14.05.09 - North Molton 1 Boca Seniors 4

09.05.09 - Bradworthy 1 Boca Seniors 3

03.05.09 - Boca Seniors 2 Barnstaple AAC 2

(Boca win 4-1 on penalties)

02.05.09 - Boca 2 Georgeham 5

29.04.09 - Braunton 3 Boca Seniors 0

With one eye on this Sunday's Westward Ho! Cup Final against Barnstaple AAC, Boca were afforded the luxury of resting several key players in a match which is usually one of the key fixtures of the season. Unfortunately for Braunton their form has prevented them from challenging for the top honours this season, leaving it to Appledore and Barnstaple AAC to vie for the league title. Ahead of their own cup finals they fielded a full strength side and were clearly determined to prove a point to the Champions of Devon.

They took the lead after ten minutes and despite some Matt Deakin trickery up front Boca were unable to reply at the half time stage. Darren Todd shuffled his pack even more during the break happy to accept a defeat, with the title in the bag. At one-nil Boca felt they were still in it with Liam Monsell thwarted on a few occasions, by both the upright and some good defending. But they were undone by two goals in relatively quick succession mid way through the second half and that's how it stayed until the final whistle.

One pleasing aspect of the game is how the majority of the Braunton players and staff congratulated the Boca team on their recent Devon Cup victory. We would like to extend our thanks and wish those individuals well in their own quest to secure silverware this season.

Man-of-the-match: Mark Galliford - a Devon Cup winner in his own right this season, albeit for Barnstaple Rugby Club. Worked hard for the cause and showed glimpses of skill.

Lineup: Babb, Ackland, Munden, Mackie, Galliford, Barrow, Cowell, Mardon, Daniel, Monsell, Deakin; Subs: Ley, Ovey, Bishop, Maynard

26.04.09 - Boca Seniors 6 Combe Martin 1

Has a team ever had to play a run of matches with such importance to a season grouped so close together? Three games in four days is what faced Boca starting with the Devon Premier Cup Final on Thursday! After Friday's break (essential for hangovers) came the title clincher versus Dolton. Then on Sunday a very weary Boca squad hosted Combe Martin in the Westward Ho! Cup semi-final at the Tarka Centre. With all the physical and mental exertions of the previous two games maybe this would be just one match too many? Well, no actually.

The most impressive aspect of the weekend's results is if you were there on Thursday you would understand just how much effort went into that match. Even Manager Darren Todd would have accepted a loss here against Combe Martin. But a resilient Boca led by Jake Crush eventually ran out comfortable winners in a competition that they have claimed for the last two years.

After a settling in period in the game and the odd scare at the back Boca took full control thanks to the industry of Matt Deakin and his strike partner Crush. It was Deaks who gave Boca the lead after fifteen minutes thanks to his neat curling finish taking a bobble over the Combe 'keeper's hands. One became two shortly after and it was the move and the goal of the match, started and finished by Ross Maynard.

Crush added a third on the half hour mark, a blistering strike and Richie Joslin's 70 yard run and finish made it four-nil at half time.

With one eye on upcoming fixtures and (possibly) the final itself changes were made and players obviously very tired were rested. Combe Martin pulled one back from a corner but it was too little, far too late. The result was never in doubt. And thanks to further goals from Taro Bishop and another from Crush Boca will look forward to next Sunday's final at Mill Road with a view to making it the third treble in a row in the greatest season in the club's history.

Man-of-the-match: Jake Crush - arguably his best game in a Boca shirt. Looked sharp and bagged a couple of goals. In this kind of form he may play himself into contention for next Sunday's final. Opponents beware!

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Munden, Ovey, Barrow, Daniel, Maynard, Bishop, Joslin, Crush, Deakin; Subs: Mardon, Cowell, Collins, Mackie

25.04.09 - Dolton Rangers 1 Boca Seniors 4

Most of the Devon Premier Cup victory's celebrations officially finished at 5:30am on Friday morning. And with that feat still very much in the mind's of the players and management you'll forgive them for being a litle complacent, even with the opportunity to seal a fourth consecutive league title with a win at bottom side Dolton.

Even with the significance of today's result, with another Westard Ho! cup semi final tomorrow, Darren Todd chose to rest several key players in the hope of securing the three points needed. They came at a canter.

Former local hero Ben Mardon capped his return to Dolton with a goal within five minutes, following a mix up in the green's back four.

Kurt Bayliss made it two with a neat finish ten minutes later. A visibly tired Boca laboured to add to the opening goals and were themselves pegged back a goal thanks to an error from Thursday night's hero Darren Babb.

That prompted Boca into action again and they claimed two further goals from Kurt Bayliss and former Dolton Ranger Mike Cowell.

Maybe the performance didn't match the significance of the occasion but that's probably to be expected given the events of Thursday night. Still, history was equalled today with Boca only the second side in North Devon League history to win four consecutive Premier League titles.

Man-of-the-match: Lewis Ovey - not called upon too much today but 'The Rock' is really finishing the season strongly.

Lineup: Babb, Maynard, Mackie, Ovey, Bishop, Mardon, Barrow, Cowell, Cuell, Daniel, Bayliss; Subs: Ley, Ackland

23.04.09 - Boca Seniors 1 Bovey Tracey 0

Now how do you start to report on a match and a result like that? Quite simply put, the biggest game in the history of this humble club. For the majority of the players in the squad the biggest game they've played in or are ever likely to. Maybe for one or two the final swansong to a career which could have realised so much more, given the breaks.

With all the hype surrounding the match ever since the semi-final win it may have been easy for the players to get lost in the occasion. Some questioned whether they had the quality or fitness levels to compete with a Bovey side flying high in a league obviously stronger than the North Devon Premier. But Manager Darren Todd's preparation for the game was planned to the most minute detail. Immediately training session intensity and times were stepped up and a scouting mission was arranged for the Manager, his Assistant and their Skipper. If Boca were going to clinch the most unlikely of unlikely victories preparations would have to be perfect.

In truth, the Manager's aim was to make the whole run-in to the final an experience for everyone. Coaches were organised for the fans and families, a team bonding night at the darts in Exeter arranged, a personal photographer to record the days events employed, the North Devon Journal filmed the players training and even matching suits and ties were bought for the entire squad and staff. Whatever happened it was going to be an day that no one was going to forget, whatever the result.

And so to the day in question. From the minute they squad stepped off the first of of three coaches the players began to soak up the atmosphere. Finally a decent surface to play some football on. A big pitch, surrounded by first class facilities and a chance to show the county what a bunch of lunatics from Barnstaple could do. Then, as they surveyed the Ladysmead turf, their more illustrious opponents arrived. Nerves? Quite the opposite. The sight of a Bovey squad walking in dressed casually in randomly coloured tracksuits and flip-flops was in stark contrast to the matching suits, ties and St. George's Day red roses donned by the boys from North Devon. If goals were awarded for looking the part, it was already one-nil Boca. Unfortunately they're not and with that minor psychological boost in the back of their minds it was time to focus on the job in hand.

If there were no nerves being shown before getting changed the warm up was a different matter. With the ground slowly filling up with fans it was obvious that some of the players were starting to get a little anxious to get started. Matt Deakin and the Manager sounded the rallying cries in an attempt to calm the nerves as each of the players did their final stretches.

Even the Manager's team talk had an element of nervousness in it. But as it always does, it geed each of the players up and soon enough, with the stereo blasting away in the background all thoughts of nervousness were forgotten in a crescendo of shouting in support for each other. The referee sounded the buzzer. This was it. Twenty good mates, some of them lifelong, ninety minutes away from North Devon sporting folklore, marching out together.

You'll have to forgive the writer for missing out on a lot of match detail. As in the semi-final I'll leave it to the local media and those who were there to describe the ups and downs of the game. But, to use a tired footballing cliche, it was definitely a game of two halves. The first aguably shaded by Boca, the second largely dominated by Bovey. The start of the match began at a steady pace and both teams' enjoyed equal amounts of possession without creating anything clear cut.

Then the game exploded into life. Following good hold up play from Richard Shannon, Mark Barrow's inch perfect cross was headed goalwards by an unmarked Ross Maynard. He nodded the ball back across goal but didn't get the purchase required to beat the Bovey 'keeper who made a good low save with his fingertips. Soon after it was Darren Babb's turn to shine. He superbly saved with his feet after the ball found it's way to an unmarked Bovey striker. It was the perfect start for Boca's number one who justified his selection with a string of first class saves throughout the match.

With little over a quarter of the game gone came the decisive moment. Taro Bishop's cross was met by the oncoming Shannon who slotted low underneath the despairing dive of the Bovey goalie. Cue wild celebrations both on the Boca bench and in the crowd of 600 plus. Boca's support judging by volume must have outnumbered their opponents by at least three to one. And if Shannon's goal was the best possible start, Boca were almost in dreamland minutes later. In an almost carbon copy of the goal Shannon's more powerfully struck effort was only prevented from extending the lead by some superb and brave last gasp defending. At that point Boca were flying. Bishop was working hard, Richie Joslin was pressing forward on every occasion whilst having to be wary of the threat of his opponent who showed little though of defending his wing. Giles Daniel was putting in his usual powerful display and the back three of Darren Hawkings, Shaun Ley and Lewis Ovey were nullifying the attcking threat comfortably. Matt Deakin, defying a niggling knee injury alongside Shannon never gave the Bovey defence a moment's peace.

After that period of Boca domination Bovey rallied and enjoyed a lot more possession possibly reminding their oponents of the fact of vulnerability after scoring a goal. But despite an influx of corners and dangerously positioned free kicks the Boca backline held firm until the half time whistle.

The half time teamtalk was a little less intense than that which preceded the kick-off. The goal appeared to give Boca an air of confidence. "45 minutes to go, don't leave anything behind" was the instruction from the Gaffer. At the kick-off Bovey immediately signalled their intentions with Giles Daniel and Ross Maynard hit with big challenges in succession. The Peninsula East side started the second half at a ferocious pace and carved out one or two decent opportunities without really troubling Babb between the sticks. That was until the hour mark. A free-kick in a perfect position. 25 yards out, slightly off centre. The Boca bench had the perfect view. It looked dangerous. The ball was struck superbly and cleared the wall but failed to beat Babb who acrobatically tipped it over the bar for another Bovey corner. Time came and went, half chances for the whites weren't converted. In their desperation to get the equaliser Bovey were beginning to take chances at the back and after springing the offside trap Shannon found himself on the touchline 40 yards out with only the oncoming 'keeper to beat. He decided to take the shot on early, the ball looped agonisingly in the air for what seemed like an eternity but after the first bounce it was apparent that the big man's shot didn't have the necessary curl to go in.

Shortly after with time really running out Mark Barrow's defence splitting pass found an onside substitute Liam Monsell who raced clear. Surely a goal now would seal it? Finding himself caught in two minds Monsell dwelt on the ball and failed to convert. If the Boca management team had any hair at that point it would have fallen out. And if they thought that was stressful, their worst nightmares almost came to pass with two minutes to go. With the Boca back three seriously flagging after such a heroic effort Bovey's captain found himself in the box with only Babb to beat. Place the ball either side and it's extra time. But in an act which may haunt him for the rest of his days he inexplicably lobbed the ball over the bar. The whistles from the vociferous Boca support acted as a reminder to the referee that he had already played over seven minutes of additional time. Everyone on the sidelines were on their feet, everyone on the pitch were dead on their feet but with seconds remaining from somewhere Giles Daniel found the strength to sprint 50 yards to close down an obviously shaken Bovey 'keeper (thanks to the partizan Boca support behind his goal) and the ball fell to second sub Owen Pickard. All he had to do was strike the ball in from twenty five yards. His weak left-footed effort found it's way into a grateful 'keeper's hands.

Surely now that was it? The noise was deafening, the tension unbearable. And in a split second as the 'keeper launched the ball into the Spring night the whistle sounded. That was it. The impossible made possible. A dream realised. History made. Players embraced, the Boca bench spilled over onto the pitch and absolute chaos ensued. No club in the 106 year history of the North Devon League had been able to reach the final, let alone win it. But now, twenty-odd misfits from Barnstaple had done it. With a little help from their friends. About 400 of them to be precise. Family members, ex-Boca players, North Devon League opponents, friends old and new all combined to push those battling on the pitch over the finishing line. And after the trophy had been handed over to a jubilant skipper Mark Barrow and all the photos had been taken, the entire Boca squad went over to their adoring public to show their appreciation for the fantastic support.

And that's what got this team to where they are today. Never underestimate the power of friendship. Mixed with individual abilty and sheer guts it's the essential ingredient for a successful team.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Boca Seniors Football Club - Champions of Devon.

Man-of-the-match: Darren Hawkings - from the first whistle to the last Hawky was a collosus. Never missed a single header and provided Boca with a little more big game experience. For someone who's played on some hallowed turf in some great sides in massive games it may be easy to coast along. But every time he pulls on a Boca shirt he treats it as if it were the FA Vase final. And that's the biggest compliment this writer could ever give.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Hawkings, Maynard, Bishop, Joslin, Barrow, Daniel, Deakin, Shannon; Subs: Pickard, Monsell, Cowell, Munden, Tocknell, Mackie

15.04.09 - Ilfracombe Town Reserves 0 Boca Seniors 3

Many incredible and unlikely events have occurred on a football pitch; Liverpool's second half comeback in Istanbul, United against Bayern Munich in '99, Michael Thomas' last gasp clincher at Anfield in '89. But they all pale into significance alongside an amazing event at Marlboro Park tonight. Bradley Munden scored a goal...but not just any goal. 

With skill and technique usually reserved for the likes of Mark Barrow or Matt Deakin, the big man helped seal another three points with 15 minutes of the game remaining. Despite pleading not to be given the ball from Ben Mardon's throw in he found himself on the edge of the penalty area. In the blink of an eye he ghosted around two 'Combe defenders, dropped his ample shoulder, rounded the 'keeper and lifted the ball into the roof of the net with his left foot. Yes, that's right, his LEFT foot. That was Boca's third in addition to Taro Bishop's opener and a Mark Barrow penalty.

This was Boca's last game before the Devon Premier Cup Final next week and gave those in contention an opportunity to stake a claim for a starting place. Their first half performance was full of energy and slick passing with Mardon, Bishop, Barrow and Monsell all involved.

The second half was less of a spectacle but Darren Babb was rarely troubled thanks to a solid performance from the Boca back four led by the impressive Munden.

Man-of-the-match: Bradley Munden - solid at the back, didn't miss a trick and what a goal...

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Hawkings, Munden, Joslin, Mardon, Maynard, Barrow, Daniel, Monsell, Bishop; Subs: Ovey, Tocknell, Mackie, Cowell

11.04.09 - Barnstaple AAC 2 Boca Seniors 3

Barnstaple derbies are usually tight, physical, scrappy affairs; this one was no different. With poorly rolled playing surfaces getting firmer, it's getting more difficult to play the brand of passing football that Boca are famous for. But in fairness to the AAC groundsman he can hardly be blamed for a low-key Boca display.

With AAC fielding a very understrength team Boca should have really put the game beyond the reach of the one-time title contenders.

Mike Cowell was guilty of an early miss after good work on the wing from Ben Mardon but soon made up for it with a good header from Mark Barrow's free-kick.

A defensive lapse soon after taking the lead resulted in Ammies restoring parity. Richard Shannon increased his tally for the season with ten minutes remaining, cleverly nicking the ball between the AAC centre half and 'keeper. It remained 2-1 at half time and Ammies were still very much in the game. And that was proved mid-way through the half as they deservedly drew level thanks to another lack of concentration in the Boca back three.

With time running out it very much looked as though Boca were headed for their first draw of the season. But cometh the hour, cometh the man, Lewis Ovey, already man-of-the-match, headed home Shannon's pin point corner to give Boca all three points.

Man-of-the-match: Lewis Ovey - in a team which didn't defend well he shone above and deservedly stole the points with his first of the season.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Tocknell, Barrow, Daniel, Cowell, Bishop, Mardon, Shannon, Monsell; Subs: Mackie, Crush, Joslin, Munden

07.04.09 - Boca Seniors 4 Barnstaple AAC 0

With the challenge of Appledore arguably put to rest two weeks ago Boca's attention turned to local rivals Barnstaple AAC. A win against them could put one hand on the trophy; a loss and it could give their opponents added confidence going into the retun fixture in four days time. Then who knows what would happen. So, another important tie.

A weakened AAC team really had no answer to the hosts, who themselves rarely got out of second gear. On the twenty minute mark Giles Daniel claimed goal of the season contender C to add to A and B with a 35 yard volley and the returning Ross Maynard capped a decent performance with a goal, finishing off an excellent passing move. 

Into the second half, Boca welcomed back Matt Deakin, out with injury for several weeks. He had instant impact and claimed a goal.

Taro Bishop hasn't been having the best of times in front of goal recently, not for want of trying though. His efforts were rewarded with a cracking strike of his own making it four for Boca and sealing the three points in the process.

A win in this Saturday's return fixture may start the fat lady warming up her vocal chords but AAC will be looking to exact some kind of revenge on their own turf.

Man-of-the-match: Giles Daniel - having a great time in front of goal at the moment. Well, not really in front, more like 30 yards away. Added another awesome strike to his growing collection but also battled hard in the middle of midfield.

Lineup: Babb, Munden, Ley, Ovey, Barrow, Daniel, Maynard, Bishop, Joslin, Langmead, Shannon; Subs: Tocknell, Mardon, Cowell, Deakin

04.04.09 - Boca Seniors 3 Shamwickshire 1

Match report to follow...

