PREVIEW: M5 DERBY TAUTFC V TIVTFC

Pre-Season Match Preview

Taunton Town v Tiverton Town

Saturday July 25th

Kick Off  3pm

At Wordsworth Drive

Darren Holmes

The preparations for the new season are now in full swing and both the Yellows’ and the Peacocks’ will, with each remaining game of pre-season, be readying themselves for the start of each of their respective campaigns.

Ed Palmer during his return to The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium Vs Shirehampton (Viv Curtis)

For Asa Hall and his coaching team it was of course pleasing to  see their side functioning well in a comprehensive 8-0 victory, against Western League Division 1 opposition Shirehampton. However, this is a considerable step up and will be far and away their toughest examination, leading up to their first competitive fixture in August.

Gary Johnson’s team, although losing to Western Super Mare 4-0 in their previous game, should be reaping the benefits of playing higher opposition, as this often raises performance levels going forward. Whatever the outcome, a lot will be learnt and taken away from Tiverton’s visit to Taunton.

Our last meeting came prior to our relegation and despite it having little or no bearing on this latest one, it is impossible not to remember Dan Koita’s dramatic overhead kick that won the game. Koita since moving via Dorchester to our Somerset rivals.

Joining the talented forward in the Peacocks squad are many former Yellows’. 

Ex captain and influential central defender Jamie Richards, current Taunton skipper and gifted technical centre back Nick Grimes and a full back with a blistering turn of pace and fan favourite Niall Thompson are part of their backline.

Moving onto the midfielders; The hugely popular wideman with the X Factor Dylan Jones plays against his old club for the first time pending team selection/ availability and recent acquisition,  last season’s player of the year, the cultured Gabe Billington has been heavily involved in our host’s pre-season.

The skilful and creative Alfie Moulden is also very much part of Taunton’s current crop of players. Attacking midfielder or forward Jack Rice needs no introduction. A massive player for us under Lee Robinson, whose inspiring performances played a significant part in our survival in the 2023/24 campaign.

Our centre back pairing on Tuesday evening, have both played for the home side. Ed Palmer played 85 times for them over two spells and Louie Slough made Nine appearances for the Peacocks in the 2023/24 campaign, when the home side were in National League South.

Though the biggest reunion will probably be reserved most for the two managers. Gary Johnson being Asa Hall’s manager at Torquay and Hall being his captain, in many successful footballing days together.

Former Bideford striker Scott Robinson has hit the ground running since arriving at Wordsworth Drive and has been amongst the goals in recent fixtures. Ex Exeter striker Ben Seymour will be an obvious threat too on Saturday. 

Max Hill, a long term absentee, is back in the fold and has been getting game time in pre-season. The talented defender injured during last term, starred whilst with Mousehole. Owen Brain has moved to Barry Town.

Although this is a friendly, a game between the sides is always a hotly contested affair. With starting places on the line for the league campaigns, personal displays within the team framework could determine this either way.