Emirates FA Cup Action Returns To Tiverton
Tiverton warmed up for this big FA Cup tie, with a slender 2-1 loss at high flying Dorchester, in a game that the Yellows' will feel that they should have taken at the very least a point from. The players though will now change their focus and pit their wits against a Sholing side, who unlike their previous opponents in the competition are a higher ranked club.
The Southampton based team progressed through to this stage with a home win in the round before versus Andover New Street, by a 2-0 scoreline. Despite our hugely enjoyable little run in the FA Cup, Asa Hall’s men will know that they will have to raise their game, if they are to upset the Southern League Premier South team.
Tivvy have strengthened their forward options, after the addition of Josh Bissett, who scored on debut, but he is cup tied so won’t feature on Saturday. They will once again be without long term absentee, the injured Louis Jagger Cane and the suspended Finn Roberts.
However, the side have been in good form recently and will be intent on creating some positive headlines or a giant killing. Our supporters will act as an all important 12th man and can definitely play their part in what is a massive encounter.
Both sides have not as yet set the world alight in their respective divisions, with Sholing currently positioned 16th and Tiverton 14th. Almost five years to the day, the two met in their only other FA Cup encounter. At the time it was the Boatmen who were the Southern League Division 1 South team and the Yellows' who were playing a step higher.
Our visitors came out on top then, coming from behind to win the 2021 tie at Ladysmead 3-1. Let’s hope that’s an omen for further success at the weekend.
Managed by Ross White and director of football/ Joint manager Paul Doswell. White is an elite coach, who is highly respected for his work in QPR’s and Aldershot’s academies. Doswell was sole manager prior to White’s appointment and has impressive credentials. He also was boss at upper tier non league teams; Havant & Waterlooville, Sutton United and Eastleigh.
The Boatmen may have not been firing on all cylinders as yet, but have assembled a squad with plenty of talent, experience and knowhow. Two players are in particular synonymous with their rise through the leagues. Brothers Byron and Dan Mason who are both uncles to Chelsea and England player Levi Colwill are still around.
Byron, now 39 an influential midfielder and strong utility man, is into his 16th season and 34 year old Dan is a legendary goalscorer at Sholing. With over 300 goals from a little over 600 games, his scoring feats command respect, as does their loyalty, in what is a rarity; one club men.
It was a bit of a coup in signing Joey Jones from Walton & Hersham, with the season barely underway. Their former captain had a big impact on the London side and the defender or midfielder, who was an EFL player with Salford, has had a stellar non league career and is a former Northern Ireland Under 21 International.
The 32 year old’s impressive CV includes a notable spell at Woking. Making 174 national League appearances there and he has also served Grimsby, Dagenham & Redbridge, Eastleigh, Altrincham and Solihull Moors in non league’s top division. Playing in the national league 271 times.
Striker Michael Folivi hasn’t featured in a while, but if he is involved, he boasts a Premier League appearance when a young pro with Watford. Other EFL clubs who he played for are; Coventry, AFC Wimbledon and Colchester. The 28 year old has an excellent goalscoring record for the Boatmen, 46 goals from 76 games.
Fellow striker Tommy-Lee Higgs, came through the ranks at Southampton. Virtually a goal every other game ratio last season at the Solent side, the skilful young marksman has also represented; Gosport, Salisbury and Farnborough. Another front man Vinnie Tume is highly regarded and signed from Sutton United.
Talented, technical midfielder Jaheim Dotse is a Wycombe Wanderers prospect who is gaining invaluable experience in the Southern League. He has quickly established himself at Sholing, having previously been a loanee at Bracknell and Winchester.
The versatile attacking player Brad Targett is another like the Mason brothers to remain loyal to the cause, the 25 year old made his debut as a 16 year old and is into a Tenth season at the club. Cultured ex Wycombe and Reading pro Olly Pendlebury brings creativity to the Boatmen’s midfield.
The 24 year old has also played for Woking, Aldershot and Farnborough and is a top performer in Step 3.
Defensively, plenty of know-how is evident. Centre back Jake McCarthy was once a defensive lynchpin from Weymouth. Over two spells the 30 year old made in excess of 200 appearances for the Terras’ and played nearly 150 times for Havant and Waterlooville. Poole is also another previous club for the ex Bournemouth academy product.
Right back or centre back Sami Magri was integral to Totton’s recent rise. On the books of Portsmouth, QPR and Crystal Palace as a youngster, Magri has had an impressive non league career. Successful stints with Dover and Ebbsfleet, the football playing defender has also worn the colours of Havant and Waterlooville.
Defender Harry Taylor’s senior career started with national league Aldershot. He then went on to play for Hartley Wintney and Metropolitan Police. Since arriving at Sholing in the 2024/25 campaign, he has become a mainstay in the Boatmens’ line up and is a threat in opposing boxes
Jack Turner was first choice keeper at Farnborough for a number of seasons and the ex AFC Wimbledon pro, also had another lengthy spell with national league Slough. After losing his place at Farnborough after playing over 200 games for them between 2021 and 2026, he was loaned to the visitors last term and the 34 year old signed on permanently for this campaign.
The Yellows’ will need to be at their best this weekend, if their cup run is to continue. There has been a very encouraging team spirit on display, to this point and we have shown fighting qualities on several occasions, when needed to get over the line. It won't be easy on Saturday, but we can definitely be competitive and we have an opportunity to achieve cup glory.
So let’s get down to the ground and get behind the team. If we believe in ourselves, who knows what is possible?
