3pm 3 September 2022
Devon Football League, South-West Division
The Windmill (Devon) 1 D&C Auto Repairs 2 (att 25)
For many years amateur football in Plymouth seemed a mostly parochial affair, with few if any teams venturing beyond their local league.
But an effect of the restructuring of football in the south west has been the creation of two regionalised 'step seven' divisions in Devon, and some Plymouth clubs have taken the opportunity to step up.
The new structure isn't without it problems, with several Devon Football League teams failing to make it to the start line for this season. No such problems for these two though, who faced each other in a Plymouth derby.
Both these sides were promoted to this level during the summer. The Windmill after switching to the South Devon League and D&C Autos from the Plymouth and West Devon League.
A lot of Plymouth clubs take their names from sponsors and social clubs, which makes continuity tricky. It remains to be seen how long these clubs last at this level, but The Windmill at least have a new ground to call home.
There's a pair of pitches at Millennium Street, which has been built on what was once the Plymouth Civil Service sports ground. Part of the pitch was roped off, and there's parking and changing rooms behind the far goal.
It was enjoyable game, despite some less than enjoyable weather. In wind and rain The Windmill went ahead, and forced some good saves by the visiting keeper, but D&C hit back to level before the break.
There were chances at both ends in the second half, but just when it looked likely to end in a draw the away side got a late winner. It was harsh on The Windmill, but a good advert for step seven football in Devon.
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