Archive News & Reports

26th April 2009 Taunton Youth League

Wellington Town 2 v 4 Tivvy U13s

The final league game of the season saw Tivvy comprehensively beat Wellington for the second time this season in a game where the result never seemed in doubt.

With Tivvy opting to play uphill in the first half Wellington must have been surprised with the pace, passing and movement of the Tivvy lads. The first chance of the game fell to Tivvy with free kick that went just over the bar with a little over 5 minutes played. Wellington proceeded to try and play the long ball game, as they did in the first encounter with Tivvy this season, but the Yellow’s back line held well and in the first 35 minutes Wellington never had a chance on goal. As in the last game, Alan Woodcock was immense in the amount of pressure he was putting the Wellington defenders who were finding it very difficult to stop him. Along with Jack Cottrell he was instrumental in several of the moves which resulted in goals. Cottrell looked determined to double his goal tally for the season after a great bit of build up play that saw Ollie Main slide the ball across in front of Cottrell at the edge of the penalty area, and his first touch shot narrowly went wide of the upright. The next attack saw Dan Nation fire a great ball over the top, which saw Jake Burridge pick it up to fire off a shot, but the ball bobbled up at the last second making it go wide. Cottrell had another opportunity after Woody crossed to Burridge who held the ball up well before slipping it across to Cottrell; this time the ball went over the bar. With all the pressure that Tivvy were applying it was a matter of when not if before the goal came and around the 25 minute mark Main linked up with Liam Gregory who provided the first of two magnificent assists for Burridge, who on this occasion slammed the ball past the keeper into the back of the net before he could even react. Wellington seemed devoid of ideas as they continued to play the ball over the top, only for it to be sent straight back at them by Max Bristow, Callum Burgin, Harry Webber or Jason Allington. The second goal came from a move that was even better than the move that created the first goal. This one started with Main in midfield after he had received the ball from the back, he then spread it wide to Woody who knocked it on to Gregory to hit in a first time cross that saw Burridge execute the finish with ultimate precision. The first half finished 2-0, with Tivvy in total control.

The opening minute of the second half saw Tivvy extend their lead to 3 goals after a Bristow free kick reached the feet of Woody, who fired a powerful shot at the keeper, forcing him to parry the ball out to the feet of the onrushing Gregory, who coolly slotted the ball away. Two minutes later Wellington finally managed to penetrate the Tivvy defences after a frantic goalmouth scramble saw the ball in the back of the Tivvy net. Undeterred, Tivvy continued to play their passing game, keeping the ball on the floor and another quality move saw Main thread the ball through for Woody who fired in at goal but was a little too close to the keeper who managed to gather it up. Less than a minute later, Woody hit the back of the net, but the move was adjudged to have been offside! Woody was not going to be beaten and two minutes later he got Tivvy’s fourth with a brilliantly contested and brave header that saw him have to be substituted off due to reckless challenge by the wellington keeper who left stud marks down Woodcocks back. The Tivvy pressure continued and Burridge came close again with a shot that had the keeper beat, but it slid across the goal and out for a goal kick. Wellington managed to pull back a second goal after a long ball over the top saw Tivvy for the first time in the game a little indecisive at the back. The game ended 4-2 to Tiverton, consolidating their position at the top of the Taunton League, as 2008/09 champions.

Men of the Match: Jack Cottrell & Liam Gregory Goalscorers: Burridge (2), Gregory, Woodcock

22nd April 2009 Taunton Youth League

Tivvy U13s 1 v 2 Blackbrook Wolves

After ensuring they had won the League title on Sunday, I think the lads can be forgiven for taking their foot of the pedal a little in a game they were probably expected to win comfortably. Great credit has to go to Blackbrook Wolves who clearly came to play a game of football in a competitive manner.

Both sides started brightly and it was the Wolves who had the opening opportunity with a shot that was sent over the bar, and not long after this Tivvy were again lucky not to concede after a frantic goalmouth scramble saw Stephen Bucknell eventually manage to clear the ball. In the 10th minute of the game the Wolves did take the lead with a well finished goal that was the result of Bucko only being able to parry the ball out into the striker’s path after an initially fantastic save. Tivvy started to fight back and in around the 25th minute managed to make the scores level when the passing and movement of the Tivvy lads proved too much for the Wolves. Jake Burridge and Dan Nation played the ball well between them before Nation released the ball to Alan Woodcock who fired the ball across goal for Jack “there’s only one Scooter” Cottrell to tap in his first goal of the season. Tivvy, and in particular Woody, continued to battle for every ball up front and came close to taking the lead on several occasions, but the lads seemed to be making hard work of the game and in fairness 1-1 at half time was a good scoreline.

The second half started with Tivvy in the ascendency and a trademark cross from Nation into the penalty area was met by Woody who unfortunately couldn’t get hold of the ball, which resulted in it going over the bar for a goal kick. The game continued to flow from end to end with Max Bristow, George Gardiner and Callum Burgin working well together and fending off the attacking advances of the very strong number 17 up front. With a little under 10 minutes remaining of the game, the Wolves were awarded a controversial free-kick just outside their own area which allowed them to play the long ball that deceived the Tivvy backline, allowing the onrushing Wolves’ striker to fire a shot past Bucko making it 2-1. The game ended at that scoreline and well done to the Wolves who now put themselves in striking distance of Minehead and Wellington in the table.

Man of the Match: Max Bristow Goalscorer: Jack Cottrell

19th April 2009 Taunton Youth League

Tivvy U13s 2 v 0 Bishops Lydeard

A glorious afternoon of sunshine on Tivvy’s College pitch was the setting for today’s game that saw last seasons Under 12 Taunton League and League Cup winners of the get the 3 points they needed to become the 2008/09 Division 1 Champions to add to the League Cup they have already won. A fantastic achievement for any team and with 2 games remaining of the season, being 8 points clear, having only conceded 15 league goals it’s clear this is a quality team that will go on to greater things next season.

The first moment of the game almost saw Alan Woodcock open the scoring after a long throw in from Jason Allington was met by Woody who headed the ball, but the crossbar denied him. Tivvy continued to play strong and determined football forcing Bishops Lydeard to play a long ball game to give them any hope of getting near the Tivvy goal. Bishops Lydeard had their first opportunity of the game some 10 minutes in when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, but the Tivvy stayed united and the strike went behind for a goal kick. Tivvy continued to press for the goal and Jack Cotterill came close with a speculative lob from some distance out that the keeper struggled to get a hold of, but eventually he managed to clear the ball from his line. Shortly after this, the Bishops Lydeard goalkeeper was forced into making a great reaching save to stop Tivvy going ahead after a fantastic strike from Dan Nation looked destined to hit the top left corner. Tivvy continued to make opportunities but appeared to be drawn into playing the long ball over top themselves on many occasions rather than playing the ball through the midfield, and with the level of skills the Tivvy lads have playing the ball on the floor to feet is one of the major keys to their success. Tivvy continued to keep the Bishops Lydeard defence busy, but could not find the penetrative finish they needed. Bishops Lydeard’s clearest chance of the half came from a set piece that saw them push the ball in only for George Gardiner to confident clear off the line with his head. With little less that 5 minutes remaining of the first half, Woody came close again with a powerful 20 yard free kick that the keeper managed to hold onto. The first half finished 0-0.

The second 35 minutes started again with Tivvy looking the more ambitious and Bishops Lydeard content to try and catch them on the break with the long ball over the top, and looking like a team that was playing for a 0-0 draw. Lewis White started to make a difference in the midfield and was beginning to spread the ball to the wings stretching Bishops Lydeard and making chances for the players up front. Max Bristow, who played the first half in goal, came on to play in midfield and made an almost instantaneous impact with a great long range shot that came back off the upright after a goalmouth scramble that involved Woody, Jack Burridge and Zak Morgan. Morgan finally managed to put the ball across the line to make it 1-0. Going a goal behind appeared to inspire Bishops Lydeard as they began to pressurise the ball and forced Tivvy to defend very deep for a short period of time, before finally Tivvy got a deserved second goal that was bundled in by a Lydeard defender after some scrappy defending. Tivvy continued to look for goal number three but it wasn’t going to come. The game ended 2-0, 3 points and the League title in the bag.

Congratulations and well done to all the boys, management and backroom staff – you all deserve it.

Man of the Match George Gardiner Goal Scorers: Zak Morgan, Own Goal

15th April 2009 Taunton Youth League

Bishops Lydeard 1 v 3 Tivvy U13s

The two top teams in the Taunton league met for the 1st time this season , with Tivvy looking to extend on their two point lead. With Tivvy four players missing due to the half term including their goalkeeper a potential slip up was a possibility against a strong Lydeard outfit.

On what must be the smallest pitch the U13s have ever played on and with only ¾ size goals and playing up hill the Yellows started well, keeping the opposition penned into their own half. With a pitch of this size and the up against the big defenders Bishops Lydeard had Tivvys ability to play the ball to feet and pass it around quickly and on the floor was going to be key. They did this superbly but it was Bishops Lydeard who took the lead in the 8th minute. Totally against the run of play, they took full advantage of the narrow pitch with a throw-in into the penalty box that was forced in after a bit of a scramble that wasn’t dealt with. Tivvy rode the short wave of attacking play from Lydeard, before they got to grips with the game, Alan Woodcock forced the keeper to make a great diving save with his powerful free-kick, moments later Drew Laskey levelled the scores after Jason Allingtons thrown in was picked up by Dan Nation who fired it across to Laskey who’s determination to score was immense as the hard work was not quite over with him having to battle past another defender before unleashing his shot 1 – 1. 10 minutes later Tivvy were in front after a move that left everybody on the touchline in awe of the skill of these young men. The move started with Jake Burridge passing out to Nation on the wing who left the two Lydeard defenders standing as he fired the ball to Woody in the midst of the penalty area, he instinctively knew laskey was behind him as he backed heeled the ball into Laskeys path before he slammed the ball across the goal keeper to make it 2 – 1 to Tivvy. Bishops Lydeard came close to finding an equaliser, but the bravery of Tivvys stand in keeper Max Bristow kept Tivvy in front after a series of what looked like 4 saves with his agility (and face) stopped the ball from going in. Just before the half time whistle Nation was unlucky not to get on the score sheet after his powerful strike from outside the box was deflected off the crossbar, if it had been full size goals Bishops Lydeard would have been 3 – 1 down.

Both teams started the second half with purpose and with Tivvy now playing down hill they kept pressing forward looking for another goal and it was only 12 minutes before it came. A great ball across goal from Burridge was hit first time by Jack Cottrell, the ball looked goal bound but it came back off the upright for the on-rushing Ollie Main to fire in to make it 3 -1. The Tivvy pressure was now continual and the lads were making chance after chance with Ryan Hancock coming close on several occasions as well as Cottrell and laskey who was looking for the hat-trick. With several of the team missing the lads travelled away from home and did them proud with this performance.

Man of the Match Jake Burridge Goal Scorers: Drew Laskey (2), Ollie Main

12th April 2009 Taunton Youth League

Tivvy U13s 2 v 0 Minehead

Following on from their success at the Bournemouth Classic, the Under 13s gained 3 more points today to take them top of the League, 2 points ahead of their closest rivals, Bishop Lydeard, who Tivvy will be visiting on Wednesday evening.

