Tiverton Town v Sholing Report

Tiverton’s current ‘stale’ league form could be ‘put aside’ for one Saturday as the FA Cup came around again for the Yellows, who would look to try and avoid three successive 2nd qualifying round defeats in as many years. You have to go back as far as March 2015 the last time The Boatmen were in town as the Yellows were 2-0 winners on the day, however this would certainly be no easy tie, Sholing currently sitting in 2nd place of Southern League Division 1 having won their last six games.

The Yellows were off to a dream start when inside the first five minutes, Alfie Pond whipped in a delicious cross, picking out Wright who simply nodded home the opener, putting the Town in front. Moments later the dream start almost continued as it was almost two, Morison’s shot curling just wide from the edge of the box. However a quick break on 15 minutes from the Boatmen which would be a common theme of the afternoon, found them level as Joe Adams fired passed Williams into the bottom corner.

Chances continued for both sides in an evenly fought half but with Tiverton’s disjointed performance, eight minutes to go before the break the visitors were once again quick to break down the left, picking out an unmarked Claudio Herbert who fired the visitors in front. Yellows fans around the ground may have felt ‘bemused’ moments before half time when Koszela appeared to be unjustly brought down in the box but claims were quickly waved away and the half came to an end thereafter.

The Yellows got the second half underway and straight from kick off, Wright was unlucky not to bring the sides level, heading just wide from a Jordan Lam cross which really would be there best effort for sometime. Tiverton continued to press but the final ball lacking enough quality to bring the game level, notably running out of fresh ideas to break down a stern visitors defence. On the hour mark, new loan signing from Exeter City; Nelson Iseguan was introduced, impressing on the wing but again no end product could be produced.

With the game petering out and the rain beginning to fall, just like our Summer ending; Tiverton’s ‘moment in the sun’ would be brought to an end when Dan Mason for Sholing fired home their third and all but booked their place in the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup. With moments to go, it was almost four for the Boatmen, Williams this time equal to the shot and to deny further heartache for Tiverton. As the clock ticked down and fans visibly began to leave the ground, an Austin Booth header destined for the goal to reduce the deficit was denied by a fine save from Gosney who was superb all afternoon and deservedly helped Sholing book their place in the next round of the FA Cup.

Tiverton return to Southern League action next as they travel to high flying Gosport Borough on Saturday 25th September.