tivvygoldarmy-blog

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Tivvy issue rallying call to fans and local businesses to take the club forward

Tiverton Town have issued a rallying call to fans and local businesses to get behind the club and take it forward. Tiverton were promoted to the Premier Division of the Southern League last year. They achieved this in the South & West Play Offs by beating Taunton at Ladysmead 3-1 in front of 924 fans in the Semi-Final and they then followed that up by beating Salisbury 2-0 in the final in front of a crowd of 2,247 at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

The current season has seen Tiverton in and around the play off places from the start of the campaign and teams of the calibre of Hereford, Slough, Kettering and Kings Lynn who are all full of ex -league players have visited the Devon club. Tivvy are considered by many experts to be currently punching above their weight and the committee intend to keep this trend going with a talented squad of players managed by Martyn Rogers along with assistant manager Colin Nation and FA Vase winner player/coach Scott Rogers. The one disappointing thing though has been the attendances at Ladysmead with the average for the season standing currently at 259 people attending and Tivvy is currently ranked 18 out of 24 clubs in the league for average attendances in the 2017/18 season. Tiverton would like to acknowledge its loyal supporter base but would like to increase the numbers through the turn-styles to help with the day to day costs of maintaining a Southern League Premier Operation.

With vastly increased costs in the current 2017/18 season including coach fares of over £18,000 and an increased player budget to compete in the Premier Division the crowds have been far lower than envisaged. The rallying call has now gone out to the Town and surrounding areas to come on down to support the team at Ladysmead. Any local businesses who would like to become part of the success story at Tiverton are also invited to get involved and back the club through sponsorship etc. This is an ideal marketing opportunity for companies with Tiverton F.C receiving excellent exposure through the Southern League. There are already many companies in the local area who support Tivvy, but more are needed to take the club forward. A successful team means economic benefits for the Town but like a lot of non-league clubs who are facing problems with finance, Tiverton are unfortunately no exception and need the support.

Tiverton’s next home game weather permitting is on Saturday 10th March 2018 and it’s pay as much as you want on the gate. This is an ideal opportunity for the local community to support the team. Why not bring your whole family down to Ladysmead to sample live football for a moderate sum that you decide is affordable for you and your family? The players are very approachable before and after the game in the club house and Martyn Rogers the manager is always happy to talk football to the fans after the game. Tiverton appreciates all the support it gets but now more than ever needs everybody to pull together to make sure that the club moves forward and doesn’t waste the excellent work everybody has put into Tiverton Town. F.C

 Jay Richardson & Simon Ellis

Tiverton Town Press Officers

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St Neots Town 1-0 Tiverton Town

The last time Tiverton Town played St Neots at The Premier Plus Stadium was nearly four years ago on 8th April 2014 in the second leg of the Southern League Cup Final. In front of 522 people St Neots beat Tiverton by one goal to nil with a 43rd minute Lewis Hilliard goal. Tiverton were looking to avenge that defeat and hoped that the adage that lightening doesn’t strike in the same place twice came true. 

The pitch was in excellent condition and despite rain in the previous week the green like baize looked an ideal playing surface to play some neat football on. This was one of the best surfaces that I have seen since Christmas 2017. Tivvy started with the usual 3-5-2 formation with Alexis Andre Jnr in goal with the wing backs Jamie Short in for the injured Nick Hurst and Callum Hall. The back three were captain Jamie Price with Tom Gardner alongside Ben Mammola. The midfield three were Scott Rogers alongside Michael Landricombe and making his debut on loan from Bath City for a month George Rigg who replaced the departed previous loan signing River Allen. The front two were Levi Landricombe and Jared Lewington. On the bench was Jordan Rogers, Tom Bath and Owen Irish.

The first ten minutes saw Tiverton start brightly and matched the hosts without creating any clear-cut chances. Jared Lewington was winning his battles at the top of the pitch and the midfield were looking to push forward and thread the ball through to Levi Landricombe. The next thirty-five minutes however Tiverton were forced back into their own half and rarely ventured out again. ST Neots without three regulars started to play with authority and an early Dylan Williams effort after he had cut in from the flanks was a warning signal to Tiverton. Further shots from Jack Bradshaw and David Bridges brought saves out of Andre Jnr and it appeared to be a matter of time before the opening goal would cheer the Saints supporters in the crowd of 284.

The opening goal did come on 26 minutes when a corner was swung in to the back post and a marauding centre half Tom Wood sneaked into the box and powered a header into the Tivvy net. The Saints thought they had a second on 37 minutes when a Nabil Shariff header that evaded Andre Jnr was ruled out for a push in the box. Then moments later a sweet Lewis Irwin volley from a cultured pass from Stefan Broccoli had Andre Jnr beaten all ends up but the goal was again ruled out this time for offside. Tivvy had failed to have a shot on target in the first half and the score-line of 1-0 was fully deserved to the team from Cambridgeshire.

Tiverton came out in the second half with much more purpose and a Nice move found Callum Hall scampering forward and he tested Finlay Iron with a low shot. Michael Landricombe had an effort that went wide and Brother Levi Landricombe had an overhead shot that also went wide of Iron’s goal. Tiverton looking to get at least a point out of the 460-mile round trip then took a positive step and put on Tom Bath and Jordan Rogers with twenty minutes to play for Jamie Price and Scott Rogers. The more attacking formation nearly paid dividends with Rogers running the channels well and getting past his man. Rogers was providing some excellent balls into the box with Tom Bath and Jared Lewington looking to get on the end of the crosses it looked like Tiverton may well take something from the game. 

