My Items

A hard season for this young playing group, who gave it their all in a tough league under difficult circumstances. The players picking up awards have stayed with the club throughout the season despite setbacks on and off the pitch, and are deserving winners. Aiden Horne receiving Supporters Player of the Year from the 'Tivvy Ultras' Supporters' player of the year went to Aiden Horne, a local player who relished the opportunity of competing in the Southern League Premier, joining the club in the summer from Cullompton Rangers. A real fan favourite scoring six this season, including the opener in our late-season win against Hungerford, and a brace in the chaotic ten-goal draw away to Poole Town back in November. David Steele (Left) presenting the Young Player of the Year to Jacob Wellington (Right) Jacob Wellington received the young player of the year award, a stalwart of Asa Hall's side, playing 47 fixtures for the club this season. A tough choice for a young player with an incredibly young playing squad. Wellington also opened the scoring in our New Year's win in the derby at home against Taunton. Steve Orchard (Left) presenting Player's Player to Matt Wood (Right) The Players Player went to our Captain Matt Wood, who inherited the role in March and joined Tiverton at the start of the season from Frome. Wood has been a leader at the back all season with a strong aerial presence, and led the dressing room through our difficult run-in to end the season. Asa Hall (Left) presenting his player of the season to Gabriel Billington (Right) Asa Hall's Manager's Player of the Season was Gabriel Billington, a player whose performances went under the radar; his efforts and skill in the middle of the pitch were a huge part of the squad. Billington played 52 times for the yellows netting five goals over the course of the season. At the end of the awards, our players took over the presentation to hand out some gifts and show appreciation for individuals within the club. Hosted by Brooklyn Wilkins and assisted by club captain Matt Wood, Aiden Horne & Corey Koerner, they gave a bottle of wine and some flowers as a token of their support this season. Welfare officer Deb Whiteway was thanked for always being in regular contact with the playing group throughout the year, supporting them through a difficult season. Viv Curtis, Julie Bard & Marian Pile for their regular attendance and support travelling with the team on many long away days this season, while representing Tiverton Town alongside their continued work for the club. They also showed thanks to their back room team for the season with a crate of beers: Tony Cornish (Physio), Will Buttle (Kitman) & Owen Huggins (Head of Media) before thanking their management team, Asa Hall (Manager), Steve Orchard (Assistant) & David Steele (Assistant).

After a difficult season for us its always great to finish on a positive note and celebrate the individuals who make Tiverton Town what it is! Volunteers are the backbone of our club, and Brian Ellis' work for the club has been crucial, tireless and unseen, a deserved winner of this year's Volunteer of the Year. Brian Ellis Brian is down at the club when no one is about on Mondays and Fridays Sweeping the ground, picking up rubbish, divoting the pitch, putting up goal nets and corner flags. Then putting them down again after games. Weeding, mending, anything which needs attention to keep the ground looking tidy. Cutting down overhanging branches from the roadside so many jobs, too many to mention. Back when we had all the rain and sewerage came up from the drains, Brian, together with Clare Pike, Committee Member, was sorting out this big problem with the water board and cleaning up the mess from this incident. Bryon Fishlock We inducted several new life members into the club following 25-plus years of service. The inductees have a combined total of over 325 years of service! Bryon Fishlock & Ian Kernick have welcomed you through the gates on the turnstiles in recent years, along with many other jobs around the club, including Ian being on the Committee previously. Ian & Jenner Kernick Lyn Fishlock and Jenny Kernick have been beside their husbands, selling our 50/50 tickets while formally hosting our Sponsors in the board room. Steve Pearce Steve Pearce can often be seen around the round carrying out any DIY that may need doing. He is also a regular fixture on our supporters coach. Nigel Manager and Steve Rattenbury are crucial parts of our volunteering team as stewards around the Slee Blackwell Solcitors Stadium. Head of the Stewards Marian Pile also celebrated her life membership. Julie Bard (Left) with Clare Pike Julie Bard has run the club shop