STOKE Gabriel & Torbay Police FC enjoyed a win and a clean sheet on the weekend in the South West Peninsula League Premier East.

Torrington AFC were the visitors at Broadley Lane and they were beaten 3-0 as Stoke make it five games in a row unbeaten.

Callum Childress found the back of the net but the star of the show had to be Fin Herbert, the scorer of the other two and the player voted Man of the Match.

Prior to any mid-week changes, this win has Stoke in seventh with four wins and two draws to their name.

Stoke will take a break from league action to compete in the prestigious Walter C Parsons League Cup, travelling to Wendron United in the SWPL Premier West. Wendron are second in that league and have won eight of their 11 opening games so they are a team in form, making for a fascinating contest.

Returning to the league scene and Bovey Tracey AFC, who Stoke are scheduled to host on December 28 and then visit on the final day of the season, April 19, have announced the departure of their 1st XI manager.

Tony Radford, who led Bovey to second in the division last year, behind only Ivybridge Town who romped to the title, has decided to step down after 18 months in charge.

He told the Mid-Devon Advertiser (our sister paper) that “It’s a decision that wasn’t taken lightly and has been in my thoughts for a few weeks.

Radford continued, “Maybe a new face and voice can turn things around, there is a lot of talent there!

“What an amazing football club and of course it is amazing because of the people within it. Until the next one, thank you Bovey Tracey AFC.”

Radford departs with the Moorlanders having lost six of their opening eight games, sitting 14th. The hunt now begins for a new person to take charge, an individual that will surely be in charge when Stoke cross paths with Bovey just after Christmas.