facup

Here Comes The Cup

Preview of this weekend's FA Cup qualifiers involving Devon sides

Devon teams take their first steps into the FA Cup this weekend, with six of our county clubs competing in the world’s oldest competition at this opening stage.

There are two all-Devon ties and mouthwatering prospects at Bolitho Park in Plymouth and Southern Road in Exmouth.

Plymouth Parkway host Buckland Athletic in a match between two sides from the Toolstation Western League. Parkway enjoyed a superb start to their league campaign, trouncing Cadbury Heath 7-1, while the Bucks will need to find some form after an opening-day defeat at home to Westbury United.

Exmouth Town, meanwhile, are expecting a bumper crowd for the intriguing visit of Southern League Barnstaple Town. Barum have yet to kick-off their league season and will travel to an Exmouth side buoyed by a 4-1 win over Bridport in their debut encounter as a Western League club.

Tavistock also made their Western League bow last weekend, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Clevedon. Tavvy welcome Hengrove Athletic, who play in the second tier of Western League football and suffered a disastrous 7-0 home loss in their opening game.

The final Devon side involved in the FA Cup, Willand Rovers, welcome AFC St Austell from the Peninsula League. Willand begin their Southern League season next weekend and must be wary of dangerous Saints, who started their league season with a 6-1 win over Liskeard.

As well as the FA Cup, it is the first full weekend of action for Devon sides competing in the new Peninsula League East. Sidmouth Town play the one Cornish side in this division, as they travel to Torpoint Athletic.

Ivybridge Town welcome Crediton United, Brixham host Honiton Town and Dartmouth are at Cullompton Rangers. Newton Abbot Spurs make the long trip to Holsworthy, Plymouth Marjon also have a trek to Ilfracombe and Torrington come south to play at Stoke Gabriel.

The final games see Millbrook at home to Elmore and Torridgeside hosting Bovey Tracey. It’s going to be a great weekend of football, despite the weather, and good luck to all our Devon clubs.