In glorious sunshine and a superbly prepared pitch, Tivvy started at pace looking confident and pushing forward well from the midfield. Drew Laskey was battling extremely well with the first chance falling to Alan Woodcock after Drew held off the two midfielders releasing the ball for Woody to run in on goal, but on this occasion the finish wasn’t there. As play continued a great header from Max Bristow in the middle of the field bounced over the defender to Woody to run on to again, but he couldn’t make the contact needed and his shot went narrowly wide. With almost 20 minutes played, Drew was involved again with a great ball across goal for Ollie Main, who fired first time forcing a great save from the keeper. Tivvy continued to battle well right across the pitch and a great effort by Daniel Nation coming in from the left hand side almost opened the door for Tivvy. Tivvy were seemingly camped out in Minehead’s half and had chance after chance but couldn’t find the quality end ball required. Liam Gregory was next to chance his luck with a great lob shot from distance that beat the keeper but the last defender pushed it off the line. In the 23rd minute Liam turned provider for Nation who unleashed another powerful left footed shot that went wide of the post. Two minutes later Tivvy finally penetrated the Minehead back line with the two forwards, Jake Burridge and Woody, linking up well. Jake unselfishly put the ball across the goal for Woody, who finished the move well to make it 1-0. The running and off the ball movement of Gregory and Burridge was causing the Minehead team all sorts of problems, but as the end of the first half neared the whole team were starting to look a little tired, which was no doubt down to the previous week’s events and the blistering heat they were playing in.

The second half started much the same as the first ended with Tivvy pressing hard for the second goal and the first 15 minutes or so of the second half saw Tivvy have numerous half chances but again they just couldn’t find the back of the net, which was in no small way due to some excellent goalkeeping from the Minehead keeper. Seventeen minutes in to the second half the second goal which would give Tivvy some breathing space did come after a fantastic move that saw Nation battling well once again, muscling the defender of the ball allowing a pass to Gregory, who played it across field to Main, whose venomous strike came back of the upright and the onrushing Jake forced the ball in off the rebound. Minehead did manage to have a couple of attempts on Tivvy’s goal but the back four and Stephen Bucknell commanded their positions confidently and continued to send the ball back into the Minehead half. A huge mention has to go to the Minehead goalkeeper for a fantastic series of saves when Gregory, Woodcock and Zak Morgan were all grouped in the penalty area and appearingly taking pot-shots, but they simply couldn’t beat the keeper on this occasion. With less than 5 minutes remaining on the clock, Gregory yet again showed the determination and battling mentality that earned him today’s Man of the Match, when he simply would not give up as he managed to battle his way through three Minehead defenders before releasing the ball across goal into the danger area in an attempt to get Tivvy further ahead. Unfortunately with tired legs nobody could make the finish and the game ended 2-0 to Tivvy.

Goalscorers: Alan Woodcock & Jake Burridge Man of the Match: Liam Gregory

6th to 10th April 2009 Bournemouth Classic Tour

Results:

Tuesday 7th 1.30pm ----- Tiverton Town 1 - 1 Highcliffe Hawks

Tuesday 7th 3.30pm ----- Leominster Minors 0 - 4 Tiverton Town

Wednesday 8th 1.30pm ---- Tiverton Town 4 - 0 Bude Town

Wednesday 8th 3.30pm ---- New Milton Town Robins 1 - 1 Tiverton Town

Thursday 9th 12:00pm ---- Callowbrook Swifts 1 - 3 Tiverton Town

Thursday 9th 1.45pm ---- Tournament Final

New Milton Town Robins 0 - 0 Tiverton Town (5-4 AET)

Match Report Tuesday 7th 1.30pm

Tiverton Town 1 - 1 Highcliffe Hawks

The opening game of any tournament is always a difficult one, with no knowledge of the opposition and the lads a little tense they made hard work of this game and we were fortunate to get the point come the end.

Tivvy started this game well, applying pressure from the outset in an attempt to break down Highcliffe’s defence early and Dan “Trigger” Nation came close but sliced his shot only for it to go wide within the opening moments. Tivvy continued to press and kept Highcliffe penned into their own half. Lewis “Whitey” White provided Trigger with another chance with a great left footed strike into the danger area for Trigger to hit, but again it went wide. Tivvy managed to get the opening goal in the 10th minute with Whitey linking up well with Jake “Washy” Burridge and the goal came from Whitey knocking the ball across the goal for Washy to slot in. Highcliffe re-started the game with great purpose and were pushing further forward which was allowing Tivvy the opportunity to catch them on the break. The next chance of the game came when Highcliffe gave away a free-kick some 30 yards out, which Max “Spud” Bristow launched in for Liam “Blondy” Gregory whose shot unfortunately went straight into the arms of the keeper. The first half ended 1-0 and Tivvy were playing well throughout the field.

This was one of the proverbial “games of two halves” as Tivvy came out for the second half looking decidedly ragged which gave Highcliffe the encouragement they needed to continue looking for the equaliser, which they almost got in the first 10 minutes with a half chance that Stephen “Bucko” Bucknell dealt with to keep Tivvy in front. Tivvy started to pick up again and spent a considerable amount of time in the Highcliffe half, but were caught on the break when the referee gave a questionable free-kick presenting them with the opportunity which they finally took after Bucko made two great saves but couldn’t recover in time for a third, so it was 1-1. Tivvy were clearly fired up now and had several opportunities to win the game and one such chance was afforded to Alan “Woody” Woodcock who ran by the last defender but was adjudged to have been offside by the Highcliffe linesman, so the game remained at 1-1. With almost the last kick of the game, Highcliffe perhaps should have won after their striker was given a golden opportunity to score when he was one on one with Bucko, he stepped to one side and put the ball wide of the post. The game finished 1-1 and a point apiece.

Goal Scorers: Jake Burridge

Match Report Tuesday 7th 3.30pm

Leominster Minors 0 - 4 Tiverton Town

After only getting a draw in their first game, Tivvy realised the importance of getting the three points from this one and wasted no time in setting out their stall, when Jack “Monty” McGovern gave Tivvy the lead within the opening 30 seconds, with a mazy run through the back line before firing across the keeper into the goal. Moments later, Leominster were unfortunate not be level after they were awarded a free-kick not far from the area that was delivered superbly at goal beating Bucko but narrowly going wide. Leominster, like the previous opposition, made the mistake of trying to play too high up the field and the Tivvy forwards were catching them time and time again. A great move from Washy saw him pick the ball up from the dead ball line to set up Trigger for a chance, but the finish wasn’t there. The chances kept coming with Ollie “Mainer” Main and Monty coming close with Washy being involved in most of the moves, but it seemed like an eternity before the next goal came and it was Washy again who set this one up when he put a great ball through for Woody who was one on one with the keeper and as per usual in this situation he made no mistake of hitting the back of the net to end the first half 2-0.

The second half started with Leominster looking desperate to get back in to the game, throwing everything at Tivvy and keeping them on the back foot for the early part of the half. After repelling the wave of Leominster attacks, Tivvy started to come back at them with Woody and Washy working together superbly with some great interlinking play up front. The third goal of the game was scored by Washy with a fantastic finish after the ball was slipped through to him by Woody. His first strike came back off the upright but in true predatory style he was running in to follow up the shot and slotted it coolly past the keeper making it 3-0. The next mentionable moment fell to Blondy who was in on goal after some fantastic battling saw him eventually come out with the ball to fire a great shot which narrowly went wide. The fourth goal, and Woody’s second of the game, came after another great bit of interlinking play between Woody and Washy, as Washy sent the ball over for Woody to fire in a great volley from the edge of the box. In the dying moments of the game Woody was a fingertip away from getting his hat trick as he ran in on goal with the ball he attempted to lob the keeper, forcing a great save that put the ball behind for a corner. This was a great game to watch as the lads played some very good football and in terms of the tournament that now put us in third place with 4 points.

Goal Scorers: Alan Woodcock (2), Jake Burridge, Jack McGovern

Match Report Wednesday 8th 1.30pm

Tiverton Town 4 - 0 Bude Town

Bude came into this game on the back of two defeats knowing full well they had to win this game to stand any chance of progressing to the final. They were a strong physical side which, for the opening moments of the game, appeared to unnerve the Tivvy back line, but it wasn’t long before they settled and started to play the flowing football we have become accustomed to. Washy opened the scoring with his third goal of the tournament, after a great piece of football that saw Blondy send the ball out wide for Jason Allington who, with his first touch, sent the ball into the 6 yard box for Washy to rise up and head in, making it 1-0. Tivvy played much of the first half in Bude’s half of the pitch with continual pressure and great balls being knocked in from all angles. A memorable move was when Spud knocked the ball out wide to Washy, who flicked in to Woody to run in on goal before unleashing a venomous strike that forced a great save from the keeper. Tivvy, in truthfulness, were in total control of this game and never looked like being and unfortunately the ball came back off the upright. The first half ended 1-0 but it could have been a cricket score.

It was 12 minutes into the second half before Tivvy extended their lead when Washy “I don’t need my feet” headed in another great goal from the assist by Trigger who fired it in from the angle superbly. With continual great build-up play and the lads moving off the ball well it was only a matter of time before another goal was to come and it fell this time to the feet of Washy for his hat trick when the ball was eventually threaded through to him after some great midfield build up he struck the ball from the edge of the penalty box, giving the keeper no chance 3-0. We had one of those inspirational substitutions for the fourth goal when Woody came onto the pitch, his very first touch was to hit the ball into the net scoring a great goal from a cross by provided by Monty. The game ended 4-0, putting us on 2 wins and a draw, 7 points and still in 3rd place.

Goal Scorers: Jake Burridge (3) Alan Woodcock

Match Report Wednesday 8th 3.30pm

New Milton Town Robins 1 - 1 Tiverton Town

The second game of the day saw Tivvy up against the current table leaders, New Milton Town Robins, and the boys were under no illusion that they would have to up their game to get a result.

Tivvy started well, passing the ball around and for the first 10 minutes dominated the mid-field, and the first chance to open the scoring fell to Woody after Spud sent the ball through but unfortunately Woody scuffed his shot. Two minutes later Blondy was unfortunate not to score with a thunderous shot from some 30 yards out that had the keeper beat, but hit the side netting. With 15 minutes paid Tivvy could easily have been given a penalty when Monty was brought down in the area, but the referee was unsighted. Tivvy continued to work their way through the mid-field of the Robins and Whitey slipped the ball through for Mainer who smashed a long range shot unfortunately straight into the arms of the keeper. The Tivvy roadshow was continually one way traffic during this half with them working well together to make the chances but they just didn’t seem to be able to finish. With a little over 5 minutes of the first half remaining Tivvy were denied their second penalty shout after a blatant handball by the Robins’ defender in the box was missed by the referee. The last move of the half saw Spud send a great free kick in for Monty to header, which skimmed off the upright to go out for a goal kick.