St Neots meanwhile were still dangerous with Shariff having a second shot saved by Andre Jnr and Broccoli and Irwin also stretching the dependable Tivvy back guard. The best chance of the second half then fell to Levi Landricombe who had a trademark lob from 20 yards that young keeper Finlay Iron did well to pluck out of the air. Tivvy for the last ten minutes pilled on the pressure but the Saints back line held firm and there were no major scares for them to overcome.

Lightening unfortunately did strike twice with Tivvy losing 1-0 at St Neots. One bright spot though, with the League restructure next season this is one fixture that is unlikely to occur again. We won’t miss the travelling but the hospitality and welcome we received from St Neots was excellent.

Andre Jnr, Scott Rogers (Jordan Rogers), Callum Hall (Owen Irish), Jamie Price © (Tom Bath), Ben Mammola, Tom Gardner, Jamie Short, George Rigg, Jared Lewington, Levi Landricombe, Michael Landricombe.

Att: 284

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St Neots Town 1-0 Tiverton Town

The last time Tiverton Town played St Neots at The Premier Plus Stadium was nearly four years ago on 8th April 2014 in the second leg of the Southern League Cup Final. In front of 522 people St Neots beat Tiverton by one goal to nil with a 43rd minute Lewis Hilliard goal. Tiverton were looking to avenge that defeat and hoped that the adage that lightening doesn’t strike in the same place twice came true. 

The pitch was in excellent condition and despite rain in the previous week the green like baize looked an ideal playing surface to play some neat football on. This was one of the best surfaces that I have seen since Christmas 2017. Tivvy started with the usual 3-5-2 formation with Alexis Andre Jnr in goal with the wing backs Jamie Short in for the injured Nick Hurst and Callum Hall. The back three were captain Jamie Price with Tom Gardner alongside Ben Mammola. The midfield three were Scott Rogers alongside Michael Landricombe and making his debut on loan from Bath City for a month George Rigg who replaced the departed previous loan signing River Allen. The front two were Levi Landricombe and Jared Lewington. On the bench was Jordan Rogers, Tom Bath and Owen Irish.

The first ten minutes saw Tiverton start brightly and matched the hosts without creating any clear-cut chances. Jared Lewington was winning his battles at the top of the pitch and the midfield were looking to push forward and thread the ball through to Levi Landricombe. The next thirty-five minutes however Tiverton were forced back into their own half and rarely ventured out again. ST Neots without three regulars started to play with authority and an early Dylan Williams effort after he had cut in from the flanks was a warning signal to Tiverton. Further shots from Jack Bradshaw and David Bridges brought saves out of Andre Jnr and it appeared to be a matter of time before the opening goal would cheer the Saints supporters in the crowd of 284.

The opening goal did come on 26 minutes when a corner was swung in to the back post and a marauding centre half Tom Wood sneaked into the box and powered a header into the Tivvy net. The Saints thought they had a second on 37 minutes when a Nabil Shariff header that evaded Andre Jnr was ruled out for a push in the box. Then moments later a sweet Lewis Irwin volley from a cultured pass from Stefan Broccoli had Andre Jnr beaten all ends up but the goal was again ruled out this time for offside. Tivvy had failed to have a shot on target in the first half and the score-line of 1-0 was fully deserved to the team from Cambridgeshire.

Tiverton came out in the second half with much more purpose and a Nice move found Callum Hall scampering forward and he tested Finlay Iron with a low shot. Michael Landricombe had an effort that went wide and Brother Levi Landricombe had an overhead shot that also went wide of Iron’s goal. Tiverton looking to get at least a point out of the 460-mile round trip then took a positive step and put on Tom Bath and Jordan Rogers with twenty minutes to play for Jamie Price and Scott Rogers. The more attacking formation nearly paid dividends with Rogers running the channels well and getting past his man. Rogers was providing some excellent balls into the box with Tom Bath and Jared Lewington looking to get on the end of the crosses it looked like Tiverton may well take something from the game. 

St Neots meanwhile were still dangerous with Shariff having a second shot saved by Andre Jnr and Broccoli and Irwin also stretching the dependable Tivvy back guard. The best chance of the second half then fell to Levi Landricombe who had a trademark lob from 20 yards that young keeper Finlay Iron did well to pluck out of the air. Tivvy for the last ten minutes pilled on the pressure but the Saints back line held firm and there were no major scares for them to overcome.

Lightening unfortunately did strike twice with Tivvy losing 1-0 at St Neots. One bright spot though, with the League restructure next season this is one fixture that is unlikely to occur again. We won’t miss the travelling but the hospitality and welcome we received from St Neots was excellent.

Andre Jnr, Scott Rogers (Jordan Rogers), Callum Hall (Owen Irish), Jamie Price © (Tom Bath), Ben Mammola, Tom Gardner, Jamie Short, George Rigg, Jared Lewington, Levi Landricombe, Michael Landricombe.

Att: 284

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Basingstoke Town v Tiverton Town Match Report

Basingstoke Town 6- 2 Tiverton Town

The last time Tiverton Town shipped in six goals in a competitive match was nearly 13 years ago on 29 January 2005 when they went down 6-1 to Chesham Utd at home in the Southern League No one at the Camrose Stadium expected the score-line to match the Chesham game but the end result was no more than a rampant Basingstoke team deserved.

