All photos ©Al Macphee/MiraclePR Match report from Neil Hocking/Clubnets

East Allington United are through to the semi-finals of the Herald Cup as Ben Tapper’s late header saw off the challenge of hosts SGT Police Reserves under the Tuesday night lights at the Kia Speedwell.

The hosts recovered from an early Finn Bullingham goal to go into the break 2-1 up. Oakley Hunt scored both goals, the first an opportunistic finish after a Pirates defensive mix-up, the second an elegantly curled finish. But East Allington moved up the gears in the second half and deservedly equalised when a superb one-two and low cross was dispatched by Finn Bullen. Tapper then headed home a free-kick to see East Allington through 3-2.

East Allington Utd 0 vs 0 Brixham AFC Res.

After a difficult opening couple of games, Allington put in a much improved team performance to get a deserved point and confidence boosting clean sheet.On another day with a bit more composure they would have claimed all 3 with some of the chances they created.Two changes were made from last week with Fin Watson and Gareth Head stepping up to replace Chris Collett and Josef Sita.

Both Watson and Head had excellent games with Watson (Pictured) claiming Man of the Match for his energetic display in midfield.A slight tweak in formation saw George Banfield (who had a solid game) move to Right back and Rob Tapper move further forward to help Allington keep hold of the ball.

The First half was a tight affair with both teams cancelling each other out. Captain Dan Hurrell firing over from a corner and Luke Forward and Rob Hutchings having shots saved. At the other end Richard Teague making one decent stop.

The second half Allington grew into the game with Dan Bowles and Chris Jebb working hard in midfield allowing Fin Watson to get on the ball and Allington were starting to create chances, Luke Forward and Rob Tapper causing problems with their direct running and coming close to scoring, Tapper just firing wide and Forward having a shot well saved. Fin Bullen went close with one effort that just went over the bar and having another saved as Allington finished strongly as they searched for the winner but 0-0 it finished

.Some positives to build on with some good individual performances and a more solid defensive display. It was also good to see Justin Denning back for his first appearance of the season. Hopefully with a few players due to return in the next few weeks and a more settled squad they can start climbing the league.

Next Saturday they travel to face Broadmeadow – 2.30pm ko

Unfortunately the Reserves went down to a strong Newton Spurs 3rds outfit 5-0, they will be hoping to bounce back when they Host Babbacombe Corinthians next Saturday – 2.30pm ko

The club would like to thank After Match Hosts The Fortescue Arms for being this weeks club sponsor.

Yesterday was a day to forget for the club with both teams suffering heavy defeats.

The First Team went down 8-1 to a very strong Windmill Fc, who must be one of the favourites for the league.

Allington started well with Luke Forward firing just wide and Josef Sita having a goal bound effort blocked, it was Windmill who took the lead though in the 8th minute through a powerful run and finish. The rest of the half was a tight affair but Windmill got the crucial 2nd goal on the stroke of half time with an excellent header from a long throw.

Second half was a disaster with the team conceding 5 more in the opening 15 minutes with at least 3 being errors and one worldie from outside of the box. Windmill added an 8th with about 15 minutes to go before Allington finally regrouped and finished strongly with Man of the Match Rob Tapper hitting the crossbar before Luke Forward scored with practically the last kick of the game when his free kick deceived the Windmill keeper.

Likewise the reserves had bad day at the office going down 9-1 at Newton Rovers. The only goal coming after a Newton player deflected a Chris Jebb free kick.

Thank you to all those who supported the club and those who made themselves available last minute to ensure both teams had substitutes.

Both teams will be looking to bounce back and would like as many players to attend training as possible on Tuesday night. 6.30pm at our pitch.

The First Team Host The Windmill FC on Saturday. Windmill have transferred over to the SDFL from the Plymouth and West League where they were top of the Premier Division before the season ended due to COVID-19.

The two clubs did meet back in 2017 in the Devon Premier Cup Semi Finals where Windmill came out on top 4-1 winners.

Allington will be hoping to make home advantage count and start the season with a postive result.

Kick off is 2.30pm and Supporters are welcome with Social Distancing and Track and Trace in place.

We would again like to thank Start Point Finance for being our kit sponsor for the season.

East Allington Utd Reserves are very thankful to Sam Bruckner and Dartmouth Dairy for sponsoring their new kit for the forthcoming season.

It will be worn for the first time on Saturday when they travel to Bakers Park to face Newton Rovers in SDFL Division Two. Kick off is 2.30pm.

The First Team have had a tough Pre-Season schedule with 5 Friendlies against decent opposition.

After losing a couple of players during the off season and with others being unavailable it’s been a good chance to look at a few of last year’s reserve team squad and try players in different positions.

After 5 months without a game due to COVID-19 they started their campaign with the hardest fixture Away at Ivybridge Town , the Peninsula Premier East Side showing their class and fitness by winning 8-1. Allington’s consolation came from a goal of the season contender from Andy King.

Next up they travelled to the New 4G pitch as the Devon FA Headquarters to face league above Devon League South and West Paignton Saints. On the hottest day of the year Allington led 3-1 but 2 late goals from Saints saw the score end 3-3. Luke Forward notching a brilliant hat-trick.

They followed this up with another league above opposition against Devon League North and East Side Clyst Vally. Clyst scoring the only goal midway through the first half in a game of limited chances.

The only win came in the next game Away at a very strong Division One Side Galmpton Utd. Luke Forward scoring after a fine pass from Scott Piper before an unfortunate own goal levelled the scores. With 10 minutes left George Banfield powered home a fine header from an excellent Luke Forward cross to claim the win.

This Saturday they hosted Plymouth based D & C Utd, the Plymouth League Division One side playing their part in a very competitive game. Allington led 2-0 through Fin Bullen and Luke Forward before the Plymouth side made it 2-1 just before halftime and then equalising with about 15 minutes to go.

A tough run of games with the last 4 all being very well contested and positives to build on. Luke Forward in fine goalscoring form with 5 goals, Matt Bodman looking solid in defence and Andy King again showing his quality and versatility by being excellent in a new centre back role the past few games. Lots to build on and hopefully if we can get a few players back to strengthen the squad numbers we will have another very competitive season.

East Allington came away from Paignton Saints with a draw.

Luke Forward scored a hat-trick for the Pirates. Thanks to Paignton Saints for hosting us and good luck for the season.

Today’s pre-season friendly ended with a 4-2 win for the hosts.

East Allington scored via Rob Hutchings and an own goal. Thanks you very much to Paignton for hosting us and good luck for the season.

In our first game in five months, the Pirates lost out against excellent opposition.

Andy King scored an absolutely brilliant goal. Thanks to Ivybridge for hosting us and all the best in the SWP Premier East this season.

The FA have released a return to training checklist for managers and coaches (see picture).

The FA have said, “As a manager or coach you should be ensuring the following things are done to ensure the safety of yourselves, your players and parents/carers.”