UP FOR THE CUP: Tivvy host Western League Ivybridge

Match Preview

FA Cup Preliminary Round 

Saturday August 22nd

Tiverton Town v Ivybridge Town

3pm KIck Off 

At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium

Darren Holmes (Words)

Viv Curtis (Pictures)

The FA Cup always captures the imagination, and the visit of Western League Premier team Ivybridge Town begins that dream process of a lengthy cup run and future giant killings for supporters. It always marks a fantastic opportunity, even if in recent times the reality hasn’t matched the anticipation.

Having been playing in Step 3 for nine seasons, the Yellows’ have entered the competition for the majority of that time at the First Round Qualifying stage. A 1-0 away victory against Frome in 2022 with Kane Simpson our scorer, being our last success and a 2-0 win versus Bideford in 2020, when Jared Lewington and Chris Shephard were both on target, being our last home triumph.

Aiden Horne found the net in last season’s narrow 3-4 exit to rivals Taunton, and player- manager Asa Hall, who played that day and his backroom team, will be concentrating their efforts on trying to proceed through to the next round.

It’s important to remember that Ivybridge are in the league directly below Tivvy. The Ivies arrive at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium with a bit of a spring in their step. Overcoming Teignmouth 2-1 in the FA Vase on Saturday, they defeated Torpoint in the previous round of the FA Cup 4-0. These two cup results, supplemented by a decent start to their league campaign.

The side whose base is on the Southern edge of Dartmoor, sit mid-table after four games and have accumulated seven points in the Western League Premier division. Co-managers Brad Gargett and Ben Washam have been in place since May 2025 and finished lower mid table, last term, in their first season in charge.

Striker Josh Johnson has started the season in good form. With four goals coming from five games, three of those were scored in the cup victories. The former Saltash and Dobwall’s front man who has a reputation for putting a shift in, is strong aerially and is a composed finisher.

Wideman Colin(CJ) Pritchard is into a sixth campaign with the Ivies’ and is a constant in Gargett and Washam’s eleven. A versatile player down the flank, he is a good technical player, who comes up with the odd spectacular strike. He has been amongst the goals this term.

Two footed winger or midfielder Connor McAuley is an ex Plymouth Argyle academy product. A pacy and skilful performer who on his release from Argyle, joined Plymouth Parkway. He was with Stoke Gabriel and Torbay Police. This is his second spell with the club and the goalscoring midfielder can also operate centrally.

Full back Hayden Baugh has developed into a talismanic figure for the Ivies’. The fan favourite's all action displays, often inspiring his team-mates and making him the recipient of man-of-the- match awards. Ex Saltash schemer Josh Pope has become a valuable player and integral to Ivybridge’s midfield. His highly committed, energetic displays often make a difference.

Homegrown Jack Rider has emerged through Ivybridge’s age group sides and the midfielder has impressed since being introduced into the senior ranks. The teenager has already made a number of telling contributions for the first team.

Similarly Owen Howard is another to have been part of Ivybridge’s thriving youth system and the young forward has provided assists and goals this term. Between the sticks for the Ivies’ is Kane Gregory. The talented shot-stopper has arrived from Newton Abbot Spurs, where he was their established number one and is now in a second spell with the South Hams club.

Despite a slight setback at Westbury, The Yellows’ have made a solid start to the 2026/27 season and there have been some encouraging displays. However, there will be a strong desire in the dressing room to return to winning ways.

Apart from Louis Jagger Cane’s injury lay off, there should be a full complement of players to choose from, for the coaching team and some may have played their way into contention, following appearances from the bench on Saturday. Progression in the FA Cup would definitely bring the feel-good factor to the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium.