Preview: Bridgwater United v Tiverton Town

Tuesday July 14th

7:45pm Kick Off

At Fairfax Park

Darren Holmes

It is the third Step 5 opponent in succession for Asa Hall’s Yellows’, in the shape of Bridgwater United. This pre-season evening kick off sees the squad make the relatively short journey to Somerset, as they further their preparations for the new campaign.

There are a multitude of connections to both clubs involved in Tiverton’s third pre-season game. Director of football Lee Lashenko served as manager there for a significant amount of time last term. Louis Smith, Steve Walker, Finn Hodge, Billy Tucker and Owen Howe were all with the Fairfax Park side then.

United, formerly known as town, have talented former Tiverton Town Under 18 and first team striker Will Jenkins amongst their new signings. Ex Willand attacking player Douglas Camillo who featured for us in the latter part of the season has also joined the Robins.

Manager Dave Pearse was a popular forward for the Yellows’ and behind the scenes their football secretary John Fournier, held that role with distinction at Tiverton for many a season.

Aside from all the links, homegrown winger Haydan Chambers has often shone in recent years, having emerged through Bridgy’s academy. At only 19, he has a bright future ahead of him.

Club legend Jack Taylor who returned to the club last season after a spell away at Corsham is a striker of some note. Apart from his time at Corsham the 32 year old has spent his entire senior career with our hosts. Having found the net on over 150 occasions, he is also Bridgwater’s highest all time scorer.

All action midfielder Harry Horton, who has a penchant for long range strikes is a former captain of the club. A strong competitor and often a driving force, the 27 year old made some cup appearances for the Yellows’ in the 2017/18 season and was briefly at Yate.

Jake Llewellyn is another long serving player. The technical defender who was with Weston Super Mare in his formative years, also had a short stint with Taunton. He comes from a football playing family, with brother Tom at Portishead and his Dad Andy, a pro who made 308 EFL appearances for Bristol City.

Returning forward George King is back after a season away at Clevedon. A gifted and creative performer, the 32 year old has often been an inspiring figure for the Robins and is vastly experienced. He has played in excess of 100 times for the home side.

Asa Hall, Steve Orchard and David Steele will be looking to impose a style of play and tactics on the players who are, of course, building understanding on the pitch and familiarising themselves with new teammates. There have been some impressive individual displays, but now the onus is on how we can perform as a collective. 

There is likely to be a sprinkling of unsigned players on show once again at Fairfax Park. For those and squad members this will once again be a chance to be in the manager’s thoughts when considering what he believes will be his strongest Eleven when the new campaign starts.