The second half saw the Robins come out with much more purpose and I can only think their manager must have given them a rocket at half time as they looked completely different, pressurising Tivvy and keeping them on the back foot. Seven minutes into the second half the Robins took the lead after managing to wriggle their way through the Tivvy defence, and slotting in an easy finish. Showing the true character of the Tivvy team, none of the boys’ heads dropped and they continued to play quality football and upping the pace, which the Robins were finding difficult to deal with and they began to give away more unnecessary free kicks in dangerous areas, one of which saw Spud deliver another great free kick into the penalty area which was brought down by Drew “Drewskey” Laskey to slip the ball across the goal for Alan who made no mistake in finishing to make it 1-1. The game was all Tivvy once more and they were unfortunate not to take the lead in the dying moments with a great bit of build up play that saw Spud send the ball from the back to the left wing where Trigger was waiting to send it in where Monty was waiting to head the ball and again it skimmed off the upright to go out for a goal kick.

There’s lots of mention of the lads up front here but massive credit has to go to George “Noddy” Gardiner and Callum “Doogle” Burgin who defended with the confidence that any Premier League manager would have been proud to have in his team.

Final score 1-1, leaving Tivvy in 3rd place on 8 points knowing that they had to go into tomorrow morning’s game needing a win to progress into the final.

Goal Scorers: Alan Woodcock

Match Report Thursday 9th 12:00pm

Callowbrook Swifts 1 - 3 Tiverton Town

The result for this game was never in doubt. Even before the boys had stepped on to the pitch it was clear they were well up for this game. It only took 3 minutes for Tivvy to open up the Callowbrook defence after Mainer put the ball through the back line allowing Monty in who coolly placed the ball past the keeper – 1-0. Straight from the re-start Tivvy were back in the Swifts’ half and were awarded the first of many free kicks. Spud stepped up to take the free kick and fired direct at goal, narrowly going over the bar. Moments later, from an almost identical position, he launched another free kick, this time to find Trigger who shot from the edge of the box and went narrowly wide. With the confidence oozing from all the players it seemed everybody was going to get a chance at shooting, and Whitey was next with a fantastic shot from long range that forced the keeper to put the ball behind for a corner. As throughout the tournament, the combination of Woody and Washy was working well and they linked up with Monty to set up another chance, but again it went wide. It was all one way traffic with Tivvy camped out in the Swifts’ half and they never looked like troubling the Yellows. Another strong run from Woody from midfield allowed him to push the ball through for Washy, but the touch was a little hard and the move was never finished. With a little under 10 minutes of the first half remaining Tivvy were awarded a penalty after Monty was brought down in the area. Unfortunately he didn’t convert this opportunity so the scoreline remained 1-0.

It was only moments into the second half before the miss was rectified with a great finish from the edge of the box by Washy, after another quality period of build-up play. Five minutes later Monty made it 3-0 from another brilliantly delivered free kick sent into the penalty area by Spud. Playing up the slope and into the wind in the second half had no effect on the way Tivvy played and gave no advantage to the Swifts as they were simply out-classed in every quarter. With 5 minutes left on the clock Woody almost made if 4 with a great speculative lob that bounced past the goal as the keeper stood watching. The Swifts managed to get a consolation goal right at the death after a lack of communication at the back gifted them the opportunity.

Goal scorers: Monty (2), Washy

Thursday 9th 1.45pm ---- Tournament Final

New Milton Town Robins 0 - 0 Tiverton Town (5-4 AET)

For a neutral watching this game they would have agreed that the two teams were worthy finalists after meeting previously and drawing 1-1, it was clear this would be a tough game for both sides.

Tivvy looked bright from the outset and controlled the midfield well with Mainer, Spud and Whitey battling and winning almost everything but even with the determination they were showing, and the quality of our strikers, the Robins proved a tough nut to crack. There were few clear-cut chances and it looked very much like it would be a set piece that would unlock one of the defences. Tivvy came close when Woody had a free kick 25 yards out, which hit the target but was a little too close to the keeper who managed to gather it up. The Robins were working well on the counter but the central defence of Tivvy, namely Doogle and Noddy, dealt with the pacy strikers well. With five minutes of the first half remaining, Tivvy were awarded another free kick, this time Jason stepped up to place the ball which uncharacteristically went into the wall, but in the scramble that followed Tivvy were unlucky as nobody could get a foot to the bobbling ball which was eventually cleared. With time almost up in the first half Tivvy almost fell behind after a well taken corner from the Robins saw Blondy make a heroic goalline clearance for the Yellows.

The second half started with Tivvy looking the more ambitious and trying to break the defence of the Robins, but they continued to hold strong. The Robins had a five minute spell where they had Tivvy on the ropes with some great interlinking play of their own, but the defence remained composed and dealt with the situation well. It wasn’t long before Tivvy were back at the Robins with a great ball from Doogle that found the feet of Drewsky in midfield who knocked it in for Monty to run on to but he couldn’t find the finish on this occasion. With time fast running out and penalties looming, Tivvy continued to play the ball forward in an attempt to win the game and were unfortunate not to do so after a great ball out from the midfield to Monty on the left was sent right across the goal mouth to the feet of Drewsky, but the ball landed under his feet and he couldn’t quite make the finish, pushing the ball inches wide of the upright.

Time was up so the dreaded penalty shootout was now upon us. Obviously there has to be a winner, but it’s always a lottery when you get to this stage and the Robins managed to convert 5 and Tivvy only 4.

The final was played between our boys on tour who in honesty were running on empty against a local side who were staying at home and fresh every day. This undoubtedly had an influence on how the game was played. The boys did their best and should be proud that they got this far. Everyone of the Tivvy squad should be proud of what they have achieved this week both on and off the football pitch with their impeccable behaviour, good manners, and gracious behaviour.

5th April 2009 Taunton Youth League

Tivvy U13s 6 v 0 Wembdon

With the Bournemouth tour looming large and both parents and players getting excited about leaving in the morning it was clear the lads had one eye on the early morning departure. That said there were some exquisite goals and great moments of play in today’s game.

With only a few minutes of the game gone Jake Burridge opened the scoring, knocking in a great ball that was supplied by Alan Woodcock, who’s determination and persistence was too much for the Wembdon defender who eventually lost out to Woodcock. Moments later Burridge turned almost turned provider when he linked up well with Woodcock sliding the ball though the defenders for him to fire at goal forcing the keeper to make a great save and put the ball behind for a corner. Tivvy looked very comfortable on the ball and defensively solid with Liam Gregory taking control of Wembdons big forward and stopping him in his tracks on every occasion whilst Gardiner and Burgin held their line well in front of stand in goal keeper Bristow. More dogged determination in the midfield from Ollie main who threaded a great ball into the path of Burridge so he could double the Yellows lead, coolly slotting the ball past the keeper 2 – 0. Moments later Burridge got his hat-trick with a finish straight out the top drawer, The ball was fired down the wing for Daniel Nation who ran by the defender before sending the ball into the penalty area for Burridge to volley in with his first touch giving the keeper and the on-looking defence absolutely no chance.

The 2nd half started much as the first ended with Tivvy in total control of the game and it only took 5 minutes before the Wembdon net was bulging again, Nation sent the ball down the line for Harry Webber to cross into the danger area and Drew Laskey was waiting to pounce with a great side footed touch making it 4 – 0. Two minutes later Nation hit the back of the net himself but the linesman adjudged him to have been off-side, Tivvy’s incisive play continued with Laskey forcing another great save that was parried back out to Zak Morgan, but the ball was under his feet and he couldn’t make the finish in time before the defenders were on him. Goal number 5 was another cracking goal with Gregory sending the ball back across the goal from the dead-ball line after leaving the defence standing, Woodcock side footed the ball in with a well controlled finish. Woodcock finished the scoring to make it 6 – 0 when Morgan threaded yet another quality ball through for him so he was 1 on 1 with the Keeper, Woodcock still had work to do but made no mistake of finishing off.

Special thanks should go to Max Bristow who did an admirable job between the sticks in the absence of Stephen Bucknell.

Man of the Match: Drew Laskey

Goal Scorers: Jake Burridge (3) , Alan Woodcock (2), Drew Laskey

29th March 2009 Taunton Youth League

Tivvy U13s 1 v 0 Holway United

This was always going to be a tough game, but with a great playing surface like Ladysmead, the sun shining and no wind like there was at the last encounter. It should have been an occasion to remember for all the right reasons as both sides are clearly good footballing sides and their positions in the league clearly reflect that.

Both sides started sharply knowing full well that for Holway this was a must win game for them to have any chance of maintaining their league title bid and they came close to opening the scoring in the early moments with a good move that saw the ball slide across the face of goal, Tivvy sat back for the first 5 minutes or so absorbing the the pressure Holway were trying to apply, but the skill and commitment of the back 4 made up of Liam Gregory, Callum Burgin, George Gardiner and Max Bristow were like “The fantastic four” with nothing getting through them for the majority of the game. After soaking up the early pressure it was the turn of the Tivvy Midfield to turn the screw and provide some great balls for Drew Laskey and today’s captain Jake Burridge up front, both of whom had half chances to put Tivvy in front but the final ball eluded them. The 20 minute mark saw the best chance of the half when Bristow delivered a great through ball to Laskey who hit the ball on the volley putting it just over the bar, Holway started to come back at Tivvy who were at times now being battled off the ball with some very physical challenges, Holway managed to break through the back-line but Burgin shielded the goal well forcing the big forward out wide and the resultant shot he let off went well wide. Tivvy continued to play some very skilful football which was clearly frustrating the Holway players who were finding it difficult to deal with. With 5 minutes of the first half remaining Stephen Bucknell, the Tivvy goal-keeper was fortunate to escape serious injury from a very late two footed challenge that saw him take a blow to the head which resulted in the first yellow card of the game. Tivvy remained very much in control for the remainder of the first half although Holway were still looking dangerous on the break, the 1st half ended 0 - 0.

The second started with Tivvy showing the classy style of football they are capable of and straight from the kick off they almost took the lead when Alan Woodcock who was playing wide sent a great ball into the penalty area for Laskey, but the ball was under his feet so he could get no purchase on it, the ball bobbled out for Gregory who slammed the ball wide of the post. The game was now being played mainly in the Holway half with Tivvy launching attack after attack against a side who were getting ever more frustrated as they simply could not get the ball out of their half, the resolute defending of Holway was almost breached in the 15th minute of the second half with Gregory and Nation linking up well to provide Burridge with a ball that even the keeper must have thought was in, but the Holway defender cleared it off the line, Woodcock was next to come close with a lob that beat the keeper but went wide. Two minutes later the breakthrough came when Bristow scuffed his long range free kick only for it to land at the feet of Lewis White who was fouled right on the edge of the box, but the referee played the advantage allowing White a second chance at striking the ball. He made no mistake and gave Tivvy the lead they so deserved. It was clear to see that the goal had rocked Holway and they started to lose their shape and discipline, which resulted in two of their players being red carded within 3 minutes of one another, nobody wants to see any player red carded but the referee was left with no option in both instances. With Holway down to 9 men, the chances of them getting back into the game were very limited as they struggled to keep Tivvy at bay, with 5 minutes remaining Ryan Hancock was unlucky not to find his name on the score sheet with a speculative lob that the keeper stood and watched go over the bar. The game ended 1 – 0 to Tiverton, another well earnt victory by a hard working team. It was disappointing the game was marred by the sendings off, indiscipline and discourteous manner by the minority of the players and parents/supporters during and at the end of the game.