Lineup: Thorne, Ley, Ovey, Munden, Barrow, Daniel, Bishop, Joslin, Barrow, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Tocknell, Maynard, Monsell

29.03.09 - Morwenstow 1 Boca Seniors 2

After yesterday's exploits at Appledore Boca welcomed back a few of those missing players. But a stronger squad doesn't always make for a better performance.

The first ten minutes looked great for the visitors as they stormed into a one-nil lead and carved Morwenstow open on a number of occasions. Had they converted some of those chances it may have been a much different story, but Boca were made to battle for the three points and were drawn level on the half hour mark.

The match was dragged into a scrappy midfield battle with both teams guilty of losing possession without creating much.

With time running out, Boca boss Darren Todd threw on Ross Maynard and he had instant impact with three minutes remaining. Finding himself in the box his cross/shot/miscue found an unmarked Giles Daniel in the six yard box and he had the easy task of turning the ball in to give Boca three points that they scarcely deserved.

Man-of-the-match: Bradley Munden - unlucky not to be given the award in yesterday's match. Solid and dependable.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Munden, Daniel, Monsell, Cowell, Bishop, Joslin, Barrow, Shannon; Subs: Maynard, Ackland

28.03.09 - Appledore 1 Boca Seniors 5

In arguably the biggest league game of the season, the last thing you need is a weakened side. But at a very windy Appledore that's exactly the situation Boca found themselves in. Missing several regular starters though injury and unavailability they took to the field knowing that a win here would edge them ever closer to the title and possibly put the hosts out of the race. They needn't have worried.

Despite playing into a fierce head-wind Boca put on a first half display not seen since that fateful day in late February. Controlling the game in all areas they steadily took a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Lee Langmead and another wonder strike from Giles Daniel.

A rare lapse in concentration at the back allowed Appledore back into the tie. Jimmy Thorne could only parry the ball into the path of the oncoming winger who finished well, unchallenged.

The second half proved just how well Boca coped with the windy conditions as the visitors rarely troubled Thorne in goal. In fact, Boca pressed onwards with strike partners Richard Shannon and Lee Langmead really starting to click. It was Shannon who extended Boca's lead on the hour mark with a superb strike, using the defender to block the 'keeper's view, bending it into the far corner. Three became four soon after with Langmead getting his second. And Shannon wrapped things up fifteen minutes from the end tapping in at the back post.

With the squad stretched to the full Darren Todd will be very happy with this result, effectively killing off the challenge of the Fishermen. If Boca can do the same to other rivals Barnstaple AAC in the next few weeks they'll know that the fourth title will be in their grasp.

Man-of-the-match: Lewis Ovey - seldom has a bad game, but 'Ovs' was particularly rock solid today, superbly marshalling the defence alongside Brad Munden in difficult conditions.

Lineup: Thorne, Ley, Ovey, Munden, Ackland, Bishop, Daniel, Barrow, Cowell, Langmead, Shannon; Subs: Babb, Wallis, Joslin

21.03.09 - Boca Seniors 3 Ilfracombe 1

The Boca band wagon has been crawling towards the finish line recently. Thoughts of complacency? A big cup final ahead? Whatever it is it's beginning to show on the pitch. Since that famous day in late February the wins have come but not in the style associated with the reigning North Devon League Premier champions. But Lee Langmead doesn't know the meaning of the word 'complacency' and he claimed his first Boca hat-trick to make it five goals in two games and keep them on course for their fourth consecutive title.

It certainly didn't help Boca's cause with the team missing regular starters Matt Deakin and Richard Shannon.

'Langers' was thwarted early on thanks to a good close range save from the Ilfracombe 'keeper. He put the follow up agonisingly wide but he wasn't to be denied minutes later. The former Falmouth-man volleyed home from ten yards thanks to good work out wide from Ben Mardon and Ross Maynard.

On a pitch desperately in need of rolling Boca huffed and puffed but never really managed to get the ball down and play and it remained one nil at half time.

Mark Barrow was denied by another superb save mid way through the second half and it looked as though it may stay that way with Ilfracombe not providing much of an attacking threat. But Langmead made it two for him and Boca with 15 minutes to go, racing beyond the back four and lobbing the oncoming 'keeper.

A clean sheet for Boca? No. Immediately after the restart Shaun Ley was adjudged to have handled in the area to give the vistors the opportunity to reduce the deficit which they did. It was harsh on the Boca back line and Ley in particular who was unlucky not to be given the man-of-the-match award if not for Langmead's hat-trick.

That hat-trick was sealed with minutes to go, 'route one' style. Racing onto a long ball from the back the striker drilled underneath the 'keeper to seal the points.

Another average performance, yes but another three points which is paramount in the race for the title.

Make no bones about it, Boca will have to be at their very best when they travel to Appledore next week against the side who knocked them for six in the Brayford Cup. A win and Appledore are out of the race, a loss and the cracks may open...

Man-of-the-match: Lee Langmead - some fire up front and a first hat trick.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Tocknell, Barrow, Maynard, Daniel, Bishop, Mardon, Langmead, Monsell; Subs: Munden, Mackie, Thorne, Cowell

15.03.09 - Boca Seniors 2 Bradworthy 1 (aet)

It was evident from the first whistle what the visitors tactics were. The early cries of "Get in their faces" was an indication of what was in store for Boca, looking to defend the Westward Ho! Cup for the third year in succession.

Tackles came in thick and fast, some fair, some otherwise. The positive aspect of Boca teams over the last few years is their ability to adapt to different opposition styles. And they matched their opponents throughout the match, with both sides picking up a few yellow cards in a generally scrappy encounter.

It was never going to be a high scoring affair but Boca did create the better opportunities in the first half, none of them really clear cut apart from Richard Shannon's close range effort denied by the Bradworthy 'keeper.

The second half began in the same vein as the first but Bradworthy stole the lead on the break. Darren Babb saved the first effort but was unable to prevent the rebound from going in. And it looked like it was going to stay that way until Liam Monsell powered through the visitors penalty area and scrambled home the equaliser.

So after 90 minutes on the previous day and another 90 minutes in this game Boca entered into extra time. But with several of their opponents cramping up Boca looked the fitter and they took the lead in the first half. More good work from man-of-the-match Monsell set up Shannon to fire into the net and give the holders a passage into the semi-final.

Not a great performance from Darren Todd's men but it takes a little more than physical effort to beat Boca, especially in a competition that they are unbeaten in since 2006.

Man-of-the-match: Liam Monsell - a second award in the weekend for Mons. A tireless workrate a goal and an assist. Great engine.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Mackie, Barrow, Maynard, Daniel, Bishop, Joslin, Shannon, Monsell; Subs: Munden, Cowell, Ackland, Thorne

14.03.09 - Boca Seniors 2 Dolton Rangers 1

Goals from Mark Barrow and Ross Maynard gave Boca a very unconvincing victory at the Tarka Centre against a Dolton side struggling to scrape eleven players together. Barrow's came from the penalty spot after Liam Monsell was up ended in the box by the otherwise faultless Dolton centre half. Despite the difference in class Boca failed to press home the advantage and it remained 1-0 until the 60th minute when Ross Maynard headed home from Barrow's deep cross.

And apart from Richard Tocknell's own goal there was very little to report. A poor performance on a poor pitch but three points none the less. And with rivals Barnstaple AAC well beaten at Noth Molton it wasn't such a bad day for the champions.

Man-of-the-match: Liam Monsell - worked hard up front and earned a first half penalty.

Lineup: Thorne, Ley, Ovey, Tocknell, Bishop, Maynard, Cowell, Barrow, Daniel, Monsell, Shannon; Subs: Babb, Munden, Mardon, Mackie 

28.02.09 - Hartland 0 Boca Seniors 4

With the events of last week still very fresh on the minds of the players they may have been forgiven for treating this game with a little less respect than usual. That was until the pre-match team talk when Darren Todd demanded that his men focus on the task in hand, returning to league duty against a Hartland side who put four past the champions in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

The boss also shuffled his pack with Shaun Ley, Richard Tocknell and skipper Mark Barrow carrying knocks. Brad Munden and Daniel Mackie slotted in at the back alongside captain Lewis Ovey and Liam Monsell made his first start of the season in the middle of the park.

Boca began brightly, creating lots of decent chances along the way and keeping it tight at the back. Early on birthday-boy Lee Langmead was thwarted by the crossbar and chances for Mike Cowell, Liam Monsell and Richard Shannon went begging meaning that the game remained goalless at the break. Still, with Boca playing some good stuff on a terrible pitch they remained calm knowing that with perseverance the goal would soon come.

The first goal took precisely one minute of the second half to come. The ever impressive Taro Bishop got behind his man down the right and put a pinpoint cross into the path of Langmead who poked home from close range.

The lead was extended soon after, Langmead getting his second this time with his head.

Two was three after an hour, Matt Deakin capping off a neat run with a superb curling finish, cleverly using the defender to unsight the 'keeper.

