MANAGER Phil Bayliss wasn't so much Over the Moon as leaping the entire galaxy after Buckland Athletic were drawn at home to Wessex League side Hamworthy United in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on August 15.

"As you know, it's our first year in the competition and the next step up for us as a club," he said.

"But, to be drawn at home is absolutely fantastic, just what we were looking for.

"Also, we half expected to be drawn against a side from our own league - the Carlsberg South West Peninsula - so to be paired against a team from outside is doubly exciting and an extra challenge for the players."

As reported in yesterday's Herald Express, the good news doesn't stop there should Buckland successfully negotiate the Extra Preliminary round, for they would also be at home team in the Preliminary Round against Western League side Frome Town on August 29.

Plus, the draw for the early stages of the FA Vase has been similarly kind to the Homers Heath club, who finished third in last season's Premier Division championship behind defending champions Bodmin Town, and Plymouth Parkway.

This week's draw gave them a first round bye, while it's Hamworthy (again!) or Saltash at home in the first Preliminary Round on September 5.

Meanwhile, Toolstation Western League side Dawlish Town have also been blessed with home ties in the Extra Preliminary Rounds of both the FA Cup and FA Vase.

In the FA Cup, new manager Jeff Evans' side entertain another Western League outfit, Elmore. And, in the Vase, Dawlish have successive byes before hosting Elmore or Peninsula League side Liskeard Athletic in the first round proper on October 3.

Commented Evans, who officially took over from player-manager Adam Shearer last week:

"There's a bit of magic about both competitions. Players dream about taking part and managers dream of winning, so hopefully we can have a good run in each. It would also be good for the town," he said.

BRIXHAM TOWN are looking to reinvent themselves after a torrid 2008/2009 season in which they were not only relegated from Division Three, but close to withdrawing from the WBW Solicitors South Devon League altogether.

That they've survived is down to the election of a new top table, including Mark Brooks as secretary in place of Derrick Stopps, and a new chairman and treasurer.

"We almost folded at the end of last season, so hopefully we can reinvent ourselves," said Brooks.

"There's been a complete change behind the scenes, while pre-season training started last night and will continue at Furzeham Green every Tuesday and Thursday (6.30pm) from now on."

Town, who will ground share next season with South Devon League newcomers, Jackz, are also keen to attract new players at their pre-season training sessions.

"Old players, or potential new signings, we would love to see them at Furzeham Green," added Brooks.

HARBERTONFORD FC didn't let the occasion pass without a surprise gift to Steve Jane after the 76-year old stalwart completed 50 years as club secretary a fortnight ago.

Seizing the opportunity at the end-of-season presentations in the clubhouse, president Steve Ridgway marked the unique achievement by presenting Steve and his wife, Val, with a swing seat to place in their garden at home.

It was the highlight of an evening when awards were handed to the following:

First team: manager's Player of the Year - Danny Woods; players' Player of the Year - Jim Sandbrook; Sportsman of the Year - Aaron Bartlett; Most Improved Player - Liam Lindon; Top Goalscorer - Ben Karkeek.

Reserves: manager's Player of the Year - Simon Collings; players' Player of the Year - Simon Collings; Sportsman of the Year - Antony Goss; Most Improved Player - Tony Hutchings; Top Goalscorer - Zeb Peters.

The Young Player of the Year trophy went to Chris Salter, and the Club Person award to Adrian Thompson.

The players resume weekly pre-season training at club's ground, The Hams, from July 22 (6pm) when newcomers will be made welcome.

The 'Fords are also looking for sponsors after last season when the first team were promoted from Division Two as runners-up and won the Lidstone Cup, and the Reserves were tenth in Division Five.

BRIXHAM United's first ever close season 5-a-side tournament featured a Girls' under-15 competition in addition to the more traditional Senior and Junior competitions at Wall Park last weekend.

The home club won both, while Stoke Gabriel fielded the winning team in the girls' event, held to celebrate the recent opening of United's new clubhouse.

Everton and former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Dan Gosling was among those who supported the tournament, stopping off for a few minutes to talk with friends before joining up with the England Under-19 squad.

Dan, of course, was playing for Brixham United under-12s at the time he was first 'scouted' by Argyle.

THEY'VE yet to come up with a venue, but the WBW Solicitors South Devon League are staging their traditional Charity Shield match on a Sunday this year.

It will be August 16, when league champions Kingskerswell & Chelston face Herald Cup winners Upton Athletic.