Archive News & Reports

5th May 2009 Devon County Cup Final

Tivvy U18s 4 v 1 Plymstock United

A very relaxed and confident looking Tiverton team took to the pitch in front of a good crowd at Home Park to face their opposition in what must have seemed like a home draw for Plymstock who only had to travel a couple miles down the road.

Tivvy started brightly with Damien Connery coming close in the opening moments, but a sliced shot saw the ball go wide of the mark. 8 minutes into the game Tank’s free kick from 35yards out was fired into the box for David Hood to flick on forcing the keeper to knock it out for a corner. It felt as if it was a case of “when” not “if” before Tivvy scored and the 16th minute saw the opening goal. A great build up from mid field saw the ball go out wide for Hood who crossed the ball into the box, the defender failed to deal with it and Josh French came in behind him to slip the ball past the keeper. Plymstock were finding it difficult to get a hold of the ball and constantly found themselves on the back foot as Tivvy continued to apply non-stop pressure looking for the second goal. It was Hood who had the next opportunity, starting from midfield he went on a mazy run cutting through the Plymstock backline, but he appeared to run out of steam at the last and couldn’t get the shot off. The 35th minute saw the home sides dugout almost erupt as it looked like Tivvy had the 2nd goal they were looking for but the ball hit the upright travelled across the goal line and got knocked back out to safety by the keeper. The excitement was soon to return though as the man of the match Jack Lamb-Wilson fired in a 35yd screamer that gave the keeper no chance and sent Tivvy to the dressing room 2 – 0 up at half-time.

It was clear the opening 10 minutes or so of the 2nd half would see Plymstock throwing everything at Tivvy to try and get back in the game and they did just that pushing forward, it was almost their undoing early on as Connery and French both came close after beating the defenders for pace and running past them, but the pair of them couldn’t find the final touch needed to put the game to bed. Plymstock started playing a much higher line attempting to force Tivvy back and they had a 20 minute spell where they looked very dangerous and in the 25th minute of the 2nd half Staples pulled off a great save to stop the Colts pulling a goal back. The play continued to ebb and flow with both sides having opportunities but Mike Benyon killed the game off in the 85th minute after receiving the ball on his head, he hit it in the air before heading it into the back of the net with the second header. Any doubts that may have been there were completed snuffed out when James MacMartin, who had only been on the pitch for 5 minutes slotted a great ball across the keeper into the back of the net in the 87th minute. Right at the death the Colts got a consolation goal with a great move that caught the Yellows napping at the back. Final score 4 – 1 and deserved winners for the 3rd year running

Goal Scorers: Josh French, Jack Lamb-Wilson, Mike Benyon, James MacMartin

Wotton Printers Man of the Match: Jack Lamb-Wilson

Tivvy U16s 0 v 5 Tivvy U18s

Tiverton Town Youth Challenge Cup

Thursday 30th April 2009, played at Ladysmead

Both sides were looking to impress with this game and it was clear Ryan Germans squad were well up for it. It was the U18’s though that started the brighter keeping the U16s penned into their own half for long periods of the first half. It was Jimbo who opened the scoring after Hoody’s shot was parried out by Kurtis Parking falling at the feet of Jimbo who placed the ball well making it 1 – 0 . The U18s continued to pressure the ball but the younger side continued to pass the ball around when they had the chance and their first real opportunity came around the half hour mark from a free kick that was well delivered but it slipped wide of the goal. Damo was linking up well with Hoody and a great flick on almost saw Hoody double the lead with a lob that was a tad too hard. 2 minutes into added time Ben Turner managed to get the U18’s second when he slipped the ball past Parkin from close range.

The second half started with the U16’s endeavouring to pass the ball towards goal, but the additional strength of the U18s was at times quite evident, but they came very close to pulling a goal back, forcing Tank (stand in keeper) to make a great save, the danger was not yet over and Henry Pinkrah had to clear the ball off the line. Just before the 20 minute mark Frenchy found himself in fear of getting the coveted Hawaiian shirt with an outrageous miss from 4 yrds out, he managed to redeem himself moments later after Damo and Lewis Spence worked well together to provide Frenchy with an easy tap in. Spence turned from provider to score 10 minutes later after the keeper fumbled the ball and Spence poked it in to make it 4 – 0 , with moments of the game remaining Spence got his second of the game to end it 5 – 0.

Although the U18s retained the Cup, the U16s were an absolute credit to themselves and their manager with some quality football that was a pleasure to see bearing in mind some of them will be looking to make it into the U18s for the 2009/10 season.

Goal Scorers: James MacMartin, Ben Turner, Josh French, Lewis Spence (2)

16th April 2009 Somerset Floodlit League

Tivvy U18s 0 v 6 Bishops Sutton

Tiverton entertained Bishops Sutton in a game which to be fair the Tivvy lads didnt really turn up to. With nothing to play for now in the league Tiverton blooded four U16 players in preparation for next season, however this should not distract from the fact that the Tiverton lads were outplayed for the majority of this match.

Within 5 minutes of the Kick Off Tivvy were 1 – 0 down after allowing the Sutton lads to simply play through them. From the restart Damo had a half chance to equalise but took a touch too many and allowed the defender to close the ball down, the next 15 minutes or so saw Tivvy have their best spell of the game when they did actually press forward to try and find the equaliser, they thought they had done so when Alex Sanderson hit the ball in after the keeper dropped it but the ref saw it as the the keeper had two hands on the ball, moments later Tivvy had another half chance from a corner kick and a penalty shout denied. From that point the game was all Bishop Sutton, the 42 minute saw them extend their lead with a well taken header from a well delivered in-swinging ball.

The second half started with Tivvy looking tired and jaded and it wasn’t long before the scoreline was 3 – 0 with another well finished goal from the Sutton forward, it progressed to 4 nil before Bishop Sutton were awarded a penalty which was duly converted to make it five nil. 10 minutes later it was 6 nil.