Bishop rounded off a great display with the fourth goal, his drilled finish giving the Hartland 'keeper no chance once more. Despite the best efforts of Langmead to claim a first Boca hat-trick that's how it stayed.

So, all round a good day for the champions. Four goals, a clean sheet for Darren Babb and good performances from those coming in to replace the rested/injured players, proving that if Boca want to claim the three trophies available this season their entire squad will be called upon.

Man-of-the-match: Taro Bishop - pushed for the award by Brad Munden and Liam Monsell, but 'Taz' deserves it thanks to a spritely display from the first whistle and a fine goal.

Lineup: Babb, Ovey, Munden, Mackie, Monsell, Cowell, Daniel, Bishop, Deakin, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Ley, Galliford, Maynard

21.02.09 - Boca Seniors 4 Exeter Civil Service 2

Unbelievable. Without question the greatest day in the relatively short history of Boca Seniors Football Club. A pub side who's players pay £5 a match subs competing against those who queue up at the Manager's door to collect their 'match fee' every week. It wasn't supposed to be this way, like seasons before it should have been all over after the first round, or after a nice away day in the minibus somewhere in South Devon. But after two good victories came the shock of the season, beating the holders on their own turf. Everyone started to sit up and take notice. The players themselves even dared to dream of further progression. But if you were to tell them of what was to transpire on a late Winter's day at Witheridge, they'd have said you were as mental as one of Brad Munden's entries on the forum.

You'll read all about it the local press, it was no fluke. To a man Boca were awesome. If they were nervous it certainly didn't show, even after another rousing Churchillian pep talk from Manager Darren Todd. They flew out of the blocks and had good opportunities to take the lead in the first ten minutes. They even had a goal chalked off for a push from Lee Langmead. But there was no referee to stop the first goal, and it was fully deserved. Ross Maynard picked the ball up mid way in the opposition half and after looking up struck a swerving shot which wrong footed the 'keeper. Boca awaited the immediate response, but it never came with Darren Babb easily the quieter of the two 'keepers. Still Boca pressed, Matt Deakin and Taro Bishop tormented their more experienced opponents at full back, Ross Maynard broke up any attacks, Mark Barrow pressed and pulled strings in midfield and Giles Daniel was putting his head in where few dare to put their feet. They broke with pace and purpose and Civil Service had no answer. Five minutes before the break it was two. Richard Shannon and Barrow worked a short corner, Barrow's cross/shot eluded a packed penalty area where it was met by Langmead's head. Dreamland for the North Devon side. And that's how it stayed until the whistle.

You would have been forgiven for thinking that if there weren't nerves before the game there would have been at half-time. But you'd be wrong. A quick swig of an energy drink, maybe a drag on a cigarette for some, another Darren Todd speech (maybe the most important of his managerial career) but Boca just wanted to get back out there as soon as possible.

Their opponents left them waiting on the pitch for five minutes, a psychological ploy or still receiving a rollocking? Keep things tight were the instructions, the next goal was all important. And it came five minutes into the second half. Did Boca build on the good work in the first half? Well, no. If you give experienced players time and space you'll get punished. After conceding a disputed free kick twenty yards out the Boca back line were caught napping. One quick pass and first time strike later the deficit was reduced, despite the despairing lunge of Richard Tocknell, injuring himself in the process.

It didn't look good. Momentum arguably with Civil Service and the centre half hobbling badly. The Boca bench looked nervous, waiting for the onslaught. But it just didn't materialise. Instead of shrinking within themselves after conceding Boca actualy turned the pressure back on their opponents with an awesome twenty minute spell in which Shannon was twice denied by the 'keeper, Langmead failed to connect with two excellent crosses and Barrow struck the upright from distance. Was that the turning point? Yes it was. But on the eighty minute mark there were no posts or defenders in the way and not even two 'keepers could have prevented what happened next.

In last week's defeat to Appledore Giles Daniel missed from two yards when easier to score so you can probably understand that when he lined up a strike from thirty yards 75% of the Boca support cried "don't shoot!". How wrong they were. It was a goal not only struck perfectly but it was timed perfectly too. It couldn't have been any more 'top corner'. Cue wild celebrations and a player swamped underneath a mass of red and black shirts. You'll not find a more popular goal scorer all season.

Game over? Of course not. This is Boca Seniors, it's got a be a rollercoaster. The trio of Lewis Ovey (superbly marshalling his pacey, dangerous opponent for the whole game), Tocknell and Ley were getting busier but were easily coping. Maybe it came from chasing an elated Giles Daniel around the pitch but tiredness was beginning to kick in now and the Exeter side capitalised on it when Boca failed to clear an attack. The ball was prodded home from close range and the score was 3-2. To make things worse, Boca lost Shaun Ley to injury trying to prevent the goal. Ley himself was having a fantastic second half winning everything in the air. It didn't look good. It looked even worse on 90 minutes, despite a last ditch challenge from Bishop (one of many) Civil Service broke free. Surely it was 3-3 and extra time? No. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, Darren Babb. Much maligned last week for letting in six, the big man spread himself even bigger and parried the ball to safety. The most important save in his Boca career? Probably. The resulting corner was cleared, Deakin picked the ball up in his own half and drilled a pass to Shannon. He superbly picked out makeshift strike partner Barrow who summoned the pace from somewhere and raced beyond the last defender and round the 'keeper to finish for the most famous of victories.

Never has this writer been more proud to be involved with this club or call them his mates. A bunch of good friends, most of who have grown up together. And they deserve all the praise they get.

Two Carlsberg Peninsula League teams down, one to go. And if Carlsberg had a pub side, they'd probably be the best pub side in Devon. They'd be Boca Seniors.

Man-of-the-match: Giles Daniel - how do you pick from a team when everyone of them did something in the game to be considered man-of-the-match? From back to front to a man they were fantastic. But the clincher must be 'that' goal. Apparently according to Sid it wasn't his best. But none of us were around to witness that 'goal'. But we were there on this famous day. And what a day.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Tocknell, Maynard, Daniel, Barrow, Bishop, Deakin, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Cowell, Munden, Mackie, Monsell

14.02.09 - Appledore Reserves 6 Boca Seniors 1

There will be no Brayford Cup gleaming in Boca's trophy cabinet this season after they were soundly routed at Marshfield. In fact, the Fishermen subjected Boca to their biggest defeat for 7 years which will give manager Darren Todd something to think about for next week's Devon Premier Cup semi-final.

It was a truly woeful team display and Boca were punished for some very poor defending against a side drawing on five South West Peninsula League players in a bid to retain the trophy they won last season.

It may have been different had Boca been able to capitalise on some good early chances but before they knew it they were two down.

Following some good work from Ben Mardon and Giles Daniel Boca reduced the deficit on the stroke on half time through Richard Shannon.

A second stern team talk in the space of a week followed and Boca briefly began to work their way back into the game. Daniel and Shannon worked a good one-two on the edge of the penalty area and forced the Appledore 'keeper into a fantastic reaction save. That appeared to be the turning point in the match as from the resulting corner, Appledore extended their lead from a free-kick, Babb saving the initial strike but failing to react to the rebound.

At that point Boca still felt that they were in the match. That was until substitute Liam Monsell was adjudged to have handled on the goal line. The ensuing penalty was converted with ease to increase the lead even further. Boca's resolve was finally crushed and they were punished further with two almost identical strikes at the near post.

Worrying signs then for the North Devon League Premier champions as they seek to reach the promised land of the Devon Premier Cup Final next week. They'll have to play a darn sight better than today's display with all areas needing vast improvement.

Notice to local media: Following today's drubbing the headline "Valentine's Day Masacre" has been copywritten by Boca Seniors FC. Our lawyers are watching!

Man-of-the-match: Giles Daniel - not many players covered themselves in glory but one man gave the usual tireless performance.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Tocknell, Maynard, Cowell, Barrow, Mardon, Deakin, Shannon, Daniel; Subs: Munden, Mackie, Monsell, Ackland

07.02.09 - Boca Seniors 3 Appledore Reserves 2

Few teams can lay claim to be Boca's 'bogey side' but Appledore Reserves have managed to steal several points from the champions over the last three seasons including a 4-2 win at the Tarka Centre last year. A mixture of youthful exhuberence and a willingness to play the game the right way also saw them deservedly win the Brayford Cup last season. This season they could arguably be the only team realistically capable of preventing Boca from securing a fourth straight premier title, so Boca knew they would be in for a hard game.

Due to the inclement weather and recent matches rendering the Tarka Centre pitch unplayable Boca switched the match to Rock Park, not normally a happy hunting ground for the 'home' side. And that trend continued when they found themselves two-one down at half time.

Appledore were one up after twenty minutes, first springing the Boca offside trap and then punishing some sloppy defending.

The 'home' side had plenty of chances which they failed to convert but did restore parity after half an hour, Mark Barrow's superb left-footed chip found the top corner.