Man of the Match: Liam Gregory Goal scorers: Lewis White

22nd March 2009 Taunton Youth League

Minehead 2 v 7 Tivvy U13s

Having played Minehead once this season already, and seeing their current form Tivvy were in no doubt today’s game would be a hard one.

Tivvy started well with some great pace, applying pressure all over the pitch and after only five minutes the pressure paid off when Jake Burridge pounced on the ball to put it into the net after it had dropped out of the keeper’s hands from a speculative lob fired in by Ollie Main. Moments later a great move from the back saw Max Bristow thread the ball through to Alan Woodcock who put it wide for Daniel Nation, he knocked it back to Lewis White to place it at the feet of Burridge who fired the shot, but on this occasion it was straight at the keeper. Tivvy appeared to go to sleep and on the15 minute mark Bristow gave away a free-kick to the side of the penalty box after a rash challenge. The ball was fired in with a great free-kick which was met by an equally great header that beat Stephen Bucknell making it 1-1. Tivvy continued to try and get back into the game but seemed a little slow to react which allowed Minehead several opportunities to break through the backline. With Minehead pumping balls over the top, Callum Burgin made an uncharacteristic mistake giving the onrushing striker chance to fire a goal which he did, making it 2-1. It would be fair to say that at this point in the game Minehead deserved to be in front, having only had two real chances, both of which were converted. The remainder of the first half was played out with the ball going from end to end with no real purpose or penetration.

The half–time talk must have made a difference as the Yellows came out looking like a different team completely. Only two minutes into the second half Jason Allington almost got the equaliser with one of his trademark free-kicks that beat the keeper and skimmed over the bar. It took a further 8 minutes of one way traffic before Tivvy finally got the equaliser with a superb finish from Liam Gregory, who fired in from close range after Woodcock slid the ball through for a great assist – 2-2. Five minutes later Tivvy took the lead again with a great free-kick from Woody which he fired into the six yard box for Lewis White to flick in – 2-3. Tivvy had upped the pace and Minehead were clearly finding them difficult to handle now with wave after wave of attack that was never countered as Burgin was now solid at the back along with George Gardiner and the ball barely got past the half-way line. Minehead’s keeper was forced to make two fantastic saves after Mainer fired a ferocious strike which he managed to tip over for a corner; the corner came back in for Lewis White to strike and the keeper held strong again. Tivvy went 2-4 up with a great goal from Bristow that was a result of great interlinking play down the left side between Woodcock and Gregory who passed the ball into White before he set the ball up for Bristow, who ran in completely unsighted. Burridge got his 2nd of the game after Woodcock fired the ball long almost to the deadline, the Minehead defender gave up, but Bristow’s determination saw him pull the ball back for Burridge to strike in making it 2-5. Burridge got his hat-trick moments later when Ryan Hancock pulled the ball in from the flank to send it into the penalty area, where Burridge latched onto the ball and finished it brilliantly. Burridge was clearly not finished when his endless energy enabled him to get his fourth of the game, after White took a throw in to Nation, who fired a high ball in from the left flank for Burridge to header in making it 2-7 to Tivvy.

Credit should be given to the Minehead lads who at times played some great football, but once they went behind the skill and determination of the Tiverton players was probably just a little too much for them to deal with.

Man of the Match: Ollie Main

Goalscorers: Jake Burridge (4), Lewis White, Liam Gregory and Max Bristow

15th March 2009 Taunton Youth League Cup FINAL

Wellington Town 0 v 2 Tivvy U13s

Last years’ Under 12 League winners and League Cup Champions, proved again today what a formidable team they are a year on. You can take nothing away from Wellington after they won through 3 very difficult games to get to this final; they deserved to be there, but I think the words of the League Chairman after the game were correct when he said the quality of Tiverton was clear to see and the better team won on the day.

The opening 10 minutes or so saw both sides looking a little tentative, giving one another a great deal of respect and Wellington were the first to come close with an opportunistic corner that saw a great delivery but the striker failed to get the accuracy with his touch, resulting in the ball going wide. Tivvy started to ramp up the pace and the quality movement and fluidity of passing showed skill levels well above their tender age. With 15 minutes of play gone Max Bristow hoisted the ball towards the goal of ex-Tivvy keeper Darren Paul and came very close to opening the scoring for Tivvy. By now Tivvy were in total control of the game, but it took another 16 minutes before the first goal came. This move on its own was worth the entry fee, as Liam Gregory linked down the left flank with Daniel Nation who knocked the ball into the area for Alan Woodcock to fire in, making it 1-0. The way in which Woodcock took the ball on his foot and controlled it was nothing less than sublime. The remaining few moments of the first half saw Wellington try to get back in it, but in every quarter they were beaten with a Tivvy player getting to every ball first.

The second half started as the first finished, and with Tivvy in the ascendency, their confidence and quality just got better. With 10 minutes played in the second half, Woodcock sent the ball through the middle of defence for Drew Laskey to run on to, but unfortunately his shot, on this occasion, went narrowly wide. Tivvy started to turn the screw even more and were forcing mistakes to happen in the Wellington defence that almost resulted in Lewis White extending the lead with a powerful shot that went over, and with 15 minutes remaining, the yellows’ loyal band of vocal supporters were able to rest easy when George “Noddy” Gardiner communicated with Laskey his intention to put the ball through; Laskey read it perfectly and ran in on goal to make it 2-0 with a superb finish. The last 10 minutes saw Wellington trying to push forward to pull a goal back but the defensive back line of Tivvy was simply too strong and on each occasion the attacks were repelled. Ryan Hancock almost added his name to the score sheet when he found himself in front of the Wellington goal, but his shot was parried away before being cleared by the defence.

Today’s man of the match was Daniel Nation, who clearly deserved the award, but a mention has to go to every one of the players that featured in today’s game and all the management and backroom staff, who have worked tirelessly this season to make the Tivvy Under 13s the quality side they are.

Man of the Match: Dan Nation Goal scorers: Alan Woodcock & Drew Laskey

8th March 2009 Taunton Youth League

Holway United 1 v 1 Tivvy U13s

With wind blowing a Hooley and two very evenly matched sides, it was clear there was never going to be a cricket score in this game. Holway opted to play into the wind for the first half and Tivvy took full advantage and took the lead after 5 minutes with a determined bit of play by Lewis White that saw him fend off three Holway players to release the ball to Jake Burridge on the left hand side of the penalty area, who switched the play to Jack Cottrell on the other side and with his first touch he lifted the ball into the penalty area for Alan Woodcock to finish with a well taken header. With around 10 minutes played Max Bristow launched a free-kick into the penalty area that Dan Nation latched on to, but the resulting shot went well over the bar. Sixteen minutes in and Holway got the equaliser with a well taken goal from their big number 7 who was allowed too much space and the pass that came to his feet was the result of his strike partner going through the Tivvy players pretty much unchallenged. With 10 minutes of the first half remaining Tivvy had a corner which was taken short and pumped into the area by Nation. Bristow was there to receive the ball and missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-1, but he didn’t get hold of the top of the ball and launched it over the bar. With less than a minute of the first half remaining Tivvy must have considered themselves lucky not to fall behind when the Holway number 7 missed the target from 6 yards out. However the number 7 then proceeded to kick Tivvy Keeper, Stephen Bucknell, whilst on the floor and the ball well out of play. Unbelievably the ref decided a word was sufficient for such a blatant act of violence.

With Tivvy kicking off the second half into the wind, it was clear to see that Holway’s game plan was to minimise the damage from the first half and apply as much pressure as possible when they were playing into the wind. The first 15 minutes of this half saw Holway’s goalkeeper, Will Price, having little to do, whilst Stephen Bucknell for Tivvy had to make several good saves. The game was going from end to end with both sides trying to play good football and Holway had two more golden chances to take the lead but the number 7 scuffed both and with just over a minute of normal time to play Tivvy almost stole the winner when Drew Laskey got through on goal; his shot beat the keeper but went slightly wide of the post.

The game ended 1-1 and although not mentioned in the report, today’s man of the match Liam Gregory worked like a Trojan from start to finish.

1st March 2009 Taunton Youth League Cup S Final

Staplegrove 2 v 4 Tivvy U13s

The Tivvy posse made the short journey to Staplegrove on a gloriously sunny afternoon to play the current Division 2 leaders who are so far unbeaten this season in their league on a great playing surface that clearly suited both teams.

Tivvy started the brighter of the two teams applying enormous pressure and working well together to keep the ball on the ground and moving well between the midfield and the front men. The early moments of the game saw Daniel Nation and Liam Gregory produce a well-worked short corner routine that resulted in Gregory delivering the ball into the area where Max Bristow came close to opening the scoring when his header hit the cross-bar fall into the danger area, but Staplegrove cleared their lines well. With 10 minutes played Tivvy did take the lead when Alan Woodcock converted a penalty that was given against a Staplegrove defender for deliberate handball. Tivvy continued to play some good passing football and moments later Gregory was almost on the scoresheet when he lobbed over the crowd in the penalty area, beating the keeper, but the ball was wide of the post. Staplegrove started to get into the game and were causing Tivvy a few problems. Around the 20 minute mark Tivvy almost caught them on the counter-attack when Drew Laskey fired the ball wide from midfield to Nation, who fired right across the goalmouth but the onrushing Gregory and Woodcock couldn’t find the touch needed to convert it into a goal. Moments later Staplegrove had an opportunity to equalise with a very well placed free-kick from some 30 yards out that beat Stephen Bucknell, but fortunately George Gardner was there on the goal-line to make the clearance. Straight from this move, Tiverton went 2-0 up after the ball was passed from the back to the front where Jake Burridge took the ball into the area only for his legs to be taken away, giving Tivvy their second penalty of the game, which Woodcock coolly converted again.

Less than five minutes later Staplegrove were right back in it when a fantastic strike from their forward could only be parried out by Bucko, straight to the feet of their onrushing striker, who tucked the ball away making it 2-1. Straight from the restart Tivvy were right back at their opponents and another well worked corner came to the head of Bristow who sent it over the bar. With Tivvy in the ascendency now, it was only a matter of time before the lead was extended and it was done expertly by Burridge after the ball was sent over the top, his pace was too much for the Staplegrove defenders and he slid the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3-1. Less than 2 minutes later Woodcock got his hat-trick after the keeper made a mistake and left himself in no man’s land, Woodcock stopped the ball, controlled it well and took his time to place it over the top of the keeper and into the net – 4-1 at half-time.

The second half saw Tivvy drop off the pace a little for the opening moments allowing Staplegrove to gain some opportunities to pull back and get themselves in the game again. Too many needless free-kicks were given away in dangerous areas which forced Tivvy at times to defend too deep. Half-way through the second half Tivvy paid the price when Staplegrove were awarded a free-kick some 25 yards out and to the left of the keeper; the strike went in the net leaving Bucko standing as a spectator. With the game at 4-2 it was a tense affair as both sides were beginning to make a few mistakes, but Tivvy were the first to get their composure back allowing them to get back on top of the game and dominate the remaining time. Although there were no more goals, Tivvy did spend much of the last 20 minutes in the Staplegrove half, playing the ball around and preventing Staplegrove from making any progress.