The Bishop Sutton lads battled well and were deserved winners of this game.

30th March 2009 Somerset Floodlit League

Keynsham Town 2 v 2 Tivvy U18s

A pleasant journey in the sunshine and a very warm welcome was much appreciated by all involved and the attitude and demeanor of the Keynsham officials, players and supporters was a great testament to their club.

The game started with Tivvy looking very sharp in their football and looking good in their changed white strip, but it was Keynsham who took the early lead in the fifth minute when their forward was adjudged to have been pulled down in the Tivvy box and the subsequently awarded penalty was very well finished. Tivvy never looked bothered by the fact they were a goal down and continued to press forward, but the Keynsham defence were keeping them at bay. It took until the 26th minute before the footballing stalemate was broken down with a mistake by the Keynsham back line that saw the ball bounce over the top of the keeper and the predatory figure of James MacMartin was in like a shot to knock the ball in with his head making it 1-1. Tivvy started to make headway and began to pass the ball on the floor which, in hindsight was probably not the best thing to do with a very hard and bobbly pitch. Five minutes before half time, Tivvy took the lead after Mike Benyon was barged down in the area, giving Tivvy the penalty which Jack Bown-Porter coolly placed in the back of the net.

The second half saw Tivvy come out to play some more good football but they appeared to be very complacent and gave the impression that they thought this game was won well before the final whistle. They came unstuck just before the 70 minute mark with a mazy run from the Keynsham forward who sliced through the Tivvy backline before firing a great shot to make it 2-2. Correy Couch and Alex Sanderson came on with a little less than 20 minutes to play in place of Henry Pinkrah and Bown-Porter, but even their youthful pace didn’t pick the team up and the remainder of the game was just 15 minutes of two sides cancelling one another out.

Great credit to the Keynsham players who defended well and took their chances when they had them. In the words of the headmaster, the Tivvy lads could have all done better.

26th March 2009 Somerset Floodlit League

Tivvy U18s 2 v 1 Weston Super Mare

Weston still only have one hand on the League Trophy

There was great expectation from the management following last Thursday’s victory over the Mangoes that the lads would reproduce that form. They didn’t disappoint with a superb display throughout the majority of the 90 minutes. Tivvy started the game at a great pace and the confidence instilled by first team selection of Damien Connery and James MacMartin up front was clear to see and for the first 15 minutes of the game Tivvy were first to every ball and not giving Weston any ground or chance to play at all. There were few clear cut chances but the first one actually fell to Weston Super Mare, who managed to put some passes together which resulted in their number 11 racing in on goal for Staples to make a great save, tipping the ball over the bar. Tivvy remained strong throughout the field but Weston Super Mare were now getting chances and Staples was forced into another great save with 5 minutes of the first half remaining and the long ball out was intercepted in the Weston half and released to the pacy number 11, catching Tivvy on the break when he managed to run by Ed Plackett to fire in a great goal across the face of Staples. Straight from the re-start Tivvy were right back at Weston and almost got the equaliser, but the ball slid wide. The first half finished 1-0 to Weston and very much against the run of play.

Half-time saw a change up front with the hardworking Connery being given a rest paving the way for David Hood to come on and work with MacMartin. The opening minute almost saw this pay off as Tivvy were straight in and at the Weston defence with MacMartin lining Hood up for a shot that was somehow cleared off the goal line. The pressure that Tivvy were applying was relentless forcing Weston to defend very deep and it was clear it was only a matter of time before the equaliser would happen. The 55th minute saw MacMartin fire in a great strike that was parried behind for a corner kick. Aiden Harper-Penman delivered the ball in which Ben Turner headed into the goal, making it 1-1. Weston were clearly rocked by the pace and determination of Tivvy and five minutes later another well delivered corner by Penman was headed in by Hood to make it 2-1. Weston continued to try and play football but on the night they were simply outclassed as Tivvy continued to make chances throughout the remaining 25 minutes or so of the game. Turner was unlucky not to get his brace from a carbon copy of his first goal, but the final score remained at 2-1 and as per the last game Tivvy were deserved winners after playing some great football.

18th March 2009 Somerset Floodlit League

Tivvy U18s 2 v 1 Mangotsfield United

Lamb & Spence Dent Mangoes Title Hopes

Mangotsfield came to Ladysmead looking to consolidate their position as challengers for the league title and after recent performances from Tivvy the Mangoes spirits must have been high as they made their way down the M5 to reach Ladysmead on a gloriously sunny evening.

With changes to the starting line-up and after feeling the bitterness of Monday nights defeat Tivvy started the game fired up and full of pace, showing the passion that had been missing for a few games. The Mangoes found themselves on the back foot for much of the opening 25 minutes with Joe Byrne working the flank well for Tivvy and sending some great balls into dangerous areas but the finishing touch was missing at this point. The mangoes were playing quickly on the break and around the half hour mark it was almost their undoing as they got the ball on target but three touches of the ball later they were almost a goal behind as Staples delivered a long ball that was flicked on for Damien Connery to run in on goal, the ball bobbled up and the shot went over the bar, much to the relief of the Mangoes who were being outplayed throughout the pitch at this point. The mangoes were probably glad of the little breather they got shortly after this as there was a temporary floodlight failure which lasted around 15 minutes, with the temperature dropping the lads had all been stood around waiting and when the lights came back on the lads were straight back into play with no warm up being allowed by the ref!!! Unfortunately the game was scattered with some controversial decisions that started with a the mangoes being awarded a penalty for alleged shirt pulling which was converted with 6 minutes of the 1st half remaining giving the Mangoes a 1 - 0 lead – much against the run of play. it was good to se the reaction of the Tivvy lads who just got on with the job and continued to push forward at every opportunity.

