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Tiverton Town vs Gloucester City Tuesday 16th December 7:45pm Kick off The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium It's been over six weeks since the team have played in front of their own fans. In that time our battle for survival has become harder and harder. A crumb of comfort is that with thirteen games remaining at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium, including this one against Gloucester, good home form could make an immeasurable difference.    Our supporters will welcome back Dylan Jones, a hugely popular and inspirational player for us in recent times and also Marcus Day, a classy winger who definitely deserved more of a chance last season. Also Kane Simpson the gifted striker who left Taunton at the back end of October, for footballing reasons.    Injury forced Asa Hall and Steve Orchard into making one change prior to kick off and a second after ten minutes of play on Saturday. Corey Koerner due to illness ahead of kick off and Brooklyn Wilkins through injury, a little way into the match were the players affected, so that will influence team selection, with the short time between that game and this one.    The heartening sight of top scorer Louis Jagger Cane back in action after a lay off was a positive from the 5-0 Farnham defeat. He may need time to be up to speed; in building up to full match fitness and I’m sure physio Tony Cornish will oversee a sensible programme, as he regains full fitness.    Our management duo will be banking on a full complement of strikers to choose from, for this midweek fixture. However, unless the team can rapidly stop conceding goals, their criteria is almost an impossible one to deliver.    Gloucester look better equipped this term and Daf Williams’ who replaced Mike Cook who parted company with the Tigers at the end of last season, has wasted no time in putting his own stamp on things at the Tiger Turf Stadium. Wholesale changes to the squad were made in pre-season.    The young Welshman is 33 years old and held the post of assistant manager at Newport County before accepting the role with Gloucester. Cited for being an attacking and inventive boss, he has previously been an assistant manager at the club.    Making many additions to the squad in the close season, he persuaded striker Kane Simpson to swap the Peacocks for the Tigers. Simpson’s decision many believe fast tracked the demise of play off hopeful’s Taunton and ultimately ended with the resignation of manager Richard Luffman.    Simpson didn't set the world alight when he was with us, but in a stay blighted by injury there were glimpses of his potential, which he fulfilled with Merthyr last season. With eleven goals in 18 games in Southern League Premier South this term and 5 in 7 since his arrival at his new club, the early signs are Williams has made a very good choice.    Wide man Harry Pinchard has proved to be a massive hit with the Gloucester faithful after joining the club last season, following a good football upbringing at Hereford. He has continued that into this campaign, and his six goals emphasise his threat in the final third.    The promising King Baidoo who was on loan at Yate in the league below last season has chipped in with four goals and the club have high hopes for the talented forward.     A player who has always performed strongly at this level is mercurial winger Elis Watts and a proven scorer from his wide berth at Hungerford and Weston super Mare, the skilful Welshman Watts who was a pro at Newport County is a real talent. He also has contributed 5 goals to their campaign.    Emerging forward Sop Obieri is on loan from EFL side Cheltenham and has previous experience of this division with Hungerford. Yet to make his EFL bow, there are high hopes for the young forward in the professional game. He has featured in the majority of the Tigers games during this campaign.    Aaron Wildig has endured his fair share of injury problems, but the former Morecombe captain’s pedigree is untold. The 33-year-old exceeded over 300 appearances in the EFL for Morecombe, Newport County, Shrewsbury and Cardiff, which is where he started his senior career    Midfielder Joe Hanks is a managers dream and Gloucester’s top scorer has eight goals to his name this term. The former Cheltenham EFL man notched twenty goals in the last campaign and is on course to surpass that tally, this season. The impressive technical player will need to be closely monitored.    Fellow midfielder Harry Emmett is an ever present and the local lad who has been with Gloucester since the 2023/24 season, but began his senior career with Cinderford, has become a valuable asset following a loan spell with Redditch United last term.    Imposing centre back Ben Richards-Everton has a notable CV. The Birmingham native has played in the Scottish Premiership for Partick Thistle. The 34-year-old also played for Airdrieonians and Dunfermline, North of the border. Moving onto Accrington Stanley and then Bradford City in the EFL. National League spells with Barnet, Yeovil and Scunthorpe highlight his pedigree and experience.    Veteran defender Daniel Leadbitter who made in excess of 100 appearances in the EFL for the likes of Torquay, Bristol Rovers and Newport County has made Gloucester City his home since the 2020/21 campaign and the classy defender who was with his local team Newcastle United in his Youth, will be an important voice in the dressing room.    Another ever present is defender Ed Williams. The 30-year old’s playing career has included Doncaster Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers higher up the football pyramid. A quality performer in this standard of football and a favourite at Gloucester over three spells, he is a big player for the Tigers.    Establishing himself as the Tigers custodian is ex Chelsea Academy prospect Jared Thompson. This is his second season with the club, and the Popular Gloveman has also played in higher non-league circles, for the likes of Chippenham and Weymouth and is a top talent at this level.    The Yellows will need to be at their best to take points from this match and will additionally need to believe in their abilities and strengths. This is a big week for the team going forward, with Dorchester to follow at the weekend. The fans will as always be right behind the lads.