This was a very entertaining game and it was clear why Staplegrove have played 12 and won 12 in the league, but on the day Tivvy’s quality and desire was just a bit too much for them to match.

Men of the Match: Alan Woodcock and Harry Webber

Goalscorers: Woodcock (3), Burridge (1)

22nd February 2009 Taunton Youth League Cup Q Final

Bridgwater Wolves 0 v 4 Tivvy U13s

Gone with the wind, that’s how you could describe the first half of this game. The Tivvy lads seemed to struggle for much of the first half with the windy conditions that impeded the flow of the ball and it was quite clear that the Wolves were very much up for this game. Alan Woodcock was the first to come close with a run across the box in the opening moments but he couldn’t get the ball on target. Tivvy applied an enormous amount of pressure in the early stages, with other chances falling to the feet of Ollie Main, who tried to lob the keeper, but again the wind seemed hold the ball up giving the defenders chance to get in underneath and clear it. The next chance came from a well worked corner that started with Dan Nation knocking the ball to Woody, who returned it for Nation to take a shot which narrowly went wide. It was Woodcock who had the next chance when he fired the ball past the keeper who was rushing out to meet him, only for the upright to turn into a Wolves defender, knocking the ball back out into play. Bridgwater continued to try and play football and the pace and quality of their captain Gambo was giving the Tivvy lads a little trouble at times. One of his moves resulted in a free kick being awarded some 35 yards out from goal, which was fired directly over the wall today’s captain, goalkeeper Stephen Bucknell, to confidently gather up and send back out for Tivvy to make another attack. The first half ended 0-0, in part due to the wind, but credit should be given to the resilience and determination of the Wolves’ defence.

The second half started much as the first ended, the only difference being Tivvy now had the opportunity to take advantage of the wind being behind them. It took 15 minutes of the second half before the break finally came, when Zak Morgan scorched down the right wing, and fired the ball across the area. The Wolves defence didn’t deal with the ball and Woody was there to clinically finish for Tiverton. The lead was doubled five minutes later after some great battling by Liam Gregory allowed him to release the ball to Woody who claimed the assist after slipping the ball through to Lewis White to smash in past the keeper. After Tuesday’s game where Whitey scored his first league goal to claim £2 off his dad, it was heard on the sideline that his dad would give him £5 for his first cup goal! Today’s man of the match, Drew Laskey, made it 3-0 when Nation crossed the ball to him on the edge of the box, where his deft touch again left the keeper standing. Zak Morgan was unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet after Jake Burridge threaded a great through ball to him. Zak’s shot was brilliantly saved by the keeper. With Tivvy now in full flow and full control, Nation was next to be unlucky after his shot came back off the upright. Laskey got the final goal which was the result of him continually distributing the ball well to the front men and on this occasion it came back to him from Burridge for him to fire the ball right across the keeper for the goal of the game.

It was nice to see a game played in such good spirits and mention must go the referee who was professional in every manner and made the game easy for the boys by ensuring he explained all of his decisions to them and giving praise when appropriate. Well done lads, lets hope we can see more of the same in next weeks’ semi-final (don’t start speculating, just lets wait and see who we get J).

17th February 2009 Taunton Youth League

Tivvy U13s 7 v 2 Bridgwater Wolves

Tiverton Town Under 13s were hosts to Bridgwater Wolves in their first floodlit game at Ladysmead on a superbly prepared pitch that saw the Yellows at times play some exquisite football.

Tivvy started the game by going 1-0 up inside 20 seconds, after Dan Nation was gifted an opportunity to fire home the opening goal after some poor defending by the Wolves allowed Tivvy to play straight through them. Still shell-shocked, the Wolves seemed unable to get out of their own half and within 5 minutes Alan Woodcock was unlucky not to have made it 2-0 after some superb build-up play saw him attempt go narrowly wide. With 9 minutes of the game gone Bridgwater managed to equalise very much against the run of play when some slack defending by Tivvy gave the Wolves’ pacy captain his chance that he took well. Straight from the re-start Tivvy restored their one goal lead when Nation fired in his second of the game, with a great shot from the edge of the box that went high past the keeper at the near post. Tivvy continued to pass the ball well but it took another 10 minutes before they could find another finish, and what a great finish it was. Lewis White, with his left foot, scored his first goal of the season with a powerful strike from the edge of the box after the ball was laid back to him by Woodcock. Two minutes later Woodcock got himself on the scoresheet after he smashed a shot from close range. He kept it low, hit it hard and the unsighted goalkeeper had no chance. Some stout defending by Max Bristow showed Tivvy at their best by turning defence into attack with a ball put through for Jack Burridge on the half-way line that saw him run through and past all on-comers to clinically finish, making it 5-1.

The first half finished on that scoreline and after the restart but for the goal line clearance by Bristow the Wolves would have pulled back another goal, when Stephen Bucknell mis-judged the save and the Wolves’ striker tried to take full advantage of the error. Ollie Main was the next player to come close to extending the lead but his header from the free-kick that Bristow put into the penalty box went over the bar. Fifteen minutes into the second half Dan Nation got his hat-trick with another cool finish from a Zak Morgan assist. Tivvy remained in total control of the game but were finding it difficult to get the ball in the net until, with only 7 minutes remaining, Zak Morgan made it 7-1 with another well taken finish that gave the keeper no chance. With moments of the game remaining Bridgwater Wolves pulled back another goal to make the final score 7-2 after some indecision at the back between Bristow and Bucko allowed an opening for the Wolves.

After only having played a couple of games this year previous to this game, the quality and level of football was extremely good and it looked like the lads were getting back to their goalscoring ways.

Goal scorers: Daniel Nation (3) Alan Woodcock, Jake Burridge, Lewis White, Zak Morgan

Men of the Match: Dan Nation & Drew Laskey

1st February 2009 Devon County Cup Quarter Final

Tivvy U13s 1 v 3 Buckland Athletic

After the bitter disappointment of having to postpone the game last week due to the bad weather, Tivvy’s ground staff worked extremely hard on the College pitch to make sure that the Under 13s could play the game today. The rain held off but the Siberian wind was howling across the pitch and must have made playing uncomfortable for both sets of players. This was always going to be keen contested game with both sides flying high in their respective leagues with talent in abundance on both sides.

The game got off to a flying start with both teams showing that extra time and penalties was the last thing on their minds. Attacking was the order of the day and it was Tivvy who came closest to opening the scoring in the 3rd minute with a great ball from Max Bristow into the penalty box that saw Alan Woodcock put the ball narrowly wide of the post. The play then went straight to Tivvy’s penalty box where the Buck’s player couldn’t find a finish and he too hit the ball wide. Although the pitch was soft in the centre circle, both sides continued to play around and through the obstacle throughout the first half and it appeared to make little difference to the quality of play, although the Tivvy lads had the most chances but just couldn’t find the required finish. The first half ended all even at 0-0.

The second half started with Buckland pressurising the Tivvy back line and 6 minutes in the got the opening goal. The reaction from all the Tivvy lads was great to see as they immediately set about taking back control of the game and spending large amounts of time in the Buckland half, which was eventually rewarded with the equalising goal from Liam Gregory. Tivvy continued to pressurise and played at pace with quality but with 20 minutes of the second half played Buckland took the lead again after a speculative long-range effort slipped into the bottom corner of the net after Bucko clearly thought the ball was going wide. Once more Tivvy showed the character that everybody knows them for and tried to force the issue and came close on several occasions to get an equaliser but it just wasn’t going to happen today and with only moments remaining Buckland managed to score a third with a great strike that gave Bucko no chance.

To echo the words of a world famous mid-Devon football manager, everyone of those lads should be proud of themselves for the way in which they played football and conducted themselves throughout the game. The boys can be very proud that they were the better team on the day and did not let themselves lose their heads whilst other around them clearly were.

Good luck to Buckland in the next round and here’s hoping the weather holds out for next Sunday’s league cup game.

4th January 2009 Taunton Youth League

Watchet 2 v 5 Tivvy U13s

After starting out from Ladysmead and expecting a nice gentle run up the M5, it was a pleasant surprise for most when “Mainer” decided it would be nice to go the scenic route and attempt to re-enact the Lombard rally much to the dismay of Dan “Trigger” Nation’s stomach; mind you after a quick pit stop to take on water all was well and we arrived in good time for the lads to get warmed up, whilst the supporters didn’t.

Fffffffffreezing that’s what it was Guvnor, even the tommy soup didn’t help the chill blanes, but when the 1st goal went in I felt a warm glow inside as it seemed like an age that we had been waiting for that goal (in fact it was 19 days since the last goal, which came from today’s opening scorer Alan “Woody” Woodcock) The relief was evident from the Woodcock posse as the female contingent of the Woodcock family was very vocal in her cheering when Woody scored (Mrs W vocal ….. who would have thought J).

The game started with Tivvy looking a little lethargic and tentative on the slippery surface although they began the game looking very confident.

With Callum Burgin sidelined due to injury Max Bristow stepped into the position of centre back and looking very comfortable there linking up well with today’s captain Liam Gregory in the early stages of the game. The first real chance came in the 10th minute when Bristow cleared to Lewis “Whitey” White in midfield whose first touch sent the ball through to Woody with the resultant strike narrowly missing the target. Moments later Woody returned the favour to Whitey, when the free-kick he took landed at the feet of Whitey but he couldn’t find the finishing touch to put the ball away. The opening 30 minutes of the game saw Tivvy in total control of a somewhat scrappy game which I am sure was in no small way due to the slippery playing surface which both sides appeared to be having trouble with. The remaining five minutes of the first half saw Watchet have a purple patch where they came close to breeching the Tivvy defence, but the first half ended with no goals.

The half-time talk for the Yellows must have been truly inspirational as the opening moments of the second half saw them playing the ball on the floor and playing the quality of football we have been accustomed to seeing. Two minutes in and Woody forced the ball into the net with a powerful strike that the keeper simply couldn’t stop. Straight from the re-start Watchet were into the Tivvy half and a throw-in that landed on the edge of the 18 yard box gave their striker an easy opportunity to equalise as nobody was closing him down. Two minutes later Tivvy were back in front after some great link up play saw the ball land at the feet of Woody 20 yards out from goal where he unleashed one of his infamous Gerard-esque shots that flew into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. With another two minutes of the game played Tivvy found themselves 3-1 up when Drew Laskey got his first of the game with a great finish that came from another good spell of interlinking play with Woody. It took another 8 minutes before the lead was extended further with a well worked corner kick from Gregory that was played short to Harry Webber, who fired the ball straight into the net – 4-1. With Tivvy well in control of the game, Drew Laskey got his second of the day less than a minute later with another a great strike that beat the Watchet keeper – 5-1. Watchet pulled another goal back that came from a corner kick around the 63rd minute which saw their striker have an easy tap in from an undefended back post 5-2. That was the last goal of the game and credit has to be given to Watchet who, having lost all of their games this season, battled right to the end. Today was another fine display of the team work ethic that Tivvy have and every one of the lads played their part in ensuring they gained another 3 points.