Tivvy’s problems away from home seem to stem from opposition who have two pacey wingers who pen in the wing backs and cutting off Tiverton’s supply stream to the front men. Saturday saw two pacey wingers for Basingstoke in Sam Smart and Ashleigh Artwell do just that. Tivvy started with their usual 3-5-2 formation with Ben Mammola, Tom Gardner and Jamie Price in front of Martin Rice. The wing backs were Callum Hall and Nick Hurst. The midfield three was made up of River Allen making his first away appearance, Mike Landricombe and Jamie Short. Up front was Levi Landricombe along with Jared Lewington.

Early pressure saw Basingstoke have the all the chances and in the ninth minute Sam Argent turned Jamie Price and drove into the box. Martin Rice came out of his goal, but clattered Argent and the ref Simon Wales had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and booking Rice. Argent dispatched his first of the afternoon past Rice into the bottom left hand corner. Both Wingers were having a field day and it took last ditch tackles by Jamie Price, Ben Mammola and Tom Gardener to prevent the hosts adding to the score line in the first half. Tiverton meanwhile were getting overrun in Midfield and registered no shots on goal in the entire first half. Half time came at the right time for Tivvy as the hosts looked like they could increase the lead at any time.

The second half started in the same fashion with Basingstoke on the offensive. On 49 minutes Mike Landricombe was adjudged to have tripped Sam Argent in the box. It looked harsh from my position in the press box, but the referee had no hesitation in giving it. Argent stepped up again and beat Rice for the second time low to his left. Things went from bad to worse five minutes later when a misplaced pass across the pitch from Ben Mammola was cut out by Sam Smart who fed Sam Argent who made no mistake past Martin Rice for his hattrick. Tivvy 3-0 down then reverted to a 4-4-2 formation to try and rescue the game. This proved a false dawn as on 68 minutes a lovely curling free kick from George Bennett was met by that man Argent with a free header to again powerfully beat Rice.

Smart who had been terrorising Tivvy along with fellow winger Artwell and the former jinked into the Tivvy box and squared to Argent for his fifth goal of the game on 74 minutes. Previously Argent had scored five goals away to Dunstable Town and this was another master class of finishing. Four minutes later Tiverton fans at least had something to cheer as Jared Lewington notched his second league goal when he bunded the ball home from a River Allen corner. Basingstoke extinguished any thoughts of a comeback though when Ashleigh Artwell on dual registration with Wealdstone took control of the ball just inside Tivvy’s half and ran past the visitor’s challenges, squared the ball back to George Bennett who curled a sumptuous shot past Martin Rice to give Basingstoke their sixth goal on 81 Minutes. Tivvy did however manage to pull a further goal back from Jared Lewington in the dying embers of the match but it was too little to late for the Devon Side.

No doubt there was a lot of soul searching after this latest heavy defeat on the road and Tivvy must tighten up on all aspects of their game. A change of formation for away games must come under consideration as well as somehow trying to create chances at the other end of the pitch. Two many bad days at the office away from home are occurring and the management team have some work to eradicate the errors that keep on happening. We have to remember though Tivvy are still having a fantastic season, but it is in danger of disappointingly petering out.

Martin Rice, Nick Hurst (Jordan Rogers), Callum Hall (Tom Bath), Jamie Price ©, Ben Mammola, Tom Gardner, Jamie Short, River Allen, Jared Lewington, Levi Landricombe, Michael Landricombe.

Subs Not Used: George Rogers, Scott Rogers, Owen Irish.       

Goals Jared Lewington *2

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Tivvy v St Ives Match Report

TIVERTON TOWN 2-3 ST. IVES TOWN

The Yellows slumped to their fourth defeat in five matches after throwing away a two-goal lead, given to them by Levi Landricombes 19th league goal and a Jamie Price header, before a second half three goal salvo, a Danny Watson penalty, a goal for Ollie Snaith and the last-minute winner from second half substitute Declan Rogers ensured the visitors from Cambridgeshire would enjoy their two hundred plus miles cross country trek home. Tivvy made two changes in personnel from those who had comfortably seen off Gosport Borough last time out, River Allen, signed on a one-month loan from Truro City, made his debut in place of Ollie Knowles who dropped to the bench while Owen Irish deputised for the unwell Ben Mammola.

Neither goalkeeper had been unduly troubled in the first quarter of an hour, Ives keeper Tim Trebes (not the same from the Jordan Rogers `incident` for those of you wondering) comfortably dealt with a Callum Hall effort and Martin Rice similarly saved from Danny Watson before arguably the `save` of the day and one of the strangest decisions of the season so far, Levi Landricombes free-kick clearly handled on its way toward goal, Rogan McGeorge with the kind of `block` that both Rice and Trebes would have been proud of, only for referee Pearson to award a corner rather than the spot-kick that should have followed. The decision, or lack of, seemed not to matter though as Levi Landricombe put the Yellows ahead on twenty-one minutes, his simple finish for league goal number nineteen after brother Michael had found him in space inside the area and the chances that followed for Jared Lewington, fresh from his first goal at Gosport, but was denied from adding to the lead on three occasions, two decent saves from Trebes and when he was beaten, Dan Moyes was on hand to clear off the line would surely only mean one outcome, whilst at the other end Ives Man of the Match Tom Knowles sent a vicious free kick that deflected just wide in what was their only other notable first half effort on goal.

The second period was only just sixty-seconds old though when goal number two did arrive, Jamie Price headed home with the help of the crossbar at the back post after debutant and Man of the Match River Allen had needed two attempts to cross and from a Tivvy point of view, or so they thought, game over. The visitors though had other ideas and were handed a lifeline ten minutes later, Price going from hero to villain as his header back towards Rice fell short and stuck on the fast deteriorating pitch and was then left with no option but to foul Tom Knowles and this time Pearson did point to the spot, with no further punishment for Price and Watson duly obliged from twelve yards, sending Rice the wrong way and two one became two each with fifteen minutes remaining, again the impressive Knowles involved when he beat Rice to a through ball which squirmed loose and left Ollie Snaith the simple task of tapping in the equaliser.