Farnham Town 5 Booth 3 Evans 6 Ogo 75, 87 Dean 89 Tiverton Town 0 Saturday 13th December The Memorial Ground Attendance: 737 From the outside it appears that with every passing game our plight is becoming that much harder. Although being in and around football dressing rooms for a large percentage of my life I know that there will still be a belief from the inside, that this downward trend can be averted. However painful defeats like these must be extremely difficult to take.    Surrey side Farnham have acclimatised to this level of football very well since promotion and find themselves nestled in the play-offs, with dreamland aspirations of a third successive promotion. Two postponements had perhaps stifled a bit of momentum that the Yellows could have taken into this game.    Asa Hall and Steve Orchard welcomed back Louis Jagger Cane to the matchday squad and Gabe Billington who wasn’t available for the Poole game. Both took their places on the bench, with Dan Koita back in the starting line-up, after a second half cameo in Tiverton’s last match.    A late change just before kick-off saw Jacob Wellington replace Corey Koerner who missed out through illness and keeper John Ross was also amongst the substitutes. For fans of Reality TV, Love Islander Harry Cooksley was part of the hosts midfield. However, the influential Matt Mackenzie was absent due to concussion protocols.    It was the Yellows who were dazed though, in the third minute of this game when wide man Beaux Booth showed good feet, as he was allowed to travel a fair distance along the touchline before cutting inside to decisively fire past Matt Wonnacott in Tiverton’s goal.    It proved to be a baptism of fire for Asa Hall’s men, as three minutes later the young Torquay loanee keeper was once again picking the ball out of the back of his net. It was Sam Evans who was played in, and he calmly slotted home past the exposed Wonnacott.    This of course wasn’t an unusual occurrence for this Yellows side, who had succumbed to the Town’s fast, flowing start. A second enforced change then had to be made, with the injured Brooklyn Wilkins making way for Gabe Billington. Two nil and two players’ down.    Not for the first time during this campaign they dusted themselves off and slowly grew in confidence, matching their much higher opponents for a large portion of the rest of the half. There was a close shave though in the 23 rd minute when Adam Liddle flashed a cross across the six-yard box and missed a host of onrushing Town players.    Billington and Swann then made good progress out wide, exchanging passes as they carried the ball deeper into Farnham territory. Billington’s cross- come shot going across the face of the area though, had a similar result as Liddle’s delivery.  The Yellows were then awarded a free kick on the edge of the Dee, but despite Swann getting the ball up over the wall, he couldn’t keep his attempt down.    Around the half hour mark, defender Dan Bayliss headed beyond the Tiverton crossbar from around the penalty spot, when up for a set-piece for the hosts. A warning as the visitors tried gallantly to get a goal back, that Farnham with another goal could realistically have this game wrapped up, before the interval.    Swann then scampered down the home sides left, tricking his way into a crossing position and finding Dan Koita. Tiverton’s number nine though was marked tightly and his downward header rolled tamely into Michael Eacott, the Town number one's arms.    In the 38 th minute a glaring miss from Liddle let Asa Hall’s side off the hook. A sweeping move from our opponents ending with the striker lifting over, when only a few yards out. Toby Down’s determined defending also prevented our hosts from adding a third, as he strongly held off a posse of players in claret and blue, three minutes later.    Just prior to the break Swann and Aiden Horne combined well, but the latter couldn’t quite reverse his ball into the lively Swann’s path and half time arrived with the Yellows hopes in a delicate position. Knowing that one goal would give them a foothold in the game, but another for the Town would put the game beyond them.    The Surrey side gained the upper- hand at the start of the second period and a dangerous cut back just evaded Jack Dean at the back post with Tiverton stretched in the 48 th minute. Harry Hutchinson then stepped up to bludgeon a free kick from a wide area towards goal. His superbly struck effort produced a wonderful save from Eacott, to deny the Dorchester loanee.    That happened in the 51 st minute and a short while later the Yellows were holding their breath down the other end, as strikes from Liddle, Booth and captain Ryan Kinnane all threatened to close the game out, for the home side. Two excellent blocks’ from Down and Matt Wood inside our box, then denied substitute Darryl Sanders and ex Cambridge United man, Bobby-Joe Taylor.    Intense pressure from Farnham and in the 70 th minute some alert goalkeeping from Wonnacott saw him, take the ball away from an attacker who had broken our defensive line. Our resistance was broken in the 73 rd minute when the referee controversially allowed a goal to stand, regardless of a handball in the build up to it.     A Town player on the floor pushing the ball away from Billington and as the ball eventually found its way through to forward Ogo Obi, he pretty much ended Tiverton’s ambitions in this game. Jack Kennell then set up Koita, who connected well with his shot, but Eacott impressively parried away.    One plus on another chastening day at the office was the return of Louis Jagger Cane from injury in the 75 th minute, with Aiden Horne being substituted. 77 minutes had elapsed when Wonnacott made a fine reflex save, to keep out the dangerous Taylor.    A driving run from Swann ended with a curling effort from a good position, arrowing wide. However, in the 87 th minute our hosts pulled away further. Obi completing a brace with his eighth goal of the campaign, as the Yellows defensive frailties were exposed once again. Obi walking the ball into the goal.     Our misery was compounded a minute later, as second half substitute Owen Dean made it five, after getting the better of a one-on-one with Wonnacott. A sixth almost followed when Sanders rattled a post and in added time as Taylor skied his attempt, when facing an unmanned goal.    There is no hiding from another comprehensive loss and there will be plenty to assess before Tuesday evening as we host high riding Gloucester City. For what seems like the inevitable not becoming a reality, the Yellows will need to start pulling off some unlikely wins. As always, they can count on the loyal support of their fans at the Slee Blackwell stadium then. Tiverton: Matt Wonnacott, Brooklyn Wilkins (10), Jack Kennell, Matt Wood, Toby Down, Tor Swann, Asa Hall, Dan Koita, Jacob Wellington, Harry Hutchinson, Aiden Horne (75). Substitutes: John Ross, Louis Jagger Cane (75), Gabe Billington (10).