Weak defending was to blame once again when the Fishermen retook the lead against the run of play and that's how it stood at half time. A stern team talk was in order and it arrived from Darren Todd.

Boca returned to the game with Todd's words still ringing in their ears and the second half was a vastly improved display. As the half wore on Matt Deakin began to have a major influence on the game and his good work set up Barrow to finish low under the Appledore 'keeper to equalise once more. That's Barrow's 17th goal in his last ten appearances.

After that it was a Boca onslaught as they pressed for the winner. Daniel Mackie and Mike Cowell went agonisingly close, both clearing the crossbar when it looked easier to score. But Boca's persistence was eventually rewarded by none other than Richard Shannon. And how. Finding himself twenty yards out he rifled an unstoppable left-footed strike to secure the points and put some real breathing space between Boca and the chasing pack.

With several injuries and absences Boca may look to strengthen in the coming weeks with the league and cup backlog threatening to affect their season.

Man-of-the-match: Matt Deakin - after a quiet first half Deakin came alive in the second and injected some much needed energy and creativity.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Mackie, Tocknell, Maynard, Cowell, Barrow, Deakin, Bishop, Shannon, Daniel; Subs: Munden, Ackland

31.01.09 - Putford 2 Boca Seniors 4

It takes a certain something to win the league: ability, style, class amongst other things. But if you want to win at Putford on a freezing cold January afternoon on a pitch just about suitable to graize cattle those strengths don't count for much. Especially playing against a side who's sole purpose is to prevent the opposition from playing.

But you don't become champions unless you're able to change your style now and again. And having said all that Boca stormed into a three nil half-time lead playing some quality football against a Putford side struggling to keep with the pace and guilty of conceding several fouls in the process.

Mark Barrow gave the visitors the lead, finishing low under the 'keeper, continuing his fine goalscoring run. Ross Maynard doubled the lead soon after, powerfully heading home Richard Shannon's inch perfect corner and Giles Daniel finished off another fine Boca move to make it three and easy before the break.

But as Boca have found on several occasions this season, some teams just never know when to quit and Putford roared back into contention with two goals of their own, one of them from Boca defender Daniel Mackie, an unstoppable header into the far corner of the net. But any thoughts of a comeback were put to bed with Barrow's second, the best strike of the day. Shannon picked the ball up on the left side of the penalty area and drilled it across goal where it was met by Barrow, finishing high into the roof of the net.

A hard fought three points especially well earned considering the squad was missing Taro Bishop, Matt Deakin, Lewis Ovey and Chris Collins. The cause wasn't helped further after losing Lee Langmead to injury after ten minutes. Truly a squad effort.

Man-of-the-match: Ross Maynard - Boca's very own 'Rooney' (not for footballing reasons) first half performance alone was worthy of the award. Energetic and effective.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Tocknell, Mackie, Barrow, Maynard, Cowell, Mardon, Daniel, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Munden, Ackland

24.01.09 - Boca Seniors 4 Heavitree Social United 2

What started off as idle curiosity has now turned into a realistic chance of writing the most unlikely of stories. "Just how far could Boca Seniors go in the Devon Premier Cup if they really wanted to?" locals asked.  After despatching the holders Totnes & Dartington in the last round Boca found themselves paired with Devon & Exeter Premier Division side Heavitree Social United at home.

The weather forecast for the week wasn't good. Rain. All week long. An already very wet Tarka Centre pitch could hardly take any more rain. But thanks to the efforts of the 'groundstaff' and the grace of a dry Friday the game went ahead.

A clearly pumped-up Boca needed a good start and they got it through Richard Shannon. After running the ball across the penalty area he rifled an unstoppable drive low into the net. One quickly became two. Richard Tocknell's superb first time pass put Matt Deakin clear who tormented his marker and drove a cross into the area where it was met by Mark Barrow.

If they thought that was a good start they were in dreamland on the half hour mark. After gaining possession from a Heavitree throw in, Lee Langmead released an unmarked Shannon who breezed through and slotted home to make it three nil. Langmead himself got in on the act with minutes remining in the first half. Deakin's fantastic fifty yard ball found Shannon who prodded the ball into box for the former Falmouth man to finish for his fourth of the season.

Those who were at the Tarka Centre witnessed arguably the best 45 minutes in the club's history on an extremely heavy pitch which cut up from the first minute. They had one foot in the semi's but could they reproduce that form in the second half? Well, no actually. It was a lot to live up to and in fairness to Heavitree they never gave up despite being four down. The visitors pulled a consolation goal back after 20 minutes and gave Darren Todd something to think about when they got a second from the penalty spot with five minutes to go but the damage was done after the first half Boca blitz.

A pub side in the Devon Premier Cup final? Surely not...

Man-of-the-match: Giles Daniel - Shannon, Deakin and Langmead may grab the headlines for the skill and goals but they couldn't have done it without yet another tireless performance from 'Sidney'. Awesome in the middle of midfield.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Mackie, Tocknell, Bishop, Deakin, Maynard, Daniel, Barrow, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Munden, Cowell, Bayliss

10.01.09 - Boca Seniors 5 Combe Martin 2

The only game to beat the big freeze (just) gave Boca the opportunity to go to the top of the North Devon Journal Premier League and they duly took it against a Combe Martin side smarting from last week's late defeat.

Boca began well, the unfortunate Lee Langmead hitting the upright after two minutes following a lovely flick on but it didn't take the champions long to take the lead, Langmead's header found strike partner Richard Shannon inside the penalty area and he superbly lifted the ball over the 'keeper with the outside of his left foot. A great start for Boca but they failed to capitalise on the early lead and after a scrappy period in the match were pegged back on the twenty five minute mark, Danny Bell's low free-kick bending around the wall, leaving Darren Babb stranded.

One of the stories of the season so far for Boca is their apparent ability to find the net at will and that was proven twice in quick succession. Immediately after Combe's equaliser they restored and increased their lead thanks to goals from Mark Barrow, his first a tap-in following good work from Langmead, his second a guided volley from Matt Deakin's cross.

The second half proved to be a scrappier affair with players from both sides finding it difficult to get a grip on the firm but greasy surface.

Barrow and Giles Daniel were thwarted by the crossbar, Barrow's a bullet header, Daniels' an acrobatic overhead kick. Barrow was not to be denied though and he claimed a hat-trick on the hour mark slotting home from yet another assist from Langmead.

A classic own goal from Daniel Mackie reduced the Combe deficit soon after but Barrow went on to score a fourth with ten minutes remaining to put the game beyond all doubt.

Boca now sit at the top of the league for the first time this season and with games in hand will look to increase their lead in theid bid to secure a fourth successive title.

Man-of-the-match: Mark Barrow - four goals, unlucky not to be five if not for the crossbar. After a slow start, late Lampard-esque runs are starting to pay dividends.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Mackie, Maynard, Barrow, Cowell, Daniel, Deakin, Bishop, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Mardon, Munden, Crush, Bayliss, Tocknell

03.01.09 - Combe Martin 2 Boca Seniors 4

After Combe Martin's defeat of league leaders Ilfracombe last Saturday Boca knew that today's game was going to be difficult one. Last year's fixture saw the eventual champions two-nil down after five minutes so they knew what to expect. Add a frosty just about playable Hollands Park pitch into the equation and you have all the ingredients for an upset. And with seven minutes left on the clock and with the teams level at two apiece the upset was on.

Still, cometh the hour, cometh the man. Taro Bishop to be precise. After being put through by subsitute Jake Crush, 'Taz' kept his head at the right moment to slot home and put Boca back on track to claim a vital three points on a day when their rivals' games were cancelled due to the frost.

What came in the preceding 83 minutes was a decent match in difficult conditions. Boca took the lead after five minutes thanks to Richard Shannon's hard work and neat finish after rounding the 'keeper. Boca had excellent chances to increase their lead but not for the first time this season failed to capitalise. Boca's failure to increase the lead was punished ten minutes before the break and Combe levelled with a neat finish.

With a partizan home crowd taunting them at half-time for the missed chances Boca looked to reclaim the lead early in the second half and they did but arguably from the most unlikely source; Shaun Ley leaping high beyond everyone to head home from Mark Barrow's corner.

But Combe Martin proved that they deserved the title contenders tag at the start of the season when they fought back to equalise once more, again a good strike Boca's undoing. That was with fifteen minutes to go and with hope fading with the light Bishop stood up to claim his goal in a famous victory.

Mark Barrow made sure of the result in the dying minutes, scoring for the fifth game in a row and to continue his running battle with Shannon in the race for the golden boot. Both players are currently locked on eleven apiece.

Notable performances also came from Darren Babb in goal who made a crucial save at two-one and Daniel Mackie who rarely put a foot wrong again.