Jamie Short then blazed over with other forwards better placed as the Yellows looked to restore their advantage instantly, Bath missed out on connecting with a Jamie Price header by inches soon after and then Trebes was caught out by Bath, and only cautioned, when trying to dribble his way out of trouble, but the impressive Allen blazed the free kick high and wide before arguably one the best visiting goals of the season in the dying minutes of the match. Declan Rogers had replaced McGeorge just before the Ives equaliser and had hardly been involved, that until the ball fell to him all of twenty-five yards from goal and after a touch to steady himself he sent an effort that curled away from Rice in to the top corner that sparked delirious scenes from the visiting dug-out and the small army of travelling fans to celebrate their surprise victory.

Tiverton: Martin Rice, Nick Hurst (Tom Bath 72), Callum Hall, Jamie Price, Owen Irish (Jordan Rogers 78), Tom Gardner, Jamie Short, RIVER ALLEN, Jared Lewington (Scott Rogers 78), Levi Landricombe, Michael Landricombe.

Subs not used: Ollie Knowles, George Rogers.

Goals: Levi Landricombe 21, Jamie Price 46.

Attendance: 312

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St Ives Town 1-2 Tiverton Town by Simon Ellis

For a first ever meeting between two sides, any `media` reports would want to focus mainly on events of a footballing kind and so it shall be. Unfortunately, though the majority of the two hundred and fifty-one, and certainly those who had made the cross-country trek to the Westwood Road Stadium, will have a greater memory of the match for a slightly less glamorous reason. Jordan Rogers return to the starting eleven, following his enforced absence after his recent dismissal at Merthyr, lasted just eleven minutes. A sickening, and it must be added accidental clash of heads with St Ives `keeper James Goff early on left Rogers with the kind of injuries seen at the end of a boxing contest, several hours spent under `medical attention` and what will doubtless be an extended period out of the game.

Back to footballing matters and Tivvy returned to Devon with all three points after Rogers replacement and eventual Man of the Match Owen Howe scored a brace to cancel out the hosts opener from Ben Seymour-Shove to put an end to the Yellows recent down-turn in form and propel them back up the league standings. Early action was at a frantic pace and decent chances for both sides to open their accounts for the afternoon soon presented themselves, Rogers fired high from the edge of the box, Martin Rice did well to divert Peter Clarks` effort wide following a quick break before Michael Landricombe headed over from close range from a Nick Hurst corner and smart defending from Jamie Price prevented James Hall from getting in on goal all happened before the unfortunate turn of events.

Rogers and Goff contested a bouncing ball which Rogers got to first and despite the obvious lack of intent or malice in the challenge, referee Hallam Cutmore was left with no option but to show Goff red and `Ives midfielder Lewis Hilliard assumed the goalkeeping duties. Twelve minutes passed before the game resumed as a result of Rogers injuries, all in yellow were clearly shaken by what had happened and despite being a man down the hosts took advantage and soon after, the lead, Clark allowed time and space to measure his options on the left before his accurate cross was nodded home at the back post by the un-marked Seymour-Shove on twenty-six. Liam Gregory replaced Tom Gardner soon after as the Yellows switched to a seldom seen 4-4-2 formation and as a result they would go on to spend large periods of the rest of the half in possession without ever really testing Hilliard, apart from on one key occasion as the hosts defended in numbers. Owen Howe eventually squeezed in the equaliser on forty-five, Levi Landricombes` ball forward bounced awkwardly and despite the close attention of defenders, the sides went in level at the interval.

The second half, under worsening conditions as the heavens well and truly opened, followed in a similar vain to that of the majority of the first, the Yellows with lots of possession without again unduly testing or troubling Hilliard and St. Ives continued to keep the Tivvy back-line on their toes with Clark and Halls` pace on the break. St. Ives debutant centre half Andrew Iwediuno had looked reasonably assured at the back until a complete mix-up between him and Hilliard prevented Howe with a long range open goal which he dragged wide as the Yellows turned the screw in search of a winner which eventually materialised nine minutes from time. Callum Halls` cute ball inside off the wing to Levi Landricombe allowed space for Howe to run in behind, Landricombe stepped over the ball and Howe found space to drill in low from twenty yards, the sort of effort that even the most tried and tested goalkeepers would have struggled to get anywhere near, let alone an `outfield` stand-in. James Halls` free kick then produced a smart save from Rice as the hosts looked for a way back in to the match as time ticked away but the Yellows held out and recorded their second league victory on the road this season and moved back up to sixth in the standings.

Tiverton: Martin Rice, Nick Hurst (Ollie Knowles 65), Callum Hall, Jamie Price, Ben Mammola, Tom Gardner (Liam Gregory 31), Jamie Short, Michael Landricombe, Jordan Rogers (OWEN HOWE 20), Levi Landricombe, Scott Rogers.

Goals: Owen Howe 45, 81.

Attendance: 251.

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Tivvy Podcast v Barnstaple 3 October

https://m.mixcloud.com/TCRradioProductions/tivvy-fc-vs-barnstaple-3rd-oct-2017-podcast/

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Ollie Knowles : Player Profile

Jay: How did you first get into football Ollie? 

