Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South
Tiverton Town v Poole Town
Saturday, October 26 . Ian Moorcroft Stadium, Ladysmead . 3pm
WITH the Yellows’ search for a new manager fully underway, player/coach Asa Hall and Niall Thompson will once again take the team this weekend. The scintillating 3-3 draw at home to Sholing last Saturday provided excellent entertainment for the fans and, despite not pulling us out of the relegation places, it did demonstrate a determination from the players to give their all and try to turn things around.
The game was marked by a terrific home debut from recent signing Evander Grubb, whose two goals were vital. It also saw the return of the influential Dylan Jones; playing in a more advanced role in the Sholing game, it was a timely boost to have him available for selection again.
Both teams’ early elimination from the Isuzu FA Trophy means this fixture has been moved from midweek to the weekend. Our visitors come to the Ian Moorcroft Stadium fresh from an away success at Frome and find themselves in ninth place in the table, having gathered 19 points from the 12 games played.
There is a substantial amount of experience in the Dolphin’s ranks. None more so than evergreen defender and captain Jamie Whisken. In his 12th unbroken season at the club, 37-year-old Whisken should reach the impressive feat of 500 games for Poole during this campaign. Combative midfielder Billy Lowes, for many years a favourite at Dorset rivals Dorchester, started a second spell nine years after his first one with the Dolphins in the previous campaign.
Versatile defender and former Yeovil captain Josh Staunton has a wealth of non-League pedigree, with Dagenham & Redbridge, Boreham Wood and FC Halifax also on his CV. Cameron Plain is Poole’s regular No. 1 this term. An Academy ’keeper at Bournemouth, he signed pro terms with the Cherries and, following his release in the summer, Poole moved quickly to secure his services.
Toby Holmes, a regular accumulator of goals in this standard of football, has been leading the line for Saturday’s visitors this term and the capture early season of Rafa Ramos from Salisbury means there is depth to Poole’s firepower, the powerful and skilful hitman starring against us for Gosport Borough when they came to Tiverton earlier in the year.
The team who play at the BlackGold Stadium are managed by Steve Tully, who enjoyed a long and fruitful playing career, making more than 350 appearances for Exeter City and Torquay United. Starting his coaching career with Truro City as Player/Manager, he won promotion to National League South with the Cornishmen and also took up senior roles in both Plymouth’s and Bristol Rover’s Academies before becoming Poole’s manager during last season following the departure of Matt Tubbs.
Both teams will be looking to climb the table for very different reasons. All three points could take the Yellows out of the bottom four, whereas a win here for the Dolphins will see them start to home in on a play-off place.
Our response to adversity was an excellent one when we played Sholing and, if we can maintain those levels, we will once again be competitive.
This game may come too soon for the injured Thompson and Mike Baker. However, Tor Swann has been building up game time as he looks to reach full fitness.
Jay Murray has decided to join Western League Portishead and we wish the popular and talented midfielder well at his new club.
In this period of transition for Tivvy, it is important that everyone pulls together - the players, the staff and the supporters - much like they did last Saturday. The support was magnificent in our previous home game and I know how that was appreciated by the players.
So let’s come out in force and get behind the team.
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