Farnham Town vs Tiverton Town Saturday 13th December 3pm Kick off The Memorial Ground Two and a half weeks on from the Yellows last outing, the scintillating 5-5 draw away at Poole, the team will be hoping when they lace up their boots against play-off placed Farnham to upset the odds and add much needed points to their cause. Two postponed home games meaning this will be Tiverton’s fifth successive away league game. Shortly before this Asa Hall and Steve Orchard integrated four new signings into the squad. Although the shortage of competitive matches hasn’t made this ideal for them or their new team-mates, they will have had time on the training ground to familiarise themselves with the players and to focus on the task in hand.    Yellows’ fans will also be wondering if this extended period without games, may have helped in bringing back a few bodies from the treatment table. Dan Koita a second half substitute at Poole should come into contention for a starting berth, but will face competition from Aiden Horne, who provided a brace in his absence from much of that evening.    Ryan Keates was at the heart of a lot of Tivvy’s best play as an attacking force then and with highly rated Torquay keeper Matt Wonnacott and talented ex Gulls youngster Jack Kennell also making a promising start in Yellow, freshening things up could yet see a reversal in fortunes.    Farnham were one of the bigger spenders in preparation for their first campaign in this division and wisely added a core of players who are proven at this level to the squad that earned promotion last term. Overseeing team affairs is Paul Johnson, whose back-to-back promotions with the club indicate exciting, successful times and a progressive manager and outfit.    Johnson is building something with the Town. The goals have been shared around the team. Striker Ogo Obi has six of them and the former Watford trainee is a noted name on the non-league circuit. Wealdstone, Slough, Maidstone and Hemel Hempstead have all made use of the potent frontman’s services. Hendon, Hayes & Yeading and Chesham at our level have been previous destinations.    An eye-catching capture in the close season was that of Bobby-Joe Taylor. The tricky wide man was a loanee with Walton & Hersham last season from parent club Dorking Wanderers. However, if you delve back into his senior career, Taylor played in the EFL for Cambridge United and has made numerous appearances in the National League. Beginning in the academies of Chelsea and Gillingham, he has 209 National League games to his name, most recently with Dorking, but additionally with Cambridge, Aldershot, Maidstone, Bromley and Dover. Still only 30 he has plenty to offer at this level. Taylor has also supplied 5 league goals for the Town.    Mentioned as much for his hold up play and assists as much as finding the net himself, striker Adam Liddle is a big performer for the Surrey side and has played a huge part over the past three seasons in securing two promotions. Previously he has played further up the pyramid for Chelmsford City and Eastbourne Borough whilst he was an apprentice with Reading and latterly a step higher with Hungerford.    Although it’s in Farnham’s midfield that I believe Johnson has assembled a strong department of proven performers. Matt Mackenzie an integral part of Hanwell’s success in this standard of football was prized away from the London club and I have for a long time been impressed by the powerfully built central midfielder who is in type reminiscent of Tom Huddlestone and a good footballer.    Love Islander Harry Cooksley is a very cultured midfielder. He made a single appearance in the EFL for Aldershot at the start of his foray into senior football. A mainstay of this Farnham side in their pursuit of glory, he was also a pro at AFC Wimbledon and has spent time in both Spanish and Austrian football. The 31-year-old who was a runner up in the reality show, has also worn the colours of Farnborough and Hartley Wintney.    Beaux Booth began the campaign with Sholing and the gifted technical player has started impressively at the Town, as Johnson continues to strengthen his squad. Attacking midfielder Darryl Sanders will also be at the managers disposal. Signed from Bracknell, following a strong season with them in the 2022/23 campaign, he is another to have been part of Farnhams rise to this division.    Defensive midfielder Imran Uche is a towering presence, standing at 6ft 5 tall, he has a penchant for breaking up play and is also a gifted playmaker. Uche’s football travels have taken him to Hampton & Richmond, Eastbourne Borough and Aveley in National League South. He has additionally played for Harrow Borough, Northwood and Rayners Lane.    The Surrey sides backline also possesses a lot of quality. Defender Tom Leggett is an example of that. The 29-year-old spent four seasons with Farnborough and then following being promoted with Salisbury, last term plied his trade, a step higher with the Wiltshire team and brings invaluable experience into the home side’s dressing room.    Fellow defender Dan Bayliss should be very comfortable playing in this division too. Starting the campaign in the division above for Chesham, Bayliss was a regular fixture in Bracknell’s team for a number of seasons. The 2023/24 and 2024/2025 campaign’s saw the accomplished player, become a mainstay at Slough.    The well-trodden path from Bracknell to Farnham, also saw the arrival of Jack Dean in the 2023/24 season, in what appears to be an established defensive unit. Dean is an ever present for the Town this term.    A familiar visitor to The Slee Blackwell Stadium is the current number one at The Memorial Ground. Michael Eacott was part of the losing Bracknell team that travelled to us earlier in the campaign. The much-admired former Robin played nearly 150 times over 3 and a bit seasons for the Sandhurst based side.    Asa Hall is still looking to bolster his squad further, but one player who has decided to move on is Finn Rooke. He showed good ability in his stay with the Yellows, but lack of game time has prompted a move elsewhere. We wish him all the best in his football future.    Can the Yellows give their fans some seasonal cheer at the weekend? It has become an uphill climb in what has thus far been a testing season, but plenty of points remain to play for.

