Match Preview: Tiverton Town V Paulton Rovers in Southern League Midweek Action
Following on from Saturday’s exit from the FA Trophy the Yellows’ are back in league action, with an evening fixture versus Paulton Rovers on the horizon. Although the cup run’s were enjoyable they can of course affect what happens in the league, with more and more games to make up.
So at least now there are no serious distractions and we can turn our whole focus to picking up points and moving up the table. The available again Ed Palmer, Mason Winter and Josh Bissett will undoubtedly strengthen the squad, as they take on Paulton Rovers. Rovers have played two games more than Tiverton and are two points ahead of them.
This game promises to be keenly fought and is an early six pointer, as the Yellows' look to overtake the North Somerset side and our visitors look to pull away from us. There was much to admire in Asa Hall’s men's first half performance and it’s that version of the team that I’m sure everybody will be hoping to see.
Managed by John Rendell, Paulton who have had many encounters with Tivvy over the years, have returned to Southern League Division 1 South, after an absence of a couple of seasons. They secured promotion via the Western League Premier play-offs. Winning the final against Sidmouth 4-2.
Rovers won at the weekend versus Bristol Manor Farm. Farm went down to Ten men just before the break in a goalless first half and Rovers secured a narrow, but important 1-0 victory. John Rendell is in a second spell at the club and has additionally been the boss at Yate.
Rendell is assisted by player Martin Lenihan. The 32 year old midfielder is a key player for Paulton. A leader on the pitch and in the dressing room, Lenihan briefly played for Yate, a team that he had previously served, following the visitor’s relegation. However, he was back for Rovers for last season’s promotion and Frome is also a former destination.
Ex Bristol City prospect Brandon Bak has enjoyed a decent start to the campaign. The young forward has three goals from seven league games and the talented Marksman was picked up by Weston Super Mare, his first senior club after his release from the Robins. Bak gained valuable experience during loan stints at Taunton, Willand and Bristol Manor Farm and was a notable signing this term.
Another forward recruited by Paulton with a Weston Super Mare association, is 19 year old Krystian Woods. Both himself and Bak will have spent a considerable amount of time together on the training ground. The promising Woods was loaned to both Bideford and Paulton and moved permanently to the North Somerset side, this term.
26 year old winger Cameron Allen spent time in Bristol City and Bristol Rovers academies and whilst with Rovers the technical Wideman, was a loanee with the Yellows’ in the 2018/19 campaign, along with Dorchester. Willand and Melksham are other clubs he has represented.
Midfield player Dylan Gould was an integral part of the promotion winning side and is a goal threat. He is a central midfielder who is known for his tenacity. In the past he has been with Shepton Mallet and had a brief stint at Bristol Manor Farm.
Tom Bradley was acquired from Melksham a short way into the season and the defender has plenty of experience at this level, having played more than 100 games at league rivals Larkhall. He too was a key performer for Rovers last term, before joining Melksham, a decision he quickly reversed.
The versatile Jack Dancey who had a successful caretaker manager stint alongside Martin Lenihan during last season is both adept in central midfield or in a defensive berth. His previous ports of call include; Larkhall and Whitley Bay. The 29 year old captain's the side.
Central defender Ewan McMillan was a strong signing for Paulton in pre- season and the solid and dependable McMillan was at Larkhall last term. The 29 year old was a popular player at Yate, earlier in his senior football career.
The away side’s number one was at no fewer than three Pro clubs in his formative years; Swindon Town, Birmingham City and Swansea City. Still only 25, Archie Matthews signed for National League Wealdstone after he was released by Swansea in the 2024/25 season, the gifted Gloveman signed on this term for Rovers after time away from the beautiful game.
A difficult one to call this, but climbing the table will be a big priority in the dressing room and the need for all three points under the lights will be great for both. So let’s get down to the ground and show our support for the lads.