OK: I remember playing at school from a young age then my old man took me down to the local team when I was about eight years of age and I just loved it from there.

Jay: Who were your greatest influences on your football career?

OK: I have to say my dad, without him I wouldn’t have got into the game and he was driving all around the country to come and support me as a kid and he still comes to every home game and the odd away game now. Player wise, growing up watching up Frank Lampard play, he was the player I looked up to and who I wanted to be like.

Jay: Ollie what is your finest moment in your career to date?

OK: On a personal note, signing my first professional contract with Exeter City. Although it didn’t work out it is something that I am proud of and glad that I achieved it. As a tea, unfortunately I was not here last year to have the promotion party with the lads, but probably reaching the play offs with Truro. There were some massive clubs paying big money and for us to finish 4th was massive for the club.

Jay: What are your footballing aims Ollie?

OK: Aims for Tivvy and the future with the group of players and staff we have here and the way we have started the play offs have to be the aim I think.

Jay: Is there any message for the fans Ollie?

OK: Just a thank you really, you’ve made me feel really welcome since joining in the summer and it’s good to see and hear you at home and away games.

Jay: What’s your favourite team apart from obviously Tivvy?

OK: Chelsea are the team I have supported since a kid. My uncle is a season ticket holder at the Bridge and I try and get up to watch a few games when I can.

Jay: Â Who do you consider to be your best mate in football?

OK: That’s a tough question because I have met some great people through football. I’ll have to go for my two best mates really, Elliot Frear and Connor Clifford. I played with Els and against Con but met them both through football so it has to be them two really.

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Tiverton Town 1-2 St Neots Town by Simon Ellis

A third straight league defeat on the bounce for the Yellows is the sum result of seven days of football, from sitting pretty atop of the pile to a place just outside of what will eventually become the play-off places, reasons for emotions at both ends of the spectrum. Disappointed at the manner of the latest reverse but still mixing it at the upper end of the standings in their first season back amongst the elite is reason enough to be not too downhearted. The match would become a tale of the number tens, Saints number 10, Ryan Horne struck twice in the first half before Tivvys` number 10, Levi Landricombe reduced the arrears in the second for what turned out to be nothing more than scant consolation.

Tivvy were quickly out of the traps, clearly keen on making amends for the two previous defeats and continuing the excellent home form. Soon on though, the first of a few `questionable` decisions for the afternoon followed. The ever-alert Levi Landricombe pounced on a short back pass, prodded the ball past the out-rushing Saints keeper Mike Emery and was tripped for as clear a penalty as you`re likely to see, decision – goal kick. Without waffling on about rules, either the penalty is awarded or the forward is cautioned for simulation and the defending team are awarded a free-kick. Emery then produced one of the smartest close range saves of the season, somehow diverting a Jamie Price volley wide and then the same player had his effort chalked off from the resulting corner, for a foul on the goalkeeper who, for the record, had collided with one of his own players.

The Saints forages forward thus far had been comfortably dealt with by the Yellows back line until a corner on 25 caught the afore mentioned defence napping, Luke Knights delivery to the edge of the box found Horne and with time afforded him, he curled a beauty in to the top corner and the visitors doubled their advantage shortly before half time, again Horne the scorer on 41 minutes after a speedy breakaway involving the pacy forwards Sembie-Ferris and Dylan Williams not long after another `controversial` moment. Levi Landricombe had again used his speed to get in behind and get in on goal from Ollie Knowles through ball, only to have his progress halted by what can be best described as an agricultural challenge, Taylor Parr seemed to have little intention of winning the ball, free kick, only a caution, the Tivvy dug-out and crowd less than impressed and manager Martyn Rogers made no secret of his fury and displeasure towards the officials as the two sides left the pitch at half time.

The better early second half chances continued to come the way of the visitors, notably when Sembie Ferris narrowly missed Kieran Wiltshires` delivery and when Horne, on a hat-trick, unselfishly squared to Williams who could only blaze high and wide with the goal at his mercy. Rogers gambled on the hour and made a triple change, replacing Jordan Rogers, Short and Gardner with Bath, Howe and Scott Rogers and soon after it paid dividends. Bath dummied a Howe pass on to Levi Landricombe on 68 and from the edge of the area he arrowed a precise drive in to the corner for League goal number seven to set up a cliff-hanging final 20 plus minutes and what should have been the cue to throw the proverbial `kitchen sink` at the visitors to claw something out of the match.

Disappointingly though, from a Tivvy point of view, it never materialised. Forward passes where either miss-placed or comfortably dealt with by the visitors back-line and the longer the match wore on the more panic set in, in fact the only real chance worth mentioning was when Bath headed over from close range from the impressive Nick Hursts` centre. The latest defeat saw the Yellows slip to seventh and their victory propelled the Saints up to tenth and will have definitely made the long trip back to Cambridgeshire a happy one

Tiverton: Martin Rice, Nick Hurst, LIAM GREGORY, Jamie Price, Ben Mammola, Tom Gardner (Scott Rogers 60), Jamie Short (Tom Bath 60), Ollie Knowles, Jordan Rogers (Owen Howe 60), Levi Landricombe, Michael Landricombe.

Goal: Levi Landricombe 68

Attendance: 229

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Kings Lynn V Tiverton Match Report By Lee Roberts

On a late summers afternoon Tivvy took to the Walks Stadium pitch having only arrived 30 minutes beforehand and were on the back foot from the start as Kings Lynn put pressure on the visitors defence forcing a couple of early corners Craig Parker hit the post from a corner after Martin Rice had pushed a shot round the post. 

