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Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South Plymouth Parkway v Tiverton Town Wednesday, January 1. 3pm . Bolitho Park   THIS is simply a massive game in the context of both clubs' season. The traditional Christmas fixture with Parkway is also a traditional six-pointer - for the second season running, the Devon rivals are both at the wrong end of the table. Both ultimately escaped relegation last season and the thought of being precariously placed once again would not have been a pleasant one.   The Bolitho Park side's performance against Havant & Waterlooville in securing victory should have given them a bit of momentum, but a 6-0 thrashing of promotion contenders Gloucester  City followed by a heavy  5-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Frome Town suggests unpredictability and inconsistency which will definitely not discourage Rob Dray’s men. The Yellows would have looked ahead to the Christmas programme and viewed the trip to Chertsey in a busy run of games as tough and a point would have been seen as a plus. However, after losing to Taunton, a much needed response saw Tiverton build a two-goal cushion that the Curfews cancelled out with a precious three points beckoning.   Parkway boss Chris McPhee will have been very proud of young Exeter City loanee Mitch Beardmore’s amazing performance in scoring all six goals against Gloucester, even more so because of his work in the Grecians Academy set-up. Beardmore, of course, spent some time on loan at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium last season but had limited game time.   Tivvy manager Rob Dray will renew acquaintances with three former Taunton midfielders: captain Shane White and Ryan Brett, along with striker Matt Wright, are part of the current Parkway squad. White was a mainstay of Truro’s midfield before his move to the Plymouth side and the veteran midfielder is well respected in non-League circles. Former Plymouth Argyle Ademy player Brett is 34 and another to have played for former tenants Truro. Like White, he brings invaluable experience and pedigree to the Parkway dressing room.   Wright, as many will know, was often a thorn in the side in his Taunton days and the physical frontman did play for us in the 2021-22 season before being part of the promoted Truro squad in the following campaign.   Callum Hall was a popular player in his days at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium, as was Mikey Williams in a short spell with us. Carlo Garside was a vital part of both Martyn Rogers and Leigh Robinson’s squad last year and all three are classy operators in this level of football.   Toby Down enjoyed a successful couple of seasons at Bolitho Park, where he was a regular in our hosts’ back line, having began the 2022-23 season with the Yellows.   Back to the task in hand for Tiverton and Javan Wright’s participation will be in some doubt after he pulled up in the warm-up at Chertsey on Saturday. With the squad being rotated a little, it will be intriguing to see what starting 11 Rob Dray and his coaching staff opt for. Gabe Billington and Marcus Day were both starters in Surrey and both found the net. If either side can achieve a win here, it will be pretty much a statement victory. Our home game saw plenty of chances for Tivvy to take all three points and, at the time, was very much seen by supporters, players and coaches alike as an opportunity missed.   An opportunity taken here should give us greater confidence and all important momentum going into the remainder of the campaign.

Saturday, December 28 . 3pm . Alwyns Lane   Chertsey Town 2 ( Tanner 76, Little 87) Tiverton Town 2 (Day 38, Billington 47)   Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South   WEIGHING up what looked like a hard mission on paper, with integral and influential players Joe Parker and Josh Jones – who, of course, is not long back from injury – rested with the sheer volume of games this time of the year, the outcome of this game looks like a very good point gained.   However, with the Yellows’ two up with around 75 minutes of the 90 played, Tivvy could be excused for feeling a little deflated at the final whistle.   The rotation of the squad meant Kai Churchley coming into the match-day line-up. There were also starts for Gabe Billington and Marcus Day, the latter replacing Javan Wright, who injured himself in the warm-up. Asa Hall took his place in a three at the back with Toby Down and Oli Jenkins. Bailey Kempster, also returnIng to the squad, was amongst the substitutes.   Chertsey were in 10h place at the start of play, but the Curfews were unable to call on the services of Jack Mazzone, the second-highest scorer in the division, because of injury. Their squad is stacked with experienced performers at Step 3, though. There was very little in the opening exchanges between the sides, and a couple of injury stoppages made the play somewhat disjointed. The loss of home centre-back Simba Kudijywa resulted in the introduction of Bernie Tanner, one of a strong contingent of ex Met Police players in Chertsey’s ranks.   As the half progressed, it was the Yellows who were shading it and, on 38 minutes, former Taunton and Frome man Day took full advantage of a mix-up in the Curfews’ defence by firing us into a deserved lead from distance – a lead they held at the interval and a scoreline that would have given us much heart ahead of the second half.  