and tea hut for 23 years, but hung up the tea towel and teapot a few years ago, taking on the role of accommodating sponsors and aiding their selection for man of the match. Viv Curtis (left) with Mark Farrell Viv Curtis started in the tea hut with Julie for over 23 years, before becoming our club photographer. A few years ago, she took on the role of secretary, and this season became our registration secretary as well. Viv's services were noticed by Devon FA, as she received Devon FA's Volunteer of the Month for February. Norma Findley Judy Smith, Norma Findley, and Marion Wright have been looking after visiting directors and sponsors within the boardroom. Ensuring they are looked after with refreshments before and after the game. Norma and Marion also greet our sponsors and season ticket holders at the entrance on match days. Deb Whiteway (Right) with Supporters Player of the Year Aiden Horne (Left) At the end of the awards, our players took over the presentation to hand out some gifts and show appreciation for individuals within the club. Hosted by Brooklyn Wilkins and assisted by club captain Matt Wood, Aiden Horne & Corey Koerner, they gave a bottle of wine and some flowers as a token of their support this season. Welfare officer Deb Whiteway was thanked for always being in regular contact with the playing group throughout the year, supporting them through a difficult season. Viv Curtis, Julie Bard & Marian Pile for their regular attendance and support travelling with the team on many long away days this season, while representing Tiverton Town alongside their continued work for the club. Our army of volunteers spreads beyond the individuals celebrated; we once again thank every single one of them for their commitment and support for our club!

The 2025/26 comes to an end, and it has a number of highs and lows. If I’m honest, it was a particularly challenging season both on and off of the pitch, but that’s football; progression is rarely a smooth ride. Mathew Conridge Focusing on the positives, the win against Taunton in January was a particular highlight. Dan Koita’s late winner was something I’ll remember for many years to come. The Woman’s and Boys Under 18s FA Cup runs were sensational and gave many people something to focus on during the Men’s first team struggles. The signing of the new 30 year lease on the grind was finally completed this week and the club now has foundations on which to build. There are so many people who deserve praise and thanks but if I tried to name everybody I’d miss a few so I’ll just highlight a few. First to our Chairman Ian Moorcroft who is stepping down from his role at the end of the season. It’s tough to sum up his contribution to the club but I’ll attempt to; he is up there with a handful of people who over the clubs history have had the biggest, positive impact. He is a ‘one in a million’ for certain, and we are all very thankful for everything he has done. Kimm Smith steps down from his role as Treasurer after at least forty years. He has been a constant for the club, one of the pillars that has supported the club through thick and thin. He’ll be impossible to replace, a true club legend. Deb Whiteway does so much behind the scenes, attempts to stay out of the limelight but contributes so much on a daily basis. Whether she’s sorting out the faulty boiler in the changing rooms, supporting players with welfare concerns or making trips to the wholesalers to stock up the fridges, without her the club would not function. And Viv Curtis, everybody knows Viv. She’s done so much since I rejoined and it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with her. She is as good an administrator as you could imagine and an even better human being. To my fellow committee members, Mark C, Mark F, Mike, Clare, Kimm, Viv and Deb and Rob along with previous members Andy and Olly, it was and is an absolute pleasure to work with you. I count each of you as true friends. And thank you to all of the staff, management, players, supporters and volunteers. Football is one of the only activities in life that brings so many different people together around one common interest. Love it. My time as Vice Chair now comes to an end although I’ll still be involved as much as I can. Three years is a long time running a club and in that time family, friends and work have all taken a lower position on the ‘priority list’. It’s time to change that, spend much more time with my family before they fly the nest and let others with enthusiasm, passion and ability move the club on. We have a great club, with fantastic people and a strong community. Step forward, be part of it and make history. Onwards and upwards 💛