Tivvy were hardly getting out of their own half. The pressure told in the 16th minute after good work down the left wing Ryan Hawkings crossed to Craig Parker who couldn't miss. Tivvy then woke up a bit and after a long kick by Martin Rice which Owen Howe latched onto  Tivvys no#9 won a corner from which Mike Landricombe thumped the crossbar. 

Kings Lynn then re-asserted their dominance in the game. On 29 mins Rice had to react quickly after a defensive slip let Michael Gash in one on one but  Rice made himself big and blocked the effort. Kings Lynn  doubled their advantage on 37 mins after a through ball split the Tivvy back line and Ryan Hawkings scored. It should have been 3-0 just a minute later Gash was put through again but Rice Put out his huge paw to thwart the striker. Tivvy thought they were through on 39 minutes but the referee put a halt to the move adjudging that Levi Landricombe had deliberately handled the ball and then booked him for complaining. 

Kings Lynn had the ball in the net once more but it was rightly chalked off for offside at half time Tivvy were lucky it was only 2-0 it could have 5 or six.

The second half continued along the first half pattern with Kings Lynn having most of the play Scott Rogers replaced Tom Gardener on 59  mins and on 72 Jordan Rogers and Tom Bath came on for Owen and  Jamie Short . However the game was over

Att. 686 M.O.M Martin Rice

Team: Martin Rice, Nick Hurst, Liam Gregory, Jamie Price, Ben Mammola,  Tom Gardner, Jamie Short, Ollie Knowles,  Owen Howe, Levi Landricombe, Mike Landricombe, 

Subs, George Rogers, Scott Rogers, Jordan Rogers, Tom Bath, Harry Horton.

[tivvygoldarmy-blog]

Tivvy Town V Buckland Match Report By Simon Ellis

TIVERTON TOWN 8-0 BUCKLAND ATHLETIC

The Yellows began the defence of their Devon St. Lukes title in emphatic fashion, handing out eight strokes of the cane to Toolstation league leaders Buckland Athletic, hat-tricks from both Jordan Rogers and Tom Bath sandwiched around goals from Ollie Knowles and Jamie Price. Fresh from reaching the summit of the Premier Division for the first time in over a decade manager Martyn Rogers made four changes to the side that had beaten Basingstoke Town on the previous Saturday, Tom Bath, Liam Gregory and Harry Horton all started for the first time this season and Jordan Rogers gave an excellent display and handed out a real selection head-ache ahead of this weekends trip cross country to Kings Lynn.

Almost 12 months on from handing out the same punishment to Tavistock at the same stage of the competition, even the most ardent members of the crowd would not have predicted such a one-sided and similar scoreline especially as the sides were only separated at the interval by Jordan Rogers first competitive goal in yellow and Buckland, to their credit, made the two-division gap almost seem non-existent.

In the second half though, much to the disappointment of all involved with the Bucks, they capitulated. Two goals in two early second half minutes put the tie beyond too much doubt before the Yellows ran riot. Ollie Knowles curled home a delightful free kick for his first for Tivvy and then Tom Bath glanced home a fine header from a Jamie Short cross. Jordan Rogers added his second and Tivvys fourth from the penalty spot, Tom Bath scored twice more from close range to complete his treble before Jamie Price prodded smartly home from a corner and Jordan Rogers completed the scoring and his treble six minutes from time.

Tiverton: Martin Rice, Nick Hurst, Liam Gregory, Jamie Price, Ben Mammola, Tom Gardner (Levi Landricombe 73), Jamie Short (Owen Howe 77), Ollie Knowles (Scott Rogers 54), Tom Bath, Jordan Rogers, Harry Horton.

Goals: Jordan Rogers 11, 66(p), 84 Tom Bath 54, 73,77 Ollie Knowles 52, Jamie Price 82.

Attendance: 106

[tivvygoldarmy-blog]

Restoring Belief In Football & Banbury Programme Shop

A week last Thursday evening saw the Premiership transfer deadline pass with Sky TV’s usual razzmatazz with Jim White and Natalie Sawyer along with Sky reporters going over every detail of proposed transfers and completed transfers. Just in this transfer window the following deals have taken place. This is just a snapshot. Chelsea signed Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid for £67 Million, Arsenal sold Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for £35 Million to Liverpool, Burnley signed Chris Wood from Leeds Utd for £15 Million and Sold Michael Keane to Everton for £30 Million the list goes on and on for ridiculous amounts of money.

My beloved Watford signed four players on deadline day and I have never heard of any of them. The only one Watford have signed this season who I have heard of in the transfer period was Andre Gray and that was for a staggering £18 Million. I saw my first game against York City in 1978 and a subsequent 348 games later the club I have followed from a five-year-old, has vastly changed and I am not convinced it’s for the better.

Meanwhile over in France PSG completed the signing of Neymar for £200 Million and a year loan deal for Kylian Mbappe then an option to buy him for £166 Million next season from Monaco. I know I may be old fashioned but with people needing food banks just to survive and all government’s talk about is cut backs in services etc then can these fees really be justified for footballers? I was asked by a fellow Tivvy fan what I thought about Watford’s transfers and to be fair I couldn’t be bothered. Will any of the signings have any affinity with the club? Will they run through a brick wall for the fans? Will they be about next season let alone the next five seasons?