Opening goal: Marcus Day Teenage debutant, Exeter loanee Gabe Billington, then instilled greater belief into the Tivvy side by scoring a second, just two minutes after the resumption.   Predictably, Chertsey became more adventurous and forward thinking with, firstly, the dangerous winger Dan Rowe entering the field of play on 58 minutes and, then, cultured veteran ex Chesham and Hayes & Yeading midfielder Toby Little appearing in the 70th minute. However, the Yellows were managing the game well and posing a threat in the final third.   There was no real hint of a comeback until, in the 76th minute, Lewis Flatman’s corner saw substitute Tanner plant a header beyond goalkeeper Joe Duncan and into the back of the Tiverton goal.   The Curfews then sprung forward and, despite a fine double save from Bristol City loanee Duncan, the vastly experienced Little was on hand to equalise with three minutes of normal time remaining. There was no further addition to the score and, after six extra minutes were played, it finished all square, a despairing end on an afternoon when the team appeared to be heading to an all important victory.   With New Year ’s Day opponents Plymouth Parkway’s victory against Havant & Waterlooville meaning that they have climbed above us into 19th place, there will plenty riding on that result in what is a traditional six-pointer.   What is clear, though, is that there is no time to dwell on the negatives – all to play for, as the Yellows hope to complete their Christmas programme on a positive note. We look forward to what is sure to be an action packed Devon Derby at Bolitho Park, 3pm on Wednesday.   Yellows: Duncan, Thompson, Jenkins, Hall, Down, D Jones, Britton, Billington, Day, Churchley, Jarvis. Substitutes: Kempster, Swann, Forkuo.

Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South   Chertsey Town v Tiverton Town   Saturday, December 28 . 3pm . Alwyns Lane   WHEN Love Islander Reuben Collins failed in his attempt to hook the ball back before it clearly went over the line during Chertsey’s visit to us earlier in the season, it condemned the Yellows to defeat because of an officiating error. These miscarriages of justice even themselves out through a season and, so many times, fate is back in the hands of the wronged team.   On Boxing Day, Tiverton had enough chances to win a number of football games. However, they failed to interest the scorers and two of the three goals they conceded were of their own making.   Rob Dray’s men need to dust themselves off and get back out there, knowing that opportunities will present themselves again and, if taken, they can readdress the balance.   Chertsey are giving a very good account of themselves in their first season in this standard of football. Top half of the table and victors on Boxing Day against local rivals Hanwell, it is their bouncebackability that makes them a very competitive animal in the division. They responded to a 4-0 home loss at home to Havant & Waterlooville with that Hanwell win; mentality is needed just as much as footballing ability at our level.   A masterstroke for the Surrey side was the pre-season signing of Jack Mazzone, a player who has an enviable scoring record in this calibre of football. His 52 goals in just over 100 games for Met Police over four campaigns, including the COVID seasons, are notable figures and this term’s return has seen him notch 17 goals from 18 games. Denied: Reuben Collins' controversial clearance denied Yellows' earlier in the season Having spent six seasons with Hayes & Yeading, six with Chesham and two with Beaconsfield, 35-year-old midfielder Toby Little is a vital component in the Curfews’ squad. Woking and Wealdstone are also former clubs, as are league rivals Basingstoke.   Little is amongst a strong roster of players in the midfield department. Louis Birch and Luke Robertson are other shrewd signings; the combative Birch and the creative Robertson were a real force for former Southern Premier League South outfit Met Police over five seasons.   Manager Mark Harper has put together a squad full of experience at this level. Left-back Alex Fisher also played for four seasons at Met Police and was part of their much heralded backline, while two players have also made the short trip from Hanwell, a team with which Chertsey share a strong football rivalry, to join the Curfews in recent seasons. Callum Duffy, who is in his second campaign with the Alwyn Lane side, featured in 11 seasons for the Geordies, playing more than 300 games for them, and the experienced defender is joined by Issac Olorenfemi, also a defender, who was pretty much an ever present at Hanwell, making more than 90 appearances for them over two seasons. The much travelled Olorenfemi has good pedigree and was at Bracknell when the season started.   For Tivvy, it is imperative that they put recent disappointments behind them. It will be interesting to see if changes are made to the 11 that started against Taunton. Jeff Forkuo is available for selection and all the unused substitutes from Thursday should be fresh.   Football is not just about executing a game plan. Additionally, you cannot win matches without scoring or without concentrating and keeping things tight defensively.   Can the Yellows’ find some bouncebackability?

Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South   Tiverton Town 0 Taunton Town 3 (Feltham 9, Grimes 45, Cummings 88)   Thursday, December 26 . 3pm . Ian Moorcroft Stadium A VERY well attended Ian Moorcroft Stadium played host to a Boxing Day game between the Yellows and their local rivals Taunton Town with an electric atmosphere and both sets of fans’ in full voice. Bragging rights went to the visitors, despite the home team's best efforts.   Toby Down returned from suspension and Nat Jarvis also was back in the Tivvy starting line-up. Oli Jenkins took his place in a three at the back alongside Josh Jones and the aforementioned Down.   A frantic start to the game saw plenty of endeavour but little in the way of quality, pretty much a reality in most hard fought derbies. It came somewhat as a bolt out of the blue when Harris Feltham’s strike gave the Peacocks the lead, a good clean connection from the midfielder flying past Joe Duncan in the ninth minute.   It was tough going on a heavy pitch, but we are deep into winter and the conditions were very playable. From around the 25-minute mark, a period of concerted pressure from Tiverton that lasted for about ten minutes saw chances come and go as Taunton’s rearguard held firm.   A series of corners and Dylan Jones’ long throws saw Toby Down swivel and shoot sharply in the 27th minute from Josh Jones’ knock down, only for Peacocks’ ‘keeper Josh Gould to be conveniently placed to keep it out. Blocks, desperate defending and claims under pressure from Gould saw other opportunities stopped or not taken. On the half-hour mark, we came close again to evening things up. A wicked delivery from a corner was met powerfully by the head of Asa Hall, but the busy Gould produced a fine reaction save to frustrate the Yellows.   Our visitors had weathered a Yellow storm. However, it was still Tiverton looking the more likely.   As so often happens when a side fails to capitalise when on top, they are punished. After a bit of respite a Peacocks’ break, saw them gain a corner. A dangerous looking ball was curled into the box and hesitancy in Tivvy’s defence allowed Nick Grimes to time his run to perfection and head home. This was a hammer blow for Rob Dray’s men and was the last act of the first half, with both sides returning to the dressing room.   The two-goal deficit could scarcely be believed. Credit to Taunton, though – they were clinical and took their few chances. Much to consider during half-time for the Yellows. Although not as dominant as they had been for that second part of the first half, Tiverton were asking most of the questions and Taunton relied heavily on the knowhow of players who have played higher up the pyramid like Grimes and Eddie Jones, along with the hardworking Aysa Corrick defending from the front, to steady the ship.   In the 67th minute, a floated volleyed effort from Joe Parker clipped the stanchion attached to the crossbar as Tivvy pursued a goal that would give us a fighting chance of getting something from this game.   Dylan Jones, Javan Wright and Niall Thompson worked tirelessly in trying to drive their side forward. Efforts from Jones and Wright whistled wide. Thompson tore down the wing at every opportunity, but Taunton held firm, occasionally threatening on the break. A raft of substitutions from the visitors saw ex Yellows Jack Rice and Alfie Moulden withdrawn. Both players were respectfully received and, with Taunton intent on shoring things up, the onus was on Tivvy to throw caution to the wind.   A few minutes earlier they almost paid for committing players forward and, in the 88th minute, the game was put beyond Tiverton. Chris Zebroski, a late second-half replacement, for the Peacocks, hurried us into a defensive mistake. The recipient was fellow substitute Exeter loanee Charlie Cummins, who found himself with the simple task of firing into a partially guarded goal.   Congratulations to a dogged and clinical Taunton.   The Yellows travel to Chertsey on Saturday, determined to upset the odds in achieving a positive result. There is a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season.   Half the season has now been completed and we are all behind the coaching staff and players as we look to climb the table.   Yellows: Duncan, Thompson, Jenkins, J Jones, Down, Wright, Britton, Hall, D Jones, Jarvis, Parker. Substitutes: Churchley, Swann, Day, Bernard, Billington.   Attendance: 960.

Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South   Tiverton Town v Taunton Town   Thursday, December 26 . 3pm . Ian Moorcroft Stadium   On Boxing Day, Tiverton will renew their local football rivalry with Taunton. There is always an edge to these fixtures and, as this popular serving has been off of the menu since the Peacocks achieved promotion at the end of the 2021-22 season, it has undoubtedly been eagerly anticipated.   Fuelling the fire will be that the instigator for Taunton's promotion to National League South will be in the Yellows’ dugout. Rob Dray, along with two of his backroom staff –Assistant Manager Connor Sidley-Adams and Physio Tony Cornish – will be overseeing Tiverton’s team affairs.   A parting of the ways at the end of a testing season last term, culminating in relegation, means that he will be pitting his wits against Richard Luffman, the former Cribbs’ manager.   Alfie Moulden moved to Taunton in the summer from the Yellows and Evander Grubb and Toby Down have made the reverse journey, although the former has since moved on. Just to add a bit of spice to the game, last year’s Supporters' Player of the Year Jack Rice has recently arrived at Wordsworth Drive for a month's loan from Chorley. Taunton midfielder Tom Purrington also spent a season with us, a few campaigns ago. Nat Jarvis and Marcus Day were both Peacock players under Rob Dray and his captain Nick Grimes is another to have worn the Yellow of Tiverton who is back in Taunton colours.   This promises to be a hotly contested affair and one that both sets of fans are looking forward to.   It has been a period of rebuilding for the Somerset side and their victory against Poole on Saturday came as a welcome boost after a five-game winless run.  Jack Rice (centre) will renew acquaintances with former team-mates Dylan Jones and Joe Parker (right) There have been lots of comings and goings after a major recruitment drive in pre season from Luffman. One notable acquisition was Tom Smith from Bath City and the gifted midfielder has provided goals and assists aplenty for our visitors. Smith, who played in the EFL for Swindon Town at the beginning of his football journey, made nearly 250 National League South appearances for Bath.   With Cheltenham, Dagenham & Redbridge and a spell in Ireland with Waterford Town also on his cv, the 26-year-old is a marquee signing amongst the hoards of other players to have arrived at Wordsworth Drive. Defender Eddie Jones was an early-season signing from National League South Chippenham and he has an impressive non-League footballing pedigree. A player who was also with Oxford City, he made nearly 200 appearances in the level above after the 33-year-old began his senior football career with Solihull Moors. Centre-back Grimes is no stranger to the Ian Moorcroft Stadium, having started the 2019 season with Tiverton. His departure saw him join the Peacocks, where he became club captain. Brother of Swansea City midfielder Matt Grimes, the classy defender played for Truro City before his brief stay with us. A recent capture from Bath City, he has returned to Taunton after leaving them in the summer.   Owen Brain, the highly rated ex-Bristol Rovers trainee, is a goalscoring midfielder who was prolific with Bristol Manor Farm last season. He was previously at Merthyr and is a skilful technician.   Fellow midfielder Jayden Nielsen was also tempted away from Manor Farm and is establishing himself as a regular in Luffman’s line-ups.   Josh Gould is the first choice in goal and is a product of Swansea City’s Academy sides. The ex-Totton and Salisbury ’keeper is a talented gloveman. Chris Zebroski, the veteran EFL striker is another big name to be lured to Wordsworth Drive, featuring as a substitute against Poole after his arrival from Royal Wootton Bassett.   The Yellows will be looking to recapture the form that saw them beat both Basingstoke and Walton & Hersham.   The next three games that make up the Christmas Programme – Taunton (H), Chertsey (A) and Plymouth Parkway (A) – should have a strong bearing on the outcome of the Yellows’ 2024-25 league campaign.   On Boxing Day, the reunions will be interesting, the performance will be analysed, but the result will be important.   Both teams will take centre stage in this popular spectacle, come 3pm, in what promises to be an entertaining and combative encounter, when the 19th placed side taking on the 13th placed side.   Come and be part of what is expected to be a big crowd on Thursday afternoon.