Goal scorers: Alan Woodcock (2), Drew Laskey (2), Harry Webber

Man of the Match: Max Bristow

14th December 2008 Taunton Youth League

Bridgwater Wolves 0 v 4 Tivvy U13s

The footballing weekend started on Saturday for Tivvy when the whole team, along with parents descended upon The Hollywood Bowl, where “Quick Hands” Nation and “Spinball” Woodcock (that’s the two competitive dads), had the bowling crown they both wore since Bournemouth well and truly removed when Bubba Senior and Bubba Junior (the Burridges) took the honours in both parents and the players bowling competition. When I say competition, I use this word very loosely for the adults, as there wasn’t really much competition with Mrs Bubba and Mrs Murch trying desperately to hold up the rear fairly dismally. All was well afterwards though as Uncle Ronald provided a lovely meal to go with the birthday cake (I didn’t get any) for Jake, Ollie and Dan.

Moving onto Sunday’s adventures, we travelled up the M5 to take on Bridgwater Wolves with a makeshift team that saw Max Bristow taking on the role of goalkeeper due to Bucko falling ill. We wish him a speedy recovery and a Happy Christmas. From the outset of the game Tivvy dominated the play and within the opening moments could have gone 1-0 up after the Wolves’ goalkeeper handled the ball just outside the area. The Tivvy boys however were not quick enough off the mark, which was probably due to the cold, and the ball ended up with the keeper. On the 7 minute mark Alan “Woody” Woodcock opened the scoring but it took him two attempts to beat the keeper, after a great cross in from the right hand side by Zak Morgan. With Tivvy’s dominance and the consistent pressure being applied, it felt as if it was only a matter of time before the lead would be extended, and around about the 15 minute make Jake “Bubba” Burridge was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when his shot went wide. It seemed as if Tivvy were permanently camped out in the Wolves’ half, which was in no small way due to the hard work that was being put in in midfield by Lewis White and Ollie Main who were consistently putting the ball out wide for Morgan and Dan Nation, whose link-up play with Drew Laskey was a pleasure to watch. Throughout the first half Tivvy continued to batter the Wolves’ back line but simply could not find the net and the final touch was missing.

With the first half ending up 1-0, it would be fair to say that although Tivvy were playing some great football, credit has to be given to the Wolves’ players whose resilience was little short of inspirational. Five minutes into the second half Woody almost made it 2-0 with a great one on one battle with the goalkeeper that saw them both on the floor with the goalkeeper, on this occasion, coming out the winner. Eleven minutes into the second half Bubba finally beat the keeper with a great strike to make it 2-0, much to the relief of the Tivvy spectators who were beginning to think it was going to be one of those days. Straight from the restart, Woody was back in to the Wolves’ half where he unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that was brilliantly saved by the Wolves’ keeper, pushing the ball onto the bar and behind for a corner. Moments later, there was another spectacular save after Lewis White powered in a low ball that saw the keeper fingertip the ball around the post. Bubba was the next to come close with his shot rebounding off the crossbar and, in a congested penalty box, neither Woody nor White could find the finish. It was now all one way traffic and with 28 minutes played Dan Nation forced another great save from the keeper who threw the ball out and less than a minute later Nation was back at him again, this time with a great strike along the floor across the goalkeeper, he hit the back of the net to make it 3-0. With less than 3 minutes of the game remaining, Woody got his second of the day from a short range strike to make it 4-0, which was how the game ended.

Today’s game was a testament to how hard all the Tivvy lads worked for one another and a mention must go to Max Bristow who, although not troubled today, “did a job for the team” by stepping into goal and although all the lads worked hard against a Bridgwater side who were resilient and played football right up until the final whistle, today’s Man of the Match was Lewis White.

7th December 2008 Devon County Cup

Tivvy U13s 8 v 4 AFC Plympton

Today’s game almost fell victim to the weather, after sub zero temperatures overnight the pitch at Ladysmead was frosted and the ground was hard in places. The referee gave it every chance to soften up with the glorious sunshine we had but at 1:15 the referee made the decision that the game should be played across the road on the College Pitch.

The match kicked off at 1:30 and from the outset Tivvy were busy in Plympton’s half making some great chances but finding it hard to put the finishing touch in place. Plympton were working well at the back holding their line and playing the offside trap that was well drilled and caught the Tivvy front men out during the early exchanges. The 14th minute saw Jack Cottrell finally beat the back line to run in on goal forcing the Plympton keeper to make a great save. The ball that came out was met deep in Tivvy’s half by Max Bristow he played the ball long to Alan Woodcock who’s pinpoint pass across the box fell at the feet of Daniel Nation who made no mistake in firing the ball into the back of the net to make it 1 – 0. Plympton continued to hold their shape at the back and absorbed a huge amount of pressure whilst looking to counter the Tivvy attacks, after 25 minutes the scores were level after a mistake at the back saw Stephen Bucknell picking the ball out of the net when he was bogged down in the mud trying to get. There was no panic showing in the Tivvy lads who continued to try and play football on a very difficult pitch against a determined Plympton side and around the 29th minute all the hard work started to pay off with some great passing and movement up front that saw Tivvy go in front in spectacular fashion with 3 goals from Woodcock in as many minutes. The first came after Bristow slid the ball through to release Zak Morgan who went 1 on 1 with the keeper, a fair challenge saw Morgan on the floor but Woody was there to pounce on the ball to make it 2 – 1. Straight from the restart the ball was at the feet of Bristow again after some strong play in the middle of the park from Ollie Main and Lewis White, he pumped the ball long for Woody who’s pace on this occasion left the Plympton back line standing allowing him to take on and beat the keeper – 3 – 1. The hat trick came. With very little time left on the clock Morgan was unlucky not to extend the lead further with a bit of quick thinking that saw him lob the keeper but the ball narrowly missed the target, 1st half ended 4 – 1 to Tivvy.

The 2nd half started much the same as the 1st ended, but the Plympton lads were beginning to play higher up the pitch and a change in formation saw Liam Gregory push up front from his defensive starting position and Harry Webber slotting in at the back to replace Bristow. With 15 minutes of the 2nd half played Plympton were thrown a lifeline when Webber gave away a penalty that was well taken and although Bucko got to the ball it was to powerful a shot to stop so 50 minutes played and 4 – 2. Straight from the restart Jake Bubba Burridge put the gap back to 3 goals when he used his height to rise up above the Plympton defenders to head the ball home over the top of the Plympton keeper. The game was now going from end to end and within two minutes Plympton took advantage of a mistake at the back and pulled back another goal to make it 5 -3 and they looked full of belief that they were now back in the game. It only lasted for 2 minutes when Gregory slammed the ball into the net to make it 6 – 3 , the shot came after a great bit of link up play down the right wing that resulted in the cross to Gregory to strike, 5 minutes later Bubba got his second of the game to make it 7 – 3 when he connected with the ball from Nations well placed corner kick. The chances kept coming and Drew Laskey was only denied by a brave goalkeeper who’s speed off the line denied Laskey from unleashing the shot, Bubba was the next player to be stopped by Plympton’s keeper after another 1 on 1 saw the keeper come out on top. With less than 5 minutes remaining Plympton earned themselves a corner which resulted in the ball hitting the back of the net after Buckos punch out was not as accurate as he would have liked J. Bubba finished the game off getting his hat trick with a great goal that saw him shoot across the keeper on the angle making it 8 – 4.

A great performance on a difficult pitch from both sides – Plympton players, management and parents did themselves proud today.

30th November 2008 Taunton Youth League Cup

Minehead 2 v 8 Tivvy U13s

On the second attempt, after the fixture was postpone last weekend due to the weather, the Tivvy posse meandered their way up the Exe valley to a cold but dry Minehead to start their League Cup campaign. With the cold wind blowing off the arctic tundra of Dunster Beach, it was important that all the lads were warmed up well and when the game started they were on fire.

Tivvy took a second minute lead with a well taken goal from Jake “Bubba” Burridge after Alan Woodcock stormed down the wing with the ball before passing it in to the danger area for Burridge to strike. Tivvy’s style of play forced Minehead to play very deep and allowed Tivvy to keep control of the game, which they did excellently with balls being delivered into the penalty box from both wings and through the middle courtesy of Woodcock, Max Bristow, Jack Cottrell and Lewis White. With 15 minutes of the game played Woodcock extended Tivvy’s lead after the constant pressure and great build-up play saw the ball fired in for Woodcock who flipped in the header, making it 2-0. Minehead responded well and, for the first time in the game, managed to put some passes together which resulted in Stephen “Bucko” Bucknell having to make a great save after the Minehead front man unleashed a powerful shot towards Tivvy’s goal. Five minutes later Tivvy found themselves 3-0 up with what was probably the best goal of the game; Woodcock, from the edge of the area, turned on a sixpence leaving the defender to look for the ball as he fired it into the top corner of the net to the delight of the Tiverton supporters and the surprise of the Minehead keeper, who had no chance of saving the shot. With Bubba having to go off with an injured knee, Zak Morgan came on up front and after 30 minutes of play he made it 4-0. The goal came as a result of Dan Nation’s determined run down the left flank with his run finishing in a typically well-placed cross to the feet of Morgan who made no mistake in putting the goal in the net. With the first half almost at an end, Liam Gregory was almost on the score-sheet after a great run from the centre of midfield saw his shot ricochet off the cross bar. Woodcock met the rebound but was also unable to finish the move and the first half ended 4-0. Mention should go to the two centre backs, George Gardiner and Callum Burgin, who, although little troubled, when they were called into action were solid at the back.

The second half started with Tivvy making some changes to personnel and whilst they were settling into their positions Minehead took advantage and slipped in behind the defence to pull a goal back, making it 4-1 with only 2 minutes of the second half played. Tivvy responded well and Gregory was again denied when his shot was cleared off the line. Minehead were enjoying a purple patch and pulled back another goal with a long range lob that beat Bucko to make it 4-2. Within moments Ollie Main managed to get the gap back to three goals after some determined play on the edge of the box saw his shot go in from a wicked deflection – 5-2. Nation showed great strength again out on the wing after beating two defenders, he was given space to take a long range shot, which he struck well to give the keeper no chance as it flew in over his head, making it 6-2. With little more than 10 minutes of the game remaining Tivvy now had the bit between their teeth and with some more determined play and great passing Drew Laskey with a short range shot that went high into the net making It 7-2. The final goal of the game went to the player who opened the scoring, Bubba Burridge, with another short range shot that he slammed in.

The Tivvy lads played some great football today and all the hard work that they and the management have put into training paid dividends and really did show today.

Man of the Match: Alan Woodcock.

16th November 2008 Taunton Youth League

Heathfield 1 v 3 Tivvy U13s

After last weeks’ Devon County Cup victory, the Tivvy boys were back in league action against Heathfield, who would no doubt be looking to get something out of the home leg after Tivvy beat them 4-2 away from their Taunton home, on their last encounter.

