North Devon League round-up – Saturday, January 18

THERE was a mix of league and cup action in the North Devon leagues on Saturday with several Post area clubs taking to the field.

In the Premier Division, Ben Sharpe was the hero for Holsworthy Reserves as his four-goal salvo gave the Magpies a 4-1 success at Hartland who netted through Corey Pillman.

Both Morwenstow and Shebbear United progressed in the Senior Division Combe Martin League Cup with contrasting victories.

Morwenstow headed to struggling South Molton, but after taking an early lead via Ritchie Armstrong, missed a series of chances.

Molton came out rejuvenated after the restart, but soon lost Charlie Watt and Kyle Jones to red cards and after that the goals flowed as Callum Rogers chipped home, Will Bryant reacted to a loose ball and Phil Horton struck via the post.

Shebbear visited fellow high-flyers Woolsery and ran out 1-0 winners.

In a tight contest which saw both teams have their moments, it was Chris Wildern’s deflected shot that got the job done.

Visiting keeper Stuart Quance was man of the match for a couple of fine late blocks, although Sheb were relieved that a late chance with an open goal was somehow spurned.

In the Intermediate One Arlington Cup, Bradworthy progressed after a narrow 2-1 victory over Putford.

Harvey Dack put Putford in front midway through the second half but late goals from Lewis Clarke and Adam Poole, the latter with just two minutes remaining, sent the Horniwinks through.

Morwenstow Reserves lost a seven-goal thriller at Braunton Thirds.

The Greens made the long trip up to North Devon and were in big trouble at 3-1 down despite Archie Taylor’s goal.

Braunton added a fourth either side of Rio Colgrave and Jack Gear setting up a grandstand finish, and extra-time was denied by a controversial offside decision.