The 2nd half started with Tivvy getting straight at Mangotsfield and within minutes they were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty themselves as themselves as the Mangoes keeper who was effectively the last man pulled the Tivvy striker down with a blatant disregard for playing the ball. Tivvy were very much in control of the game now and although the Mangoes were playing well on the break, they were unable to open up the Tiverton defence to get any shots off. With 16 minutes of the second half gone Tivvy got a deserved equaliser that came from a corner kick that was hastily scrambled out of the penalty area by the Mangoes defence but Jack Lamb-Wilson was running in to fire a thunderous shot along the ground that bagged him his second goal of the season, further adding to the teams belief that they could and should win this game. The game continued to be played mainly in the Mangoes half and there tension of the game was clear to be seen as both sides ramped up the pace trying to find a winning goal and with passions running high I can only assume the ref was getting absorbed by the play, which was taking his eye off the actual game as some of the decisions that were being made appeared unwarranted in what was a great spectacle of football. With 70 minutes played Vinnicombe made the proverbial “inspirational substitution” When he brought on Lewis Spence, he was on the pitch for less than a minute when Tivvy were warded a free-kick just outside the area. Spence stepped up and fired the ball around the wall with such power the keeper got both hands to the ball but could not hold onto it and Tivvy were 2 – 1 up from another scoring debutant. Spence had another opportunity in the 88th minute with a carbon copy free-kick, this time going over the wall forcing the keeper to make a great finger tip save.

Full time score was 2 – 1

16th March 2009 Somerset Floodlit League

Bitton 4 v 1 Tivvy U18s

Tiverton Town Under 18s dealt themselves a mortal blow in their attempt to win the Somerset Floodlight League, with a performance that was lacklustre and devoid of any commitment or desire to win.

From the outset Bitton were at Tivvy, as they were in the previous games, showing a desire to win every ball and for much of the night they did as they appeared to be first to everything. Around the 20 minute mark Tivvy did put one great move together with Lewis Spence linking up with James MacMartin who managed to slide the ball in to David Hood, who fired at goal but the shot went wide. From the goal kick Bitton were right down Tivvy’s throat and a shot from their striker from just outside the box hit the back of the net, leaving Daniel Stapleton wondering how it went in. The game continued in the same vane with Bitton spending much of the time in Tivvy’s half and on 35 minutes they doubled their lead after an uncharacteristic mistake by Stapleton allowed the striker to walk around him and put the ball in the back of the net. Just before the half time whistle Mike Benyon was taken off with a serious back injury and replaced by Ed Plackett.

Ten minutes into the second half more dire defending allowed Bitton in to make it 3-0 and with the game almost out of reach the formation was changed to allow more players up front which did seem to work to an extent as Tivvy did put a few good moves together, one of which resulted in the Bitton defender committing a foul in the 63rd minute. MacMartin took the resultant free kick from 10 yards outside the box which hit the back of the net before the keeper moved. The fresh legs of Alex Sanderson appeared to make some difference as Tivvy continued to press in an attempt to pull back another goal but with 90 minutes plus on the clock Bitton scored their 4th with a brilliant strike that gave Stapleton no chance.

12th March 2009 Somerset Floodlit League

Tivvy U18s 9 v 0 Frome Town

The weeks’ rest after the 4 games in 7 days onslaught, clearly did Tivvy the world of good, and perhaps the news that they would be playing their Devon County Cup Final at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park gave them a lift as well.

All the early pressure came from Tivvy with David Hood and James MacMartin both looking determined to get their names on the score sheet. Frome managed to hold out against the constant pressure until the 16th minute when Hood unleashed a powerful shot that came back off the upright and landed nicely in front of Ben Turner for him to fire in making it 1-0. It was another 20 minutes or so before Tivvy extended the lead. During this time Jack Lamb-Wilson was playing very well down the flank delivering in for Hood time after time, but it was actually Lamb-Wilson who got the second goal from a powerful shot on the edge of the area that was simply too quick for the keeper. Four minutes later Turner got his second of the game after Tank delivered the corner for Turner to head in past the keeper – 3-0. The remainder of the first half was played mainly in Frome’s half of the pitch and Tivvy never really looked threatened.

The second half started with MacMartin scoring in the 49th minute after his cross-come-shot beat the keeper, who valiantly tried to jump and save it. Hood wasn’t destined to get on the score sheet in this game but he almost became provider when he sent a fantastic cross in over the top for MacMartin to run on to, but like Hood, MacMartin wasn’t destined to get his name on the score sheet again as he missed the one on one with the keeper. With just under half an hour to play Turner got his hat-trick with a well taken finish. Two minutes later substitute Lewis Spence put in a cross that showed the great quality he has that got him a place in the Tivvy team, for Damian Connery who made it 6-0. Although the infamous shirt was missing this evening, in it’s absence it had to be awarded to MacMartin for the superb tackle he did on himself at the edge of the area, with the ball at his feet and an open goal, he somehow managed to find himself in a heap on the floor with the nearest defender some 25 yards away. The 7th goal came from Josh French who finished in the 78th minute after some sloppy defending by Frome allowed him an easy chance. Moments later French got his second of the game to make it 8-0 with a great shot that beat the keeper at the near post. The final goal of the game went to Mike Benyon who had another great finish that came from another well worked corner. This was a great result to get the lads back into winning ways and a special thanks has to go to Dodge for all the hard work he put in prior to the game starting to ensure the pitch was in a playable state.

