NORTH DEVON LEAGUE ROUND-UP

MORWENSTOW will win the Intermediate One title if they win their final game after another drama-filled Saturday in the North Devon League.

The Greens knew that nothing but six points would do to leapfrog leaders South Molton and pip High Bickington who they meet on the final day next Saturday (May 25), and they just about kept up their end of the bargain with a 2-1 victory at Braunton Thirds.

To make matters better, South Molton beat High Bickington 3-0.

Saturday’s game saw Morwenstow start well and they took the lead in bizarre circumstances when Jake Gilbert’s defence splitting through ball aimed for Ritchie Armstrong was put into his own net by a defender.

Braunton got on top and the visitors needed a heroic double save from Sam Sutcliffe.

Unfortunately, Sutcliffe was undone shortly after as a corner was swung in and hit defender Aaron Kendall.

The second half was a battle, but it was veteran midfielder Mark Skelton’s quick-thinking that turned the tide. Toby Curtis took a free-kick to Skelton, who had made a darting run between the Braunton defence and managed to set-up Gilbert for a tap in.

In the Premier, Holsworthy Reserves could finish as high as sixth or their current position of ninth after a mixed week.

Last Wednesday night saw them beat Shamwickshire Rovers 1-0 at Upcott Field courtesy of left-back Mark Horn, before a last minute defeat at Appledore Lions on Saturday.

Kieran Jollow and Jago Barriball scored for the Magpies in the 3-2 defeat.

Shebbear United picked up a much-needed three points at Fremington Reserves, but their quest to avoid the drop will go to the final day.

Curtis Johnson’s brace plus Chris Wildern’s effort gave them a 3-1 win, but results elsewhere ensures they need reward from their final game at home to Braunton Reserves on Saturday.