Finally, the weather allowed for a decent weekend of football in the Scott Richards Solicitors Devon Football League and there were some cracking games in the cup, as well as across both league divisions.

Starting with two fixtures in the McDonalds League Cup, there was a thrilling win for Alphington and an excellent performance on the road from St Martins. The Alphas faced a tough challenge at home to Exwick Villa in the cup and, with both teams riding high in the North & East Division of the DFL, the game more than lived up to expectations.

Jamie Mudge took the plaudits for Alphington with a fine hat-trick in an entertaining 4-3 success and there was also a tremendous display from home goalkeeper Lee Waring. On target for Villa were Sam Johnson, Jesse Howe and Nathan May.

St Martins travelled to Heavitree United in another cup game between two sides sat next to each other in the N&E league table and the visitors prevailed on the day, running out deserved 3-1 winners.

In the N&E league action, Clyst Valley came so very close to getting off the mark at the foot of the table, eventually going down to a 3-2 defeat at Chudleigh Athletic but a performance that will give Clyst some added belief for the winter period.

The other two games in this division ended with 5-1 score-lines. A Kyle Bassett double and goals from Scott Chambers, Dale O’Donoghue and Cory O’Donoghue secured a comfortable success for leaders Newtown at Witheridge, while Budleigh Salterton were equally ruthless in their defeat of Liverton United.

In the South & West Division, Buckland Athletic Reserves kept up the pressure on leaders Kingsteignton by securing an emphatic 5-0 win at Newton Abbot Spurs Reserves, with Mitch McCann scoring the pick of the goals for Buckland. Kingsteignton were equally impressive in their display at Roselands, winning 5-1 in Paignton.

Third-placed Watcombe Wanderers remain right in the mix after they secured a 3-0 win from a tough trip to Plymstock United, thanks to goals from Zack Chalmers-Wood, Charlie Cuss and a Ben Clark penalty.

In a tight battle between two sides in the chasing pack, a solitary goal from Daniel Block was enough to give Totnes & Dartington a 1-0 win over Paignton Saints. The final game was a 1-1 draw for Lakeside at the Plymouth Argyle Development side. Ashley White scored for the visitors before Josh Johnson levelled for Argyle.