Roman Glass St George 2 - 4 Tiverton Town FC

Saturday July 4th 

At Oaklands Park

 

Roman Glass 2

Tiverton Town 4

Hall 2, Keates, Horne

Darren Holmes

For the Yellows’ first runout of pre-season, they travelled to the Bristol area to face Hellenic League opposition, in the shape of runners up Roman Glass St George. Asa Hall and his coaching team anticipated a competitive fixture and their hosts definitely played their part. 

With training drills complete, a very focused Tiverton, included their newest signing Ed Palmer in their first half starting line up. Louis Smith took the gloves, Finn Hodge and Corey Koerner slotted into the full back roles and Palmer was partnered by Louie Slough in the centre of defence.

Player manager Asa Hall was joined in midfield by Billy Tucker, Jack Kennell and triallist A, Aaron Wellington. Owen Howe and Aiden Horne took up the forward positions. Although the team had only had one training session, they started brightly and made some promising inroads into Glasses’ final third. 

Louis Smith debut in net for the Yellows

Hall opened his account for the season when he was found by Tucker’s pass into his stride and his well struck shot beat their goalkeeper down to his post from about 20 yards out, to give his side the lead in the 18th minute.

That lead was extended a few minutes later, as Aaron Wellington* who had already imposed himself on the game, chased a searching ball over the top and forced himself ahead of one of the home side’s defenders, who fouled him in the area. The penalty award saw Hall step up to make it 2-0.

For the first half hour the Yellows’ were the more convincing side in possession, the sharper passing and more telling movement belonged to Tiverton who looked assured at the back, with Palmer’s influence evident and Smith handling well when called into action.

Glass, who opened their pre- season against Clevedon in midweek had a good spell towards the end of the half and after having some joy in the wide areas, reduced the deficit after recycling a corner. 2-1 was the half time score.

The changes were rang at the interval. Marko Radovanovic took over the keeper duties, Lewis Flowers and Finn Roberts were in the full back berths and Steve Walker and Matt Wood moved into the middle of defence.

Hall remained, Ryan Keates, Jacob Wellington and Caleb Pryce-Hall* were Tivvy’s midfield line up for the concluding half, with Jenkins* joined up top by Billy Tucker.

There was a strong showing from Keates who used the ball well and was lively throughout the second period and he cooly slotted past their freshly changed keeper after he was played through by the commanding Walker.

Brief hesitation in the Yellows’ defence, resulted in a penalty being conceded, which was  converted convincingly by our hosts, in an otherwise encouraging defensive display. 

Amongst some very good first outings from new and existing squad members, Pryce-Hall* gave notice of his talents, often twisting and turning away from his markers and was very tidy in possession.

Aiden Horne adding our fourth and final goal of the afternoon.

Horne subbed back on for Tucker, following an inviting ball into the mix from Roberts, pounced on a mix up involving their keeper. He stroked the ball home to round off the scoring at 4-2. 

A very positive workout against a good Roman Glass side, with what looked like many plusses against a testing, technical opposition. We wish Glass well this season and move on to our next game, which is away to Tavistock on Tuesday evening.

Tiverton first half: Smith(gk), Hodge, Palmer(c), Slough, Koerner, Hall, Kennell, A Wellington*, Tucker, Horne, Howe

Tiverton second half: Radovanovic(gk), Flowers, Walker, Wood(c), Roberts, Hall, Keates, J Wellington, Pryce-Hall*, Tucker, Jenkins*

* Non-Squad Members

Photos - Viv Curtis