26th February 2009 Somerset Floodlit League

Tivvy U18s 1 v 4 Bitton

After Tivvy came out on top in the previous game against Bitton, I don’t think anyone was in doubt they were going to arrive looking for revenge. Bitton showed a great desire and level of energy from very early on, and for much of the opening 20 minutes Tivvy were defending and Bitton, on the 10 minute mark, could have gone ahead after Pinkrah had to head the ball behind for a corner, but it almost hit the back of the net. Tivvy started to get into the game and around the 35th minute one of tonight’s debutantes, Liam Craze, unleashed a powerful shot after a pass across the area from John Bailey landed at his feet, the shot had the keeper beaten but came back off the upright. Two minutes late Craze came close again after this time being supplied another cross by Ryan Sellick. With 40 minutes played, and the game at 0-0, any sane minded person would have thought that would be the score at half time. Tivvy’s game, at this point, took the proverbial nose-dive, went pear shaped, and all went Pete Tong, when in the 41st minute Bitton pulled the defence apart to score their opening goal with a well worked cross. Two minutes later it was 2-0 with another well worked goal and we went into time added on Bitton got their 3rd after a mistake at the back allowed their striker to walk the ball into the net.

Tivvy came out for the second half with what looked like a different attitude and started to play some of the football we all know they are capable of. Seven minutes in tonight’s other debutante, ex- Elmore player Mike Benyon, pulled a goal back for Tivvy with a great finish that any team would be proud of after he got the ball on the rebound from French`s free-kick that the keeper fumbled. Tivvy continued to try and force the game for most of the second half but as in the previous game against Bitton, Bitton’s work rate was far superior and in the 80th minute they managed to get their 4th of the game from another well worked set piece corner.

The game ended 1-4 and Bitton, on this occasion, deserved their win and I suspect all the Tivvy lads will be glad of a weeks’ rest after playing 4 games in 8 days.

24th February 2009 Somerset Floodlit League Cup

Winscombe 2 v 1 Tivvy U18s

Tivvy arrived at Winscombe to play their third and Most important game in 6 days knowing full well that Winscombe were going to be a quality outfit who would give them a tough test. For the opening 10 minutes or so it was a fairly even contest with both sides having half-chances that came to nothing. From thereon in it would be fair to say the Winscombe lads controlled the game for the most part of the first half. Just after the quarter hour mark, Hoody was put through to run in on goal but couldn’t find the finish, and it seemed to be the trait that was followed for most of the game. Tivvy simply weren’t quick enough and were beaten to almost every ball in mid-field. Just after the half hour mark Dan Stapleton was called into action when he was forced to make a fantastic save that he put behind for a corner. Cruelly for Staples the ball came in and was well finished to make it 1-0. Five minutes before half time Gouldy took a free-kick that he sent high in to the area for Frenchy to get his head to, but it skimmed over the bar. The last five minutes of this half was probably the best five minutes of the game for Tivvy and Frenchy was involved again with a great pass through to Harper-Penman who knocked the ball into the danger area, but the on-rushing Hoodie couldn’t get the touch which was all that was needed to get the ball over the line.

The opening moments of the second half had everybody aghast when Tivvy should have been 2-0 down but on this occasion lady luck shone on them as the Winscombe striker missed an open net from 3 yards out. Tivvy continued to battle away but Winscombe’s desire was quite clear and the quality of their football was well above that of Tivvy for vast parts of the second half. With 70 minutes played, Frenchy gave away a penalty that Staples saved, showing experience well above his age for a goalkeeper. Five minutes later Tivvy were awarded a free-kick ten yards from the Winscombe penalty box. Gouldy again took the free-kick, this time it hit the back of the net before the keeper realised the ball was on its way. This free-kick had to be the highlight of the game. With around five minutes left to play, Winscombe got their second goal after being awarded a second penalty, which seemed extremely harsh as the goalkeeper had been knocked to the ground during whatever incident is alleged to have occurred. The penalty taker made no mistake this time. That was how the game ended 2-1 to Winscombe.

Although Tivvy did look tired, nothing can be taken away from Winscombe who played the better football and were deserved winners.

We wish them every luck in the final.

22nd February 2009 Devon County Cup Semi Final

Tivvy U18s 2 v 1 Elmore

A bright sunny day saw Tivvy Under 18s progress through to the final of the Devon County Youth Cup. This was always going to be tense, close game as it would clearly mean a great deal to both sides if they won; not just to reach the final but because of the historic local sporting rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

Elmore started the brighter and in the opening moment were unfortunate not to take the lead after some slack defending by the Tivvy back line allowed the Elmore striker to fire a shot that bobbled up and went over the bar. From the kick out Ben Turner found himself in a position to have a go but a great stop by the ex-Tiverton Under 18 ‘keeper, Luke Phillips, kept the score at 0-0. Both sides continued to apply the pressure and David Hood was next to come close around the 10 minute mark but the strike was lame and easily stopped. With the ball going from end to end, the next notable moment was around the 22 minute mark when Phillips was again called into action to make two outstanding saves, denying Tiverton yet again. The game then became scrappy for a period of time with both sets of players losing a little bit of discipline which resulted in Elmore’s Michael Humphreys being booked and the manager being sent from the dug-out. For the remainder of the first half Tivvy remained in control and Elmore must have been very glad that their keeper was of such high quality.

The second half saw Tivvy come out the stronger and they had several chances, but just seemed unable to apply the finishing touch. Ben Turner was the next player to go in the book for a late challenge that resulted in Elmore being given the chance to shoot in on goal, but nothing came of their opportunity. Around 55 minutes Tivvy were awarded a free-kick just outside the area that was fired in hard and low, sending the ball out for a corner. When the ball was delivered into the box, after a goalmouth scramble Tivvy made it a deserved 1-0. Three minutes later it would have been 2-0 if not for Elmore’s keeper, when Hoody was in one on one for force a spectacular save. Elmore started to apply more pressure on Tiverton and gaps were beginning to appear at the back. After 68 minutes played Liam Curtis made it 2-0 with a brilliantly finished header. With less than another 2 minutes on the clock Elmore pulled back a goal from a well worked corner that was poorly defended. With less than 10 minutes to go Jimbo almost, and perhaps should have, made it 3-1 after Phillips made an uncharacteristic mistake by kicking the ball out to the feet of Jimbo who then took the ball past the ‘keeper but managed to fire the ball high over the bar. With about five minutes remaining Tiverton continued to play their attacking game, not being content to sit back on their one goal lead and the pressure exerted by Elmore could have resulted in them getting an equaliser when they had a corner deep inside added time that would have forced extra time to be played. However, it wasn’t to be so as the Tiverton backline held strong and saw off the challenge to end the game 2-1.

