St Luke's Bowl Campaign Kicks Off For Eleven Time Winners
After a few days of pondering, “what might have been” following the Yellows’ departure from the FA Cup on Saturday, Tiverton are involved in the second of a cup triple header. It’s St Luke's Bowl time for the team, who play their first match in the competition against Ilfracombe, before taking on Gosport at the Slee Blackwell, on Saturday in the FA Trophy.
Squad rotation will be the order of play, with members of the side who have had limited game time being given a chance to impress and it will probably be a first chance for many of the fans to watch new signing Josh Bissett in action and should also see the return of Finn Roberts from suspension.
When the two sides last met, Two campaigns ago in the competition, the game was accompanied by fireworks in the early part of the game, from the display over at Tiverton Rugby Club. It was a very novel occasion. On the evening the Yellows defeated the Bluebirds who were a Western League side then, 3-1. The scorers on the night were; Evander Grubb,Tor Swann and Bailey Kempster.
Ilfracombe have started this season well and currently occupy sixth place, in the South West Peninsula East. Manager Jack Jenkins is a vastly experienced former Barnstaple first team midfielder. He is still registered as a player, who has featured from time to time, in the early part of the campaign.
Hometown lad and captain Charlie Prentice is a creative midfielder. He returned to the club a few seasons back and is a firm fan favourite, with the Marlborough Park side. The 28 year old also played for Keynsham in the Western League and has an eye for a goal.
Ollie Stevens is a forward who chipped in with 9 goals last term, but he also had a hand in quite a few assists. A well- balanced player, he was previously with Torrington. Another promising part of the frontline is Cass Beeton. A new signing this season, he has already made an impact when scoring a match winning brace in a 2-0 victory against Crediton.
Tricky midfielder or winger Jack Langford has in the past, spent time at Barnstaple and briefly Bideford. A seasoned performer in the Western League, Langford is an Exeter City academy product. Supporters Player of the Year last term, Aidy Barrow, is an exciting talent who is noted for his long range strikes and has made a big impression on the fans.
Right sided Wideman Scott Huxtable is a long serving member of the team and has represented the Bluebirds for over a decade. With strong technical attributes, he has a turn of speed and good crossing abilities.
Jake Chesworth is dual registered with Tavistock and the young skilful midfield player made a few appearances last season for the Lambs, in the division we are now playing in. Fellow midfielder Harry Taffs was a hugely popular player in his first spell with the Bluebirds. He rejoined in June from Torridgeside and is a cultured performer.
Talented and very experienced keeper Kurt Parkin’s services have been acquired by; Exmouth, Willand and Thornberry. He also had a successful spell in Wales with Chepstow. Ilfracombe’s number one is into a second season with the North Devon team.
With places up for grabs at the weekend, Asa Hall’s men should be determined to return to winning ways. However, you can be sure that Ilfracombe will be intent on causing an upset, in this game under the lights at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium. Get yourself down to the ground to cheer on the lads, in this cup tie.