Match Report Saturday April 25th At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium Tiverton Town 0 Farnham Town 3 Taylor 12 Murphy 15 Evans 90+1 Att: Tiverton's last game in Southern League Premier South ended in a 3-0 reverse to Runners Up Farnham. A result securing that league placing and meaning that the Surrey side will be in the prime Play Off position, when the Semi finals begin on Wednesday. A decent atmosphere provided the backdrop for this end of season game played under blue skies and in sparkling sunshine. In mainly losing cause’s, it is testament to our supporters for their loyal and excellent backing for the team throughout the campaign, none more so than the die- hard contingent behind the goal. They were in full voice again and have been, come rain or come shine. Asa Hall and his management team’s eleven was unchanged from the side picked on Tuesday evening against Gosport. There was a different appearance to the bench though, with Plymouth loanees Fletcher Poole and Sam Lord back available. Brooklyn Wilkins was only deemed fit enough to join them there and Aiden Horne's injury meaning, he wasn't named. Douglas Camillo and George Collins were also amongst the replacements, with two goal Charlie Wright alongside Karim Coulibaly up top. Karim Coulibaly (Viv Curtis) Two early chances if taken, could have put a different complexion on the game. When Gabe Billington played Jacob Wellington in, with four minutes gone, he wasn't able to get a decisive touch from close quarters on the ball and Michael Eacott in the Farnham goal was able to gather. Then in the 7th minute Karim Coulibaly took advantage of indecision in the visitor's backline and found himself one-on-one with the keeper . His attempt from point blank range was blocked away by Eacott's legs and Charlie Wright following up, fired into the side-netting. The away side though were more clinical and despite the Yellows’ matching their higher opponents in terms of possession and approach play, we were behind in the 12th minute. The Yellows’ retreated and afforded ex Dorking Wanderer's wide man Bobby-Joe Taylor, room to drive and he curled impressively beyond Marko Radovanovic from 20 yards out. As has happened so many times this season, one goal quickly became two. However, it wasn't as conclusive as the opener. From a short corner routine Taylor floated the ball over and found Rhys Murphy's head. At first glance, it appeared that Radovanovic had kept the ball out by his post. The Linesman thought otherwise though and the high flyers extended their lead. Both sides were finding their passes in a very watchable first half. A flowing passage of play from Asa Hall's men with around 18 minutes played, culminated in Wright's mazy run through a posse of visiting players, ending with him bending a shot that dipped marginally too late, to find its way into the top corner. The away side then outlined their promotion credentials with a dominant period of football. Matt Mackenzie volleyed over shortly after Wright's attempt, as a result of good link up play from Murphy and the creative Darryl Sanders. Sanders himself took aim moments later and his effort accelerated off the turf and flashed past the post. Toby Stephens similarly to Wright glided past a few Farnham challenges, but was unable to offload his shot, as he was crucially tackled in the nick of time. The game then became a little less end-to-end and a bit more cagey, as a lot of the action took place in the middle third. With half time refreshments about to be poured, the visitors’ found the net for a third time, though celebrations were quickly muted by the raising of an offside flag. 2-0 at half time then and perhaps if we had converted those early chances, the scoreline would have looked a little different. Although this was an attractive game of football with the Yellows’ display very encouraging and full of bright interplay. A good block on Adam Liddle's goalbound shot was the first real action of the concluding period. That came in the 52nd minute and resulted in a corner, which Tiverton defended well. Then, a handful of minutes later Steve Orchard and David Steele made their first changes of the afternoon. Wright who had once again displayed very good potential, making way for Fletcher Poole. Fletcher Poole's jinking run then forced a corner around the hour mark, but Tivvy were unable to breach Farnham's defensive unit. The away side regained control of the ball and started to build again, with the sun beating down at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium. Poole was at it again in the 65th minute. At the end of a marauding run down the visitors' left, he looked up and found the advancing Asa