Elmore, as expected, turned out to be a tough side to crack and with a vast number of Tivvy’s usual line-up not being available the lads can be very proud of making their way to yet another final.

19th February 2009 Somerset Floodlit Youth League Cup Quarter Final

Bitton 0 v 5 Tivvy U18s

After losing track of how many times we have attempted to rearrange this game, the excitement that we would finally be playing was almost too much to bear and the funbus was in fear of exploding on the way to the ground. We soon discovered though that was just Gouldie’s wind problem.

After arriving at the ground and getting a very warm and friendly welcome, the lads finally got on to the pitch and played up hill for the first half. For the opening 20 minutes of the game I suspect everybody watching thought there was only going to be one team to win this game, and it wasn’t Tiverton. The work-rate of the Bitton lads was tremendous and they never let up for the whole game. The instruction from the bench was continually to test the keeper as soon as they could. Ten minutes in to the game Tivvy clearly had lady luck on their side when the Bitton forward fired the ball high above Dan “Drogba” Stapleton, only for it to come back off the crossbar for Tank to clear. Around the 20 minute mark, with Tivvy’s very first shot of the game, Jimbo (who at this point was just smouldering) McMartin gave Tivvy the lead with a great shot from just outside the box. Four minutes later, and very much against the run of play, Frenchie made it 2-0 after Tank the Tug fed him a great through ball which Frenchie then took all the way through the defence, in a move that could easily have graced the feet of Ronaldo, before firing the ball across the keeper into the back of the net. Bitton continued to pressurise Tivvy every time they got the ball but they just could not find the finishing touch to hit the back of the net. With two minutes of the half remaining, Jimbo “now I’m on fire” McMartin made it 3-0. That was how the first half ended and I can only imagine the Bitton lads must have been bitterly disappointed in the changing room to be 3-0 down in a half that saw them playing some really good football.

Tivvy came out for the second half clearly knowing the game was now theirs to lose and although they were three goals up, there was still the feeling that they were far from safe. Much like the first half, Bitton were all over the lads like a rash, not allowing them any time. But, after 62 minutes of play, Frenchie effectively put the game beyond them with his second goal of the game to make it 4-0. Three minutes later, with a well worked corner that saw DJ confuse the defence with his fast running, Hoodie leapt like a salmon near the back post to head the ball in for 5-0 (much to the surprise of his dad, who didn’t think he could use his head). The remainder of the game saw the play ebb and flow from one end to the other with neither side being able to breach the other’s defence. The second half was a much better performance by the Tivvy lads, but great credit has to be given to Bitton, as mentioned earlier, as even when 5-0 down never gave up trying to play football.

The proud custodian of the now infamous Hawaiian shirt is now Dan “Drogba” Stapleton, up until at least Sunday’s game when we entertain Elmore at Ladysmead in the semi-final of the Devon County Cup.

14th January 2009 Somerset Floodlit Youth League

Frome Town 2 v 9 Tivvy U18s

With The Christmas break, the frozen pitches and the rain, it seemed at times that we would never start another game this season. What a refreshing first game back this was, a great result with plenty of goals, two teams who simply wanted to play football, 3 officials who knew how to run a game and a great attitude and fantastic hospitality from our hosts. Tivvy started with a real spark and opened the scoring in the opening minute when Hoody lobbed the keeper from just outside the box. Tivvy kept control of the game with Frome not really threatening Kurtis Parker on his debut start for the U18s. 9 minutes into the game and Hoodys strike partner Jimbo doubled the lead after Hoody placed a great through ball for Jimbo to lift up over the keeper making it 2 – 0. Five minutes later Hoody got his second of the game after a mistake by the Frome keeper saw the ball fall to Hoody who slotted home from a very acute angle. The assault on the Frome goal was relentless with Ben Turner coming close 3 minutes later with a header that came from a well executed corner, Frome were penned into their own half and two minutes later things got worse for them as Jimbo fired in a corner (Jimbo taking corners!!!!) that resulted in the ball going in off the head of a Frome defender making it 4 – 0. Just before the ½ hour Ben Turner got his name on the score sheet with another header that came in from another great cross by Jimbo. 5 – 0 up and you would have thought that would have been enough to see off Frome, but they never gave up and in the 33 minute got a deserved goal after Henry Pinkrah slipped allowing the striker an opportunity that he made no mistake of getting over the lofty figure of Parkin who was charging out to meet him. Not to be outdone, Tivvy came right back at Frome from the restart and Jimbo unleashed a venomous strike from 25 yrds that he kept low to beat the keeper with the ball going in off the upright. Half time and 6 – 1 up.

The 2nd half saw Jon Bailey come on in place of Tank “I’ve got a big gun” ( he had other things to sort out like seeing how many supporters he could chat up in 45 minutes) and it only took 6 minutes of the second half before Tivvy went 7 – 1 up when Hoody got his hat-trick by slipping the ball under the keeper after a good build up from mid-field, with the game won Tivvy appeared to forget some of the basics of football, like defending and passing and they took their eye off the game, this allowed Frome in to get another goal back with around 25 minutes left of play – Lesson learnt the evening Captain Aiden Harper Penman slotted a great pass through the Frome backline for Liam Curtis who bagged his 1st goal of the season with a great finish that gave the keeper no chance. The Skipper almost added his name to the score sheet but the keeper made a great save which unfortunately for him he parried into the path of Hoody who made no mistake in slamming the ball in to get his 4th of the evening and the last goal of the game to end it 9 – 2 to Tivvy.