Man-of-the-match: Richard Shannon - 'Shanns' looked back to his best, working hard, getting a goal and beginning to forge a partnership with Lee Langmead up front. North Devon defences beware.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Mackie, Bayliss, Maynard, Barrow, Deakin, Bishop, Daniel, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Cowell, Crush, Mardon, Ovey

27.12.08 - Georgeham 1 Boca Seniors 3

The game straight after Christmas is always tough; too much booze, turkey and maltesers can always put lead in the legs. That's Boca's excuse for a lacklustre performance-and they're sticking to it.

Still not yet at full strength, Boca took time to settle in a scrappy match but eventually took the lead thanks to Richard Shannon's shot which squirmed under the Hammers 'keeper and over the line.  

Boca should have gone on to add to the opener but instead found themselves picking the ball out of their own net after half an hour.

At half-time Darren Todd delivered the necessary hair dryer treatment and Boca responded almost immediately, Matt Deakin making sure on the line after Giles Daniels' close range header.

Two became three ten minutes later but there was no dispute on the goalscorer this time. Deakin took his tally to two, finding the ball in the area with his back to goal swivelled and struck low underneath the Georgeham 'keeper.

And that was about it. Not a great spectacle, but three points nonetheless.

Man-of-the-match: Matt Deakin - worked hard in the middle of midfield as usual and bagged a brace, the second of particular note.

Line-up: Babb, Ley, Munden, Tocknell, Deakin, Daniel, Maynard, Bishop, Crush, Langmead, Shannon; Subs: Mackie, Mardon, Cowell

20.12.08 - Totnes & Dartington 0 Boca Seniors 1

British RnB sensation Mark Morrison once penned the number one smash hit tune "Return of the Mack". No one is quite sure on the song title's true meaning, maybe he was requesting the return of his waterproof jacket or maybe it was an amazing sense of foresight to invisage that in over a decade since the song's release Daniel Mackie would return after an eight month absence to put in an inspirational performance and help give Boca once of the greatest victories in the club's history, against the current Devon Premier Cup holders from the Carlsberg South West Peninsula Premier Division. 

The victory was made all the more impressive with the list of players unavailable for arguably the biggest match in the club's history outside of the recent Brayford and Torridge Cup final wins.

All the talk on the journey down and in the dressing room beforehand was of backs being against the wall and the need for a battling performance. But the visitors controlled the game after ten minutes and rarely looked back.

Totnes created one or two half chances from outside the Boca penalty area but rarely troubled 'keeper Darren Babb thanks in part to defensive trio Shaun Ley, Brad Munden and the returning Mackie and Lewis Ovey playing in the holding role in midfield.

The home side's chances took a dent after twenty five minutes when one centre half was sent off for two quick yellow cards. And that seemed to be the turning point in the match as soon after Boca took the lead through an inventive goal from Mark Barrow. His initial shot was blocked which knocked him off balance and whilst on the floor the ball returned to him and he cooly lifted it over the 'keeper from twelve yards.

It was a first half of few chances for either side and Boca went into the break with the lead intact. At half time Totnes threw on a target man searching for the equaliser and ten minutes in a rare lapse in concentration allowed the ball to break onto an unmarked Totnes striker who agonisingly stroked wide beyond the upright. A rocket from the sidelines ensured that never happened again.

Into the second half Boca began to make the extra man count and forced the home 'keeper into low saves on three occasions. Following a corner Lewis Ovey found the ball at his feet from two yards but failed to dig it out. They even found time to strike the post to jangle manager Darren Todd's nerves further. But he needn't have worried, it was their day. And what a day. 

Next up in the competition: Heavitree United from the Devon & Exeter premier league at home in the 1/4 final.

Man-of-the-match: Daniel Mackie - not kicked a ball in eight months, added to the fact that factory Friday was the day before the omens before the game didn't look good. But Boca needn't have worried as Mackie was a rock. He won every header and never let a thing past. Best performance from a Boca player this season.

14.12.08 - North Molton 4 Boca Seniors 3

It should have been dubbed 'The Battle of the Hangovers' as both sides fielded players suffering from a little too much early festive cheer from the previous evening.

Maybe that would explain the lack of concentration in the Boca rearguard finding themselves behind on three occasions. One nil down quickly became two and Boca were all over the place defensively.

They managed to reduce the deficit immediately after conceding the second, Mark Barrow's acrobatic scissor kick gave the 'keeper no chance.

After conceding two identical goals you would have thought Boca would have learned a lesson. But they hadn't and proceded to let another identical goal in. That wasn't the end of the scoring though and it seemed as though when Boca needed to get a goal, they did. Mike Cowell bundled home from close range following Barrow's fierce strike.

All the talk at half-time was of keeping it much tighter defensively and in fairness it was. Boca even managed to draw level, Mark Barrow neatly flicked home with his head (no longer a rare occurrence). He almost gave the visitors the lead soon after but with only the 'keeper to beat scuffed the top of the ball straight into the Molton stopper's arms.

The second half was even in terms of possession and chances, Darren Babb forced into making some good saves. But with extra time looming it Molton who went on to steal a famous victory. Babb could only parry the ball into the path of the oncoming striker who tapped home.

So, Boca's defence of the Torridge Cup ends at the first hurdle. Still, upon reflection with the fixture build-up looking serious, it may be a blessing in disguise.

Man-of-the-match: Mark Barrow - two goals, should have been three but an all round energetic performance too. Shame the same couldn't have been said about some of his team mates.

29.11.08 - Boca Seniors 4 North Molton 2

In the battle of fourth versus fifth it was the fifth placed team who came out on top in a competitive contest at the Tarka Centre.

Boca slightly edged possession during a tight first half but neither team really forced either 'keeper into making any real saves. The deadlock was broken on the half hour mark however, Mark Barrow thought quickly and superbly curled in a free-kick from twenty yards much to the annoyance of the visiting defence.

Ten minutes before the break, the home side were forced into making a change, centre half Shaun Ley walked off with a nasty cut to the head.

The second half continued in very much the same vein but rather than Boca adding to their tally it was Molton who drew level, ex-Boca boy Tom Marsh heading home from close range.

That goal seemed to spur Boca into action and in a twenty minute spell of excellent play they scored three unanswered goals. Richard Shannon brilliantly turned on the touchline and clipped in a super cross for Mark Barrow to head home for his second of the match. Soon after it was three, Lee Langmead's cross was laid into the path of Shannon by Ross Maynard and he sweetly guided the ball beyond the reach of the Molton 'keeper.

It was practically game over minutes later. Following more good work from Langmead and Shannon, Matt Deakin showed good technique to half-volley home at the near post.

However, North Molton weren't done and another ex-Boca player Richie Joslin fired home to reduce the deficit. But Joslin's efforts were ultimately in vain as Boca saw the game out to claim another precious three league points.

Man-of-the-match: Ross Maynard - the ex-Georgehamite is beginning to settle into the side after a good performance last week. Unlucky not to be on the scoresheet himself but for an excellent save from the North Molton 'keeper.

Babb, Ley, Ovey, Tocknell, Deakin, Bishop, Cowell, Maynard, Barrow, Daniel, Langmead; Subs: Shannon, Munden, Mardon, Mackie

22.11.08 - Boca Seniors 3 Kingskerswell & Chelston 2 (aet)

Those who disregarded the winter cold on Saturday to watch the Devon Cup 3rd round fixture were treated to a proper cup tie in every sense of the word. And after travelling up from Kingskerswell two weeks ago only for the pitch to be declared unfit for play the visitors may feel a little hard done by in this year's competition. Fair play to Kingskerswell & Chelston though, despite the financial set back and disruption caused they returned and fully contributed to a great game.

Boca began brightest, not looking like a side without a game in three weeks, Lee Langmead going close early on. Kingskerswell settled soon after and were denied by Darren Babb from a free-kick inside the penalty area after being adjudged to have picked up a back pass. The resulting corner was dealt with but Boca did not retreat quick enough and following a cross from the left the visiting striker tapped in at the back post.

Kingskerswell increased the lead ten minutes later, their number 8 created space and launched a low shot from 25 yards. Babb could only parry, the loose ball was picked up giving the unmarked striker an easy tap in for two-nil. Despite the gap in scores Boca never truly looked out of it, even at half-time. That was the feeling during the team talk and the North Devon side came out looking for an early goal. That came two minutes in. Shaun Ley's searching ball found Langmead who pulled away from the defender and calmly rolled the ball under the oncoming 'keeper.

Boca then introduced Darren Hawkings on the hour mark and that change paid divdends minutes later as he made it two apiece, tapping in at the back post. Surely there was only one winner now, but the comeback never fully materialised, not during 90 minutes anyway.

With the darkness increasing it was Boca who slightly edged possession but either team could have snatched it late on. Babb was called upon once again with minutes to spare, superbly palming a low drive around the post.

With penalties looming one last ball was pumped down for Langmead to chase, he managed to get the wrong side of the defender and was clumsily hauled down. From the sidelines it was difficult to tell if it was in or outside the box thanks to the lack of light. Penalty. And with almost the final kick of the match Mark Barrow slotted home to give Boca another famour win in this year's competition.

