DETAILS of my three match groundhopping trip for football in lovely Cornwall and Devon…
Camelford 1-0 Sticker
- When: Tuesday 12th August 2025
- Kick-off: 7.30pm
- Where: Trefrew Park, Trefrew, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9TS
- Competition: Walter C. Parson Peninsula League Premier West Division
- Attendance: 87
It was a 300 mile drive via the M25, M4, M5 and A30. Quite a milestone unfolded for me as this was the last National League System ground I needed to visit in the whole of Cornwall.
As for Camelford, it is a town of 3,000 residents.
Ground description: There is a 50-seater grandstand plus covered terracing for 100 supporters. I liked the large sign high on the clubhouse wall proclaiming:
“The CAMELS Welcome you to TREFREW PARK”
Programme details: An eight page effort on sale at the main entry gate for £1.
It is edited by Camelford secretary Hilary Kent who also prepares the matchday food as well as carrying out all the announcements on the club’s public address system. Hilary is one of Non-League football’s great volunteers.
The match: A battle at Step 6 of the national Non-League rankings. Camelford had won their opening league game whilst Sticker were beaten. Therefore anyone possessing expert football betting knowledge might have expected a home victory.
It turned out to be an extremely tight game containing very few clear cut chances. After the ‘Camels’ had a goal disallowed for offside on 73 minutes, they clinched matters in the last minute courtesy of Ryan Downing’s stunning solo strike.
Beer Albion 3-1 Ottery St Mary
- When: Wednesday 13th August 2025
- Kick-off: 6.30pm
- Where: The Furzebrake, Stovar Long Lane, Beer, Devon EX12 3FB
- Competition: A&S Interiors Ltd Devon Football League
- Attendance: 90
My first ever groundhopping dip into the Devon League at Step 7 although I had previously visited several of their member clubs when they played at higher levels in the past. Beer itself is a seaside village incorporating 1,300 residents.
Ground description: A decent set up at this tier of the National League System. The pitch is fully enclosed and railed. In addition, a sturdy grandstand offers 50 seats at the front and covered standing behind.
I’m sure The Furzebrake would only need floodlights to pass ground grading criteria for eventual promotion to the Peninsula League. It was nice to receive a warm welcome in the clubhouse before kick-off.
Programme details: Beer Albion normally issue a programme but there wasn’t one for this game. However, I obtained an old edition for my collection and it is a really good production.
The match: Seventh hosted sixth in the early season Devon League table prompting betting enthusiasts in attendance to anticipate a closely fought encounter.
In the end though, Beer Albion were comfortable winners thanks to goals from Aaron Daniels (7 minutes), Jayden Rooke, penalty (31 mins) and Sam Waddon (90+2 mins). The ‘Otters’ replied through Sam Pyne (35 mins).
Incidentally, I still hold fond memories of attending Ottery St Mary’s official floodlight opening fixture against the full Queens Park Rangers first team on Wednesday 26th February 1986.
Torridgeside 1-0 Bishops Lydeard
- When: Saturday 16th August 2025
- Kick-off: 3pm
- Where: Donnacroft, Hatchmoor Road, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 7BU
- Competition: Walter C. Parson Peninsula League Premier East Division
- Attendance: 71
This was my first visit to Great Torrington which has a population of 6,000 and boasts two Peninsula League clubs based just one mile apart – Torridgeside AFC and Torrington FC.
Following this groundhop, I will have to return soon to watch Torrington in action.
Ground description: A lane takes visitors past the local rugby club up to the Torridgeside football ground.
There is a 50 seater grandstand and covered terracing for another 100 fans.
Programme details: A homespun effort on sale at £1 from some friendly guys manning the entry hut.
The match: Ninth entertained 15th in the Peninsula League Premier East Division. A deflected shot by Blake Shapland on 25 minutes gave Torridgeside all three points.
Post-match: My 260 mile drive home took almost five hours.
Football grounds visited: 2,653.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Tony Incenzo*