  Friday night it was Malta against England to qualify for the World Cup in Russia 2018. I used to love international matches Kevin Keegan, Trevor Brooking, Alan Shearer, Gazza, Stuart Pearce etc. etc. Now we struggle with a 0-0 with that footballing giant Malta at half time. Raheem Sterling is pulled off at half time because he doesn’t fit the system. Yes, that’s the same player who cost £49 Million from Liverpool to Manchester City who can’t fit into a football system. England score three late goals after Harry Kane had opened the scoring and win but the football is dire and coming off a disastrous European Championship where England lost to Iceland International football with England is not a great prospect. It certainly is not a joy it’s a punishment.

The saving grace is Non-League football where players still give it their all, respect the fans and are not paid huge sums of money unless you are at Billericay but that’s another story. Saturday saw a trip to Banbury United with Tiverton Town. The players were picked up at various spots on the way and went up with the fans. Players chat with the fans openly and win lose or draw have the fans respect.

On arrival at Banbury after a four-hour coach trip and a warm welcome from the opposing fans and officials I made my way to a new programme shop that was situated at the end of the ground in an old store room that had been converted. Liam Reading who I follow on twitter dad set up the shop and it was a gold mine. There was league and non-league programmes along with big matches and old programme specials. I spent the next hour going through Watford away programmes, non-league Tiverton away programmes and purchased some great programmes. One I picked up was a AFC Bournemouth & Boscombe against Watford that was played on 25th December 1954 Christmas Day at 11.00 AM for £3. What a bargain along with a 1948 Arsenal v Chelsea programme and assorted Watford aways and Tivvy aways.

I chatted to Liam’s dad and reminisced over the old programmes and players. Can you imagine doing this over a digital programme? With five minutes to kick off I paid for my programmes a big smile on my face and went to take my place for the game.  I had met a good friend earlier in Pete Ray “Mowdog” and took my position on the side of the pitch with him to watch the match. An excellent game of football between Banbury & Tiverton ended 4-2 to Banbury. A further chat after the game had finished with Pete and then the opposition fans in the bar and then back on the coach with the Tivvy players.

I got home at 10.00 P/M that evening after stopping in Tivvy Town Centre for a Chicken Kebab. After pouring myself a cider I sat down and read through my programmes that I had acquired that day and fell asleep. All was ok with the footballing world again. Well the non-league game anyway over to you Wayne.

[tivvygoldarmy-blog]

Tivvy V Basingstoke Match Report By Simon Ellis

TIVERTON TOWN 3-2 BASINGSTOKE TOWN

Saturday 16th September 2017. A date for all the historians and statisticians to take note of and remember. Whilst it is NOT the first time (contrary to reports) that the Yellows have found themselves at their highest ever league position at the top of the Southern Premier Division, as they achieved the same feat in September 2002 (4 days) and August 2006 (5 days), it will be the longest period they spend there after their fifth straight home victory of the season. Such an achievement early on in the campaign will not go unnoticed elsewhere and although one of the `newbies` to the group it will make other sides think long and hard before underestimating Tivvy. Three up at half time, 2 more from Levi Landricombe to continue his fine scoring run and a `greatest ever at Ladysmead` contender from eventual Man of the Match Ben Mammola had Tivvy seemingly cruising to victory before Basingstoke scored twice after the interval to set up a tense finale.

After what seems to be the customary opening period at Ladysmead nowadays where the visitors start on the front foot, the rest of the first half was a fairly even affair, chances a plenty for both sides in an open and entertaining game, apart from one glaringly obvious difference. All great teams are exactly that, teams, but with them there is usually a figure head, a talisman. The great Liverpool sides of the 70`s and 80`s had Ian Rush, the great Manchester United sides of the 90`s had Andy Cole and at Tiverton currently, Levi Landricombe. 73 goals in 82 appearances including his latest brace has him as one of Tivertons` most prolific ever forwards. Certainly his first was not without a good slice of fortune, after a complete air shot at Nick Hursts` cross, his second effort took a sizeable deflection off `Stoke defender Dan Collier to balloon over stranded keeper Colm McAdden, his second 2 minutes later though was a beauty. Ollie Knowles was tripped 25 yards from goal and similar to numerous previous occasions, a left foot effort was bent around the wall in to the top corner.

Excellent goalkeeping and bodies on the line prevented the visitors making in-roads into Tivertons` lead, notably when Rice tipped Sam Deadfields` curling effort on to the bar, Mammola found himself in the right place to clear the lines and the bravery of Michael Landricombe blocked Tim Wohlfiels` fierce effort before Mammola scored, as previously mentioned, an outstanding third. Genuinely reminiscent of something Lionel Messi makes a habit of doing, Mammola strode forward from the half way line, waltzing past several defenders along the way before prodding neatly home from close range when confronted by McAdden.

The Dragons responded instantly after the interval, top scorer Sam Smart added his fifth of the season after being played through and with 18 goals in their previous four wins, it was enough to set panic amongst home supporters. Such panic was, or should have been short-lived. McAdden saved well from the head of Michael Landricombe and Owen Howe had a goal chalked off for offside as the Yellows looked to re-assert their chokehold on the game. Jordan Rogers and Tom Bath replaced Howe and Levi Landricombe and both had their chance to put the game to bed before `Stoke set up the grandstand, nervous finale. McAdden saved with his legs from Bath as he raced clear of tiring defenders and Rogers deflected shot bounced off the crossbar as the visitors pushed higher.

With the job seemingly done and four minutes of injury time had passed, no-one seemed particularly interested in Charlie Kennedy when he picked up the ball 20 yards from goal, so he duly arrowed a low shot into the corner but despite their best efforts in the remaining minutes, the resolute defending of the Yellows ensured there would be no fairy tale comeback.

