Match Preview: Tiverton Town V Hartpury
This evening fixture will be Tiverton’s sixth consecutive home game and despite having serious opportunities to win all five of those games, the St Lukes Bowl tie against Ilfracombe is the only one where we’ve managed to get over the line. We’ve been in good form and played some excellent football, had sides on the ropes, but haven't managed to land the decisive blow.
There is no shortage of determination to turn the tide against Hartpury who will travel from Gloucester in good spirits after a late goal gave them a 2-1 home win against Barnstaple. In the big moments of this game, the Yellows' will need to take their chances and be defensively sound. Asa Hall may be fit enough to start, after his second half cameo on Saturday.
They will face a tough examination from the Acorns, who will characteristically be a fit, mobile side with very good footballing ability. Tivvy will also hope to have Billy Tucker who was unavailable at the weekend, back for this encounter. It will be fascinating to see how the coaching team approaches this game.
After Six years in existence and three promotions, this is Hartpury’s second season at Step 4. Hartpury FC are drawn from the students that attend Hartpury College and their highly successful sporting achievements attract school leavers and other students wanting to continue their studies, some with experience of pro academies.
Former non-league midfielder Chris Knowles manages the side and is assisted by Phil Clarke. Knowles played for; Gloucester City, Weston Super Mare, Salisbury City and Bashley and was a highly respected player. The 39 year old has been running the college’s football programme since 2017 and assumed the role of manager during last season.
Striker Morgan Ewing has been selected to play for England Under 18 schools in the Centenary shield. The 17 year old will be in the squad to face; Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A gifted forward who made appearances for Hartpury in this division last term, he is in good form and has four goals from the six games he has played in this division.
Fellow attacker Noah Coates was a constant selection last season for the Acorns and won Manager’s player of the year award for his performances during the 2025/26 campaign. With a strong all round forward game, he started his senior career with Cinderford and is often the provider for others.
Adaptable player Billy Osborn is primarily a forward and is fresh from scoring the winner against Barnstaple at the weekend. An influential performer who often captains the side, Osborne amassed 15 goals in all competitions during the 2025/26 season and has been on target four times, so far this term.
Louis Manning is a skillful Wideman who has achieved more assists than any other player to represent Hartpury and is also not shy on the goal front either. The 20 year old who trialled at both Crystal Palace and West Ham prior to continuing his studies at Hartpury, notched a notable 14 goals from 37 games in the previous campaign.
Defender Solomon Kent is a key player for Chris Knowles side and his solid defensive qualities coupled with good distribution illustrate this. At 21 he is one of the more senior players. He was an ever present last season and has featured in all of the Acorns seven league games this term.
With Forest Green being his parent club, Jesse Aldridge is a talented, technical midfielder. Making Three first team appearances for the Green Army, the 19 year old had a long loan spell at Hartpury during the last campaign and the highly thought of youngster is back again.
Nathan Jenkins is 23 and his formative years were spent in Brighton’s academy. The goalscoring midfielder who also was part of Eastbourne Borough’s youth set up, scored 14 goals last term, including a hat-trick against Larkhall. He is a mainstay at the club.
Wearing the gloves will be Seth Locke, who is 23 and it must be said that he is fairly experienced at senior level. Developed at Frome, Locke then became Bristol Manor Farm’s number one. He played 88 times for the Bristol side and started the last campaign with Malvern. He has attended Hartpury for the last four years and the talented keeper has been an ever-present since arriving from Malvern.
The Yellows’ will be away for their next two matches, so will be keen to take all three points under the lights, but so will our visitors. Hunger, belief, composure and wanting it more than our opponents is crucial. So get down to the ground and taste some evening football with Asa Hall’s men, at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium.
