2009-10 Archive - Under 14 Boys - More News & Reports

Blackbrook 0 – 3 Tiverton Town Under 14s - April 2010

The young yellows continued their rich vein of form with another great performance in this game.  With less than 2 minutes on the clock it looked like Tivvy were 1-0 up but George White was adjudged to have been offside!!  Blackbrook showed that their position in the league was something that they had earned when they undid the Tivvy backline but another outstanding performance from Ryan Hancock saw him make the first of several good saves in the game. 

With the game going end to end White had another chance but his shot went narrowly wide of the upright and from the keeper’s kick out Tivvy had a let off when the Blackbrook player was clear through again and with only Hancock between him and the goal some 6 yards out he somehow managed to put the ball miles wide of the target. 

Blackbrook kept applying pressure for the next 5 minutes or so and again Hancock was called into action to make some good saves and in the characteristic way he plays he managed to turn defence into attack very quickly, working well with Jordan Land and Daniel Nation on the left side of the field, who linked well and confidently and with Nation moving forward he continually put dangerous crosses in and through balls down the wing which were causing Blackbrook all sorts of problems.  After another great performance from George Gardiner, he was taken off the pitch injured after going for one of his infamous headed clearances he clashed heads with a Blackbrook player.  Somehow the first half ended up 0-0 with Tivvy being in control for much of the half. 

The second half started with Blackbrook having the opening chances but again, as in our last game, the back line repelled the attacks with Nathan Broome and Callum Burgin forcing the ball back to the midfield area which was being dominated by Max Bristow, Toyga Kekilli and Max Ansell.  Tivvy started to turn the screw and with 10 minutes of the second half gone Alan Woodcock was unlucky not to open the scoring.  Zak Morgan, after a determined run, pulled the ball back for Woodcock to hit a great long range shot which had he keeper beat but the cross-bar denied Woodcock his goal. It looked like it was clearly only a matter of time before Tivvy would take the lead and it was Bristow who put the ball in the back of the net after Burgin sent the ball in from out wide, Bristow ran through the penalty area and somehow managed to poke the ball in making it 1-0.  After all of Blackbrook’s hard work their heads seemed to drop a little with the continued pressure from Tivvy and 5 minutes later Bristow extended Tivvy’s lead to 2-0 from the penalty spot after the referee awarded a penalty for a hand ball which clearly stopped a goalscoring opportunity.With around 10 minutes of the game remaining, the Yellows went 3-0 up with what was probably one of the best moves of the game.  Hancock rolled the ball out to Bristow, who was now playing at the back, to launch the ball down the wing for Morgan who got the ball to the dead ball line before sending it across for White to flick on to Harry Everett who put the ball past the keeper with a great finish in front of goal, to claim his well earned second goal of the season. Blackbrook tried in vain to get back into the game as the Yellows’ tails were well and truly up and with the way they were playing there was only one team that looked like scoring again.

Another great performance and with only one game remaining there is still everything to play for.

Goal Scorers:     Max Bristow (2), Harry Everett

Wellington Town 2 – 3 Tiverton Town Under 14s - April 2010

For their second game in 4 days the Tivvy lads and trusty parents travelled to Wellington Town.

Tivvy started brightly for the first 10 minutes or so with some superb passing from the back by Jordan Land, through the midfield to Max Ansell and then on to George White it only seemed a matter of time before Tivvy would score.  However, due to the dominance of Tivertons possession Wellington resorted to lobbing high balls down the pitch and it was through one such move that Wellington opened the scoring. This goal was however rightly flagged as offside, yet amazingly the referee over ruled his assistant from his position near the centre circle. The majority of the first half was good end to end play interspersed with some very unusual referring decisions which had both teams scratching their heads with the home team being almost apologetic.

Within minutes of the re-start a good ball through to Liam Gregory saw him put the ball across goal for Max Bristow to tap in making it 1-1.  Only moments later Gregory provided another great cross for Bristow who on this occasion turned provider for Alan Woodcock to slot in Tivvy’s 2nd of the game. From the re-start the Tivvy lads began applying more pressure on the Wellington back line and after several attempts by Tivvy to get the ball into the net and several attempts by Wellington to get it out of the area, the ball finally fell to the feet of George White whose first shot rebounded off the upright only to be eventually tapped in to make it 3-1. Wellington came back strong in the final period playing some excellent football of their own. Tivvy’s guard dropped a little and it wasn’t long before Wellington managed to snatch a second to make it 3-2.  This seemed to wake Tivvy up and for the remainder of the half they were in control and the match ended  3-2 to Tivvy.

A well contested game by both teams and a good performance from the Tiverton backline. 

Goalscorers:       Max Bristow, Alan Woodcock, George White

Galmington Dragons 0 – 6 Tiverton Town Under 14s - 18th April 2010

The first game back after the Tour to the Isle of Wight saw the boys travel to play Galmington Dragons on an extremely warm afternoon.

Tivvy started brightly and were soon beginning to take control with the first shot on goal being taken early on by Max Ansell.   With the majority of the play being in the Galmington half it was only a matter of time before the constant pressure paid off and after 25 minutes Nathan Broom took a throw in from the left which found Liam Gregory for him to fire in to make it 1-0.  Tivvy made good use of the width of the pitch and on the half hour George White was put through to make it 2-0.  Tivvy remained camped out in the Galmington half but despite several attempts the half ended at 2‑0

From the re-start Tivvy starting piling on the pressure and it wasn’t long before Gregory turned provider for George White to add to his tally to make it 3-0. 

On the 50 minute mark White got his hat-trick in a move that start with a quick throw out by Ryan Hancock in goal that found Jordan Ford who ran through the midfield to pass through to Alan Woodcock.  Woodcock didn’t have a clear shot on goal so passed it out for White to slot home making it 4-0.

Five minutes later Max Ansell got his name on the score sheet after a good ball in from Gregory caused the Galmington keeper to fumble the ball.  Quick thinking by Ansell enabled him to chip the ball over the spread-eagled keeper to make it 5-0.

The final goal came in the last minute of the game when a cross by Ansell found Lewis White who met the ball on the 18 yard box and fired in to make it 6-0.