Tiverton: Martin Rice, Nick Hurst (Scott Rogers 78), Callum Hall, Jamie Price, BEN MAMMOLA, Tom Gardner, Jamie Short, Ollie Knowles, Owen Howe (Tom Bath 78), Levi Landricombe (Jordan Rogers 78), Michael Landricombe. Goals: Levi Landricombe 17, 19 Ben Mammola 45+1. Attendance: 220.

[tivvygoldarmy-blog]

Who Would Be a Manager In Todays Game?

Monday saw the sacking of Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer after only four games into the new premiership season. After four games in the premiership and no wins, no goals scored and seven goals conceded Palace decided that they would dispense with the services of the ex-Netherlands international. De Boer had been installed as manager in the summer after succeeding Sam Allardyce.

I remember speaking to our manager Martyn Rogers who strongly believes that managers need time to develop a team and then build for the future. This is evident with Tiverton who have steadily built from our position three season ago and last season this method bore fruit with a promotion to the Southern League Premier Division and under Martyn’s guidance we are again looking for promotion to the Southern conference.

I look at Alex Fergusson who it was rumoured was one game away from being sacked when a player called Mark Robbins came off the bench in a FA Cup tie on January 7th, 1990 and scored a goal against Notts Forest deep into Fergie Time. The team went on to finish 11th in the league but they went on to win the FA Cup against Crystal Palace. Everybody knows what happened afterwards with Manchester United becoming one of the most successful teams in Europe. Who knows if Frank de Boer had been given time for Palace what could have been achieved.

I understand that in the premiership it is vitally important that teams stay in it as the money is immense and chairman panic when results go against them but I still can’t get my head around this one. As I am a Watford fan changing managers is not a new thing with my club, we seem to change our manager it seems every season. I must admit though I was really pleased when Watford dispensed with the services of Walter Mazzarri last season and in the past, I have called for the head of Gianfranco Zola and years ago Dave Bassett and it proved to be the correct decision when the club released them. I was there at Wembley when England lost to Germany in a World Cup Final Qualifier on 7 October 2000 the last game at the old Wembley Stadium. I was one of those calling for the managers head and it didn’t feel good as Keegan was one of my supporting heroes but I knew it was the correct call.

However, I strongly believe in Martyn’s comments that it takes time for a manager to build a team, add to it and then hopefully progress. I think we are lucky to have Martyn in charge of Tiverton Town and with his experience I am sure we will progress. Let’s hope that chairman around the country either league or non-league give their managers a chance and if they lose their first four games have faith in their original appointment.

[tivvygoldarmy-blog]

Nick Hurst: Player Profile

Jay: How did you first get into football Nick? NH: I don’t have an exact memory of when I first played football but football is a massive thing in our family and I know for a fact it would have been my dad and his brothers who would have got me into football from a very early age.

Jay: Who were your greatest influences on your football career? NH: I think there are two main ones. I would say number one is my old man. He’s my biggest fan and biggest critic but he’s has been on the side-lines for as long as I can remember and he has followed me all the way to the point I am now at with Tivvy. The second biggest influence has to be David Beckham, growing up he was everything a kid wants to be when he grows up and he was the guy I’d always try and copy.

Jay: What is your finest moment in your career to date. NH: This is an easy one, last year’s promotion was by far the finest moment of my footballing career. If I could relive that day a thousand times I would still not be fed up with it.

Jay: That day will live long in the fans minds and you were one of those heroes who obtained promotion for Tivvy Town F.C

Jay: What are your footballing aims Nick? NH: I think as a team our aim is definitely to be in the play offs again and with the start we’ve had I can’t see why that can’t happen. With regards to the future hopefully we can keep the club going forward and get into conference football.

Jay: Is there any message for the fans Nick. NH: I’d just say that speaking on behalf of all the lads the support we get is great. It would be nice to see a few more this season and really get behind the boys as well.

Jay: What’s your favourite team apart from obviously Tivvy? NH: Manchester United is the team I support, from my earliest memories my dad made sure that I was never going to support anyone else.

Jay:  Who do you consider to be your best mate in football. NH: That’s a hard question as I don’t want to upset anyone but I just want to put on record it’s not Tom Bath. I would say probably Sam Hilson from my time at Bodmin Football Club.

[tivvygoldarmy-blog]

Callum Hall: Player Profile

Jay: How did you first get into football Callum? CH: I first got into football aged 8, my dad played football when he was younger so I was always brought up around football and all I wanted to do was play. So, my parents took me to an open day for Chaddlewood Miners (My local club) along with a few friends.

Jay: Who were your greatest influences? CH: Kevin Hodges has to be one of my greatest influences as he was the one who gave me my first chance at Plymouth Argyle. He was a coach at Plymouth who always put in extra to help me improve my game. Others who were a massive influence were Gordan Bennett and Craig Brewster and they still are.

Jay: What is your finest moment in your career to date. CH: The finest moment has got to be when I was offered my professional contract with Plymouth Argyle.

Jay: What are your footballing aims? CH: My aims for Tiverton Town is to be pushing for promotion come the end of the season and for me to play as many games as possible. For the future, I want to play at the highest level I possibly can and continue to develop as a player and help Tiverton Town push on to the next level.

Jay: Is there any message for the fans? CH: A Big thank you for making me feel so welcome since signing for the club.

Jay: What’s your favourite team apart from obviously Tivvy? CH: My favourite team is Liverpool.

Jay: Who is your best friend in football? CH: My best friend in football is Louis Rooney who currently plays for Linfield in the Irish Premiership. We were in the Plymouth Academy together.