Saturday, September 28 . Ian Moorcroft Stadium . 3pm
Tiverton Town v Gloucester City
Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South
OUR Saturday visitors’ stay in National League North was ended by relegation at the conclusion of last season's campaign. The intention is most definitely for Gloucester to make an immediate return to that level and results so far this season indicate that they will, at the very least, be in Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South Eyeplay-off contention. The current fourth-placed side will arrive this weekend looking to further establish their promotion credentials.
Like our opponents on Tuesday night Axminster, Gloucester are also nicknamed the Tigers. Whilst the Yellows claimed their first home success this term last Saturday, against Winchester, this weekend’s opponents were drawing in London against Hanwell. The Tigers’ only blemish in the league has come at our FA Trophy opposition, Dorchester.
Striker Joe Parker joined us in the summer, having been on loan from our visitors from January till last season’s end, and Ben Gerring is also a former player. The away side’s Dan Ball spent a short loan spell at Ladysmead during the 2018-19 campaign and the vastly experienced defender played for many years at Bath City before appearing for Taunton Town, also in National League South, in the previous two seasons.
A familiar face in the current Tigers’ line-up is Dayle Grubb, who has moved from Weston-super-Mare, and his undeniable quality is sure to be a factor in Gloucester’s push for promotion. The attacking midfielder/winger is not only a reliable goal-getter, but additionally has plenty of assists to his name in a career that started as a pro with Forest Green Rovers.
Goalkeeper Nathan Harvey has arrived on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge and was previously part of West Ham’s Academy sides, also spending time at Charlton.
Central defender/midfielder Tyrone Duffus is another to have graced our division over the last few years with Swindon Supermarine. However, his cv started with a sustained period in Everton’s Academy sides prior to joining Cardiff City and having the honour of playing for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s. He also spent time at Underhill with Barnet, higher up the football pyramid.
Striker Kieran Phillips arrived in close season after a loan spell with Havant & Waterlooville, having, at the start of his senior football journey, signed professional forms with Bristol Rovers, making two cup appearances for the the first team. Other stints on loan were spent at Chippenham, Dorchester, Swindon Supermarine and a previous one with the Tigers.
Mike Cook’s team will provide a stern test for the Yellows and Tiverton will need to be at their best if they are to upset the odds on Saturday. Dylan Jones, Joe Parker and Asa Hall, who became a dad again in midweek, will all be available to manager Leigh Robinson and Tivvy will be hoping to use their three consecutive wins as a springboard for further success against Gloucester.
Attacking player Kai Churchley also returns after playing for Bristol City Under-21s whilst the Tivvy first team were on cup duty at Axminster on Tuesday night.
Mike Baker is an injury doubt and Tor Swann remains a long-term injury.
With a bit of belief, the Yellows are capable of being very competitive in this game.
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