Tivvy started well with Lewis White coming close to opening the scoring in the first few moments of the game, after some excellent build-up play. Both sides were clearly up for this game with neither set of defence giving any quarter. Tivvy were awarded a free-kick some 30 yards out which Jason Allington fired in in front of the keeper for Max Bristow to get his head to, but his header went high over the bar. With the play going from end to end it was Heathfield’s turn for a free-kick on the edge of the Tivvy penalty box. The big number 16 delivered a superb free-kick, high over the wall which hit the upright before hitting the back of the net beating Stephen Bucknell - 1-0. Tivvy continued to play well keeping the ball on the ground, and passing with accuracy, and with a little over 15 minutes of the game played a great through ball to Alan Woodcock saw him up-ended to give Jason Allington another opportunity from a free-kick just outside Heathfield’s penalty box. The delivery was great and the ball hit the back of the net right above the keeper, who could only manage to get a finger-tip to it. With the way the Tivvy lads were playing it was a well deserved equaliser. With 25 minutes on the clock Tivvy took the lead with a goal the started from another Allington free-kick that was superbly delivered into the danger area for Max Bristow to head at goal, only for it to be saved, but with a terrier-like movement he managed to get to the ball again pushing it in from a very acute angle. With less than 5 minutes of the first half remaining Jake Burridge increased Tivvy’s lead to 3-1, after slamming in a shot that was nothing less than sublime. The opportunity was afforded him by the dogged determination of Liam Gregory who pulled the ball back from the deadline after the Heathfield player who was marking him gave the ball up as dead.

The second half started with Tivvy coming close yet again. This time it was Dan Nation who fired in a shot from range which whizzed past the keeper and the upright to go out for a goal kick. The Heathfield boys battled really hard in midfield and forced Tivvy for much of the first 20 minutes of the second half back into their own half with Tivvy resorting to pumping the ball out instead of play to feet as they had in the first half. Very few chances were made by either side in the remainder of the second half and, try as they may, Heathfield could not break down the Tivvy defence and the game ended 3-1 to Tivvy.

Stephen Bucknell had a great game in goal today, but the man of the match was unquestionably Scoot junior (Jack Cottrell) whose running, tackling and determination was endless. Well done lads – keep up the good work.

9th November 2008 Devon County Cup

Tivvy U13s 9 v 0 Ivybridge Town Juniors

It was great to see the Under 13s back at Ladysmead to entertain the visitors today, Ivybridge Town Juniors, whose travelling supporters were given a warm welcome and were given a great display of football by both sides.

The game started with Tivvy firing on all cylinders and within moments they were almost in front after a free-kick just outside the box was superbly placed by Daniel Nation into the danger area, which forced the defender to put the ball behind for a corner, which came to nothing. As soon as the ball was knocked out from the goal kick Jack Cottrell latched onto the ball taking it down the wing before crossing it in to the penalty area for Alan Woodcock to coolly place the ball into the net making it 1-0 with only 3 minutes on the clock. The lead was doubled 4 minutes later by today’s captain Jake Burridge after a great ball from mid-field was played by Lewis White out wide for Woodcock who took the play to the dead ball line before crossing in forcing the keeper to make a save which he fumbled and the predatory nature of Burridge as a striker saw him only too ready to take advantage of the keeper’s error: 2-0. As the game continued, Ivybridge were finding it impossible to move out of their own half as the Tivvy lads were keeping control of the game and the ball, and after another 5 minute spell the lead Tivvy lead was extended to 3-0. The build up to this goal started with Burridge, who took a strike at goal which was well cleared out to the flank, only for Max Bristow to deliver it straight back in to the danger area for Daniel Nation to finish off a great move. Tivvy continued to dominate the first half and around the 25 minute mark, had it not been for two magnificent saves by the Ivybridge keeper, one from Burridge and one from Woodcock, Tivvy would have been 5-0 up. Ivybridge continued to find themselves under enormous pressure in midfield, where it seemed Lewis White had total control and was able to spread the ball wide or through the middle at will. The first half ended with Tivvy 3 goals to the good, but credit at this point should be given to the Ivybridge team who continued to play football and kept their heads high.

The second half started with Woodcock doubling his score tally and making It 4-0 to Tivvy in the 3rd minute, after one of today’s silent heroes at the back, George Gardiner, brought the ball through from the back, through the midfield to deliver it to Woodcock’s feet, giving him a one on one opportunity with the keeper after calmly waiting for the keeper to make his move, Woodcock put the ball over the top of him: 4-0. With the threat hanging over him that there was no roast dinner if he didn’t get a result today, Woodcock was clearly determined to make sure he got all three courses when he made it 5-0 less than 2 minutes later after being put through again and from the middle of the penalty box with his back to goal, he spun round to strike the ball into the bottom corner to make it 5-0. Ivybridge continued to try and play football, and on a couple of occasions their big number 10 managed to get the ball to their front man but every time he got the ball the defensive skills of Callum Burgin and Gardiner stopped him in his tracks. They played confidently and with great precision, pick their passes from the back allowing the rest of the Tivvy team to play their passing game as well. With 15 minutes of the second half gone Ollie Main added his name to the score sheet with a powerful strike, which was the result of a great move down the wing that saw Cottrell and Bristow link up before Bristow placed the ball in for Main to put away. With Tivvy now 6-0 up it was important they kept their discipline and continued to play football and not get dragged into a game where everybody becomes a striker. They did this superbly and their efforts were rewarded with three more goals before the end of the game, the next goal was Woodcock’s 4th of the game after Drew Laskey powered a shot at goal which the keeper could not keep a hold of and the quick-thinking of Woodcock saw him pounce to get the goal. Ivybridge had a short purple patch where they had several opportunities to get a goal back, one of which forced Tivvy’s keeper Stephen Bucknell, to make an athletic save to put the ball behind for Ivybridge’s first corner of the game. There was also some good defending from Harry Webber, if he had not stopped the move it would have been a certain goal for Ivybridge. With the ball coming out to George Gardiner, he again released a long ball that started the move for goal number 8, which was Zak Morgan’s first of the game, after he poked the ball in in a goalmouth scramble, after the referee had played a good advantage that could have seen a penalty given after Jake Burridge was held in the area. Ironically, only moments later a penalty was awarded after Liam Gregory was dragged back by the keeper after he had beaten him and was in on goal. Gregory stepped up to take the penalty, which he tucked away well, making it 9-0.

The end result at this point was never in doubt but again credit has to go to both sides, especially Ivybridge who right up to the final whistle kept going and gave it their all. Well done to both sets of lads for providing an extremely entertaining game of football for both sets of supporters.

Goal scorers: Woodcock (4), Main, Gregory, Morgan, Burridge, Nation.

Men of the Match: George Gardiner and Callum Burgin

2nd November 2008 League

Tivvy U13s 4 v 2 Heathfield

Cold, wet and sticky, that was the pitch; freezing, that was the wind, but superb was the performance by everyone of the Tivvy lads that played today.

The early exchanges saw the Tivvy back line of Callum Burgin, George Gardiner, Jason Allington and Max Bristow talking and working well to keep out the determined attacks by Heathfield. Around the 10 minute mark the first two real chances of the game fell to Bristow who fired a powerful shot that beat the keeper but it also beat the goal but not the hedge behind it. This was closely copied by a carbon-copy shot by Burridge. With the middle of the pitch being very boggy the obvious play was to get the ball out to the wings as early as possible and on the first occasion the Tivvy lads did this it worked perfectly as Liam Gregory took the ball down the line and, with the Heathfield defender thinking the ball was going to go out, Gregory refused to give up and pulled the ball back from the dead-ball line, sending it across the goal line for Alan Woodcock to place coolly into the net with a straightforward tap-in. Getting the first goal appeared to settle any nerves the Tivvy lads may have had and they continued to dominate and control the game for the remainder of the first half and with only 7 or 8 minutes of the half remaining Gregory again refused to give up on what should have been a dead ball and extended Tivvy’s lead with a great strike from an acute angle making it 2-0 and giving Gregory his first competitive goal in a Tivvy shirt.

The second half started with Tivvy forcing Heathfield back and Bristow almost made it 3-0 with a ferocious strike from some 25 yards out that forced the keeper to make a fantastic save, giving away a corner which came back in for Bristow to force the keeper to make another save, giving away the second corner and when Gregory pumped this one in Drew Laskey made all the pressure count with a great strike that made it 3-0. Shortly after this Bristow was substituted and replaced by Daniel Nation after being injured in what looked like a very clumsy, but accidental, challenge. The next 20 minutes or so belonged to Heathfield, with the game becoming scrappy Heathfield pulled a goal back, closely followed by a second, both of which appeared to be OGs. Heathfield were looking the stronger of the two sides and were putting in an excellent finish to the game. The next goal looked to be going Heathfields way which may have given the visitors a deserved draw. However deep into added time Nation made it 4-2, beating Heathfield’s keeper from close range. This was a hard earned victory for the Tivvy lads who had to work hard throughout the game against a very good and talented Heathfield side. Special mention must go to the Tivvy management for the inspirational substitution that has been made two games in a row now by bringing on Daniel Nation, who is still recovering from injury and has subsequently scored on both occasions.

Man of Match: Max Bristow and Lewis White

19th October 2008 League

Blackbrook Wolves 0 v 4 Tivvy U13s

Today’s game was played with a biting wind that, on any other occasion, would have chilled to the bone. Not today though, as everybody was kept warm on the treasure hunt around Taunton with 1st prize being a football pitch!!! After arriving at what was supposed to be the venue for today’s encounter, it was quickly discovered that the pitch was double booked and although there were 3 pitches in view there were only two set of nets and flag posts.

How lucky we were to have the opportunity to go on the treasure hunt where we first stopped at the Hamilton home ground, only to be told for “two pieces of silver and a stuffed parrot I can tell thee to take the next right, go across the pretty lights and turn down the little road, whence you will see allotted areas for the shiny driving machines to park”. Having safely negotiated the new directions to arrive at the 3rd venue of the afternoon the Tivvy posse alighted the vehicles to enter the land of doggie-doos and condoms (that had clearly been paid for in advance). The relief of the lads that at last they were going to get to play football was almost tangible.

But no, wait a minute – we need Silver Fox Laskey and Bruiser Burridge to hold the whistle in the middle (after Bruiser went to his car to obtain such implement) whilst Cap’n Morgan and Gees held up the pretty flags on the side of the pitch. At last all was made ready and the Wolves kicked off.

Last season’s Division 1 winners were made to look very ordinary today by a Tivvy side who came to play football and did just that. After Tivvy’s last league result they needed to make sure they bounced back with a convincing victory, which they did. They started at a pace that saw the Wolves’ struggle to keep up with and it wasn’t long before the chances started. Ollie Main was the first to come close, receiving the ball from Alan Woodcock who battled well in the middle of midfield to win the ball giving Ollie the opportunity. Moments later Tivvy were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty box which free-kick specialist Jason Allington delivered superbly into the danger area for Max Bristow to get a head on the ball. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to get over the ball and the header went over the bar. Woodcock made another great run from midfield, taking on all in front of him before firing a great shot that required an equally good save from the Blackbrook keeper. It felt like it was a case of when not if Tivvy would score when Liam Gregory was through on goal from a Woodcock ball, but again the final shot went wide. In the dying moments of the first half Woodcock was finally rewarded for all his efforts when he managed to put Tivvy in front with a short range shot after some scrappy defending by the Blackbrook defenders gave him the opportunity he needed.