2025 has all the hallmarks of being a notable season for Tivvy. The team is making great strides under new manager Rob Dray and his talented coaching team of Connor Sidley-Adams and Steve Orchard - performances are improving, results are turning and, with the help of the wonderful Yellow Army, we can win the battle to stay in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South. Off the pitch, the Executive Committee has released bold and ambitious plans to raise the club's standards and sustainability, central to which is the introduction in the summer of a 3G pitch that will be a marvellous community asset. As part of their push into the new era, the club is offering Half-Season Tickets to the remaining 11 home games of the season at reduced rates. An adult ticket for all the rest of the 2024-25 league games at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium, starting with the juicy Boxing Day derby against Taunton Town, is just £95 - less than £9 per game. and a saving of more than £20 on general admission price. A concessionary ticket is only £65 - less than £6 per game; again, a saving of more than £20 - and a child ticket is just £8 - under 75p per game. So what are you waiting for? Especially if you are stuck for that last-minute Christmas present for the Tivvy fan in your life. You can pick them up by emailing contact@tivertontownfc.co.uk or by going on line through www.tivertontownfc.co.uk/matchdaytickets . Go on. What are you waiting for?

Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South   Dorchester Town 5 (Gwengwe 36, Koszela 45, Spetch 50, Buse 81, Roberts 90+4) Tiverton Town 0   Saturday, December 21. 3pm . The Avenue   THIS was definitely not the result that the Yellows were looking for on their trip to the Avenue Stadium. Truth be told, they did contribute to a game of high quality, but some ruthless finishes and more incisive build-up play from Dorchester gave our hosts a resounding win.   Rob Dray welcomed Josh Jones back into the fold as he lined up in the centre of defence; fellow central defender Toby Down was suspended; and Nat Jarvis returned to lead the line.   The Magpies were the first to settle and two efforts from ex-Tivvy striker Olaf Koszela were sighters for a later first-half goal: the first flashed wide and the second warmed Joe Duncan’s gloves. Some neat approach play from Tiverton with 15 minutes played forced a corner, but the influential wind that blew around the stadium saw the trajectory of Bailey Kempster’s ball in change and bend into Dorchester goalkeeper Gerard Benfield’s arms.   The blustery conditions did not deter both sides from playing some attractive football. A flowing move from our hosts was ended by the conceding of a free-kick on the edge of our 18-yard box. Midfielder Harry Hutchinson rattled the crossbar and it remained 0-0.   A third attempt 33 minutes into the game from Koszela was saved well by Duncan and, fortunately for the Yellows, just evaded two Magpies’ players following up. However, three minutes later, fellow striker Shaquille Gwengwe fired home after a clever exchange of passes from Luke Pardoe and Wes Fogden.   Any thoughts of getting to the interval one goal behind ended when Koszela finally produced a telling finish, volleying home from close range and maybe changing the nature of Rob Dray and his coaching staff’s team-talk at half-time. At 2-0, the opportunity to turn things round is a possibility, but to concede five minutes into the second period makes that possibility a slim one. Pardoe’s shot was parried away for a corner by Duncan and Will Spetch headed Dorchester further in front from the delivery in.   A darting run from Kempster, prior to Marcus Day coming on for him in the 56th minute, resulted in him unleashing an effort narrowly past the post, and a Joe Parker corner was nodded painfully over by Josh Jones as the Yellows sought to find their way back into the game.   But the clock was increasingly against them. Substitutions in the 69th minute came in the form of Kai Churchley and Tor Swann - Dylan Jones and Jarvis were replaced - but Tivvy’s wounds were to deepen in the 81st minute, when Matt Buse, a second-half Dorchester substitute, thundered a shot past Duncan.   Tiverton were well beaten at that stage and the scoring was rounded off by an added-time fifth scored by Luke Roberts.   We are almost at the halfway stage in the 2024-25 season and Rob Dray’s men will know that good results over the Christmas programme - starting with Taunton at home on Boxing Day at 3pm - will be vital in seeing us push away from the relegation places.   Have a good Christmas, everyone, and see you on the 26th.   Yellows: Duncan, Thompson, Hall, J Jones, Kempster, Britton, Wright, Jenkins, D Jones, Jarvis, Parker. Substitutes: Churchley, Day, Billington, Swann.

Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South   Dorchester Town v Tiverton Town   Saturday, December 21. 3pm . The Avenue   IT is impossible to not mention our earlier encounters with the Magpies during this campaign, although we have yet to lose to In two games of football with our Dorset opponents.   A draw was pretty much a fair conclusion to the league game at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium, back in August; the penalty shoot-out loss in the Isuzu FA Trophy followed a performance that should have seen us through without the need for penalty kicks.   The last time we faced Dorchester at the Avenue Stadium, despite a numerical advantage after an early sending-off for the Magpies’ Jack Dickson, we were unable to capitalise and lost 2-1 with Will Fletcher’s penalty meaning we left Dorset empty handed.   In spite of being a hugely competitive force and going seven games unbeaten, Tom Killick’s men are struggling at the moment to shake off a draw specialist tag - six of the seven matches ending all square – and, along with Bracknell, they have drawn more games than any of the other sides in the division.  On the Spot: Dorchester knocked Tivvy out of the FA Trophy in a penalty shoot-out earlier this season That number is ten, but they are fifth in the table at the moment. Killick transformed their season after being in the relegation places last term and they finished the 2023-24 season as strongly as anyone.   The former Poole manager added well to his ranks then and managed to retain a vast amount of players from that squad for this season’s campaign.   Olaf Koszela is the Magpies’ leading scorer, with ten goals, and the striker who is fondly remembered at Ladysmead is becoming a consistent goal-getter at this level. The former Torquay youngster is starting to realise his potential.   There is no shortage of attacking threat, with Shaquille Gwengwe, Luke Pardoe and Wayne Robinson also at the manager’s disposal, and Gwengwe, although a little quiet on the goal front so far, will, through his impressive tally last term, command respect.   In the midfield areas, the dangerous schemer Wes Fogden is hugely creative. Joining his former manager from Poole this season, like a healthy contingent of players did during last season, Fodgen is an ex pro with Brighton and then, significantly, with Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Yeovil. In the veteran category now, he still has plenty to offer. The Magpies’ midfield also boasts the highly influential Corby Moore. The 31-year-old was a product of Southampton’s Academies and played professionally for Forest Green.   Matt Buse will be very familiar to Rob Dray from his time in the Taunton dugout. The former Peacock has also played higher up the pyramid with Torquay, Weymouth, Truro and Bath City, bringing further knowhow and experience to the hosts.   Junior N’galo’s performances are often pivotal for the Magpies and the strong-running powerful central midfielder is a dominant figure. Tom Bragg, 22, has established himself as part of Dorchester’s defensive unit, having played in the National League system for Eastleigh and Salisbury.   Ollie Haste has similar credentials and is another to heavily feature in the Magpies’ backline. His cv includes Yeovil and Truro. Jack Dickson, formerly of Poole, has been a strong performer at this level for many a season, and talented goalkeeper Gerard Benfield similarly has played for Weymouth, Salisbury and Wimborne.   Tiverton are in good form and can count themselves a little unfortunate to not get anything from last weekend’s game against promotion-chasing Totton.   Gabe Billington will be available to join his new team-mates, arriving on loan from Exeter City, and the squad looks competitive at the moment. Nat Jarvis should also be available for selection after a prior engagement meant he was absent last time out.   It is never easy to predict games in this division as most sides are capable of beating each other. One thing is for certain, though, and that is that the Yellows will be doing all they can to get some points having slipped back into the drop zone.

2025 has all the hallmarks of being a notable season for Tivvy. The team is making great strides under new manager Rob Dray and his talented coaching team of Connor Sidley-Adams and Steve Orchard - performances are improving, results are turning and, with the help of the wonderful Yellow Army, we can win the battle to stay in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South. Off the pitch, the Executive Committee has released bold and ambitious plans to raise the club's standards and sustainability, central to which is the introduction in the summer of a 3G pitch that will be a marvellous community asset. As part of their push into the new era, the club is offering Half-Season Tickets to the remaining 11 home games of the season at reduced rates. An adult ticket for all the rest of the 2024-25 league games at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium, starting with the juicy Boxing Day derby against Taunton Town, is just £95 - less than £9 per game. and a saving of more than £20 on general admission price. A concessionary ticket is only £65 - less than £6 per game; again, a saving of more than £20 - and a child ticket is just £8 - under 75p per game. So what are you waiting for? Especially if you are stuck for that last-minute Christmas present for the Tivvy fan in your life. You can pick them up by emailing contact@tivertontownfc.co.uk or by going on line through www.tivertontownfc.co.uk/matchdaytickets . Go on. What are you waiting for?