Hall. A cultured piece of footwork from the player-manager fooled his marker and bought him some space, before he unleashed a stinging shot which was palmed onto the top of the bar by Eacott, the ex-Bracknell man. There had been a procession of substitutions in the second half from the Surrey side, as they had one eye clearly on their play off semi final. Tiverton made a change themselves when Coulibaly, who had been in the thick of the action, was replaced by Sam Lord. What a breakout season for the young England Colleges player this has been! The game was open at this point in the proceedings. Both sides were probing and keeping the ball nicely through the thirds. Poole's bright cameo though unfortunately ended after being on the pitch for less than a quarter of an hour, due to a minor head injury and he was withdrawn as a precaution, Camillo was his replacement. A Fifth substitution from the visitors saw Sam Evans come on for the classy Seb Bowerman. They had a good opportunity in the 78th minute to work Radovanovic in the Tivvy goal, from a free kick around 20 yards out. Bobby-Joe Taylor's attempt though was comfortable for the Australian. Radovanovic though was required to make a vital stop a few minutes later, denying Owen Dean who had been played through and produced a strong parry. However, a little way into added time Farnham added a third goal. Taylor squared to Evans, who stroked home. The season finishing with a 3-0 home defeat to a strong Farnham outfit and the Yellows’ giving a good account of themselves, with Liam Cartwright particularly impressive. Much will be deliberated on and a lot of planning will now take place on and off the field, ahead of the 2026/27 season. I would like to thank the media team and the executive committee for their support, but after 108 previews/match reports, It's time to sign off. Have a good summer everyone and see you in the pre- season. Tiverton: Radovanovic(gk), Koerner, Wood(c), Cartwright, Kennell, Hall, Billington, Stephens, Wellington, Coulibaly, Wright Subs: Poole, Lord, Camillo, Collins, Wilkins

Match Preview Tiverton Town v Farnham Town Saturday April 25th 3pm Kick Off At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium On Saturday Tiverton play their 42nd and final league game of their challenging campaign. The curtain also comes down on a Nine season stay in the Southern Premier League South. Our destination was confirmed at the end of March, but was one that became a likely reality a few months before. This though is definitely not a meaningless fixture, as for our Opponents the outcome could affect their position in the Play Offs. Although they have secured a place in them and are riding high in the Runners Up position, anything other than a win here could see Gloucester overtake them and have a more favourable semi final tie. A professional and honourable approach from the players should be the order of the day, In this season ending encounter, for that and many other reasons. Relegation is always a difficult and often shattering experience, but we have to accept that we haven’t been good enough and strive to do better in the future. The emergence of young players is heartening to see, but the club as a whole will need to regroup and learn from a season that has often been one of damage limitation. I'm sure many will be working hard in the off season to readdress the balance. When Saturday comes; Asa Hall and his management team will be looking to send out as strong a side as possible, to face a Farnham team who are eyeing a third successive promotion. On Monday night they lost 1-0 at Taunton, a result that meant survival for the Peacocks. The Surrey side weren't quite at full strength then, with manager Paul Johnson citing in an interview numerous reasons for that including; a cup final a few days later, playing 4 games in 8 days, injuries to a number of defenders and work commitments. Additionally, in a few mind games with play off rivals Gloucester, he suggested that they won’t be able to rest a few on Saturday following this result. They won their cup final on penalties. One for fans of Love Island, Runner up Harry Cooksley is a member of this Farnham team. The talented midfielder who was part of Reading's and QPR's academies as a youngster, played briefly in the EFL for Aldershot and was with AFC Wimbledon. Familiar league rivals Farnborough and Hartley Wintney have also sought his services. Town are the Third highest goalscorers in the league. Their total of 87 has been helped in no small part by their ability to have players across the team who have chipped in with double figures. Striker Owen Dean has been productive and has been influential in the Three