Tiverton Town FC can confirm the departure of forward Finley Rooke. Fin joined the Yellows from Taunton back in September and moves on in search of more regular playing time. We`d like to thank Fin for all his efforts during his time with us and we wish him well for the future. #OneTownOneTeamOneTivvy 💛

We can now confirm the date for our Devon St. Lukes Bowl quarter final tie with Bovey Tracey. Weather permitting, we will welcome them to the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium on Wednesday 14th January 2026, kick off at 7:30pm. Our Southern League tie at home to Wimborne Town, originally rescheduled for Tuesday 13th January, will be rearranged for another date and will be announced as soon as it is known. The full draw for the quarter finals is as follows: Tavistock vs Cullompton Rangers Exmouth Town vs Plymouth Parkway Holsworthy vs Brixham TIVERTON TOWN vs Bovey Tracey #OneTownOneTeamOneTivvy 💛

Tiverton Town vs Basingstoke Town Saturday 6th December 3pm kick off The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium A good festive month will be needed to put us back within touching distance of safety. There are plenty of points to play for, but equally a solid run of results and momentum will be fundamental in what has become the annual Tiverton survival act. What should be seen as an excellent point in Dorset against a very good Poole side last Tuesday, is hopefully a springboard to better results on the pitch. Fielding Matt Wonacott and fellow new midfield signings that evening, Ryan Keates and Jack Kennell in the line-up, helped to achieve that outcome and the fans will be watching with interest to see how Saturday’s eleven fare.    Absentees, long term and otherwise, saw Asa Hall and Steve Orchard having to do without Dean Moxey, Louis Jagger Cane and Gabe Billington. Dan Koita was not deemed fit enough to start against the Dolphins, but it must be said that the team performed admirably and encouragingly then and in the slim defeat against Gosport that preceded it.    Our opposition come in the form of lower mid-table Basingstoke. The Hampshire side who began the season with Charlie Austin at their disposal, have had a mixed bag of results. Manager Dan Brownlie and his team will be intent on ending a four-game losing sequence. They went down 3-0 at home to the imperious Walton & Hersham at the Weekend. Brownlie, in this day and age, should be regarded as a long serving boss at Basingstoke, having instigated the sides resurgence since taking over the role in 2019. The construction of this current squad is an impressive one, with plenty of notable non-league players available to him.    Not typically big scorers this season and with Charlie Austin moving on, it is George Reid who has good goals by game statistics. Five from eleven league games for the former Didcot and Swindon Supermarine striker, leads the way. The talented marksman is in a second spell at the club, which he began in the 2023/24 campaign. Nursing an injury, he could return on Saturday.    Though don’t discount the threat of Liam Ferdinand who despite going through a lean spell this term, has proven form in this division, as his 22 goals from 40 League games when playing for a strong Met Police outfit in the 2020/21 season emphasises. The dangerous predator who also has stints with Farnborough, Chesham and Bracknell on his playing profile is a very good option to have.    Look out also for loan signing Josh Dolling who arrived at the start of November from National South Totton. Dolling can be deployed as either an attacking midfielder or as a forward. His football abilities saw him play in Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and Burnley’s academies during his formative years. Further experience in the USA collegiate system and in the Northern League with Trafford and Preston Cables will have proved invaluable.    Hardworking and technical midfielder Ben Cook has established himself as a regular starter over the past few campaigns. His time at Stoke was briefly interrupted by a short spell away at divisional rivals Bracknell, but since the 2019/ 20 season he has made close to 150 senior appearances in all competitions.    Midfield player D’Andre Brown is another constant for the visitors under Brownlie. 100 games into his senior career all made at Stoke, the energetic and skilful performer has virtually been at the club, during his manager’s tenure. With Hungerford, Wealdstone and Hayes & Yeading on his CV when all three sides were playing at higher non-league levels than they are now, James Clark is a highly influential player in our visitor’s defence. Clark’s versatility has seen him flourish in a number of positions.    34-year-old centre back Jack Ball is a dependable leader in the away sides' backline. A mainstay at Farnborough, who also was at another side who now play a step higher Salisbury, will be sure to be an excellent talker both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Ball is a skilled defender and organiser. This is a settled defensive unit with Scott Armsworth and Billy Upton also regular components of it. Armsworth’s football upbringing began in Fulham’s academy set up and he too is an accomplished defender. Popular with the fans, Upton has been plying his trade with Stoke for the past three seasons.    Marcus Johnson-Schuster is at our visitors for the third occasion, and this is his most sustained period. The former Plymouth Argyle youngster has carved out quite a career in non-league circles. A Braintree and Hungerford player a step further up the pyramid, the cultured 30-year-old full back has both pedigree and experience.    To complete Brownlie’s numerous defensive options is Joe O’Loughlin. Now 26, the former Bath University player, represented the Yellows in the 2022/23 campaign and the full back who played for Frome either side of his time with Tivvy, has also worn the colours of Yate and Tavistock. A relocation sees the attacking full back return to a previous stomping ground as part of the opposition.    Behind the defence and currently in possession of the gloves is Joel Halliday who was with Chertsey when the season began, although commanding keeper Simon Grant has played in most of Stokes` games this term. The 33-year-old was Marlow’s number one for eight seasons and with Hungerford, Hayes & Yeading and Bracknell all acquiring his services in the past, he is very respected for his all-round abilities as a keeper.    Can the team make progress by delivering what would be only their second Southern League Premier South home victory of the 2025/26 campaign ? The Slee Blackwell Stadium will have to become a fortress if we are to remain competitive in this standard of football. The signs have been encouraging and the will to do this is definitely present in this group of players. So, let’s get behind the lads.  #OneTownOneTeamOneTivvy 💛

