Basingstoke, the Latest Test for Hall's Developing Side.

Match Preview

Tiverton Town v Basingstoke Town

Tuesday March 17th

7.45 pm Kick Off

At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium

Asa Hall joining assistant manager Steve Orchard on the bench v Wimborne (Viv Curtis)

Saturday's draw at Wimborne came as a much-needed boost to everybody connected with the football club. Fielding a side with limited experience at this level, overcoming a strong Wimborne Eleven and the loss of a sizeable number of regular starters who have departed in fairly quick succession, meant this was a commendable display

from all involved.

This should instill a bit more confidence in the home dressing room on Tuesday evening, when they will be stepping out to face Basingstoke. They're another team hunting for points, who could quite easily be dragged into the relegation places.

For this reason there will be extra pressure on them, when they arrive at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium. Last season the Stoke came to us on the back of a long winless run and our relegation rivals then, inflicted a painful 5-0 defeat.

It was a result that led to manager Rob Dray departing. But far from tempting fate, let's just say that the last time that they tasted victory was like us, in the first week of January. So bearing this in mind, this should be a hotly contested encounter.

For many in Asa Hall's squad, it is very much a learning curve and this is by a long stretch the youngest group of players to represent the Yellows’ in this division. Karim Coulibaly has adjusted well. The England Colleges and Under 18 player has been a breath of fresh air in his first experience of playing in the Southern League Premier South.

Others like Will Collins have looked good in the opportunities they have been given. I'm sure that despite our predicament that many of the young players in Asa Hall's squad have gained invaluable experience that will serve them well, as they continue to develop.

A captain's performance from Matt Wood, stepping up from his role as vice captain at the weekend was also a big plus, as he led by example in a commanding display. John Ross was once again in impressive form between the sticks.

Six and a half years into his tenure at Basingstoke following his appointment in 2019, Dan Brownlie has overseen his side's resurgence, after relegation early into his time at the Winklebury Football Complex. The talented coach was in the dugout on Saturday to see his side draw 1-1 at home against Dorchester.

Charlie Austin was the Stokes’ focal point at the beginning of the season, but he moved on to Hungerford a little way into the campaign. Goals have been shared around the team, but there are plenty of attacking threat’s within their ranks.

Ex Didcot and Swindon Supermarine marksman George Reid has Seven goal's this term. A popular and dangerous technician, Reid has been with our visitor's since the 2023/24 season, having first turned out for them in the curtailed 2020/21 covid campaign. Injury kept him out of Saturday's game.

Reading loanee forward, Josh Barough has made a good impression and the youngster will need to be closely watched in this game. Workhorse Robbie Gallagher is another threatening striking option and is experienced in this division. The all action forward, like Reid was previously at Didcot.

The signing of Two Midfield Players who are no strangers to Southern League Premier South recently, could well strengthen the Hampshire side. 

Max Herbert was a permanent fixture for Bracknell over the past Six seasons and made his Basingstoke bow on Saturday. The cultured midfielder was a regular at his former club, prior to making the switch ahead of the Dorchester game.

The loan signing of 21 yr old Josh Dockerill from Havant & Waterlooville also highlights Brownlie's knowledge of this league. Dockerill, whose early career was spent at Portsmouth where he made one senior appearance, is with the Stoke for the remainder of the campaign. The versatile performer is also accomplished in defence.

A player with proven pedigree is James Clark. Making over 200 appearances for Hungerford and playing higher up the non league pyramid, Clark is close to playing 100 Southern League games for his current club. Often a driving force, the creative player has also worn the colours of Wealdstone and Hayes & Yeading.

Ben Cook has played in excess of 100 games for our visitors and the talented and technical midfielder is held in high regard at the Hampshire club. Virtually a mainstay in the current campaign, Cook had a brief spell with Bracknell in the 2022/23 season.

The athletic and gifted D'Andre Brown has emerged through Basingstoke's youth system and has established himself in the senior team. He was a strong player for them, when the Two side's met last term.

Promising midfielder Tom Blake was at Gloucester, before joining Bristol Manor Farm for this campaign. Our visitor's acquiring his services midway through the season. He has chipped in with 5 goals in 15 appearances.

Basingstoke have strong defensive options. Scott Armsworth played junior football for Fulham, before signing for National League Slough. He has emerged as a regular starter for the away side this term and is into his Fifth season at the club.

Centre Back Jack Ball has had an injury hit season, but is a big influence on his side. The 34 yr old has had a notable non league career and has a wealth of experience to draw upon, having played for both Farnborough and Salisbury in the past.

Wide defender or midfielder Joe O'Loughlin has relocated and is a mainstay of his new team. In the 2022/23 season he played his football for Tiverton and is a skillful technician. A team mate of Matt Wood at Frome, they have both captained Bath University. He has additionally been with Yate and Tavistock.

Simon Grant is Basingstoke's number one and has been a sought after keeper over the years. Loyally remaining at Marlow for Eight season’s, the agile and commanding Grant has also served; Slough, Bracknell, Hungerford, Hayes & Yeading  and AFC Hayes in a long and impressive non league career.

There should be a bit of a spring in the step of the Player's, in anticipation for this match and the Players will be determined to use Saturday's draw as a springboard to further success. So let's get down to the ground and support the lads!