Goalscorers: George White (3), Liam Gregory, Max Ansell and Lewis White

Isle Of Wight Tour 2010

Saturday 3rd April – Royal Rangers 1 – 0 Tiverton Town U14s Thankfully for all the teams involved all the heavy rain fell overnight and although the pitches were extremely well with some water lying on them in places, the rain held off for all the games today.  Tivvy started this game looking a tad nervous as the team that they faced were a very big and physical side.  However, within moments they started to apply pressure and played some really good passing football working their way through the Rangers and causing their backline all sorts of problems.  With the games only being 16 minutes each way, whoever scored the first goal would be favourites to go on to win the game.  With a great move that saw Jake Burridge whip the ball in to the box Tivvy were unfortunate not to take the lead when the ball came off Liam Gregory but there was no power in the shot and it was easy for the Rangers’ keeper to gather.  With a few moments left of the first half, and very much against the run of play, Royal Rangers managed to get the ball in the back of the net, which was the result of the referee awarding a free-kick.  Nobody could understand why it was given as the player adjudged to have been fouled in fact wrestled the Tiverton player to the ground after having had his arm around his neck for some considerable amount of time!  From the re-start Tivvy tried to regain momentum and another great bit of interlinking play finally saw Alan Woodcock with an opportunity which unfortunately he struck straight into the arms of the keeper. 
The second half started in much the same way  as the first with Tivvy playing some excellent football which at times was met with some excellent counter play from Royal Rangers.  For all their trying the Yellow’s just couldn’t find the equaliser and they can consider themselves extremely unlucky to have come out of this game with nothing as for the majority of the game they were by far the better team.

Saturday 3rd April – Staningley Albion 1 –4 Tiverton Town U14s
The second game started with enormous pressure on the young Yellows to win the game as their opposition had just won their first game 1-0 as well.  It seemed for the first 10 minutes or so that Tivvy thought they could just keep putting long balls over the top and eventually they would get a goal.  They looked a little lacklustre and the lack of unity within the team was their undoing as the Albion took the lead with a simple goal that came by way of some slopping play by the Yellows.  It was clear they realised what they were doing was playing straight into the oppositions hands and when they finally got back to playing football in the way the can and the way the spectators had become accustomed to, the game was turned on its head.  Dan Nation got the equaliser with a great finish from just inside the box that was the result of some strong attacking play that saw everybody involved passing and moving which the Albion defence simply could not deal with.  The game now saw Tiverton dominating the play but it took a bizarre goal from Dan Nation to break the hearts of Albion to put Tivvy 2-1 in front at half time.  Nation fired the ball in from a corner, which was low and hard, and somehow it went straight into the net without touching another player, leaving the Albion goalkeeper completely mystified. 
The second half was a joy to watch as the Yellows were now in relaxed and upbeat mood which is when they always play their best football.  With continually incisive pieces of play it was only going to be a matter of time before the lead was extended and it was George White making it 3-1 with his first goal of the tournament, a well taken shot that he made look easy.  The fourth and final goal of the game came from Toyga Kekilli who slid in to push the ball over the line meeting a brilliant cross from the deadball line by Jack Cottrell. 
Goal scorers: Dan Nation (2), George White, Toyga Kekilli 

Saturday 3rd April – The Glades 0 – 2 Tiverton Town U14s
The third and final game of the day was an important one for both sides with both teams having one won and lost one, it meant the winner would go through to day 2 with a great chance of reaching the semis, whilst the other side would almost certainly be playing for pride.  Tivvy, from the outset, controlled everything about this game and never looked troubled by the Glades.  However, they were finding it hard to let off any shots on the final third and when they finally did hit the back of the net, the Glades’ linesman adjudged it to be offside!!!!!  Unperturbed, the Yellows continued to battle away until finally George White broke the deadlock when he was put through to go one on one with the keeper and with a footballing maturity that far surpasses his age, he calmly placed the ball across the keeper into the bottom corner of the net, making it 1-0.  Tivvy thought that the game was almost finished but the referee had made a timekeeping error in the first half so 3 minutes were added to the second half to make up for his mistake and although Tivvy had already won the game, Toyga Kekilli made absolutely sure with a superb lob from some 25 yards out when he saw the keeper off his line, to end the game Tivvy 2 goals to the good. 
A mention should go to Ryan Hancock in goal who throughout all three of today’s games was outstanding in goal, with this positioning, hall handling and kicking he clearly gave the Tivvy backline an enormous amount of confidence. 
Well done to all the players for three great performances to take them into the second day of the tournament.
Goal scorers: George White, Toyga Kekilli 

In an incident packed game Tiverton ran out winners again with George White adding to his tournament goal tally.
After more torrential overnight rain the pitch was in a terrible state and it was always going to be a struggle for both teams to piece together any form of flowing football and it was going to be more a battle of attrition rather than football that won the game. From the outset Shanklin were playing the ball over  the top and trying to catch the Yellow’s backline out but they were not going to find it easy with the Tivvy lads knowing that a win in this game would almost certainly put them through to the semi finals. Nobody really came close to scoring in the first half but there were some good displays of football from the Tivvy wingers and solid defender from Bristow, Burgin and Gardiner made sure the ball was kept away from the 18 yard box quagmire which was to prove a battle ground on several occasions with the potential for the ball to go anywhere. Worryingly for the team the score remained 0 – 0 at half-time and it was likely that the Yellows would be going into the final group stage game needing at least a draw to qualify.
The first incident saw young Liam Gregory in the back of the ambulance which had to come pitch-side to attend him after he incurred a knee injury, thankfully his injury was not as bad as first feared.
The 2nd half started with Tivvy looking defiant and pressing evermore forward in search of the goal when.....
...... The game had to be stopped with 11 minutes remaining in order that  the Coastguard helicopter could land on the pitch with a casualty they had to transfer to a road ambulance, as the helicopter came in to land the downdraft from the rotors uprooted both Tivvy Gazebos and the flag and in the process injured one of the mums who decided to audition for the part of “Dorothy” by holding onto one of the gazebos which pulled her into the air which meant a visit to the first aid post, thankfully she was OK.
Back to the football and it restarted with Tivvy having to absorb some real pressure as Shanklin tried to take advantage of the long break that upset the flow of the Tivvy players for some time, they held out and continued to challenge the Shanklin keeper and with a little less than 5 minutes remaining it was George White who hit the back of the net after a great finish after the ball was slid through from Bristow that yet again saw White outwit the keeper with his collective thinking in the area to slot the ball over the top of him and beyond his outstretched reach. It was now a case of remaining tight at the back and keeping the concentration until the whistle as Shanklin tried in vain to get the equaliser. 1 – 0 was how it ended after a muddy battle that the lads clearly enjoyed against a determined Isle of Wight home side.
Goal scorers: George White 

