The Premier Division of the Devon & Exeter League is shaping up for a thrilling climax, with six teams potentially capable of mounting a title challenge.

Alphington hold top spot on 26 points and will need to slip up, but Lyme Regis showed that was possible with a penalty shoot-out win over the Alphas in the East Devon Senior Cup on Saturday.

While the Alphas were missing from league action, Winkleigh spurned the chance to move level on points at the top, as they suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at struggling Okehampton Argyle 2nds.

Kentisbeare are third, following a 2-1 win over Credtion 2nds, while Colyton are lurking in fourth after beating Sandford, also by a 2-1 score. Lapford stayed in the mix with a 3-2 win over Sidmouth Town 2nds and Upottery also have some interest, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by University of Exeter 2nds.

In Division One, Wellington 2nds ended the unbeaten run of the University 3rds but St Martins remain dominant at the top, as they outclassed Newtown 2nds with a 6-2 triumph. Farway United lead Division Twon on goal difference after an 8-0 thrashing of Tedburn St Mary, as Central’s 1-1 draw with Feniton 2nds saw them slip to second.

The big game in Division Three took unbeaten Broadclyst to title rivals Budleigh Salterton, and it was the Robins who took advantage of home turf to record a 4-2 victory. Honiton Town 2nds also lost their unbeaten record in Division Four, going down 3-2 at Uplyme. There was one more shock result in a weekend of surprises, as Division Seven leaders Uplowman Athletic were beaten 3-2 by University 8ths.  

The South West Peninsula League has felt like a procession for a few weeks, it might still be the case over the second half of the season, but Sidmouth Town proved on Saturday that the imperious Ivies of Ivybridge Town are not impregnable.

Prior to their trip to East Devon, Ivybridge had recorded 13 wins from 14 league games and not a sniff of a defeat, but the Vikings set down an early marker with Liam Carey’s rifled low free-kick nestling in the bottom corner.

Nathan Cooper pounced on a defensive error to double the lead but the Ivies fought back after the break, drawing level with goals from Jack Alexander and Jake Lane. There was one final twist at Manstone Lane, as Carey struck a fine winner in stoppage time, fizzing a low drive in off the far post.

Crediton United took their chance to climb up to second with a 4-1 triumph at Stoke Gabriel & Torbay Police, while Bovey Tracey and Axminster Town shared a 1-1 draw, Sean Finch levelling for the Moorlanders after Charlie Wilson had struck for the Tigers.

It continues to be a tough campaign for Torridgeside, although their performance deserved more than a single-goal defeat at Cullompton Rangers. Torrington provided some cheer for the North Devon contingent with an excellent 3-1 win over Teignmouth, with Ben Musselwhite, Billy Hinson and Liam Martin on target for the Greens.

Luke Alden and Dan Koita handed Okehampton Argyle a 2-0 success at Elburton Villa, and there was an important three points for Honiton Town, as they moved away from any relegation concerns with a dominant 4-1 defeat of Bishops Lydeard. Tom Rush, Aaron Pearse, Tom Perryman and Chris Long scored for the Hippos.

The SWPL highlight this weekend has to be at Okehampton, where Ivybridge will be very keen to dispel any suggestions of a wobble against an Argyle side more than capable of causing problems.

Crediton v Bovey is another tasty clash near the top, while Sidmouth will be favourites to continue their impressive form at Torridgeside. Honiton v Torrington is an intriguing clash, as both teams have a chance to break into the top half but spare a thought for winless Dartmouth, who have another difficult game at Teignmouth.