Match Preview: Tiverton Town V Portland United FC
It’s Fourteenth versus Tenth when this encounter gets underway. There will be a chance to bounce back straight away, after the Yellows’ slipped up in midweek against Falmouth. Their opponents Portland though have adapted well to their first taste of Southern League football.
Win lose or draw Tivvy have excited with their performances over the last eight games and you could make a case for them winning all of them games. With players on their way back and the signing’s made in that period, the depth of the squad has a stronger feeling to it now.
Louis Jagger Cane has been stepping up his fitness and isn’t far away from being involved again. Toby Stephens is getting back into the fold after returning from playing in Australia a month ago and got valuable lengthy game time in midweek.
Mason Winter’s unfortunate absence due to being caught behind an accident on his way to the Falmouth game stretched our resources for that game and with others being unavailable, Asa Hall and his coaching team will be hoping to have more players to call on this time around.
Portland have proved in quite a few matches already that they are not here just to make up the numbers. Tuesday evening was an example of this, when they overcame Exmouth a strong outfit in our division, 3-2. The Blues have leant heavily on the players who got them promoted.
Manager Kyle Critchell is 39 and played in the EFL for Torquay and Chesterfield and represented Wales at Under 21 level. Although primarily a right back, he had the ability to play a number of different positions throughout his senior career.
When his career was in it’s infancy he was in Weymouth’s youth set up and after being scouted by Southampton he joined the Saint’s academy, prior to becoming a young pro there. He also has a good non league CV, having had successful stints with both Weymouth and his native Dorchester. What he has achieved in his managerial career at Portland has to be admired.
Goals have been shared around so far for the Blues this season. Long serving and prolific striker Greg Borthwick shelved plans to retire at the end of last season and is once again featuring in the club’s inaugural campaign in the Southern League. The talismanic player was a regular scorer in the Wessex League and although he has only found the net on a few occasions this term, he did supply the crucial winner against Exmouth.
Remus Nixon was regularly on target for Shaftesbury two seasons ago. A Totton loanee then, 13 League goals from 27 games in that campaign and a return of 6 goals from 14 games for Bemerton Heath Harlequins also in this division when Totton were his parent club the season before, indicate he has the makings of that 20 goal a season striker that clubs at this level crave . He achieved a brace against Exmouth.
Patrick Jenkins is another forward to have appeared for Bemerton Heath Harlequins and has become another strong attacking option for manager Kyle Critchell. The 23 year old technical forward or attacking midfielder has played Ten league games and has notched three goals.
Jacob Coombes is a big influence on his team mates and the wingback/ midfield player who can also play further back, is creative, and also often captains the side. Leading the way with goals, he has bagged five of them, this term. The 23 yr old is a Bournemouth academy product, specialising in long range strikes and is strong aerially in both boxes.
Young midfielder Hayden Scott is homegrown and first played and scored for Portland as a 16 yr old. The talented performer also was on the mark with his penalty, in the shootout that saw his side promoted via the play offs. The nurturing of the club’s former under 18 captain highlights it’s successful youth system.
Also part of the visitors midfield is Josh Williams. An energetic and versatile, driving force; Williams is highly valued at the club. He has additionally played for Dorchester and the 25 yr old is very popular with the fans.
Ex Yeovil academy defender Callum Corbridge is a key member of the Blues defensive unit. A regular pick by manager Critchell, he spent three season’s with Street prior to signing for the visitors and started his senior career at neighbour’s Weymouth.
The solid and physical George Stuttle also spent time with Weymouth. Developing through their youth system and was part of their under 23 side. A noted threat in opposing boxes, he is a dependable part of the Blues’ backline.
Sam Gadsby is another permanent fixture in a very settled defence. He progressed through Dorchester Town’s sides and played for their under 23’s. He is a reliable young defender and has also worn the colours of Bashley.
In possession of the gloves is Toby Steiner-Reid. Previously with Poole Town, the talented up and coming teenage stopper was a hero when making a vital save in his club’s play off win.
This will be a test of character for Asa Hall’s men and despite the heartening four game run, in this competitive division, setbacks can quickly see side’s drop significantly in the table within the blink of an eye. However, when a team has clearly played well but comes up short, it’s important that they don’t become too passive.
Watching the players express themselves, has entertained the supporters and although we have been picked off on a few occasions when perhaps over committing and haven’t always taken a lot of the chances we have created, it’s a ruthless streak that we need to strive for on a more permanent basis.
With a little more focus, a little more composure and few minor tweaks, Tiverton have the ability to make a winning return to the Slee Blackwell Stadium, following two games on the road, where they had varying degrees of success.
Portland though in beating Exmouth last time out, will have a spring in their step and the Yellows’ know that if they are not completely at it, games in this league often end in disappointment. So let’s get down to the ground and show our support for the team.