Sunday  3th April – Sutton Coldfield  0 – 3 Tiverton Town U14s
Tivvy were up against a very big side from Sutton Coldfield who were looking to use their height and physical presence to bully their way to a win, unperturbed and determined as ever to try and play quality football Tivvy tried to play their way through the Sutton players, although this pitch was the best of a bad job in the middle of the pitch it was like chocolate treacle with both players and the ball being stopped dead in their tracks as soon as they hit it.  Sutton were trying hard to break Tivvy down and a strong challenge by Bristow in the area where he got the ball was seen by the referee as a penalty for Sutton.
Ryan Hancock stood awaiting the strike from the Sutton forward who slammed the ball high toward the top of the net, but justice was done when Hancock leapt with outstretched arm to stop the ball with a save that any premiership keeper would have been proud of, it was made even better with his lightening reactions to get off the floor and smother the ball before the onrushing forward had chance to get a second bite at the cherry. Tivvy only really had half chances in the first half and with legs beginning to tire the first half ended 0 – 0.
The 2nd half saw a change of style with Tivvy adopting the long ball style of ball to try and cut out the midfield action which was causing the treacley trouble. It wasn’t long before the change in tactic was rewarded with George White scoring a simply amazing goal where he received the ball on the centre spot, worked his way through 2 midfielders before carrying on his run to outpace two more of the Sutton lads, the goalkeeper came running out to meet White who side stepped him to the right and in a fashion we are now becoming accustomed to, slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it 1 – 0. Moments later White did it again, a long ball over the top saw him lob the keeper who he spotted off his line to make it 2- 0.
Sutton were still trying hard to get something out of the game, but every attack was met with a counter which kept them on the back foot, within the last 5 minutes White got his hat-trick from a great assist from Callum Burgin (who was in fear of getting a nose bleed that high up the pitch), Burgin slid the ball across the pitch, through the crowd of Sutton players from halfway inside the oppositions half for White to latch onto and slot home after yet again getting himself beyond the keeper.
3 – 0 to the Yellows was the final score and they could now relax knowing they were safely into the semis on their own merit
Goal scorers: George White (3) 

Sunday  3th April  Semi Final – Cowes 3  – 1 Tiverton Town U14s
Tivvy knew they would be up against it playing this team, who were one of the home teams from the Island and having had an easier route to the semis and proper sleep the night before would give them a slight edge.
The game started with both sides playing a passing game that was great to watch and with the pitch a little drier down the flanks now it seemed this was going to be a very close game between two well matched teams. The first goal of the game saw Cowes play a long ball over the top which was well read by their forward who was very quick to run onto the ball, whilst the Tivvy backline had trouble turning and getting up to speed in the mud, his run forced Hancock to come and meet him to try and close the play down, but the forward side stepped and slotted home with ease. Cowes extended their lead with a carbon copy ball over the top which the striker dragged wide before slotting it across Hancock into the goal to make it 2 – 0 to Cowes. Tivvy kept going and kept playing the football and in the dying moments of the 1st half they pulled a goal back with Liam Gregory poking the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble.
The 2nd half saw Tivvy come out all guns blazing in an attempt to get the equaliser and it looked like they were going to get it as they were in the ascendency with some good possession, Cowes seemed to ride the storm and caught Tivvy with a sucker punch counter attack that saw them simply slice their way through the Yellows before finishing with a great strike that gave Hancock no chance.  With tired legs and time running out, Tivvy never gave up and continued to battle right til the end, they walked off the pitch smiling after congratulating the home side and showed whata great bunch of sporting lads they are
Goal scorers: Liam Gregory

Tournament Summary:
Having lost the 1st game to a team I am sure the Yellows would beat on a decent playing surface, they went on to win the next 4 games against some very good opposition. The loss in the semis was disappointing, but probably affected the parents more was the lads showed great character in accepting the defeat. As always the players and management have shown what a fantastic team they are and Tiverton Town Football club should be proud to have such a group of players and managers involved with the club. A massive thanks should also go to all the parents whos continual support throughout the tour and the season has been second to none.

Staplegrove 0 v 8 Tiverton U14s - Taunton Youth League - March 2010

Tivvy started today’s game in a very relaxed mood with everybody seemingly treating it as a warm up for the real competition that starts this coming Saturday and it appeared to benefit the boys knowing they were under very little pressure as collectively they played some great football throughout the whole game. 

With only a few moments of the game played, Tivvy were awarded a penalty when Liam Gregory was adjudged to have been pushed in the area.  The gauntlet was thrown down for someone to step up and take the penalty, which Dan Nation did.  He finished the penalty well smashing it right down the middle past the keeper.  Staplegrove from the very early stages were on the back foot and they started to make mistakes at the back which were exploited on almost every occasion.  George White was the next to come close when a defender sent the ball out, landing it in White’s path but his shot went narrowly wide.  White managed to get himself on the score sheet with his first goal for Tivvy after a long throw from Bristow was controlled well by Toyga Kekilli when he put the ball through for White to lash into the net. 

With everything going Tivvy’s way, it was Liam Gregory who was next to get his name on the score sheet to make it 3-0 when goalscorer turned provider with White laying the ball off well for Gregory to slam in a great shot across the goal and through a crowded penalty box.  For the rest of the first half Tivvy were pretty much camped out in Staplegrove’s area and never looked like conceding.  George White got his second of the game when the ball was sent from midfield to the edge of the box for White to pick up and go in one on one with the keeper, who he coolly stepped around before slotting the ball in to make it 4-0 at half time. 

The second half saw Tivvy make a few changes in personnel with Zak Morgan and Jake Burridge coming on, and Morgan was the first to come close to adding to the score line in the second half after a great run down the right wing, he cut into the area unleashing a shot which went just wide of the upright.  Staplegrove seemed a little more purposeful in the second half and managed to get a shot off which was held extremely well by Ryan Hancock in goal.  He immediately turned defence into attack when he launched the ball long for Lewis White who flicked it on to Burridge who made it 5-0 with a superb 25 yard lob that left the keeper stranded. 

Moments later today’s man of the match Max Ansell flicked a great ball over the top for Alan Woodcock to meet and his well flighted lob was only inches away from making it 6, but the keeper managed to backtrack just enough to hold the ball.  Burridge got his second of the game, and Tivvy’s 6th, after some great interlinking between Nation, Ansell and Morgan who sent in a brilliantly weighted cross for Burridge who finished a great move with a great header.

Straight from the restart, Morgan came close himself after pickpocketing the Staplegrove player who was out wide.  He went on one of his mazy runs, which finished with his shot beating the keeper, but going just wide of the goal.  Kelkilli made it 7-0 with a great finish that saw him battle his way through 3 Staplegrove players before finally hitting the ball in the back of the net. 

The final goal of the game was scored by Burridge for his hat-trick after some more great play from midfield saw the ball pushed up to George White who selflessly laid the ball off to Burridge to slot in, making it 8-0. 

Another great effort from all the team who can no go away on tour full of confidence and ready for whoever may be put in front of them, and congratulations to Ryan Hancock for keeping a clean sheet. 

