Match Preview: Tiverton Town Vs Larkhall Athletic in the FA Trophy
For our next installment of cup football, it’s a home FA Trophy tie versus Larkhall. Saturday’s game is coming on the back of the high of last weekend’s FA Cup success at St Blazey. Although, it’s back to business for the yellows’ come 3pm on Saturday, as the side look to extend their run in the other big cup competition.
Whilst Asa Hall’s men were recording a 2-1 victory in Cornwall, Larkhall were suffering a 4-1 loss down the road at Willand. A response will be expected from our visitors, after that setback in their league campaign and nothing will be taken for granted.
Plenty of Tiverton players played their part, showed character and applied themselves positively at St Blazey. With returning players also in the mix for selection, the competition for a starting berth should present a few headaches for the coaching staff. However, this is a healthy situation ahead of this match.
A few players, especially Karim Coulibaly, definitely put themselves in the frame for a place in the line up. Although with the exciting young talent now continuing his studies at Cardiff Met, availability isn’t always straightforward.
Without tempting fate, we have been a lot more solid defensively this term too. The quintet of back players; Ed Palmer, Louie Slough, Matt Wood, Mason Winter and Corey Koerner, along with keeper Louis Smith have looked a lot more convincing, early season. The challenge for the side is to maintain the standard they have set, in defending from back to front.
It’s important that we also develop a winning mentality and do all we can to build on Saturday’s triumph. Larkhall secured a late, but impressive victory against Dorchester in the previous round. Emerging as winners 2-1 in that game, the Bath side, known as the Larks are more than capable of going one step further in the competition, as their comprehensive 3-0 victory against Westbury, a team we lost to, highlights.
Three familiar faces are integral to this current Larkhall side. Keeper Liam Armstrong produced some fine displays, as a Bristol Rovers loanee at Ladysmead. He played 63 times for the Yellows' across the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns. Now 26, his club’s since include; Salisbury, Bath, Swindon Supermarine and Bishops Cleeve. He was an ever present at the Lark’s last term.
Jeff Forkuo who relocated, is a regular selection for the visitors and the accomplished technical player, who was very much part of Tiverton’s great escape in the 2024/25 season is as we know, a versatile and gifted footballer. Since his departure from the Yellows', the ex Plymouth Argyle academy product has also played for Yate.
Silky midfielder Ryan Beckinsale, a former Hartpury student, briefly displayed his skills for the Yellows' in the 2019/20 season, before embarking on a soccer scholarship in the USA. He also spent time in the MK Dons Academy and has played for Yate. Popular Tivvy players Matt Britton and Josh Jones were also favourites at Larkhall.
Frome loanee, forward Jensen Wakefield is currently enjoying a rich vein of scoring form. The former Bath prospect has looked a shrewd acquisition so far, scoring Three in Six starts and appears to have a bright non league future.
Striker Freddie King arrived at Plain Ham(Larkhall’s ground) from Weston Super Mare via Portishead and the 22 year old is another gifted, young gun with a good football upbringing. A mainstay last season and this, is exciting winger and fan favourite Milo Murgatroyd. The wideman started his senior career at Yate and has worn the colours of Paulton Rovers.
Although perhaps their most prized asset is centre back Sam Boulton. The Lark’s captain is a top performer at this level. A vastly experienced and adept defender, Boulton will have had plenty of interest from rivals in this league and higher. This is his fifth campaign at the club and he is into his Eleventh senior season.
A Yeovil academy player, he spent a significant amount of his playing career at Yate and has additionally represented Frome and Bristol Manor Farm. The 28 year old is accompanied in the Bath side’s backline by Lewis Graham, a strong defender who has established himself as a regular in the side over the past Four seasons. The popular defender has made in excess of 100 appearances for the visitors.
Ex Bristol Manor Farm first team coach John Durbin was initially appointed an interim boss, last season. Now permanently in charge, he has made an impressive start to life at Plain Ham and will be focused on taking his side into the next round. This promises to be a hugely competitive encounter and the Yellows’ fans can definitely play their part, with their backing, during the afternoon.
Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium, kick-off at 3pm.