The second half started with Tivvy applying the same kind of pressure that they were in the first half and although the Wolves’ forwards managed to break out of their own half on several occasions Tivvy were in total control of the game. Ten minutes into the second half Tivvy made a substitution with the hardworking Jason Allington being replaced by Dan Nation. It was his first game of the season after coming back from a long-term injury, and what an inspirational substitution it turned out to be, when with his first kick of the game, after ignoring the manager’s cries of “keep the ball on the ground” he fired a lobbed shot from more than 35 yards out that hit the back of the net, leaving the keeper wondering what had happened (the manager’s reaction was fantastic, but unrepeatable J). Five minutes later Jake Burridge got his name on the score sheet after a great run that saw him brush aside the Wolves’ defender to take the ball that Woodcock had fed him from midfield into the penalty area, where his finish was nothing short of brilliant as he waited for the keeper to make his move before slotting it past him. With just under 15 minutes of the game to go, Woodcock got his brace, making it 4-0 after Gregory put the ball in to the feet of Woodcock for an easy but well taken finished. Fair play to the Blackbrook lads who continued to try and play football on the deck and had a couple of talented players who created some chances late on. However the Tivvy defence was able to match the danger with determined tackling.

There was some great football played by Callum Burgin, Drew Laskey and Jack Cottrell, but every one of the team contributed superbly towards today’s victory.

Men of the Match: Callum Burgin and Jack Cottrell.

28th September 2008 League

Tivvy U13s 0 v 3 Wellington

Having suffered their first defeat in over 20 league games, the Tivvy lads were shown today that it’s not always the side who play quality football that win games; sometimes teams win by playing “ugly” football, and today for the visiting Wellington side it paid dividends on three occasions.

The opening moments of the game saw Tivvy passing well and keeping Wellington penned well and truly in their own half. Just before the five minute mark Jason Allington fired a great cross in to the penalty area for Jake Burridge to try and finish, but his header was not powerful enough and fell into the arms of the keeper. Several times the Wellington goalkeeper made it quite apparent what the game plan was, with his long balls out to a lone striker. The Tivvy back-line were getting caught out by his pace and after 10 minutes of play Wellington went 1-0 up with the same manoeuvre that saw the striker turn the Tivvy defence and go past Stephen Bucknell to tap the ball in to the net very much against the run of play. Tivvy continued to play the passing game from the restart and for the next 10 minutes or so they were yet again camped out in the Wellington half and hit the back of the net only for it to be adjudged off-side. After some more great midfield build-up play and interlinking between Lewis White, Ollie Main, Jack Cottrell and Alan Woodcock, Woodcock unleashed a powerful shot which was on its way in but was deflected out for a corner. Woodcock himself took the corner, which was fired accurately to the head of Burridge, whose header went narrowly wide. Coming up to half-time there was a flurry of attacks which started with a free-kick just outside the Wellington area for Tivvy, which was pumped into Max Bristow who missed the shot. The resulting obvious long ball from the Wellington keeper almost saw the double their lead, but on this occasion their striker was off target. Bucknell played the ball short for it to be played up through the field, where Tivvy again hit the net but on this occasion it was disallowed for a handball infringement and the first half ended 1-0 to the visitors.

The second half saw debutant Liam Gregory start his first game for Tivvy out on the wing and he provided the ball for Woodcock’s first chance of the second half, which got through to his feet after a defensive error from Wellington but unfortunately he sliced the shot. It was frustrating to watch at this point as Tivvy were superior in every area apart from the goal score and their inability to finish their chances. The lead for the visitors was doubled 12 minutes into the second half. Again the move started from the long ball over the top which resulted in Bucknell charging out to take the ball from the striker and his clumsy challenge gave away a penalty, which was expertly converted. The Tivvy lads continued to battle and White’s efforts in midfield seemed to be endless as he appeared to be on both wings, in the middle and at the back all in the space of a matter of seconds. With 20 minutes to go, Wellington extended the lead to 3-0 with a quality free-kick that was delivered into the danger area at a venomous pace and the ensuing header left Bucknell picking the ball out of the net.

The game became a little scrappy with time running out and the Tivvy boys having to press to try and score, but great credit must be given to them for continuing to play “football”. Today was just one of those days where it wasn’t going to happen.

Man of the Match: Lewis (11 studs) White

14th September 2008 League

Wembdon 0 v 7 Tivvy U13s

With the break in the weather it was great for the lads to get their first away game played without fear of postponement, and the sunny afternoon turned out to be a successful first away day. Wembdon kicked off the first half starting strongly from a good move that saw the Tivvy boys struggling for a short while at the back whilst they got their bearings. It didn’t take long for Tivvy to start getting into their stride when the mini powerhouse Zak Morgan ran down the wing from deep in his own half to fire the ball across the area where Jake Burridge knocked the ball back to Ollie Main, who finished the move well placing the ball over the top of the keeper making it 1 – 0 to Tivvy. Five minutes later Alan Woodcock made it 2-0 from a free-kick 10 yards out; he put the ball over the wall well above the keeper slamming it into the back of the net. Woodcock was again involved in the next move as Tivvy continued to apply yet more pressure, he fired the ball into the area for Burridge who unfortunately didn’t connect well enough with the ball. After 20 minutes of play Morgan went on another of his rampaging runs down the wing where he beat the Wembdon opposition not once, but twice before passing the ball on to Woodcock who sent in another superb cross to Burridge who, with his back to goal, latched on to the ball, spun and fired into the net – 3-0.

The one-way traffic continued with Drew Laskey showing great determination from the middle of mid-field, which resulted in him firing a ball over the top to Woodcock who couldn’t quite finish. The move of the game came just after the half-hour mark when Morgan yet again ran from his own penalty box the entire length of the pitch beating all challenges before unleashing a shot which, on this occasion, the keeper could only manage to parry out for Burridge to finish with a fine header. The first half ended 4-0 and Tivvy looked to be very much in control.

Three minutes into the second half Laskey was rewarded for his gritty determination when he sliced through the Wembdon defence getting himself in a position to fire a great shot across the goalkeeper making it 5-0. Moments later he was unlucky not to get another goal after some great footwork in the area that resulted in the Wembdon keeper making the save of the match to prevent Tivvy extending their lead further. More great play out on the wings saw Max Bristow fire into the area for Jack Cottrell to hit at goal, only for it to be stopped on the line by the Wembdon defender. The 6th goal came with less than 10 minutes to go when Laskey got his second of the game after a goalmouth scramble that saw him come out the winner. The final goal of the game came with an exquisite build up that started at the back with the move consisting of Bristow passing to Laskey, Laskey to Harry Webber who put it across field to Cottrell who pumped the ball into the danger area for Main to finish.

Laskey was unlucky not to get the match ball with a hat-trick in the dying moments of the game, he was one on one with the keeper but the heroics of Wembdon’s number 1 prevented the goal. Final score 7-0.

Men of the Match: Zak Morgan & Drew Laskey

7th September 2008 League

Tivvy U13s 6 v 1 Watchet

It was great to see last year’s Under 12s champions start their opening game of the season on, what can only be described as, probably one of the most fantastic pitches any of the young lads on either side will have had the pleasure of playing on.

From the very first kick of the ball Tivvy made it quite clear this was going to be a no nonsense attacking afternoon. The opening minute of the game saw Jake Burridge, who was on his Ladysmead debut, showed great determination beating the keeper to what many would have left as a dead ball to fire it into the area, where Ollie Main fired at goal but the shot was wide. With the play being forced in the Watchet half, it was a case when not if Tivvy would score as they continued to bombard Watchet with attack after attack and the first home goal of the season came in the 8th minute for Max Bristow after Burridge’s strike came back off the cross-bar after Gardner had pumped the ball in low and hard to the penalty area, Bristow finished off with a good header from the rebound off the bar. 1-0 Tivvy.

Three minutes later Tivvy’s lead was doubled from a move with Alan Woodcock showing strong determination and well crafted footwork in midfield, who passed the ball out to the wing for Bristow who put the ball across the goal for Main to fire in number 2.

The Tivvy boys clearly put their two previous results well and truly behind them as they continued to play well passing the ball and linking up well. Just before the 20 minute mark Woodcock was unlucky not to extend the lead further after his venomous shot forced a great save from the Watchet keeper. With Cameron O’Donnell and Bristow working well down the wing together, Bristow put Main in on goal again, but he was adjudged to be offside. Coming up to half-time Woodcock came close again after yet more great build up play from mid-field with Jason Allington providing several opportunities, Woodcock’s shot across goal beat the keeper but went wide. Zak Morgan released Bristow in mid-field with a great through-ball but Bristow was a little heavy footed and over-ran the ball before he could get a shot off.

The substitution that saw Drew Laskey come on, worked well as he linked with Lewis White who knocked the ball down into the Watchet penalty area for Jack Cottrell who was bundled over giving Tivvy a penalty opportunity. Alan Woodcock stepped up to take the penalty which was one of those which, had it gone in, everyone would have said that was one of the best penalties I have ever seen. But unfortunately for Alan it rebounded off the up-right and although Bristow got his foot to the rebound, the rushed shot flew over the bar. The first half ended 2-0.

The second half started much as the first had ended with Tivvy camped out in the Watchet half and it was only minutes before the opening chance of the half came around, when O’Donnell fired a great cross into the penalty area for Bristow, who rose like a salmon, to head the ball but unfortunately straight in the hands of the keeper. Goal number 3 came 6 minutes in after Bristow lifted the ball over the defence for Woodcock who struck the ball sweetly across the goalkeeper into the corner of the net.

Today’s champagne moment came 2 minutes later after the Watchet keeper cleared the ball, which landed at the feet of Bristow some 40 yards out, who volleyed an audacious Beckham-esque shot right back over the keeper who was stood in no-man’s land – 4-0.

Stephen Bucknell, in goal, had to make an heroic save a few moments later after a great strike from the Watchet forward to keep the clean sheet. With 20 minutes of the game remaining Burridge made it 5-0 after yet more determined play saw him beat the defender to loop the ball over the top of the keeper. The Tivvy boys’ tails were well and truly up with every player on the pitch showing some great skills and team qualities. In particular Allington who was the afternoon’s unsung hero. It appeared from where I was standing that every challenge and every ball he went for he came out the winner. Woodcock continued to torment the Watchet back line with some great individual efforts, which finally resulted in him getting his brace with 5 minutes to go when Harry Webber intercepted the pass out from the keeper which Main headed across the box for Woodcock who hit one of his trademark shots across goal.

In the dying moments of the game Watchet pulled back a consolation goal with a free-kick 10 yards outside the penalty area that Bucko managed to get a hand to but the strike was too good and he couldn’t hold on to it.

With the whistle almost in the referees mouth, Allington almost made it 7 but could not get the final touch. Well done lads, a great effort by all and a fantastic start to the 2008/09 campaign.

Man of the Match: Jack Cottrell