Man of the Match: Max Ansell

Goalscorers:       Daniel Nation, Jake Burridge (3), George White (2), Toyga Kekilli, Liam Gregory

Bishops Lydeard 2 v 0 Tiverton U14s - Taunton Youth League - March 2010

Following last weeks’ defeat to Bishops Lydeard you could be forgiven for thinking that the Yellows would start nervously and may take time to get into the game.  Nothing could be further from the truth as the team collectively started with a very positive attitude and within the opening moments a long ball from Max Bristow fell to the feet of Jake Burridge who placed it well for Liam Gregory to fire at the keeper.  Unfortunately the shot was lacking in legs and a little too close to the keeper. 

Tivvy continued to work hard for one another and looked to have paid attention to their Friday evening talk, holding their positions well and showing the commitment which was missing last week.  With 10 minutes or so of the game played and totally against the run of play, Bishops Lydeard took the lead from a free-kick some distance out which wasn’t dealt with and it ended up in the bottom corner of the net and the outstretched Ryan Hancock had no chance. 

From the re-start Tivvy were right back at Bishops Lydeard exerting great pressure and keeping them penned into their own half for large periods.  Debutant George White was holding the ball up and working well with Gregory, Burridge and Dan Nation.  On the occasions that Bishops Lydeard did venture into the Tivvy half the back line of George Gardiner, Nathan Broome, Callum Burgin and Max Bristow stopped them in their tracks on most occasions and were able to send the ball back to start the Tivvy attack once more.  1-0 was the half-time score and it would be fair to say Bishops Lydeard must have thought themselves lucky to have held on to the lead as Tivvy were making all the play but were just unable to find the target.

The second half saw Tivvy playing down the hill and the story was much the same as the first half with the Yellows pressing hard but unable to get the final ball in.  Ten minutes in Bishops Lydeard managed to extend their lead on the one occasion where the back line had a momentary lapse of concentration allowing the Lydeard forward to get his shot off. 

Man of the Match Liam Gregory showed great determination and commitment in every ball he was going for in the second half and had several opportunities to pull back a goal.  His best opportunity came with just over 5 minutes remaining, but it fell on his weaker right foot and the resulting shot went just wide of the upright.

This was a much improved performance from last week when we had to put our hands up and say we were beaten by the better team.  Today Bishops Lydeard, although scoring 2 goals, were very much outclassed today in terms of football played and should feel very grateful to lady luck.

12 days and we’re on the boat boys J 

Man of the Match: Liam Gregory

Tiverton U14s 1 V 3 Bishops Lydeard - Taunton Youth League - March 2010

A game like today’s was always likely to be won by the side that showed the most desire and will to win. Both teams had a lively start and after around 4 minutes Tivvy found themselves 1 – 0 down after a strong run down the right wing by Bishops Lydeard saw the ball in the back of the net after they were afforded too much space to fire off a long range lob that Steve Bucknell had no chance of reaching.

Tivvy came back at Bishops Lydeard with some strong attacking play that saw Toyga Kelkilli come close after Liam Gregory pulled the ball back into the centre of the itch for Max Bristow to slot through, but Kelkillis touch wasn’t strong enough to beat the keeper, moments later Kelkilli made amends with a great overhead kick which came at the end of a great build up period where Bristow sent the ball wide for Jake Burridge who fed it onto Gregory who managed to pull the ball back from the deadball line as he has done so often this season, with the pulled back ball in the air Kelkilli latched onto it and levelled the score. The next move of the game saw Burridge come close after Zak Morgan fired the ball into the area, Burridge beat the keeper only for the ball to bounce back off the cross bar for the keeper to  eventually hold onto.

The scores remained level at the break, which on the balance of play was a fair reflection on how both teams had been working hard to get their noses in front.

The second half saw Tivvy come close to breaking the deadlock after a long run from Bristow saw him send the ball into Alan Woodcock on the edge of the box who fired off a shot, but the keeper parried it out and the on-rushing Burridge couldn’t get the ball under control from the rebound and his shot went wide of the upright.

The deadlock was broken by Bishops Lydeard who were allowed too much space in midfield and a long range shot hit the top corner of the net to make it 1- 2. With their tails now well up, Bishops Lydeard seemed first to every ball and Tivvy looked devoid of energy or desire and seemed incapable of pulling themselves back into the game. With 12 minutes or so of the game remaining Bishops Lydeard made the game safe with their third goal which was another well taken long range shot that was out of reach of Bucknell.

Bishops Lydeard thoughoughly deserved their win today and hopefully it will be a wake up call to the Yellows, showing that a committed team of good players who are prepared to work for one another is what helps win games!

 

Goal scorers Toyga kelkilli

MOTM: Jake Burridge

Minehead 0 v 7 Tiverton U14s - Taunton Youth League - March 2010

In their first League game since the beginning of November 2009, which ironically was against today’s opposition, Tivvy started at a great pace and the Minehead lads must have thought they had a rash as Tivvy were all over them.  Goalscoring opportunities were plentiful and the first real one was stopped by the crossbar when a Max Bristow long range shot rebounded off of it.  Tivvy’s latest signing, Toyga Kekilli, came close soon after when he managed to turn after receiving a through ball but his shot went just over.  Tivvy continued to press and it was only a matter of time before Jake Burridge was going to get his name on the scoresheet.  He did so after a long throw in from Bristow was flicked on by Lewis White for Burridge to slam in from just outside the 6 yard box. 

Tivvy continued to look for a second goal and it was only good goalkeeping that prevented Lewis White from adding his name to the scoresheet.  The resultant save gave Tivvy a corner kick which was sent in for Max Ansell who fired it at goal but again the keeper made a great save, parrying it back out to Ansell’s feet whose second shot went narrowly wide.  Tivvy’s second goal of the game was something quite special; it started from midfield where Burridge sent the ball out to Liam Gregory and whilst Gregory made his way down the line Burridge continued his run into the box where he met a great cross from Gregory with a flying header that gave the keeper no chance.

Moments before the second goal Kekilli was given a lesson in zoology by the referee who informed him “it wasn’t a dog’s (poo) it was a badgers!”, (so that’s alright then) after his hands found a pile on the pitch.

0-2 was how the first half ended; it could have been more but the Yellows were in total control having spent most of the first period camped out in the Minehead half. 

The second half started much as the first had ended with Burridge almost in again on goal when he did a great turn on the ball at the edge of the area, but couldn’t put enough power into the shot to get it past the keeper.  Tivvy’s third goal of the game came after one of those “inspirational substitutions” from Colin Nation when he brought Alan Woodcock on who, in his first appearance in over 6 months after returning from serious injury, showed Minehead and the Tivvy posse that he hadn’t forgotten how to score goals with his very first touch of the game.  Within minutes Tivvy were 0-4 up when Burridge got his hat-trick from the penalty spot after the keeper brought him down in the area. 