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Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South   Tiverton Town 0 AFC Totton 1 (Blair 90 +1)   Saturday, December 14 . 3pm . Ian Moorcroft Stadium   IT was to be a disappointing end to the game for the Yellows. They had looked more than a match for their higher placed opponents in the first half before, a short way into the concluding half, they were dealt a blow when two yellow cards for Toby Down saw his ‘second debut’ for Tiverton cut short.   Totton, who are very much contesting automatic promotion with Merthyr and blessed with the attacking riches of former Premier League striker Charlie Austin, ex EFL centre-forward Scott Rendell, and serial goalscorer  in this division Tony Lee, arrived at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium, unbeaten since September 14. After taking the scalps of Walton & Hersham and Basingstoke, though, Tiverton were hopeful of causing an upset. Welcoming back Niall Thompson and Asa Hall from suspension and including new centre-back signing Down in the starting 11 were real plusses, but forward pivot Nat Jarvis was unavailable.   A wet surface greeted both sides and the conditions often saw both sides knock the ball long, bypassing the midfield. The opening 15 minutes saw the teams struggling to gain the upper hand, but the Yellows started a little better than the visitors.   Ethan Taylor then screwed his shot wide after being played in for the Stags and Charlie Kennedy flashed narrowly past the post for the second-placed side.   In the 21st minute, it took an excellent recovery tackle from ex Torquay EFL player Joe Oastler to deny Tor Swann an obvious opportunity. Then, just after the half-hour mark, the Yellow’ forced a corner. From the delivery, Swann, decently positioned, could not quite find a finish with his header.  There was little in the way of chances leading up to half time, but Rob Dray’s men had shown enough to suggest a third consecutive victory was a possibility. They were hardworking, combative and organised, with Down slotting in well and Oli Jenkins, in particular, asserting himself in midfield. However, when the teams did return, Tiverton were severely hampered by the dismissal of Down after receiving yellows in the 48th and 57th minutes, adecision that appeared harsh.   Tivvy regrouped with Swann and Joe Parker both replaced and the players continued to play positively and almost took the lead when Dylan Jones’ effort at the near post produced a fine save from Ryan Gosney in the Stags’ goal. This 68th-minute effort prompted changes from Jimmy Ball, Totton’s manager.   On came attacking midfielder Tom Blair and off went defender Ben Jefford, with former Austin making way for Rendell.    The visitors started to throw the kitchen sink at Tivvy. Taylor’s corner hit goalkeeper Joe Duncan’s near post and two attempts from Kennedy, one with his head and the other with his boot, missed the target. The assured Duncan was then booked for time-wasting before Tony Lee fired an acrobatic volley wide.   The determined Yellows were very competitive, though, and continued to look dangerous on the break.  The ten men who impressively reached added time level, then had their resilience broken. Blair’s 92nd-minute winner was a cruel blow to Tivvy and secured all three points for the visitors, his shot from inside the box in a crowded penalty area after a corner doing the damage.   It was a gutting way to lose after yet another stirring display from Tiverton, who were very much in with a shout of winning themselves until the sending-off and still threatened after the numerical disadvantage.   We visit Dorchester next in what should be an intriguing encounter. Their latest result was a 2-2 draw at Walton & Hersham.   Having played each other twice, drawing in the league and tThe Yellows’ going out on penalties in the FA Trophy, the two teams should know plenty about each other.   Yellows: Duncan; Thompson, Hall, Down, Kempster, Britton, Jenkins, D.Jones, Churchley, Swann, Parker. Substitutes: J Jones, Day, Wright, Harmer.   Attendance: 306.

Rob Dray TIVERTON Town manager Rob Dray has given his unequivocal backing to the club's recently announced development plans, which include the installation of an artificial 3G pitch in time for next season. The Yellows' Committee have announced an initial five-prong project to transform the Ian Moorcroft Stadium into a vibrant facility for the whole community of Tiverton. In addition to the pitch installation, four key upgrades are envisioned: the creation of new changing-rooms behind the main stand; the redevelopment of the existing changing-rooms; LED floodlights; and solar panel installation. When completed, this will allow clubs and organisations to share the pitch and ground facilities with Tivvy all year round. Rob, who became Yellows' manager earlier this season, said: "I think it's crucial to the club, the community, the area, everything. The plans are very exciting, and they're part of the reason that I was drawn here - it was sold to me. "I haven't been on board with Tiverton for too long, but they've talked about a 3G pitch the entire time that I've been here and, to me, it's a no-brainer. I think it's got to happen." He is now lending his weight to the club's appeal for local politicians, businesses and organisations to unite and bring the plans to fruition. "It's massive," he said. "We just need engagement from everybody, really - as many people as we can get. Once these once the full plans are all published, it's going to be impressive stuff."