saturday for a crucial three-pointer in the Premier Division after their 1-1 draw at home against Heavitree Social United.

The Thors sit bottom of the table – four places below Willand – after their 3-2 defeat at the University.

Rovers opened the scoring against the city side through Mark Sampson before Heavitree salvaged an equaliser.

Morchard Bishop manager Steve Rice struggled to raise a side for their game at Exmouth Amateurs but they still came out on top 4-1.

Matt Woodward (2), Kenny Ord and John Bradford scored for Morchard, who welcome defending champions St Martins this Saturday.

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, leaders Newtown suffered a 2-1 loss at Topsham Town and Feniton beat Seaton Town 6-3.

Beer Albion also won 6-3 against Clyst Valley and Hatherleigh continue to ride high after coming from behind to beat Budleigh Salterton 3-1.

In Division One, Bow AAC suffered their first defeat when they were pipped 1-0 at Alphington. Ryan Moody scored the only goal with a superb strike.

Tiverton Town held leaders Chard Town to a 0-0 draw, which enabled Sidbury United to close in after they won 4-0 at Culm United. Danny Green (2), Glen Salter and Ash Small were Sidbury's marksmen.

Division Two leaders Elmore had to dig deep to see off Sidmouth Town 2-1, with Jordan Copp and Kevin Mills scoring.

Chagford are still without a point but gave second-placed Bickleigh a run for their money before losing 2-0.

Beacon Knights won a close game 2-1 at Westexe with goals from Dan Powell and Nick Draper while Honiton Town edged a thriller 4-3 at Clyst Valley, with the help of two Ben Price penalties. Tim Genders and Matt Brown also scored.

Dawlish United drew 1-1 at Halwill after going behind.

Newton St Cyres are the proud new leaders in Division Three after they wrecked South Zeal's unbeaten record 2-1. Two Matt Yendall goals did the job for Newton.

Dolphin came from two goals down to win 5-2 at North Tawton. Darren Pattinson, Marc Smith, Ryan Harris, Gary Webb and Jimmy Lee-Shaw scored.

Lympstone won 2-1 at Upottery with Chris Hooker and Mark Dunn on target and Ottery St Mary continued their improvement by winning 4-2 at Offwell, whose Greg Sluman netted both their goals.

Okehampton Argyle celebrated their first victory in Division Four as they swept Seaton aside 8-2. Steve Madge notched four of their goals.

Leaders Axminster suffered a 2-1 reverse at Newtown, which helped Heavitree close the gap after they blitzed Exmouth Amateurs 9-2. James Mills (4), Lee Watkins (2), James Callard and Luke Scholfield were among Heavitree's scorers, whose Chris Smith and Connor Sylvester played well.

Bampton shocked the University 4-0 and did so after using all three substitutes before half-time. Liam Ayres, Anthony Hamlett, James Lee and Sean Hiscock scored for the Ponies.

Woodbury won their derby at Exmouth Town 4-3, with Kevin Pitt, Alfie Cleave, Liam Cook and Ryan Smith on target.

It is nine wins from nine for Division Five pacemakers Cheriton Fitzpaine as they overcame a stubborn St Martins 3-0. Chris Acton (2) and Kevin Payne scored.

A hat-trick from Jack Bridgeman and a Terry Martin brace steered Sampford Peverell to a comfortable 5-0 win against Beer.

Jamie Clow and Richard Gilbert scored for Countess Wear in their 4-2 defeat at Clyst Valley.

Rob Hanna converted a penalty for Uplowman, but they still went down 4-1 against Hatherleigh.

Silverton top Division Six after edging a 1-0 win at Morchard Bishop. Mark Greenwood netted the winner.

Dave Gwyther hit a hat-trick for Topsham in their 4-4 draw at Stoke Hill. Reece Foggin also scored.

However, that result looked tame compared to the 6-6 draw between Priory and Langdon.

Tipton St John took over as Division Seven leaders after their 3-3 draw against Newton St Cyres, whose Matt Baker and Ben Taylor were on the scoresheet.

The Met Office suffered their first defeat 4-1 at the hands of Colaton Raleigh, despite leading at the break through Pete Weston's goal.

Open Space International won 3-2 at Lympstone, with Ali Rahimi, Ali Omrani and Hawker Seleaman scoring.

Pinhoe were unable to draw level with inactive Division Eight leaders Sidbury after losing 5-3 against a strong Newtown side.

Woodbury did close the gap after their 2-0 victory at Folly Gate. Ben Collins and Stuart Howard scored the goals.

Bampton and Alphington drew 3-3, with Steve Ditton, Rob Sheen and Connor Stone on target for Bampton.