As a team Tivvy were now in buoyant mood and everybody was looking to get on the scoresheet, and it was Max Ansell who came close to extending the lead further when Dan Nation sent in a great ball to his feet from the left flank, but his shot whistled past the cross-bar.  Kekilli got his first goal in a Tivvy shirt with some 15 minutes of the game to play after more great build-up play in midfield the ball was put into the penalty area for him to coolly place it across the keeper into goal.  Tivvy now seemed to be unstoppable when Woodcock made it 0-6 with his brace, which was soon after followed by goal number 7 which was a well struck long range shot from Bristow from some 20 yards out, that went straight through the crowded penalty area.

Neither Tivvy goalkeeper was troubled in this afternoon’s game which was in no small way due to the superb performance of Callum Burgin, Nathan Broom and Man of the Match George Gardiner.  What a joy it was to watch the game in glorious sunshine, but more importantly it was great to see the whole team leave the pitch smiling.

Goalscorers:       Burridge (3), Woodcock (2), Kekilli, Bristow
Man of the Match: George Gardiner 

Tiverton U14s 0 v 2 Kingskerswell Colts - Devon County Cup Semi Final February 2010

Tiverton had to start this game with two of their strikers unable to play due to County Cup rules and with several others carrying injuries, it was always going to be the case that today’s game would be a tough ask. However it was also obvious that a number of players had not prepared properley and came to the game half asleep.

The early moments saw Tivvy come out the box well and they applied a huge rate of pressure, but just couldn’t find the finish and with around 10 minutes gone a lapse in concentration allowed Kingskerswell to launch an attack which resulted in the Tivvy keeper getting beaten at the near post to make it 1-0.  Tivvy continued to press hard in an attempt to find the equaliser but the strength and physical Kingskerswell back line held strong and the first half finished 1-0.

Tivvy came out for the second half and again started brightly and making more chances and Jake Burridge came close on a couple of occasions but the ball was smothered well by the Kingskerswell keeper.  With the game still at 1-0, Tiverton were still well in the tie and it was anybody’s game.  With 15 minutes of play to go Max Ansell was brought down in the penalty area and the referee was the only person in Ladysmead who did not adjudge it to be a foul.  Then yet another obvious penalty should have been awarded to Tiverton, but again was waved away bu the referee. If Tiverton had been afforded the opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot it may have turned out to be a different game, but with 8 minutes remaining Kingskerswell got their second of the game which effectively killed the game off.  With moments of the game left Tiverton were awarded bizare penalty which was to the amasement of everyone present. However the penalty kick was placed just wide of the goal which was probably justice to the away side so the score remained at 2-0 and that was how the game finished.

Looking back on the game Tiverton were the techinically better footballing side. However goals win matches and this is something the team need to look at for the rest of the season. Good luck to Kingskerswell Colts in the final.

Big thanks to Russ Murch, Colin, Scooter and Jack Cotrell who all turned up and helped get the pitch ready to play on.

Tiverton U14s 1 v 0 Marldon Youth - Devon County Cup Quarter Final January 2010

Tivvy knew that after narrowly beating their neighbours Moors 4-3 in the last round of the Cup, Marldon would clearly be no push-over. 

Tivvy started the game at a high tempo and were clearly attack minded from the outset.  In the opening moments Toyga Kekilli had a great opportunity to open the scoring after Steve Bucknell kicked the ball out from goal and his long range kick wasn’t dealt with by the Marldon midfield and Kekilli gambled to go through one on one with the keeper who came out the winner and smothered the ball well.  Tiverton were well in control of the game and were pressing hard to find the opening goal but seemed to be spending far too much time dilly-dallying around the edge of the box rather than shooting.  Around the 20 minute mark Lewis White had a fantastic individual effort where he simply skipped through all the Marldon players to unleash a shot that beat the keeper but was saved by the upright.  The next notable chance fell to Jake Burridge when Max Bristow switched the ball from right to left for Liam Gregory who pushed the ball into Burridge’s feet in the box, but the ball got caught under him and went wide.  Marldon had a 5 minute purple patch where they managed to get out of their own half and apply pressure on the Tivvy back line, who all held strong making sure Bucknell had very little to do.  On the half hour mark Max Ansell had another opportunity quashed when he fired hard and low through the crowd of players in the penalty box and the unsighted keeper was beaten but the ball went narrowly wide for a goal kick. 

The much deserved breakthrough came with 3 minutes of the first half remaining when Tiverton were awarded a free-kick some 20 yards out and fairly central to the goal.  Daniel Nation, who had only moments before come on as substitute, dispatched the free-kick over the wall in the top corner to make it 1-0.  In one of the last moves of the first half  Kekilli was again unlucky not to score when a well delivered cross from Bristow saw Kekilli head the ball wide of the goal.  The final action of the first half saw Kekilli involved again when he put a good ball over the top for Gregory, who again was one on one with the keeper and again the keeper came out the winner.

The second half started with Gregory and the Marldon keeper in the same position as they finished the first half and again the defiance and brave goalkeeping prevented Gregory from scoring.  Marldon were a much better team in the second half and they actually had several shots on goal, the first of which forced a great save with Ryan Hancock in goal.  It seemed the routine was now set that Tiverton would attack, Marldon would defend and the two would cancel each other out, which is really how the second half went.  Tiverton had several more chances throughout this half to extend their lead and made quite hard work of securing the victory as they just could not finish in front of goal. 

Great credit to Marldon for their team spirit and endeavour, but it’s Tivvy who are now through the semi-finals of the Devon County Cup, where they will host Kingskerswell Kolts in two weeks’ time.

Goalscorer:         Daniel Nation

Apollo Youth 0 v 1 Tiverton U14s - Devon County Cup January 2010

On a lovely sunny but frosty morning the Tivvy massive made their way to the Devon Riviera (aka Torquay) to play Apollo in what everybody realised would be a tight and tense game.  You could have been forgiven for thinking the pitch was laid out inside a half-pipe with it sloping up hill on both ends. 

