Gloucester City v Tiverton Town
Friday 28th March
7.45pm Kick Off
The Tiger Turf Stadium
A Friday night game is a bit of a rarity, and it has been a quarter of a century since Gloucester City, our opponents have hosted one. Despite our recent upturn in form, I think as fans we know better than to make assumptions that we have found the recipe that will see us to safety. Football is ever changing and there is a lot of information available, and observations made by opposition coaching staff that can soon alter what appears to be a winning formula.
Aside from the unavailable Jamil Roberts, on Saturday Asa Hall and Steve Orchard had a full-strength squad to choose from. The returning Joe Beardwell and Gabe Billington should be further on in their fitness and Josh Jones will be assessed after aggravating an injury in the warmup.
The emergence of Dan Koita has definitely given our management team food for thought and in a strong team performance, there was also starring roles for Charlie Cummings, Jeff Forkuo and Toby Down. A moment of quality from the manager making the difference.
The Tigers who are close to achieving a play-off place will be determined to finish as high as possible to get a more favourable semi-final draw. So, there will be no complacency and even more focus from them, following a setback on the road last Saturday, when they lost 4-0 to play off hopefuls Havant & Waterlooville. Tiverton will definitely need to be at the top of their game against Gloucester.
The Tigers’ blueprint at the start of the campaign will have been for an immediate return to The National League South. Managing affairs is Mike Cook. Cook, a Gloucester native had a premature end to a professional playing career, through injury at the age of 22.
The former Coventry, Cambridge and York pro though, did enjoy a decent non-league career with Wycombe Wanderers, Corby Town and Gloucester. He has since acquired an impressive managerial CV. Chippenham Town and Swindon Town Women were other appointments.
His side includes prolific attacking midfielder Joe Hanks. With almost a goal every other game in The Southern League this season, his threat is an obvious one.
Known for the odd wonder strike, the 30-year-old ex EFL player who was formerly of Cheltenham Town has good pedigree. He also appeared for Chippenham a step higher and has made over 150 appearances for The Tigers.
Striker Kieran Phillips may not have many goals to show for his effort’s during this campaign, but he has chipped in with a fair few assists and the former Bristol Rovers man did enjoy a fruitful spell with Swindon Supermarine at this level, a few seasons’ back.
Dayle Grubb made non-league headlines when he signed a five-year contract with Weston Super Mare, following his departure from Forest Green and the Winger was instrumental in their promotion to National South. He’s 33 now, but still a top-quality operator.
Irishman Kevin Dawson, a former teammate of Asa Hall at Torquay, brings plenty of EFL experience to Gloucester’s midfield. The 34-year-old played in every division but the Premier League for Yeovil, making over 200 appearances in the Football League for The Glovers, Cheltenham and Forest Green.
Fellow midfielder Brandon Smalley who spent time as a youngster with Leeds United and Rochdale, like the aforementioned Joe Hanks has over double figures on the goal front.
Ben Richards- Everton is a 33-year-old Central Defender who played North of the border in The Scottish Premiership for Partick Thistle and for Dunfermline Athletic and Airdrieonians in Scotland. Returning to England and making over 80 EFL appearances for Accrington Stanley and Bradford City.
Richards-Everton's football journey has since seen him move on to the non-league destinations of Barnet, Yeovil and Scunthorpe. The much sought after, 6ft 5-inch Defender signed for The Tigers in 2024.
Ex Everton trainee Tyrone Duffus, who has previous experience in this standard of football with Swindon Supermarine is another impressive central defender who additionally was contracted to Cardiff City. Spending time on loan at Hereford and Barnet.
Former Chippenham/ Weymouth keeper Jared Thompson and Coventry City loanee Luke Bell are vying for the goalkeeping position at Gloucester. Defender Dan Ball played a handful of games for us on loan in the 2018/19 season and has a wealth of experience with both Bath City and Taunton higher up the footballing pyramid.
Joe Parker was a popular player in his considerable time with the Tigers and was deployed in the tier above, as both a striker and a winger.
It will be a test for Tivvy under the Friday Night lights. However, if they can come through this, it should instil plenty of belief in Asa Hall and Steve Orchard’s player’s going forward.