Although very much a team effort, notable performances came from Shaun Ley and Lewis Ovey at the back, Ross Maynard and Giles Daniel in midfield and Taro Bishop ran himself into the ground for the cause once again.

Next stop: the holders-Totnes & Dartington. Who said it was going to be easy?

Man-of-the-match: Giles Daniel - a toss up between any of the names mentioned above but Sid claims the award again thanks to yet another workhorse performance.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Ovey, Maynard, Deakin, Cowell, Bishop, Daniel, Barrow, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Tocknell, Hawkings, Mackie, Collins

01.11.08 - Boca Seniors 4 Bradworthy 0

You'll probably have to trawl way back into the Boca archives to check when the last time they went three straight matches without conceding a goal, but they acheived that feat in an emphatic win against Bradworthy.

Playing with style and pace on a heavy Tarka pitch they raced into a 4-0 half time lead. The addition of Lee Langmead into their strikeforce is paying instant dividends with the former Witheridge man claiming his second goal in as many starts; Langers' powerful diving header was the culmination of some quick thinking by Matt Deakin and a great run and cross from Giles Daniel, now revelling in his central midfield role.

One-nil was soon two thanks to leading scorer Richard Shannon, his finish making it eight for the season so far. He almost doubled his tally soon after with a stunning volley which just missed the crossbar. Minutes after it was three. Taro Bishop's run was halted unfairly by three Bradworthy defenders, Mark Barrow converted the penalty-his first league goal of the season.

The game was over as a contest on the stroke of half-time. Again the lively Bishop made waves down the visitor's left and perfectly picked out Matt Deakin at the back post to neatly make it four.

With an eye on goal difference, the halt-time plan was to score a few more without conceding. They managed 50% of that plan by not letting a goal in, but were denied three further strikes thanks to offside decisions.

Manager Darren Todd will be happy with the shape of the side at the moment, including the strike partnership of Shannon and Langmead, the energy of Taro Bishop and arguably most importantly the defensive partnership of Lewis Ovey and Shaun Ley, once again both pushed hard for a man-of-the-match award.

Man-of-the-match: Giles Daniel - enjoying anew, deeper role off the front two but putting in the usual determined and strong performance.

Matchball sponsor: Martin Hammett Associates

Lineup: Babb, Ovey, Tocknell, Ley, Bishop, Deakin, Maynard, Barrow, Daniel, Langmead, Shannon; Subs: Munden, Cowell

25.10.08 - Boca Seniors 1 Braunton 0

In front of a sizeable crowd it was Boca who took the spoils in the battle of the local rivals but upon reflection they may feel that they made much harder work of it than it should have been after dominating the early stages of the game.

During the first half hour the home side realistically could have scored three in addition to Lee Langmead's first of the season on his full debut. The best of the chances fell to Richard Shannon who struck the upright after neatly volleying Mark Barrow's deep cross. Some resolute Braunton defending also assisted in keeping the scoreline down.

On the counter the visitors themselves created one or two dangerous chances with Boca 'keeper Darren Babb saving well on one occasion. On the half hour mark Braunton settled down a little and the game turned into a much more scrappy affair which, in fairness probably coincided with the deteriation of the Tarka pitch.

It was Braunton who came out the more determined team at the start of the second half and enjoyed the lion's share of possession during the early stages without really threatening the Boca goal. The game itself turned into a stalemate with limited goalscoring opportunities for both sides but Boca would have taken a one nil win at the start of the game if you'd asked.

Man-of-the-match: Shaun Ley - not for the first time this season, in the big games when it matters Shaun put his body (and head on occasions) on the line.

Lineup: Babb, Ley, Tocknell, Ovey, Bishop, Deakin, Maynard, Barrow, Daniel, Shannon, Langmead; Subs: Cowell, Munden, Joslin

18.10.08 - Boca Seniors 5 Morwenstow 0

Well a classic it most certainly wasn't. But Darren Todd's men will be satisfied with another three points, with no injuries to report and new signing Lee Langmead's timely return from knee surgery ready for next week's crunch visit of Braunton.

Despite having the vast percentage of possession, Mark Barrow involved in most of it, it took Boca almost thirty minutes to take the lead through Mike Cowell. Richard Shannon's deft header minutes later increased the lead. That goal had extra significance, it was Boca's 2000th league goal since their formation in 1987. Striker Shannon was presented with a commemorative bottle of champagne after the match.

Despite Boca's dominance, they were reminded that they should count out their opponents at their peril, the visitors forcing a good save with his foot by 'keeper Darren Babb. Babb had to be at his best soon after, tipping onto the bar after Barrow's goal-bound defensive interception headed goalwards.

The visitors were less of a threat in the second half but it took twenty minutes for Boca to capitalise on their possession. Chris Collins tapped in after Ross Maynard's jinking run and cross. Maynard himself bagged his first goal in a Boca shirt soon after, lashing home from 15 yards with his left foot. The rout was completed by Owen Pickard, his first of the season.

Not a vintage performance by any means but a clean sheet and the introduction of Langmead late in the second half ensures that Boca go into the biggest game of the season so far in a positive frame of mind.

Man-of-the-match: Mark Barrow - busy, industrious and always looking for the ball. Most of Boca's good play came through their skipper.

Lineup: Babb, Munden, Ley, Joslin, Cowell, Maynard, Collins, Barrow, Bayliss, Shannon, Daniel; Subs: Pickard, Ovey, Bishop, Langmead

11.10.08 - Newton Abbot Spurs 2 Boca Seniors 3

For the first time in the club's history Boca have reached the third round of the Devon Premier Cup after Saturday's excellent victory against Newton Abbot Spurs.

Anyone watching the match in the warm October sunshine was treated to a cracking match which swung this way and that. Boca started brightly, Mark Barrow's superb 25-yard free-kick deflecting off of the upright and away to safety. The home side enjoyed the lion's share of the possession soon afterwards and amongst a flurry of yellow cards converted their first real chance on the half hour.

Abbot's 'keeper was the busiest of the two number 1's, saving well on three occasions from a lively Kurt Bayliss. And Boca drew level with virtually the last kick of the first half, from the penalty spot, Mark Barrow converting in the normal manner.

After some re-organising at half-time Boca came out of the blocks all guns blazing, playing their best football of the season so far with virtually everyone to a man contributing. The North Devon side's slick football was rewarded on the hour mark, Mark Barrow's incisive through put Matt Deakin in to give them the lead for the first time. Soon after it was 3-1 and it was the best move of the match. Ross Maynard's nice pass was laid off by Richard Shannon into the path of the oncoming Mike Cowell who finished beautifully. Chance after chance came Boca's way and if not for some slack finishing it could easily have been 6 or 7.

Newton Abbot rallied late on and pulled a goal back but thanks to some resolute defending by Darren Babb (best display in the last year), Lewis Ovey and the colossal performance by Shaun Ley they kept the home side at bay ensuring Boca's safe passge into the next round.

Man-of-the-match: Shaun Ley - could have been anyone from Bayliss, Babb, Barrow or Ovey but not for the first time this season, Leyer put in a superb performance. Never missed a thing for the entire second half.

Lineup: Babb, Ovey, Ley, Cowell, Barrow, Maynard, Deakin, Bayliss, Shannon, Daniel, Collins; Subs: Joslin, Ackland

04.10.08 - Boca Seniors 5 Hartland 4

Boca secured their second win on the bounce at Landkey against a much improved Hartland side, but made it much more difficult than it should have been.

They took the lead through Giles Daniels' first league goal of the season, a tap-in following good work from strike partner Richard Shannon. At that stage Boca were in control and had chances to extend the lead. But against the run of play Mike Cowell was harshly judged to have shoved the Hartland stiker in the box. The visitors converted the spot-kick although Darren Babb did get a hand to the ball en-route.

Normal service was resumed shortly after, Richard Shannon neatly turning inside the Hartland box and clipping the ball over the oncoming 'keeper to make the score 2-1.

The Hartland stopper made two great saves minutes later, superbly parrying ferocious shots from Mark Barrow and Kurt Bayliss, but he was powerless to stop Shannon's second, a lovely driven stike at the second attempt.

Not for the first time this season Boca have encountered a visiting team refusing to give in and credit to Hartland they reduced the deficit shortly before half-time thanks to some slack Boca marking. Game well and truly on.

After the break it was clear that Boca would need to tighten things up all over the pitch if they wanted to secure all three points and after stepping up the pace they restored a two-goal cushion thanks to Taro Bishop's super header from a corner. 4-2. But still Hartland refused to give in and thanks to yet more slack defending they drew another goal back. At that point all the pressure was on Boca and Hartland could sense another goal but Shannon and Bayliss neatly combined for the champions and Bayliss drove the ball into the top right corner. Surely game over now? Well, no. Almost immediately, following a Boca corner, Hartland broke away and scored again. But that was it. Despite some slack Boca defending and a determined Hartland performance, the home side came away with the points.