Both sides started at a pace which would be difficult to keep up on such a sticky pitch and fitness was going to be a key factor.  The first chance of the game fell to the Yellows with Liam Gregory having a close range shot that went straight into the keeper’s arms. It appeared that Tivvy were finding it difficult to play their usual skilful passing game as the ball was just not carrying on the sticky surface, but some great link up play that started on several occasions from the backline of Callum Burgin, George Gardiner, Nathan Broom and Max Bristow provided Max Ansell with chances to work his way through the Apollo backline, but unfortunately the finishing touch was missing. Jake Burridge, Dan Nation and Zak Morgan continued to cause a nuisance of themselves with their persistent energy that at times left Apollo for dead and Burridge was unlucky not to open the scoring after the three of them made the opening, but the ball trickled past the upright.  With 10 minutes or so of the first half remaining Apollo started to get into the game more and were pressing hard but to no avail as the Tivvy backline continued to stand strong, clearing their lines at every opportunity. With only moments of the first half remaining Tiverton were awarded a free kick around 25 yards out from goal.  Bristow stepped up to take the free kick and his strike could only be parried out by the keeper and the quick thinking of Lewis White on the follow-up saw him slam the ball into the net making it a deserved 1-0 at half time.

Tivvy started the second half going up the bigger slope and continued the good passing work to try and make another opening and came close on several occasions but just couldn't find the finish again.  With 25 minutes of the game remaining things started getting a little ragged with Apollo clearly desperate to find the equaliser, which wasn’t to come as all their efforts were repelled by a team united in their desire to play for one another even to the extent of Steve Bucknell in goal deciding to stop a certain goal scoring opportunity by catching the ball in his mouth (a real example of "taking one for the team"). Even with the 9 minutes of added time, Apollo still couldn’t find a way through and the Yellows can now look forward to entertaining Marldon Youth next week at home in the quarter finals.  

Goal scorer: Lewis White

Tiverton U14s 5 v 0 Buckland Athletic - Devon County Cup November 2009

On a day where the weather could play an important part in a game that Tiverton would want to win to avenge last year’s defeat at the hands of Buckland, the Yellows couldn’t have wished for a better start when Max Ansell put the Yellows in front inside the first minute, which was the result of a long throw in from Max Bristow that was flicked on by Zak Morgan for Ansell to pick up and turn to face goal, and exquisitely placing the ball from the edge of the box over the keeper. There was something about the Yellows today that was different to any of the games they have played so far this season; their desire to get to the ball and work for one another seemed to be endless. This allowed them to continually create chances and keep Buckland penned in to their own half. Not long after the first goal Liam Gregory came close to extending their lead but the ball went wide of the upright. However, on the 10 minute mark Gregory got the second of the game after Ollie Main stood strong at the corner post to take the ball from the feet of the Buckland defender before firing it into the penalty area for Gregory, who finished the move with a great shot across the keeper into the bottom corner of the net. Buckland seemed to be unable to reply which forced them into changing their formation and bringing on their big number 16 up front to change the dynamic. However with the Tivvy backline of George Gardiner, Callum Burgin, Nathan Broom and Max Bristow holding strong, it made little difference and the next two chances were Tivvy’s as Zak Morgan was in on goal where he unleashed a powerful short range shot that forced a great save from the keeper. This was closely followed by Jake Burridge steaming in on goal but unfortunately the ball bobbled and got caught under his feet losing all the power in the shot which ended up going wide of the upright. Nearing the half-time whistle there was concern for Tivvy’s goalkeeper Stephen Bucknell when he was pole axed by a hefty challenge from Buckland’s big forward.

Tivvy came out for the second half in buoyant mood and continued to pass the ball around with ease and composure. The chances continued and Ollie Main came close from a Bristow corner, but it was Daniel Nation from outside the area who got the third goal with a great finish that was the result of the type of build-up play that everybody knows this set of lads are capable of. Moments later, after another well delivered corner, the Buckland goalkeeper made a spectacular save from a point blank header from Lewis White. With the battling nature all over the pitch being shown by the Yellows, in particular at this point Jack Cottrell, Ollie Main and Jake Burridge up front, it was only going to be a matter of time before Tivvy extended their lead. It was Burridge in the 23rd minute of the second half who made it 4-0 with another well taken goal that was the result of continued pressure in the Buckland penalty area. With little time left on the clock Burridge turned provider when the ball was spread wide to him near the corner post where he delivered a great cross in that resulted in Main getting on the score sheet with an athletic finish that made it 5-0.

Goal scorers: Main, Gregory, Nation, Burridge, Ansell

MOTM: Jake Burridge

Tiverton U14s 6 v 0 Minehead - Taunton Youth League November 2009

A surprisingly sunny but windy afternoon saw Tiverton easily dispatch their opponents with a 6-0 win.

Right from the outset the Yellows were all over Minehead and it was only 7 minutes into the game and after constant pressure that Tivvy took the lead with a great finish from Jake Burridge that saw him beat the keeper and nutmeg the defender to put the ball in the net. Tivvy continued to pile on the pressure but for some time could not find the back of the net and it was in the 25th minute that Ollie Main made it 2-0 after Burridge had done all the hard work getting the ball in and taking a shot, which came back off the upright. The keeper wasn’t quick enough to respond which allowed Main to side kick the ball into the net. The remainder of the first half saw the backline of Tivvy untroubled as the ball was kept in the Minehead half. Tivvy could and perhaps should have been, 3-0 at the break with Max Ansell gifted an opportunity in front of goal which he somehow managed to sky, so the first half ended 2-0.

The second half started much as the first with Tiverton in total control and two minutes in substitute Harry Everett delivered a fine cross into the penalty area for Burridge to head in, making it 3-0. Some five minutes later provider turned scorer when Everett made it 4-0 from a close range shot that was the result of another great left footed cross in from Liam Gregory. Shortly after this Ansell made amends for his first half miss when he got his first goal in a yellow shirt to make it 5-0. His celebration appeared to be a mixture of joy and relief which earned him Alan Woodcock’s shirt of the day award. Tivvy continued to play some good football passing the ball around well and Dan Nation from his forward position was unlucky not to get on the score sheet with several missed chances, and with 5 minutes of the game remaining Burridge got his hat trick with a looping header that went over the keeper when Ryan Hancock fired the ball into the penalty area for Burridge to nod in to make it 6-0.

All in all a good result for the lads keeping a clean sheet in what will hopefully be a good warm up for the tough game they have next week in the County Cup.

Tiverton U14s 5 v 1 Galmington Dragons - Taunton Youth League October 2009

After the previous weeks defeat, Tivvy needed to bounce back and show the character that everybody has been accustomed to seeing. It took until the 15th minute of the 2nd half before they finally managed to get a firm grip of the game against a Galmington side that at times played some good football that defied their league position.

