PREVIEW: Tavistock AFC V Tiverton Town FC

Match Preview

Tavistock v Tiverton Town

Tuesday July 7th

At Langsford Park

7:45 pm Kick Off

Darren Holmes

A trip to Tavistock is next on the agenda for Tiverton. Both teams endured relegation and the Lambs’ are undergoing a rebuild much like the Yellows’. There is lots of experience in the home dugout with former Truro and Poole manager Steve Tully, being assisted by ex Plymouth Parkway manager Chris McPhee.

On Saturday Asa Hall’s side produced a promising performance versus Hellenic League opponents Roman Glass in a 4-2 victory, to open their pre-season fixtures. Tavistock played out a 1-1 draw away against South West Peninsula team Camelford, in their return to action on Saturday.

Many new players made their Tiverton bows at the weekend and along with the returnees will have more valuable miles in the legs at the conclusion of this game. The players will be at different stages of fitness, as they hone relationships on the field and explore tactics and formations.

It is already apparent that this is a more experienced group with stronger leadership qualities through the team and it is hoped that the blend of emerging talent and established players at this level and higher will prove a fruitful recipe.

The coaching team were rightfully enthused by the encouraging start, but will know that one swallow doesn’t make a summer and will be striving for a more hardened dressing room with a winning mentality, by the game.

Tavistock have moved quickly to assemble a squad of their own to try and regain their Southern League status. 

They have welcomed back Tallan Burns, an integral part of the club’s success in recent times. A legendary figure at the club, he is a scheming midfielder by trade, but is a versatile performer who can play a number of positions to good effect.

Reece Shanley is another strong acquisition. Often a driving force and predominantly a full back, he has played for Plymouth Parkway at Step 4 and Willand at Step 3 and he has always been a source of interest for many of Devon’s top non league clubs. Along with other teams, Shanley caught the eye at Buckland.

Prolific forward Jack Crago has a long association with the Lambs and was always a standout performer for Tavi in the Martyn Roger’s era, when the two sides regularly met in pre-season. He has played over 500 games for the Langsford Park side

The lively Crago who is 31 now, was also a potent marksman for Plymouth Parkway and had a very good goals-per-game ratio for Helston and has been hugely popular at all of his clubs. He made a single appearance for Tivvy in the 2018/19 campaign and was with Truro earlier in his senior career.

Shane White, a man who has shared a dressing room many times with our new signing Ed Palmer is an impressive capture for Steve Tully’s side. The former Truro and Taunton player, who was club captain during a Three year stint with Plymouth Parkway, has had a notable non league career.

The influential defender/ midfielder played over 250 times for Truro and in a Four season stay at Taunton, managed to amass 183 games. His obvious pedigree makes him a statement signing for Tavistock. 

Another player to sign for the Lambs is Tiverton Town Under 18 product Sam Gleeson. The talented full back who played on 15 occasions for the first team, has since gone on to play for Sidmouth and was with Brixham for part of last term.

Keeper Dan Holman is a local lad and is carving out a good reputation between the sticks. Very much a football playing glove man, he was previously part of Plymouth Argyle’s academy sides.

This promises to be another very competitive match for the Yellows’ and one in which Asa Hall will utilise his squad. He could welcome into the fold, a few absentees from the win at Roman Glass, and will be casting his eye over trialling players.