It was not the best display of footballing skill the Tivvy lads have produced, and the scoreline probably does not do Frome justice, as they played well and battled with spirit and good humour right to the final whistle. The good humour continued into the club house afterwards and a big thanks to all the players, management and backroom staff for making us all so welcome.

3rd December 2008 Somerset Floodlit Youth League

Brislington 0 v 2 Tivvy U18s

Top of the Table Courtesy of a 3 points away at Brislington

The Tivvy lads made hard work of getting the points on a very cold evening that almost saw them go a goal down in the opening seconds of the game, with a lack of communication at the back. Thankfully Dan Stapleton was alert enough to clear the ball, which ended up almost going into Brislington’s net, with Hoody returning the compliment by having a shot on goal that went wide. The first half saw Tivvy have countless chances to take the lead, but the finishing touch simply wasn’t there and it took a great bit of build up play in the 40th minute that finished with Frenchy poking the ball in to make it 1-0. Two minutes later Jimbo almost doubled the lead with a trademark power shot that glanced off the crossbar. A fairly uneventful first half finished with the Tivvy lads deservedly 1-0 up.

The second half was really a bit of a non-event that saw both sides struggle to keep a hold of the ball and the game became a little scrappy and for a five minute spell Brislington looked like they may have got back into the game. It was short-lived and Tivvy managed to get control again and although we were fearful of an equaliser from the sidelines there was no sign of panic on the pitch and Frenchy got his second of the game with around five minutes remaining to put the result beyond doubt.

Hats off to the Brislington lads whose performance has much improved since our last meeting; they made it very difficult for the Tivvy lads to play their usual flowing, passing game.

27th November 2008 Somerset Floodlit Youth League Cup

Tivvy U18s 4 v 1 Mangotsfield United

“Mangoes get mugged by a Hoody”

After Tivvy and Mangotsfield’s first meeting of the season at Cossham Street, I don’t think anyone was in doubt that this was going to be a tough game for either side to win as the earlier encounter clearly showed they were very evenly matched.

Early doors saw a busy start from both sides with the Mangoes hitting the back of the net in the opening moments, but the goal was disallowed as the ball had gone out of play from the corner kick prior to the ball being headed home. Not to be denied, the visitors took the lead in the 7th minute after a mistake in mid-field allowed the pacey Jamie Smith to speed down the wing and slot a shot under Dan Stapleton from the angle. The Tivvy lads were clearly not awake at this stage and were struggling to get into the game and around the 15 minute mark were lucky not to go further behind when Mangotsfield were in on goal again but two heroic saves by Dan Stapleton kept the Mangoes at bay. It appeared this was the wake-up call the Tivvy lads had been waiting for and just before the half hour mark they got an equaliser after Ben Turner’s ferocious strike from range was parried out by the keeper into the path of David Hood, whose predatory instinct saw him slam the ball into the back of the net. The run of play, for a period, seemed to now be with Tivvy and if it were not for some great defending from Nick Sloane from Mangotsfield forcing Jimbo wide, Tivvy would have gone in front. With the score at 1-1, both sides seemed to settle into their stride playing some great penetrative football, but neither side were able to find the finish to take the lead and the first half finished all square.

Five minutes into the second half Hoody put Tivvy in front with a cool finish that came from a free-kick that caught the Mangoes napping. Not to be outdone by the quality of Tivvy’s play the Mangoes had a great spell for the next 15 minutes or so and almost gained an equaliser, but the striker’s shot was wide of the post. The 67th minute saw Tiverton’s lead extended with a goal that would rank amongst goal of the season in any football league, let alone the Somerset Floodlight League. From some 30 yards out an on fire Jimbo scored a scorcher of a goal with an outrageous strike that looped over the keeper into to the top corner of the net. With Mangotsfield now chasing the game gaps were beginning to appear in their back line and with only a few minutes left of the game Hoody took full advantage when a through ball gave him the opportunity to tap the ball around the keeper where he found himself in front of an empty net, 2 yards out with the ball and, fortunately for Hoody, his sliced shot hit the inside of the upright to go in making it 4-1. Although it would have made no difference to the result at this point, had that shot not gone in I suspect Aiden would have been deprived of his shirt that he so desperately wanted to wear on his Friday night out!

From a shaky start the whole team showed the quality they have throughout the whole of the second period of the game and earned themselves a deserved place in the hat for the next round draw on 10th December.

27th October 2008 Somerset Floodlit Youth League

Weston Super Mare 4 v 3 Tivvy U18s

Weston-Super-Mare on a cold Monday night took a little over 90 minutes to turn into Weston-night-mare.

As the game kicked off Tivvy were in on goal twice in the opening two minutes and in the fourth minute Jimbo opened the scoring with a great finish from what seemed to be a nothing ball. Any neutral watching this game would have thought that the game was going to be an absolute rout and Tivvy would walk away with a cricket score. Just before the 10th minute another opportunity presented itself for Tivvy to extend their lead with a free-kick just outside the area that Frenchy struck well but straight into the arms of the keeper. The first controversial decision of the night happened in the 25th minute when Jimbo was denied a clear-cut penalty after being hacked at twice, but being the honest type of player he is he remained on his feet and it appeared the referee thought that was advantage enough. Tivvy continued to press and on the half hour were rewarded with their second goal, which came from Frenchy’s throw-in to the feet of DJ, who turned the defender and unleashed a powerful strike, hitting the back of the net making it 2-0. At this point even I thought a cricket score was on but how wrong I was to think that as the Weston lads started to pull their game together and three minutes before the end of the first half they made it 2-1 after some frail-looking defensive play from Tivvy.