Tivvy started well with Liam Gregory and max Bristow working the flanks well and firing in some great balls, with 5 minutes gone Dan nation almost opened the scoring with a strike at goal which went wide of the upright. Harry Everett came close two minutes later but his shot went straight at the keeper. Lewis White was next to come close after a well delivered free kick from Gregory saw White lash the ball at goal but again the keeper was in the right place. Bristow fired in the next attempt but some stout defending blocked the shot. The first goal of the game came on the 25 minute mark with a well delivered corner from Bristow finding Gregory on the edge of the box who slid the ball in to the feet of Everett who finally beat the keeper from close range. 1 – 0. The first half was mainly spent in the Galmington half, but they had a few chances that were well defended with Nathan Broome and the very vocal George Gardner keeping the back line intact. The first half ended 1- 0 to Tivvy and at that point Galmington never looked like scoring.

The 2nd half started with Tivvy on the attack and forcing an early corner which nation dispatched for Jake Burridge to meet with his head and his glancing header went narrowly wide. Against the run of play Galmington broke out and indecision in the Tivvy box afforded them the opportunity to strike which they did to get the equaliser. Tivvy had the wake up call they needed and started to pass the ball around more proficiently and after 10 minutes of the game being all level Zak Morgan used his pace to latch onto a long ball and lofted the ball over the keeper who was coming out to meet him into the goal making it 2 – 1. Five minutes later Bristow made it 3 -1 from the penalty spot after a deliberate hand ball in the area from the Galmington defender after they were placed under enormous pressure from Tivvy which forced the mistake. 25 minutes into the 2nd half Bristow got his second with a shirt of the day moment when what looked like a great cross sailed straight into the top corner of the net. Less than two minutes later Bristow got his 3rd with another determined run that saw him in the six yard box where he stuck his foot out to beat the keeper to the ball.

Tivvy ran out 5 – 1 winners in the end but credit has to be given to Galmington, they turned up with a desire to play and were not the walk over many teams would expect from their previous results.

Goal scorers Bristow (3), Everett, Morgan MOTM: Max Bristow

Heathfield 3 v 0 Tiverton U14s - Taunton Youth League October 2009

A wet slippery pitch in pouring rain faced both teams in this encounter. With Heathfield and Tiverton both defending an unbeaten record this season both sides would be looking to capitalise and try to get all 3 points to get the early season advantage.

The game started at a high tempo and it was clear Heathfield would be looking to use their size and physical strength to it’s best use which they did well. The game was going from end to end with both sets of players trying to break down two resilient defences and it was with 10 minutes of the first half remaining before Heathfield took the lead with a well placed strike that gave Bucknell no chance. Tivvy restarted and tried to get back into the game and came close on a couple of occasions but the Heathfield defenders held strong , half time came with Heathfield one goal to the good.

The second half was played much the same as the first with both sides competing fiercely for every ball, Heathfield extended their lead after a great save by Bucknell was pounced on by the Heathfield striker who fired the ball in before Bucknell had a chance to recover. 10 minutes later the result was pretty much sealed when a long range lob hit the back of the Tiverton net as the keeper could only stand and watch. AT 3 – 0 down the Tivvy lads still continued to battle and the introduction of Max Ansell in mid field saw Tivvy get more opportunities, but today was always going to be Heathfield’s day as they looked more determined and fresher than Tivvy.

Although losing the game the parents made it a great atmosphere for the boys today and can be thanked for their great support throughout the match.

Tiverton U14s 3 v 2 Blackbrook - Taunton Youth League October 2009

After three weeks without a match and key player and striker Alan Woodcock missing with a broken ankle (get well soon Woody), Tivvy knew they would be in for a tough afternoon after seeing that their opponents thrashed Wellington in their last game.

The opening moments of the game saw both sides struggling to play the ball on the floor and the ball seemed to be ping-ponging between two sets of midfield players. Tivvy came close to getting the opener when the gritty determination of Dan Nation saw him reach the ball and put it back across goal from the deadball line. Unfortunately Jake Burridge who was running to meet the ball was blocked by the large and formidable Blackbrook fullback. With the play ebbing and flowing Blackbrook were the next to come close when their number 17 slipped past the Tivvy backline and was only denied the goal by a great save by Stephen Bucknell. Straight from the kick-out Max Ansell was the next to come close after another determined run by Nation saw him cross the ball in to the feet of Ansell who fired a shot straight at the keeper. Tivvy continued to pile on the pressure and Jake Burridge unleashed a powerful shot that the keeper could only parry out to the feet of Zak Morgan, but Morgan was unable to direct the ball and it went wide of the upright. A minute later Burridge finally broke the deadlock after a long ball from midfield bounced kindly over the defender and the quick thinking of Burridge had already seen him gamble and go beyond the defender to fire the ball past the Blackbrook keeper making it 1-0. Less than 5 minutes later Bucknell was forced to make another fine save after the defence had been breached again; the resulting corner ended up with Blackbrook equalising from a well taken header at the far post. The game now began to open up and with 7 minutes of the half remaining Tivvy took the lead again after a great charge down the right hand wing by Jack Cottrell saw him knock the ball across to Burridge, who in turn slid it back to Harry Everett and his deft little pass out to the left of the penalty box met with the left foot of Daniel Nation who fired the ball in low and hard across the keeper, giving him no chance and making it 2-1 to Tivvy. The remainder of the first half saw Blackbrook pressing really hard to pull a goal back, but Tivvy kept control ending the half 2-1 up.

Tivvy started the second half looking composed and trying to play the passing game that they are accustomed to but found themselves having very little time on the ball with Blackbrook closing down at every opportunity. Ansell and Nation, in the early moments, teamed up again to eventually get the ball to the edge of the area for Lewis White to fire at goal. Unfortunately his shot was scuffed allowing the keeper to deal with it easily. It took until the 17th minute of the second half for the next goal to come which fell Tiverton’s way when second half substitute Max Bristow fired in a tremendous goal from some 30 yards out, that hit the top left-hand corner of the net making it 3-1 to Tivvy. The remainder of the half saw Tiverton pretty much holding on as Blackbrook threw caution to the wind and played high up field pressurising Tiverton in an attempt to score the goals they needed to get something from the game, and with just over 5 minutes of normal time remaining they managed to get their second goal to make it 3-2. This made for a nervy finish to the game as Blackbrook continued to look for the equaliser and it appeared Tivvy were happy to defend and absorb the Blackbrook pressure. A very entertaining game of football that saw both sides play some great football, make mistakes and ultimately score some cracking goals. Well done to all the Tivvy lads and credit to the Blackbrook boys who played well on the day.

Man of the Match: Lewis White
Goalscorers: Jake Burridge, Daniel Nation, Max Bristow

Tiverton U14s 2 v 0 Staplegrove September 2009

The opening game of the season for any team is always a nervy one that every manager wants to win, and with the Tiverton 2007/08 and 2008/09 League and Cup Champions taking on newly promoted Staplegrove the pressure was always going to be on Tivvy to hammer out a result.

