AFTER weeks of little to no footballing action, all three South Devon sides in the South West Peninsula League returned to the pitch with a range of outcomes.

Bovey Tracey AFC welcomed Liskeard Athletic to the Western Counties Roofing Ground on Valentine’s Day and manager Ben Gerring would have loved what he saw from the first half.

Ollie Aplin gave the Moorlanders the lead after 20 minutes and with the break approaching, Stuart Bowker doubled this advantaged from the penalty spot.

Liskeard, who are the standout team in the Premier West division, came roaring back in the second half to win a penalty of their own, only for Dom Aplin to save Ryan Richards’ attempt.

Shortly after, Cieran Bridger was sin-binned having shown his displeasure towards a foul on Owen Stockton.

The Cornish side left it very late, halving the deficit in the 82nd minute and then grabbing a 97th minute equaliser, despite having a player sent off at the other end just moments before.

Bovey held firm all the same and dispatched Liskeard via a penalty shootout, Josh Webber, Aplin, Stockton and Bridger making no mistake from 12 yards out.

They are now into the semi-finals which will be played at a neutral ground at the end of March, their opponent is TBC.

Also advancing beyond the quarters, Penzance AFC won 2-0 at home against Teignmouth AFC to deny Liam Jones’ team a shot at silverware.

Finally, Newton Abbot Spurs were in league action and returning manager Marc Revell was finally able to see his side in action, but it didn’t go to plan by any means.

They travelled to fellow high-flyers Cullompton Rangers and were beaten 5-0 at Adopstar Park, Josh Coles notching a hat-trick for Cully.

Next up, Bovey host new leaders Bridport FC, Teignmouth welcome Ilfracombe Town to Coombe Valley and Spurs pay a visit to Torridgeside AFC.

Photo courtesy of Alan Craig.