The second half started with Weston in the ascendency and Tivvy were struggling to keep hold of the ball. The Tivvy lads had several chances to pull back the 2 goal difference but the finishes just weren’t happening, and in the 70th minute Weston-Super-Mare got the equaliser. The 75th and 80th minutes saw two changes with Ryan Sellick and Glen Gould coming on to try and bolster the mid-field and give a different dynamic to the attacking formation. With a little under 10 minutes of normal time remaining, Tivvy fell a goal behind from a speculative long-range punt that slipped through Tivvy’s goalkeeper’s hands. Shell-shocked Tivvy allowed Weston to extend their lead to 4-2 and with time running out it appeared that the energy levels were too, but Ryan Sellick managed to pull back a goal right at the death to end the game 4-3 to Weston.

23rd October 2008 Somerset Floodlit Youth League

Tivvy U18s 3 v 0 Brislington

After a delayed kick off, Tivvy started well enough with Ryan Sellick going close to opening the scoring within the opening two minutes but the miss almost earnt him the coveted flowery shirt!! The game was played in the Brislington half. The opening ten minutes saw Tivvy keep control with some great interlinking play from Frenchy, Lamby and Aiden Harper-Penman that almost resulted in Frenchy opening the scoring. Brislington managed to break out of their half around the 20 minute mark and were awarded a free kick some 30 yards outside the box, with the wind behind it the ball sailed close to the Tivvy net but Stapleton in goal had it covered and allowed it to drift over the bar. The remainder of the half saw Tivvy apply endless pressure with some great runs that included one individual effort from Jimbo that forced great saves from the Brislington keeper on two occasions and it was resolute defending by Brislington that stopped Tivvy scoring in the dying seconds of the first half, with Sellick unable to finish and the ball being cleared off the line. Credit has to go to Brislington for the way they defended and the discipline they showed in the first half that helped them go in 0 – 0.

Brislington came out for the 2nd half looking like a team who thought they were going to get a result with some positive play from the outset and they made the Tivvy lads work hard defensively and in midfield to ensure the score remained at 0 – 0 and it looked much like Brislington would go on and do a ‘smash and grab’, but with 15 minutes remaining and Brislington looking spent Tivvy turned the screw and finally made the breakthrough with Jonny Holding opening his legs to take on the defence who he left standing to get his first of the evening to make it 1 – 0 , 3 minutes later he almost made it two but on this occasion the finish was missing, but not so 2 minutes later when he did get his second of the evening to put Tivvy in a commanding position. Deep into added on time Penman fired in an exquisite volley from short range after Lamby crossed the ball in behind the back line.

Final score 3 – 0 and a well earnt victory, played against a spirited and well disciplined side who made Tivvy work hard.

14th October 2008 Somerset Floodlit Youth League

Mangotsfield United 2 v 2 Tivvy U18s

The Tivvy lads took the fun-bus to Mangotsfield knowing that the opposition had scored 17 goals in their opening two league games and that they would be in for a tough physical encounter. From the moment they stepped off the bus it was clear Tivvy were well fired up and ready to take on the Mangos.

The opening 10 minutes of the game belonged to Tivvy as they started at a ferocious pace with Jonny Holding working his way down the flanks making some great runs, as was Frenchy on the opposite side of the pitch. The first real chance came after Aiden Harper-Penman crossed a delightful ball into the danger area for Frenchy to unleash a thunderous shot that narrowly missed the target, but forced the keeper to push the ball behind for a corner. The corner was taken short to Harper-Penman just outside the area where he too unleashed a shot that, had it been on target, would have sent the keeper into the back of the net as well, but on this occasion it hit the side netting. With Tivvy having all the play it was only a matter of time before the Mangos woke up and in the 15th minute they came very close to scoring when the Tivvy defence were caught short from a free-kick but the Mangos’ striker hit the cross-bar. Just before the Mangos did open the scoring Tivvy were denied a penalty shout and whilst they were still sleeping Mangotsfield went one up with an easy finish from close range. Going one down after such a great start of play from Tivvy was a bitter pill to swallow, but the taste didn’t last long as less than a minute later Frenchy got the equaliser after he pushed the ball in from a goalmouth scramble. Tivvy continued to have the better of the half Holding almost gave Tivvy the lead with another ferocious strike that he kept on the ground forcing the Mangos’ keeper to make a tremendous save. The first half ended 1-1.

The Tivvy lads knew all too well that Mangotsfield would come out like a steam train in the second half and try and take the lead, and they weren’t wrong. In the 50th minute Mangotsfield went 2-1 up in what was probably their best period of the game, where they had Tivvy penned into their own half. The goal, albeit easy, was very well finished. Having travelled all that distance and having dominated the majority of the game, Tivvy clearly did not want to go home without some kind of a result. The 55th minute saw Ryan Sellick almost equalise when he lobbed the keeper, but had a little too much purchase on the ball and it went just over the bar. The Mangotsfield lads were clearly getting frustrated as they were finding it hard to get the ball and the frustration spilled over in the form of two very bad challenges in the same amount of minutes on Glen Gould that resulted in both Mangotsfield players being booked. With around a quarter of the match remaining Tivvy got the much deserved and well earned equaliser when Jonny Holding fired the ball in making it 2-2. Mangotsfield came back very strong and, were it not for the heroics of Dan Stapleton in goal throwing himself at the ball in front of the pacey Mangotsfield striker to give Tank just enough time to get back and clear the ball off the goal line, Mangotsfield would have been in front. In the dying moments of the game Tivvy almost snatched it when Gouldy had half a chance in front of goal but couldn’t quite finish the move.

