Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South
Tiverton Town v Dorchester Town
Tuesday, August 13 . Ian Moorcroft Stadium . 7.45pm
THE Yellows step out for their first home game of the new season against Dorchester Town on Tuesday, back in front of their own fans.
The fixture should be hugely competitive, with our visitors having drawn 1-1 against Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday and Tivvy looking to get back on track after their game at Merthyr.
There has been no time to dwell on that result and, individually and collectively, the team will be driven to make amends. As we saw in pre-season, there is plenty of ability in this Yellows’ squad and, if they can harness that, we will be fine.
There will be a few mental and physical bruises from Saturday. However, what is needed is a quick press of the reload button against Tom Killick’s much fancied side.
It has not been the ideal start for Dorchester either, as Shaquille Gwengwe, their star striker, and summer signing Kyran Samadi missed out through injury at the weekend.
Killick was also absent through illness and goalkeeper Gerard Benfield was replaced through injury against Havant after 80 minutes and outfield player Will Spetch had to take over.
Former Poole Town manager Killick strengthened his squad in the off season, ex-EFL midfield schemer Wes Fogden joining the masses of former Poole players now in the Magpies’ ranks and National League South player Matt Buse being another notable arrival.
Dorchester were a well-drilled and talented unit when they visited the Ian Moorcroft Stadium at the backend of last season, finishing the last campaign as strong as anyone.
What was apparent was their technical passing game, with good understanding through the thirds, and the presence of the physical and athletic driving midfielder Jordan N’galo. His fitness and all-round ability in the centre of the park will need to be nullified.
Former Yellow Olaf Koszela should once again be in the Magpies’ line-up on Tuesday, while Yellows’ Leighton Thomas started last term with the visitors, scooping a Player of the Month award in a second spell with the Dorset side. In his first stint there, Thomas’s manager was Leigh Robinson, who was in charge during the COVID period.
The Yellows will assess a few players before selecting their team and those that came off the bench at Merthyr will come into contention.
For supporters that are unaware, all five substitutes can be used this season. This provides the managers with more options, both to cover injury and tactically.
It will naturally be important what is said in the dressing-room prior to the game, but equally important are the fans.
So let us show our support by getting behind the team.
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