Tiverton Town vs Havant & Waterlooville Saturday 29th November 3pm kick off The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium Following four away games in November, the Yellows end the month back on home territory where they will face a Havant & Waterlooville side, who many predicted before the campaign got underway, would be amongst the front- runners but instead they, at this stage of the season, are also amongst the strugglers.    With quite a gap to make up on those currently above the relegation places the Yellows will have to chip away at those directly above them and hopefully that should see them climb a few places before the turn of the year. On Saturday both sides will be scrapping for points. The Hawks will be looking to pull further away from us, whilst we will be looking to move closer to them.    The management team have freshened things up over the last ten days or so, with keepers Matt Wonnacott and Marko Radovanovic arriving at the club, along with midfielders Ryan Keates and Jack Kennell. Aiden Horne definitely didn’t disappoint when starting against Poole in that astonishing 5-5 draw in Dorset on Tuesday night and neither did Tor Swann who took up more of a central role, with both of them scoring braces in that epic game.     With Dan Koita adjudged not fit enough to start against the Dolphins, but a second half substitute, there is plenty of in-form fire power available to Asa Hall and Steve Orchard. Another marksman, Louis Jagger Cane, has been out with a hamstring injury.    Our opponents on Saturday have recently made a managerial change, parting company with Shaun North and installing former Southampton player Aaron Martin as the new man in charge. His opening games in the hotseat were both against other teams at the wrong end of the table. A 3-0 loss at Bracknell on Nov 17 th was followed by a 2-0 home win last weekend and on Wednesday night they drew 1-1 against Chertsey at home.    Striker Ryan Seager has amassed quite a tally of goals in the past few seasons in the Southern League Premier South. Scoring almost a goal a game, he has a record of 46 goals from 54 matches. The lethal frontman has EFL pedigree and played once for Southampton in the Premier League and made a second appearance in The FA Cup. MK Dons, Crewe Alexandra and Yeovil Town are his other pro clubs along with a spell in Dutch football with Telstar. Seager now 29, has also represented Dorking Wanderers in the National League and Hungerford and his current side in National League South.    The emerging Ethan Giwa-McNeil has made a good start to life at his new club, after spending time with Baldock Town and Biggleswade Town, last term. The much-travelled Nana Owusu is a wide man who possesses lots of flair. Originally a trainee at Reading, the gifted Owusu has played for the likes of Maidenhead, Oxford City and Walton & Hersham, to name a few of his clubs.    Alfy Whittingham, the son of Guy Whittingham, also has had many destinations. The talented 27 year old central midfielder is actually in his fourth spell with the Hawks. Previously playing higher up the football pyramid with his current side, Aldershot, Hungerford and Hampton & Richmond.    Nigel Atangana is no stranger to these parts, having travelled here with Exeter City in pre season on a few occasions. The veteran midfielder now 36, had a successful EFL career, playing for Portsmouth, Leyton Orient and Cheltenham as well as the Grecians. He joined the Hawks from Eastleigh at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.    23 year old Olly Pendlebury is an influential player in Havant & Waterlooville’s midfield. His CV includes Reading and senior appearances with Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL. The creative Pendlebury also has pedigree in the non league, where he has worn the colours of Woking, Farnborough and Aldershot.    Centre back George Milner-Smith has made a big impression on Hawks supporters since initially spending a loan period at the club from parent club Aldershot. The technical young player has now made a permanent move to Havant & Waterlooville.  Milner-Smith was also on loan at Sholing and Chertsey whilst at the Shots. Fellow defender Brendan Willson is a fairly experienced player at semi-pro level. Beginning his playing career at Eastleigh, he was also at Weymouth playing a step higher in the 2022/23 season, as a loanee. A loan spell at our visitors and a second at Poole in the season after, has given Willson, a talented young footballer, a good early grounding.    Vying to be Havant and Waterlooville’s number one are Lorenz Ferdinand, son of Rio, a highly thought of keeper who is on loan from Premier League Brighton and Ben Dudzinski, a vastly experienced custodian who has played higher up the pyramid and his CV includes Sutton United, Oxford City, Dartford and the Hawks when they were playing a step higher.    This should be a close fought encounter, with a lot riding on the game. With the absence of a home game for the first team, so far this month it will be much anticipated by our loyal support. So let’s get behind the lads.  #OneTownOneTeamOneTivvy 💛

Poole Town 5 Gwengwe 4, 24, 66 Davis 19 Campbell 35 Tiverton Town 5 Swann 2, 7 Horne 16, 45 Wood 44 Tuesday 25th November The BlackGold Stadium Attendance: 473. It's been a hard slog for all associated with Tiverton Town FC and we are a long way from being out of the woods, but from the madness of this bizarre evening of football in Dorset comes the first positive result since September 20 th versus Uxbridge.     A bruising couple of months have played out and it is testament to the coaches and players, that they have found the resolve and capacity to dig deep and go toe-to-toe with highflyers Poole Town, who started the evening in Third place. Coupled with a narrow loss against fellow play off hopeful’s Gosport on Saturday, our last two results could be seen as small stepping stones on the road to recovery.    For this midweek goal extravaganza, Asa Hall and Steve Orchard included all four new signings in their matchday squad. Matt Wonnacott taking the number one jersey and midfielders Jack Kennell and Ryan Keates in the starting line-up and keeper Marco Radovanovic amongst the replacements. Aiden Horne who was to play a telling part on the night was brought into the eleven, at the expense of the not fully fit Dan Koita.    Tor Swann moved infield and was paired with Horne and a minute into the game, following an incisive pass in midfield through to Horne, his precisely weighted pass through to his new partner was taken confidently into his path and clinically finished beyond Adam Parkes in Poole’s goal. In the fourth minute Poole were back on level terms. A Yellows foul in the box was punished and from the spot, the league's top scorer Shaquille Gwengwe fired past Wonnacott.     Amazingly on six minutes Tiverton restored their lead. In the first of two look away moments for the keepers, Parkes came a long way out of his goal and squandered possession to the quick-thinking Brooklyn Wilkins, who sent Swann away down the channel. He galloped to the angle and provided an excellent finish with only a little bit of the goal to aim at, beating a recovering defender on the line.    Anyone thinking that the game would settle down at that point would have been seriously mistaken. On the quarter hour mark the Yellows were celebrating their third goal. The opportune Horne whose work off the ball often creates indecision in opposition back-lines, spotted Parkes slightly off of his line and lobbed the highly regarded gloveman to give us a two-goal cushion.    The second look away moment for the keepers happened when Wonnacott misjudged a Charlie Davis cross and the ball found its way into the net. It was 3-2, with only eighteen minutes completed. But the scoring was far from over and on 24 minutes the Dolphins equalised. Wonnacott was left exposed from a through ball and avid goal-getter Gwengwe, was fouled and then converted from the spot.    Poole’s fourth and the games seventh came in the 35 th minute, when ex Swindon Supermarine captain Ryan Campbell took powerful aim from distance and his deflected shot sailed beyond Wonnacott and Tivvy were behind for the first time on this goal frenzied evening. For followers of Tiverton this season there seemed an inevitability about the rest of the game.    However, from a Ryan Keates free kick into the Poole box, as the ball rebounded back off Horne, Matt Wood determinedly slid home to even things up for his side. That goal from the imposing centre back, arrived in the 43 rd minute. Although that wasn’t the end of a dramatic and crazy opening first half.     Hall then let fly with a piledriver a minute later, which skimmed off of the crossbar and then Horne rounded off a nine goal half in added time, as his well struck shot bounced of the underside of the bar and gave us the lead at the break, in a totally insane and entertaining opening period. Poole 4 Tiverton 5 !    With the coaches of both teams able to talk to their players at the break, the sides predictably tightened up when they returned to the pitch. Chances were traded when in the 47 th minute Gwengwe’s effort flew over the bar from close in and then in the 50 th minute Asa Hall tested Parkes from range, but the hosts keeper got down well to deny him.    