Tiverton Town v Harrow Borough
Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South
Saturday, November 11. Ian Moorcroft Stadium. 3pm
HARROW Borough prepared for Saturday's game at Ladysmead by winning 1-0 in a Middlesex FA Senior tie against league rivals Hanwell Town, although it is important to mention that Hanwell goalkeeper Sam Beasant was red-carded as early as the 20th minute.
It was not until injury time at the end of the second half that the deadlock was finally broken and Harrow proceeded into the last eight of the competition.
Saturday's encounter is a six-pointer. If Tiverton win, they go above Harrow; if they are beaten, Harrow will then have a six-point advantage over the Yellows.
With a changing of the guard, Tiverton fans will, I am sure, give a warm and good reception to new manager Leigh Robinson and his assistant Ben Gerring. A mixture of excitement, anticipation and nerves all will be evident come 3pm - it has been four weeks since Ladysmead has hosted a first-team game and the complexion of the club has changed since Walton & Hersham were the visitors.
Never has there been a more poignant moment to support the manager and get behind the players. Leigh Robinson has handled himself Impressively since taking up the role, but will need time to decide on his best 11. Because the supporters are always the 12h man, everyone needs to all face this fresh challenge together as the club looks eventually to climb away from trouble.
The squad has had a bit of a makeover since Town were last at home. Four new arrivals have joined the cause: striker Elliot Dugan; midfielders Jerry Lawrence - the Bristol Rovers loanee -and Ryan Keates; and young Plymouth Argyle loanee goalkeeper Zak Baker is the latest recruit. Fan favourite, the strong running Dylan Jones will also be under consideration, having started in Tuesday’s Bayside Graphics Devon St Lukes Challenge Cup defeat by Newton Abbot Spurs.
It will take a little time for the team to gel and judgement should be reserved until they have had a few weeks working and playing together, as well as adapting to new ideas from the management team.
Harrow themselves are not ideally placed. However, Jordan Berry’s team appear to have become more competitive in recent weeks. Only a last-gasp winner from Salisbury saw them lose to the league leaders, and a narrow 2-1 FA Trophy loss against fellow Premier South members Beaconsfield, along with the Hanwell result, suggest an improving side.
Captain Reece Yorke is very accomplished at this level and the centre-back has also notably served Slough Town, Beaconsfield and Chesham, amongst others. Goalkeeper Tyler Tobin has been the Borough player of the month on a couple of occasions this term and has been in excellent form since moving from Uxbridge in the summer.
Striker Victor Osubu, who has returned to the club, a decade after his first stint, will be hoping to add to his goal last week against Salisbury. The vastly experienced 34-year-old began at Hayes 15 seasons back and has scored goals for Hemel Hempstead, Slough Town, Barton Rovers, Beaconsfield, Canvey Island, Dunstable and Chesham.
Before the game, we will be remembering those that have served this country to ensure the freedoms that we enjoy today.
Saturday brings a new beginning, so let us embrace it and move forward as one.
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