FA VASE action awaits the majority of SW Peninsula League and Western League teams this weekend.

The first qualifying round came and went with little to no issue for our South Devon quartet and they are now all looking to advance once more.

Starting with Buckland Athletic and they’ve been drawn against a Peninsula League side for the second time, having beaten Elburton Villa of the Western Division by a single goal at the end of August.

On Saturday, they welcome Ilfracombe Town to Homers Heath, a club who they will be familiar with. The two teams were in the Western League together last year but following a 19th-placed finish, Ilfracombe dropped down a level.

They have had a mixed start to the new campaign, currently occupying ninth in the table with a middle-of-the-road record of 3-4-2.

Buckland meanwhile are in the playoff spots but they were beaten last night for the first time at home to date. Craig Veal scored a brace for Sidmouth Town as they pulled of a very impressive result in Newton Abbot.

Jacob Pickavant in action for Newton Abbot Spurs
Jacob Pickavant in action for Newton Abbot Spurs (Jamie Rooke)

Not only was it a first home loss in all competitions but it was also the first time that Matt Cusack’s side failed to score in all competitions, home or away, after finding the back of the net in all of their first 11 outings.

The Bucks will be looking to bounce back against Ilfracombe and another team who were defeated in midweek are Newton Abbot Spurs.

Spurs were on a four-game winning streak, enjoying strong form similar to that of Buckland, only to fall at home against Honiton Town.

The Hippos led by two goals to nil after 30 minutes but on the hour mark, they found themselves back at all-square, Toby Pullman striking first and Owen Green then equalising from the penalty spot.

Honiton remained undeterred though and found a third and decisive goal, hanging on in the face of late pressure to claim all three points at The Rec.

Onto the Vase and without taking to the field, they advanced beyond the first round and now await a trip to Fairfax Park, the home of Bridgwater United.

It won’t be easy for Spurs with Bridgwater plying their trade at Western League level- they have won four, drawn one and lost five, taking them to 12th place.

Action from the South West Peninsula Premier League East between Bovey Tracey and Torrington. Bovey romped home with an 8-0 win. Photo Alan Craig
Action from the South West Peninsula Premier League East between Bovey Tracey and Torrington. Bovey romped home with an 8-0 win. Photo Alan Craig (Alan Craig)

Peninsula leaders Bovey Tracey AFC defied the league difference in the last round when they came from behind to win away at St Austell AFC and yet a tougher test awaits.

St Austell are bringing up the rear in the Western League whilst Torpoint Athletic are flying high in second, winning seven times and drawing once thus far.

Ben Gerring’s Bovey have an identical record, smashing Axminster Town 7-0 last weekend, so this promises to be a fascinating encounter at The Mill either way.

South West Peninsula League Premier East. Teignmouth AFC versus Axminster Town. A 4-1 win for Teignmouth
South West Peninsula League Premier East. Teignmouth AFC versus Axminster Town. A 4-1 win for Teignmouth (Steve Pope/MDA)

Teignmouth AFC have a home game to look forward to and they’ll welcome Ivybridge Town to Coombe Valley.

The Ivies have experienced an up-and-down start to life under Ben Washam and Brad Gargett, last night’s 7-1 home loss to Newquay AFC certainly being their lowest ebb to date.

Despite this, they’ll still be the favourites against a Teignmouth side short on momentum, losing their last three, albeit against top-four teams.