A well earned point for Tivvy which I am sure made the journey home in the fun-bus even better. There was a great team spirit from the lads tonight which was added to by the injured David Hood making the trip to support the team from the bench. The great football and the unfaultable attitude from the players made this a very enjoyable night for all the lads and coaches.

12th October 2008 Devon County Cup

Tivvy U18s 9 v 2 Efford

On an incredibly misty morning which delayed the start of the game by 10 minutes or so until it had cleared, the Tivvy lads pushed themselves convincingly into round 2 of the Devon County Youth Cup.

The opening minute of the game saw Efford have one of very few chances that they were to have in this game, when they fired at the Tivvy goal but with no real commitment allowing Dan Stapleton to gather the ball quite easily. It only took three minutes for Tivvy to take the lead when the Efford defence looked panicked when they saw James “Jimbo” MacMartin homing in on their area and the sliced clearance was met by Jimbo, who went around the keeper and expertly finished by tapping the goal in. Around the 10 minute mark Efford had their second chance with a great strike that forced a heroic save by Stapleton to keep Tivvy in front. It seemed that Tivvy needed to be kick-started by Efford coming into their half each time before they could make an attack of their own and straight from the throw out the ball went to the feet of Penman in mid-field who threaded the ball through to Jimbo and after a couple of touches he unleashed another shot that hit the back of the net to give him his second of the game. Jimbo must have thought Christmas had come early as straight from the re-start the Efford defence made another error which put the ball at the feet of Jimbo, and with his current scoring rate it was always likely the shot was going to hit the back of the net – it did, 3-0, hat-trick! The Tivvy lads continued to pass the ball around well and one particular move that caught my eye was just after 20 minutes when Elliott Crook pumped the ball down the wing from his own penalty area for Lambie who took the ball on just past the half-way line, getting himself into the box and forcing a great save from the Efford keeper. Tivvy continued to dominate the game and had chance after chance to extend their lead which Jimbo did in the 42nd minute, but not before he missed a golden opportunity when Pez delivered the ball into the penalty area, where all Jimbo needed to do was to make solid contact, but it didn’t happen. Now 4-0 up Tivvy looked to be sitting back a little bit, which gave Efford the final chance of the first half, which resulted in Stapleton having to make another great save to keep the first half clean sheet.

The second half started with the Efford lads looking more determined to show how they could play football and they were a lot stronger at the start. It took 8 minutes of the second half for Tivvy to score again and go 5-0 up with a carbon-copy move by Penman, threading the ball through for Jimbo to get his 5th goal of the game. Straight from the re-start Pez managed to get the ball and unleashed a shot which forced a great save and with the ball coming back out into play Efford gave away a free-kick just outside the penalty area which Lambie launched into the danger area right in front of goal for Jonny Rawlings to finish with a great side-step volley making it 6-0. Two minutes later Efford pulled back the first of two controversial goals that were allowed to stand as the referee over-ruled the assistant’s decision that the player who struck the ball was offside. Efford enjoyed a good spell of football where it as though the Tivvy lads had become a little complacent when the second of the two controversial goals went in from an almost carbon-copy incident. The goal clearly fired the Tivvy lads up and with more pressure being applied in the Efford box the ball went into the net from an own goal. With half an hour of the second half played Jimbo got his 6th of the game when he placed the ball over the top of the keeper for a well finished but simple goal. With very little time left to play Josh Pearce scored his first goal in a yellow shirt with a close range shot that came about after some very determined play by Ryan Sellick on the edge of the penalty area saw the ball come to Pearce.

The game ended 9-2 ……………. Watch this space to see who we have in the next round.

9th October 2008 League

Tivvy U18s 4 v 0 Keynsham Town

The pre-match expectation was that Tivvy would get a win against the well organised young Keynsham squad and the end result was never in doubt.

The game started with Tivvy looking tad nervous but once the ball had been passed around for a few minutes they were well into their stride and took an early lead after 5minutes, James (Jimbo) MacMartin opened the evenings account with a ferocious strike 10 yards out side of the box which went in low and under the diving keeper, the build up to this goal gave no indication of what was to come as the pass across the edge of the box appeared lazy and looked very much like it was going nowhere. The first half continued with Tivvy in total control of the game and at times it felt like I was watching a modern remake of ‘Pearl Harbour’ with Glen Gould and Jimbo launching wave after wave of attack, the only problem was the finishing touch was missing. Hats off to the Keynsham lads, they made it difficult at the back and continued to play some good football trying to catch Tivvy on the break, but the Yellow back line was very much awake to the threat, the 1st half finished 1 – 0.

After the break Tivvy come out firing on all cylinders and it was only 5 minutes in before Jimbo doubled the lead with his second of the night. With the onus on Keynsham having to try and pull something back the gaps started to open up in their backline and 6 minutes later David Hood took full advantage to send the ball over the keeper and into the net for 3 – 0. The game continued with Tivvy in the ascendancy and continuing to push forward against a tired looking Keynsham side who were battling away trying to stem the flow and at times it looked like they may have found a second wind as they managed to break out of their own half on several occasions but on all bar one occasion they were met with a wall of yellow which fired the ball straight back into the Keynsham half. Midway through the second half unfortunately for David Hood he sustained a bad injury to his collar bone and had to be substituted by Ryan Sellick, the injection of a fresh pair of legs seemed to give even more impetus to the Tivvy lads and it was Sellick who fired in from close range in the 85th minute to finish off the scoring, but not before James (is he on fire) MacMartin came close to getting his first hat-trick of the season.

A good performance from all the team and great credit has to go to Keynsham who played some good football and continued to play for the whole game.

Man of the Match Jimbo - I think, but obviously that’s a management thing ::J