The heavily involved Gwengwe then slashed an attempt into the side-netting after being set up by ex-Farnborough man Selim Saied. Charlie Davis a seasoned performer in this division, then prized open the Tiverton defensive line, but his splitting ball missed everyone, and it remained 4-5. Wilkins tried his luck from distance, but Parkes was equal to it.    In the 64 th minute Wonnacott produced an excellent reflex stop to keep out the dangerous Gwengwe.  Though a few minutes later, with the Dolphins in the ascendancy, they made their possession count. The combative Billy Lowes invitingly delivered, driven cross found Gwengwe who completed his hattrick.    Our hosts then went for the jugular, and it took some good defensive work from Wilkins and Toby Down to stop growing Poole pressure. The home side showing their play-off credentials with some flowing passages of play. Steve Orchard then made some changes in the 83 rd minute, with Horne who was a bright spark on the night for Tivvy with a brace as his reward, making way for Dan Koita. Ryan Keates who also gave a very good display on his return to Tiverton was replaced by Jacob Wellington.    Wellington was soon into the action and crucially headed away from danger. Then a procession of chances fell to the Yellows, with last-ditch defending preventing a trio of player’s from securing a winner. Blocks and block tackles denying Koita, Swann and Corey Koerner. Swann shone, before Finn Rooke came on for him at the death.     And just before the final whistle a vital gather from Wonnacott, saw the game conclude 5-5. A ten goal thriller to warm a bitterly cold evening.    On paper this was an excellent result and a winter warmer for Tiverton, after a series of disappointing outcomes. Another team in the relegation picture; Havant & Waterlooville visit the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium over the weekend, and the Yellows will be looking to continue moving in the right direction then. Following four successive away games, the fans and players will be looking forward to returning to home soil.  Tiverton: Matt Wonnacott, Brooklyn Wilkins, Corey Koerner, Jack Kennell, Matt Wood, Toby Down, Tor Swann (90), Asa Hall, Ryan Keates (83), Aiden Horne (83), Harry Hutchinson. Substitutes: Marko Radovanovic, Dan Koita (83), Jacob Wellington (83), Finley Rooke (90), George Russell.

Tiverton Town FC are delighted to be able to announce the loan signing of goalkeeper Matt Wonnacott. Matt, who made three appearances for the club at the start of the 2024/25 season before a broken arm cut his first loan spell short, re-joins the Yellows from Torquay United. Matt joined Wigan Athletic in 2022, where he was highly regarded and hailed as an excellent shot stopper and having strong organisational skills, after a very successful start to his career at Torquay, where he drew many plaudits and personal accolades during his rise through the age groups. He then spent a four-month spell on loan at 1874 Northwich before returning to Wigan and then back home to Torquay United in the summer of 2024 before his first spell with us. Matt is available for selection for tonight`s Southern League clash away at Poole Town, which will be broadcast live on Clubber TV. Welcome back to the club Matt. #OneTownOneTeamOneTivvy💛

Poole Town v Tiverton Town  Tuesday 25 th November 7:45 pm Kick off  The BlackGold Stadium    The Yellows came close to ending their losing run on Saturday against Gosport but ultimately fell short. They will be presented with another chance to stem the tide on Tuesday night, when they head to Dorset to take on a Poole side who have had a resurgence this season and are currently in possession of third place in the table.    The Yellows won praise from Gosport assistant manager Mark Summerhill at the weekend, for their performance and quite a few coaches have complimented the team this season. While that is always nice to hear, the rediscovering of a winning mentality remains first prize.    The half time substitutions of Dan Koita and Brooklyn Wilkins may point to some fitness issues ahead of this evening game or those changes could have been either tactical or precautionary. Ruled out on Saturday were Dean Moxey, Louis Jagger Cane and through suspension, new midfield signing Ryan Keates. Our management team will be hoping to include at least one of those players against the Dolphins.    Pat Suraci and Joe Lea who coincidentally were in charge of team affairs at Gosport, before taking over at Poole during the previous campaign, are very young co-managers. Both are in their late twenties, but they have already guided their former side into the play offs.    The acquisition of Shaquille Gwengwe from Dorset rivals Dorchester has so far proven a big success. The powerful and pacy frontman who is of Malawian descent, has hit the ground running at his new club. He leads the way in the league scoring charts, with a notable 16 goals and the ex-Worthing man has always had the tools to reach these prolific heights.    Gwengwe has formed a lethal partnership this term with IK Hill. Hill is a livewire player, who starred for Winchester for a couple of seasons, prior to their relegation. Skillful and elusive he notched 17 goals from 37 games in this league, during the last campaign and is a dynamic performer.    Set piece expert Charlie Davis is a cultured player. He has plenty of pedigree and experience, the much-admired midfielder played over 100 times for Weymouth and was a heavily influential player for Salisbury, Dorchester, Totton and Sholing. This is the 30-year old’s third spell with the Dolphins.    The hardworking and fierce competitor Billy Lowes would be a welcome addition to any midfield at this level. Beginning at Poole, the combative Lowes was a Dorchester player for five seasons and was also at Weymouth earlier in his senior career. He has made well over 100 appearances for our hosts.    There is a vast experience in the Dolphins ranks and the signing of former Swindon Supermarine captain Ryan Campbell in the close season has strengthened that further. The right sided Campbell is a strong technical player in this division with many attributes.     His namesake Kristian Campbell is very popular with the Poole faithful. The left back has good feet and has a real sense of adventure. He has pedigree, having played further up the footballing pyramid for Eastbourne Borough, Welling, Dartford, Tonbridge Angels and Hampton & Richmond.    Defensive midfielder Harvey Slade has established himself as a mainstay in the home sides midfield across the past few campaigns and provides an important screen for the Dolphins backline and distributes the ball well. Silky fellow midfield player Selim Saied who impressed in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, played over 100 times for Farnborough and started at Woking. A loanee in the 2024/25 season, he permanently signed for Poole this term.    Centre back Josh Staunton has perhaps the most eye-catching CV. The 30-year-old former Yeovil captain made over 200 national League appearances. Signing pro terms with Gillingham and Charlton Athletic, he has also represented Dagenham & Redbridge, Boreham Wood, Woking and FC Halifax in what has been a stellar non-league career.    Between the sticks is likely to be Adam Parkes. A young, highly regarded pro with Southampton, Watford and Plymouth, the talented keeper had loan spells with Barnet, Dover and Plymouth Parkway during his pro days. Signing permanently for Parkway after his release from the Pilgrims and he has since played for Taunton and Gosport Borough, becoming a Dolphin this season.    Asa Hall and Steve Orchard found encouragement from our performance at Gosport and were happy with large aspects of that game. Hopefully we can build on that promise and battle hard for much needed points on Tuesday night.

As we reach the four-month mark of the season, the Committee would like to provide an update on key areas of the club's progress as we continue to move forward together.   The Men’s 1st Team This season, Asa, Steve, and the Board set out with a clear plan: to build a more local, youthful squad that would form the core of the team for years to come. This ambitious goal, coupled with a transition from a large number of last season’s players, has presented challenges. Our division is fiercely competitive, with some clubs spending heavily without the need for financial prudence. Competing for players under these conditions is tough, but the management team remains committed to building a strong, competitive side. The Committee has supported the management team with a budget similar to last season, and we are confident that results will improve soon. Anyone who has watched the games can see the quality of football on display, though we need to refine our ability to convert opportunities into points. Rest assured, every member of the club is fully committed to staying in this division and will work tirelessly to achieve that goal.   The Pitch The ongoing issues with the pitch are not new and have been a challenge for some time. Since the retirement of Gordon and Les, we’ve faced difficulties finding suitable replacements to manage the grounds. We thought we had found the right individual over the summer, but unfortunately, they were unable to follow through, leaving us with a limited window to address the situation. Despite this setback, we have invested significantly in improving the pitch, bringing in respected contractors, and working hard to maintain quality. However, with the wet and cold season upon us, conditions remain challenging. Asa and Steve are committed to playing a style of football that relies on a good-quality pitch, and we are working to ensure this is achieved. A positive step forward was the recent appointment of a paid head groundsman, who, along with a team of volunteers, will help improve the pitch over the next couple of months. If you are able to assist, we would welcome your support.   3G Pitch The 3G pitch project is progressing, but as anticipated, it has proven complex. One of the final hurdles involves managing water runoff in a way that meets environmental requirements. Currently, the solution requires the installation of a large, slow-release tank under the pitch. Unfortunately, this comes at a significant cost, and we are exploring alternative options to overcome this challenge. Glenn from XL Planning and our contractors, PST Sports, are working hard to find a viable solution.   We understand how important having a 3G surface is to not only our club but to the wider community and that’s why we have spent so much time working on this project. If there are any people or businesses who would like to get involved in this development we would welcome their contribution. We will provide an update as soon as we have more information.   Community Development This season has seen tremendous growth in our community programs. We’ve launched a Women’s 1st Team, a Girls’ Under 18s team, and a Boys’ Under 16s team, alongside our established Boys’ Under 18s squad. The Women’s team enjoyed an excellent run in the FA Cup, and as of now, our Boys’ Under 18s are still in the competition. Our partnership with Twyford is also progressing positively, and we hope to share more news on this soon. Our Ability Counts sides have recorded a number of wins and continue to progress.   The Slee Blackwell Stadium The club has been working for over two years to secure a new lease for the stadium. With just eight years left on the current lease, accessing most grants has been difficult. Thanks to the hard work of John Smith and others, we now have a draft lease agreement that will grant the club a new 30-year term. This will unlock funding opportunities for stadium improvements, including the pitch. Although the process has taken longer than expected, we are now close to finalising the agreement and securing a brighter future for the club.   The Executive Committee Since Ian Moorcroft’s return as Chairman, the Committee has expanded to include a diverse group of individuals who reflect the club's values. As the club continues to grow with more teams and responsibilities, it’s essential to bring in people who can contribute to our success. If you are interested in joining the club at an executive or committee level, we encourage you to get in touch. Our ambitious roadmap for the future can only succeed if we work together as a community.   Onwards and Upwards 💛

Gosport Borough 3 Caborn 30 Greenwood 76 Taylor 77 Tiverton Town 2 Koita 15 Hall 57 Saturday 22nd November Aerial Direct Stadium Attendance: 649 Conceding in quick succession once again proved our downfall on a day when that aside, for the majority of the afternoon the game plan appeared to work. The reality is though, another loss was endured, by the struggling Yellows in Hampshire versus sixth in the table Gosport.    This game saw new signing from Exmouth Town, midfielder Jack Kennell come straight into the line-up and Marko Radovanovic the former Mangotsfield, Brixham and Buckland keeper was between the sticks after Zak Baker’s loan agreement had expired.    Long term absentee Dean Moxey and top scorer Louis Jagger Cane (hamstring), both didn’t make the matchday squad and Ryan Keates who was also announced on Friday is serving a Southern League suspension. Both sides had to deal with a heavy, watery surface and stormy conditions.    Gosport started strongly and controlled the early play. In the 3 rd   minute, winger Trevor Caborn had the ball in the back of the net, but celebrations for the home side were muted, after the referee’s assistant raised an offside flag. Radovanovic then got down well, to pull off a routine stop to deny striker Ethan Taylor.     Tivvy withstood the Boro’s immediately threatening attacking intent, though were tested again in the 12 th minute, when Ben Greenwood and Rafa Ramos neatly and nimbly exchanged passes out wide. Ramos whipping a cross into the danger area, but evading players of both sides.    By that point though the Yellows had found some rhythm in possession and broke with purpose a few minutes before they supplied the game’s opener. Brooklyn Wilkin’s threaded the ball to Tor Swann, who returned the ball to the marauding wing back, who then released Swann in the Boro’s final third. Collecting Wilkins incisive pass, Swann’s telling cross in, was turned emphatically home by Dan Koita.    