In their new kit, kindly sponsored by Roundcube Sports of Tiverton, the Yellows started the game having to defend as Staplegrove commanded the opening few moments of the game, and George Gardiner was called into action very early on to clear the ball out of the danger area. Jake Burridge, who was playing up front alongside Alan Woodcock, was on fire today with Max Bristow and Liam Gregory firing in from both wings it was always going to be a difficult afternoon for Staplegrove to contain Tivvy. The game was going from one end to the other for the opening 25 minutes or so, with Staplegrove being quite bullish in midfield and Tivvy at times weren’t quick enough to react, and around the 20 minute mark Staplegrove were through on goal and a venomous strike by their forward was met by a brilliant save by Stephen Bucknell, whose strong hands forced a corner. Staplegrove continued to battle well and were holding Tivvy at bay but from the sidelines it felt it would only be a matter of time before the break would come. Burridge ran like a whippet from the midfield out wide to send a great cross in to the penalty area and with Woodcock rushing on the 50:50 challenge was coming which on this occasion the keeper won, denying Woodcock what would have been a certain goal. This must have been another wake up call for Staplegrove as they managed to play the ball out from the defence, through the Tivvy midfield, right to their front man who was in on goal, and Tivvy can think themselves lucky as he scuffed the shot, giving them a lucky escape. Tivvy could have taken the lead when straight from Bucknells kick out Bristow was one on one with the Staplegrove keeper, who closed the angle down well smothering Bristows shot on goal. Burridge was unlucky in the 28th minute after a free kick from Gregory bounced awkwardly for him who put the ball above the bar. It was clear Burridge was going to go on the scoresheet today somehow when he was in the goal again 2 minutes later, but again scuffed his shot and it took almost another 2 minutes before he finally broke the deadlock. The goal came from a mazy run down the left wing by Gregory that saw him take the ball to the baseline before launching in a cross that Burridge headed in with supreme confidence. Tivvy continued to press for the rest of the half, and began to regain control in midfield, but they didn’t really seem to be firing on all cylinders and were still allowing Staplegrove a few too many opportunities.

Staplegrove came out looking to pull a goal back straight from the kick off for the second half, and when they were awarded a free kick some 35 yards out, their big left back came up to take the free kick which almost beat Ryan Hancock in goal, but he managed to get hold of the ball on the second attempt. For the next five minutes or so Staplegrove continued to try and throw everything at Tivvy, but the back line of Callum Burgin, George Gardiner, and Harry Everett repelled all advances. Eight minutes into the second half Burridge got his second goal of the game with a carbon copy header of the first goal, only this time it was Bristow who provided the cross in. Provider almost turned into scorer five minutes later when he fired in a shot which was kept on the floor forcing the keeper to make a great save. Ollie Main was next to come close after a great link-up between him and Burridge, but unfortunately he couldn’t convert the opportunity into a goal. With around 15 minutes of the game remaining Jack Cottrell came on with Spud dropping back into defence to make up a back four, and with Daniel Nation out on the other wing, the pair of them continued to keep the width and terrorise the Staplegrove defence with their crosses. Staplegrove had no alternative but to try and press forward and with a little less than 10 minutes remaining, Hancock was forced to make probably the best save of the game when he spread himself wide to smother the striker’s powerful shot and had he not been so quick off his line it would have allowed Staplegrove to pull a goal back. A well worked free-kick from Main, with Woodcock acting as a decoy, had the keeper beat but unfortunately the shot was just over the bar.

The game ended 2-0 to Tiverton. A great display of unity from the boys with some excellent football and credit should go to the whole team, not just those mentioned in the report, as they really did all work for one another today.

Man of the Match: George Gardiner Goalscorer: Jake Burridge (2)

The first recipient of the shirt award for the 2009/10 season was Scooter for his impressive footwork and ball control that was so impressive that it even fooled him J.

Tiverton U14s v Waldon Athletic Friendly August 2009

This was the U14s second pre-season friendly; the first game saw them take on last season’s Exeter and District Youth League runners up Ipplepen in a game that saw the Yellows give Ipplepen a footballing lesson with a 9-2 trouncing at their Moor Road ground. This evening’s game saw Tivvy take on Waldon, the 2008/09 Pioneer League and Cup champions in their pre-season run up to league games.

Tivvy got off to a flying start with Liam Gregory firing in a great strike across goal after the Tivvy mid-field sliced through Waldon to cross the ball out wide for Jake Burridge to head on to Gregory for the finish. Three minutes later Max Bristow was in on goal but was denied with a great stop by the keeper, who bravely came out to meet him. Bristow got himself on the scoresheet in the 7th minute after calmly converting a penalty which was awarded after the initial goalscorer Gregory was cynically brought down just inside the area. The Tivvy lads continued to play well and with the addition of Nathan Broome, Harry Everett and Max Ansell to the squad the Yellows refused to be intimidated by the physicality of the Waldon lads. The fifteen minute mark saw Waldon pull a goal back with a well placed header from a corner kick after an uncharacteristic lack of concentration at the back. Tivvy continued to play well in spells for the remainder of the half but were looking a little tired at times. Around the 30 minute mark Tivvy regained a two goal lead after a great bit of interlinking play that started at the back resulting in Alan Woodcock making a mazy run through the back line forcing the keeper to commit himself before tapping the ball over for Ollie Main to tap in making it 3-1. Provider turned into scorer two minutes later after Main put the ball across the edge of the box for Woodcock who circumnavigated the keeper before slotting in to make it 4-1, finishing the half very much in control of the game.

The second half saw the Yellows come out looking a little jaded and not firing on all cylinders, which allows Waldon to get back into the game in parts, but the first chance in the second half fell to new boy Max Ansell after a superb cross out wide from Gregory which saw Ansell smash the ball at goal from distance, only for it to sail over the bar (the management were probably glad it didn’t hit the net as it would have probably broken it! But it was nice to see the excitement on Colin’s face with the shot). Moments later the Yellow’s keeper, Stephen Bucknell, was forced to make a great save after the ball was put through for the Waldon striker who hit the ball goalward. The save was more impressive as Bucknell was pretty much untested throughout the first half. With 15 minutes remaining Waldon pulled back another goal with a great finish that went in the top corner of the net giving Bucknell no chance. Tivvy continued to look threatening and very calm on the ball, and just inside the last 10 minutes produced, for me, the highlight of the game with 17 consecutive passes keeping hold of the ball before Drew Laskey headed the ball at goal, which beat the keep, but unfortunately also beat the crossbar.

Another great result for the Yellows and hopefully a sign of the kind of season we can expect from them.