Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South
Frome Town v Tiverton Town
Tuesday, September 10 . Badgers Hill Stadium. 7.45pm
EVEN at this early point of the season, a positive result here for either side will be more reassuring. Two points and two places separate them, as Frome, in 19th position with four points, host the Yellows, who sit below them in 21st position on two points, with six games played by each.
With our early exit from the Emirates FA Cup, after this game, Tiverton are next scheduled to be in action on September 21, when Winchester City will be the visitors to the Ian Moorcroft Stadium. The value of a win in Somerset appears to be priceless.
The two teams were soundly beaten on Saturday, Frome falling to a 4-0 reverse at Dorchester and Tiverton being defeated 3-0 on away soil by Gosport.
The Robins, newly promoted following an excellent season in Southern League Division One South, and Tivvy have locked horns a fair bit over the years, both in this division and in the league below, the last meeting being a 1-0 FA Cup first round victory for the Yellows in the 2022-23 season.
Defenders Pierce Mitchell and Joe O’Loughlin are current members of the Robins’ squad and they both had short spells with the Yellows in the recent past, Mitchell also playing for Tivvy manager Leigh Robinson at Taunton. Our new signing, central defender Mike Baker was with Frome during their 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns.
Danny Greaves took over the managerial reins in 2018 with the club struggling and in difficult times. It is testimony to him that he has slowly rebuilt and seen them rise back up.
The playing personnel that he has assembled has plenty of pedigree and experience, along with young and exciting prospects. Defender Sam Teale is into his tenth consecutive season with the Robins and the impressive club servant has amassed over 270 games for our hosts.
Gifted former Bristol City Academy midfielder Marcus Day played 27 times for Taunton in National League South last term, while fellow midfielder Joe Budd has been a permanent fixture in Frome’s midfield this season and last. Still only 21, he was previously on a professional contract with Bristol Rovers and had successful loan spells with Hendon and Taunton during that time.
Goalscoring winger James Ollis is a favourite at Badgers Hill, although he started his senior football journey at Bath City. He is one of a number of Robins to have spent a lengthy period at the club.
Making most of his appearances in a Frome shirt, the vastly experienced midfielder Matt Smith was a pro with Newport County and also enjoyed a fruitful period with Chippenham Town higher up the footballing pyramid. Defender Warren Maidment is another important component of the side and has played for his manager for six seasons.
The Yellows will be intent on restoring some faith in this one. This is a highly competitive league and no-one will be rolling over to make things easy for us.
A settled line-up, with our disappointing start, has yet to materialise. However, once again it will be up to the players to convince Leigh Robinson and Ben Gerring of their starting credentials.
Just one improved performance could be the catalyst for moving forward and here is another opportunity.
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