Establishing that 15 th minute lead gave Asa Hall and Steve Orchard’s men a much-needed boost and the side continued to play attractively. Confidently knocking the ball around, Tiverton had pushed Gosport out of their stride and were threatening, themselves. Although an alert piece of decisive defending from Wilkins was required, as he intercepted an overlap.     The influence of Swann was stretching our hosts and when he surged forward, his delivery in hung up on the wind, eventually dropping to Hall, whose volley was misplaced. Down the other end following a well-constructed move through the team for the Boro involving Michael Fernandes, Taylor and Greenwood, a wayward shot spoilt an impressive bit of football.    The hot-heeled ex Winchester man Caborn then saw it open up for him in the 26 th minute. He unselfishly looked to play in one of his team-mates with the goal at his mercy and Tivvy had been let off the hook, with the ball spiralling out of harm’s way.    The visitors though were more than holding their own and Koita was always a good focal point and willing runner when the Yellows fashioned together some promising build up play. Good application was on display from the team as a whole, but on the half hour mark Gosport drew level.    Caborn taking the ball in his stride and quickly adjusting his feet, unleashed a magnificent strike from more than twenty yards out centrally, to bludgeon the ball past the helpless Radovanovic. There was an extremely positive reaction to this setback from the Yellows and in the 33 rd minute Koita skilfully beat Greenwood on the by-line, to force a corner.    A half chance from it fell to Hall, though this was made more difficult by the ball riding on the wind and not coming down naturally or quickly. When the ball did drop down to the player manager, a few Gosport players had moved into position to block his attempt.    Radovanovic then showed good handling, when heavily pressured by a few Boro forwards and then in the 38 th minute with our backline breached, Ramos thankfully blazed wide. Minutes later Tiverton’s misunderstanding at the back presented a good chance for the home team, but two players got in each other's way, much to the relief of the watching on Steve Orchard.    It was the visitors though who dominated at the end of the half. A Yellows corner found its way back to Wilkins, whose 43 rd minute, low skidding effort missed the post by a coat of paint. Then Swann rampaged forward and sent in an inviting cross at the end of normal time. With Tivvy committing men forward, this caused panic in the Gosport box. Gabe Billington’s snapshot was just directed off target in concerted pressure from the away side.    Swann was becoming a real pest and as he was about to trick his way beyond the backline, former EFL player Charlie Wassmer made a necessary foul and was carded. From the resulting Free Kick in added time, Koita stole in round the back, but a good defensive header, agonisingly prevented him from putting Tiverton back in front, at the break.    Asa Hall and Steve Orchard’s men finishing the first half with their tail’s up, will have been somewhat encouraged by a well-executed opening forty-five minutes. Two changes were made at the break though, enforced or otherwise ? Finn Rooke replaced Dan Koita and Jacob Wellington came on for Brooklyn Wilkins.    When the game resumed, excellent defending from Toby Down in the 51 st minute, with the physical Ramos at close quarters, saw him head back into Radovanovic’s arms. Busy build up play from the hosts, forced a corner. Fortunately for Tiverton the lively Fernandes missed his kick when in a good position to convert the delivery in.    The Yellows responded in the 54 th minute by gaining a corner themselves. An attempt from the edge of the box, deflecting behind after brushing the side-netting. Swann then was close to regaining the lead, but for the timely intervention of substitute Rory Williams who dispossessed him, as he was about to pull the trigger.    Tiverton had been knocking on the door for a few minutes and from another corner in the 58 th minute, they got their rewards. In a congested Gosport area, Hall turned the ball, into the goal. With renewed hope, a spring was back in the players steps, as they played with fluidity and confidence.     Although Finn Rooke and Steve Orchard were both shown yellow cards in the 64 th minute, following the former’s forceful challenge which provoked optimistic calls from the home bench and Boro players for a stronger punishment. A stop/start passage of play followed, with a number of free kicks and hold ups because of brief injuries. Although the Yellows were still performing well and looking accomplished in possession.     Radovanovic however produced a very good save to maintain our lead.  Seeing the ball late through a crowd of players, he showed very good agility in saving a shot low down to the corner of his goal, that accelerated off of the greasy surface.    That happened with 73 minutes played and a few minutes later, the Yellows were pegged back when substitute Harry Kavanagh crossed from the right channel and his inviting delivery was headed home by the onrushing Greenwood. Conceding straight after conceding is the teams achilles heel and you could suspect a Malaysian betting syndicates influence, for the number of times it’s occurred this season.    Less than a minute later it was 3-2. Prolific ex-Totton striker Ethan Taylor fortuitously finding the net after a defensive error. The team pressed hard for an equaliser and decisive contact was almost made on an 82 nd minute corner. However, that was the closest Tivvy came to levelling in a game that they shouldn’t have been coming away from empty handed. Lots of added time was accumulated and Williams nearly added a fourth with a header, as the hosts finished the game on the front foot.     Positives are to be taken from this defeat, as Gosport are a play-off chasing side, who we ran extremely close. The hunger and the spirit to turn this around remains in the squad, as they visit Poole on Tuesday night.  Tiverton: Marko Radovanovic, Brooklyn Wilkins (46), Corey Koerner, Jack Kennell, Matt Wood, Toby Down, Tor Swann, Asa Hall, Dan Koita (46), Gabe Billington, Harry Hutchinson. Substitutes: Jacob Wellington (46), Aiden Horne, Finley Rooke (46).