Man-of-the-match: Richard Shannon - two goals, set up two more and provided a good outlet for Boca.

Lineup: Babb, Munden, Ovey, Ley, Bayliss, Bishop, Barrow, Deakin, Cowell, Daniel, Shannon; Subs: Collins, Maynard, Cuell

27.09.08 - Shamwickshire 0 Boca Seniors 2

Match report unavailable. Goals: Deakin (2)

Man-of-the-match: Shaun Ley - didn't miss a thing all game.

Lineup: Babb, Munden, Ovey, Ley, Cowell, Pickard, Barrow, Deakin, Bishop, Daniel, Shannon; Subs: Bayliss, Tocknell

20.09.08 - Boca Seniors 0 Torridgeside 2

It was one of those days for Boca when nothing seemed to happen. But take nothing away from last year's Senior Division champions they deserved to come away with the spoils with their two experienced heads in midfield and defence running the show.

In a game of few chances for both sides it was a penalty which broke the deadlock and that's how the score remained at half-time.

Boca's cause wasn't helped any further with Chris Collins straight red card for retaliation.

With Boca looking to at least draw level, the game was put beyond their reach with ten minutes to go. The home side had no response to that killer goal and went down to their first defeat of the season. They'll have to quickly forget this loss as next week sees the visit to Shamwickshire, one of the toughest games of the season.

Man-of-the-match: Giles Daniel - refused to give in until the final whistle. Typical 'Sid' performance.

Lineup: Babb, Tocknell, Ovey, Ley, Bayliss, Barrow, Maynard, Collins, Bishop, Shannon, Daniel; Subs: Cuell, Ackland

13.09.08 - Boca Seniors 2 Plymouth University 1

This season's secret weapon is no longer a secret. New signing Taro Bishop marked his first start for Boca with a man-of-the-match performance and spectacularly headed the winner in extra time in this Devon Premier Cup 1st round tie.

After the kick-off was delayed by 40 minutes due to the visitor's late arrival the game started evenly with both teams enjoying decent possession without causing each other any major problems. Boca were without first choice centre midfield partnership Ross Maynard and Mark Barrow but Chris Collins and Mike Cowell more than made up for their absence with a display full of energy and snappy challenges.

Wide players Kurt Bayliss and Taro Bishop also made good headway in lively first half displays and it was Bayliss who broke the deadlock on the 30 minute mark. Springing the offside trap, the pacy new signing drove the ball home after latching onto a long pass.

Soon after Lewis Ovey found himself unmarked in the six yard box but his close range strike was somehow saved by the Plymouth 'keeper, who seemed more surprised about it than anyone.

At half-time Boca deservedly held the lead. The second half began as the first half had but as time wore on the University side began to turn the screw, going close on a number of occasions. With Shaun Ley struggling with a groin injury and having made all three substitutions, losing Richie Joslin to ligament damage the Plymouth pressure was finally rewarded with the equalizer two minutes from time. A long throw was launched into the box and was headed home by the visitors striker.

Despite being in the ascendency for the last 20 minutes of normal time and snatching that late goal, it was Boca who dominated the 1st half of extra time and re-took the lead thanks to Bishop, capping off an excellent display of pace, skill and determination with a superb diving header at the back post following Giles Daniels' pinpoint cross-field ball.

That goal inevitably brought on the Plymouth side fightback and they went so close again, rattling the bar and having a last ditch effort chalked off for offside. But it was Boca's and Bishop's day and Newton Abbott Spurs lay in wait in the second round of a competition that Darren Todd's men hope to progress in this season.

Man-of-the-match: Taro Bishop - already looking the part in the Boca shirt since joining in the summer. Could prove to be one of the club's best signings of recent times.

Lineup: Babb, Tocknell, Ley, Ovey, Joslin, Bayliss, Bishop, Cowell, Collins, Shannon, Daniel; Subs: Barrow, Cuell, Munden, Crush

30.08.08 - Boca Seniors 5 Putford 2

It seems that the summer break has done nothing to stop the Richard Shannon goalscoring juggernaut. "The Mercurial One" picked up where he left off last season with a superb hat-trick in a game of ups and downs for Boca.

It was the visitors who started brightest, Boca appeared nervy after Manager Darren Todd's rousing pre-match talk. Make shift left-back Liam Hawkins began brightly making some good strong challenges and linking up well with Kurt Bayliss.

Bayliss himself was enjoying some good possession, opening up the Putford defence with his pace. And it was the left side which the opening goal cam from. Chris Collins rose above anyone in the penalty area and bravely headed Boca into the lead. That goal seemed to settle the champions down and they extended their lead thanks to Shannon. Taking a long raking pass into his stride he sprinted clear of the back four, rounded the 'keeper and tucked the ball away in true Shannon style. The first goal "of many on the horizon" we are promised by the man they call "The Cannon".

Boca's third goal came thanks to an undefendable cross from Richard Tocknell. So undefendable in fact, that the Putford left-back turned it into his own net. Three goals in a decent spell, things looked good. That was until Boca took their foot off the pedal and allowed the visitors back into the game, giving two quick goals away thanks to some sloppy defending. 3-2 at half time when Putford should have been out of it.

The second was a much brighter affair for the home side and Shannon eased any nerves on the hour mark, rifling home through a packed penalty area. He put the tie beyond doubt ten minutes later. Substitute and promising new signing Taro Bishop's superb cross was hammered home to secure the points.

Man-of-the match: Richard Shannon - last seasons's Manager's Player and top goalscorer seamlessly picked up from last season with a masterclass of finishing.

Matchball sponsor: Thatcher & Pilbrow General Builders

Lineup: Vaughan, Tocknell, Ley, Ovey, Hawkins, Daniel, Barrow, Maynard, Bayliss, Collins, Shannon; Subs: Munden, Cuell, Bishop, Cowell

23.08.08 - Newton St Cyres 3 Boca Seniors 2

After Wednesday's succesfull run out Boca travelled to Newton St Cyres to the play Devon & Exeter Premier League outfit in their final friendly before next week's league opener versus Putford.

Boca continued where they left off against Torrington playing some great football and forcing the home 'keeper into some super saves. Boca 'keeper Darren Babb was also in action early on but was powerless to prevent them going one down largely against the run of play. And after hitting the woodwork twice and the Newton 'keeper making more great saves it remained one nil at half time.

Despite having a head wound from Wednesday Sid Daniel restored parity soon after the restart with a superb solo effort. Holding the ball up in the corner he turned the right back inside out, drove into the box and finished powerfully, beating the 'keeper at his near post.

Mark Barrow's never ending quest for goal of the season has also started early this year after he beautfully chipped the 'keeper from twenty yards, two one to the visitors.

On a very big pitch fitness levels were being tested and Boca made several changes of personnel and position. They then found themselves level at two all thanks to some tired defending. Tiredness showed even more soon after and new signing Jon Vaughn made some great close and long range saves. But he was unable to prevent Newton's winner, cruelly deflecting in off of Lewis Ovey's back after looking like going out for a throw in.

All in all, another good work out, a decent test on a big pitch against a team willing to play football. Two more training sessions to go and Darren Todd's men will be ready for next Saturday, a tricky test at home to Putford, a team always happy to put one over on the champions.

Squad: Babb, Vaughn, Ovey, Ley, Joslin, Hawkins, Bayliss, Barrow, Maynard, Cowell, Collins, Bishop, Daniel, N.Ackland, L.Ackland 

19.08.08 - Torrington Town 0 Boca Seniors 4

After four weeks of training, some of it pretty intense, our first friendly of the new season provided exactly the kind of challenge we were looking for. Despite countless shuttle runs and doggies, ring rustiness was obvious for the first half hour with Torrington enjoying some good possession and had a few decent chances to take the lead. Once the players settled down they began to find rhythm and it was Boca who took the lead thanks to Richard Shannon's first touch after coming on.

The match gave Darren Todd the chance to give the entire squad a decent run out with new boys Taro Bishop, Liam Hawkins, Ross Maynard and Jimmy Cuell all impressing in various positions.

After signing full time from Barnstaple Town Kurt Bayliss proved that he will be a good replacement for the departed Matt Deakin making good headway down the right. And it was Bayliss' pacy run which set up Chris Collins for his first of two goals. Collins' second was engineered by himself. After dropping his shoulder on the edge of the box he let fly with his left foot and drove an unstoppable shot past the Torrie 'keeper.

Boca's final goal came from a combination of new flatmates Jimmy Cuell and Mark Barrow with Cuell's incisive through ball leaving Barrow with a chance to finish, which he did, into the bottom corner.

The only sour note to the evening was losing Sid Daniel to a nasty head injury resulting in him going off to hospital to receive stitches.

Squad: Babb, Vaughn, Joslin, Ovey, Cowell, Bayliss, Tocknell, Barrow, Maynard, Monsell, Collins, Daniel, Cuell, Shannon, N.Ackland, Bishop, Hawkins, Munden