last season's, in a hugely successful period for the club. He has scored at a rate of almost a goal every other game and this term has a total of 14 from 40 matches. Wideman Bobby-Joe Taylor is a vastly experienced technician. Playing in the EFL for Cambridge United and having a youth career with Chelsea and Gillingham, the 31 year old has plenty of non league pedigree. He played over 200 games in the National league. Taylor’s previous clubs include; Maidstone, Bromley, Dover, Aldershot and Dorking. The cultured performer had a loan spell with Walton & Hersham last term, from Dorking and was a pre-season recruit. Former Bracknell captain and another ex Dorking player Seb Bowerman joined the cause for the backend of the season and the goalscoring winger is another skilful player with qualities that are very much in demand. He has 12 goals in total this season and the well- balanced Bowerman was highly regarded whilst playing further up the football pyramid with Dorking. His knowhow could be vital in the season's remaining matches. Midfielder Billy Clifford spent eleven years with Chelsea's academy sides. As a young Pro with the Premier League team, he was a loanee with; Colchester, Walsall and Crawley. Overall he made 84 EFL appearances. The 33 yr old has also played in Belgium for Royal Antwerp, in the National League for Ebbsfleet and Barnet and a host of other non league clubs, that include; Havant & Waterlooville, Wealdstone, Slough, Billericay and Farnborough for whom he played for 28 times in National League South this term, before becoming a late addition for Town. Accomplished fellow midfielder Matt Mackenzie is a tall, ball playing central midfielder, who often starred against us for Hanwell. A strong, physical player too, his capture was a bit of a coup for Farnham and he has featured heavily for his new club. 31 yr old central defender and defensive lynchpin, with strong leadership qualities Ryan Kinnane, has been an Inspiring figure for Farnham in their promotion seasons and this present one. The ex Hayes & Yeading and Berkhamsted man is the visitor's captain. Ex Coventry City defender Brandon Mason is also a notable force in the away side's backline. Mason began his senior career at Watford for whom he played in the Premier League. He was an academy product with the Hornets. Mason, still only 28, also represented St Mirren and Dundee, north of the border. Crawley Town were another EFL club for the talented defender. Mason's other football destinations have been; Wealdstone and St Albans. Utility player Tom Leggett was a free transfer from Salisbury. A mainstay this season for Town, he was a hugely integral part of his former club's promotion push a few seasons back. He is a product of Aston Villa's academy and can play a number of positions in both defence and midfield. After four seasons establishing himself as Bracknell's number one, Goalkeeper Michael Eacott moved to the Memorial Ground (Farnham's ground) back in October. The gifted and commanding gloveman has furthered his reputation between the sticks for promotion chasing Town. As fans it's time to get behind the team for one last time. They will need us to be the Twelfth man, in this extremely testing finale. I'm sure the lad's will give it their all and hope to end the season with a positive display. So, let's get down to the ground and support the lads.

Match Report Tuesday April 21st At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium Tiverton Town 2 Wright 38,47 Gosport Borough 3 Og 53, Oastler 72, Wooden 81 Att:112 There were times during this evening when the yellows’ looked on course for victory. Ultimately though it wasn't to be, as a valiant effort from Asa Hall's men wasn't quite enough to take something away from this game. Hall himself returned to the Yellows’ starting line up, as did Karim Coulibaly. Aiden Horne was unavailable, so was goalscorer on Saturday George Collins and Brooklyn Wilkins was only fit enough to take a place on the bench. Douglas Camillo joined him there. It was a lively opening from Tiverton who were full of enterprise in their play early on. The Gosport keeper Henry Blackledge was twice called into action just before the Ten minute mark. He impressively thwarted Charlie Wright twice in what were gilt-edged chances, as Tivvy were incisive in their approach play. Charlie Wright away to Basingstoke Town (Viv Curtis) Despite us being the better side when the game was in its infancy, Gosport created a few good opportunities to go in front with 15 minutes gone. Despite Cartwright's initial attempts to dispossess his man, Boro retained possession and it required a forceful ball winning challenge from Matt Wood to wrestle the ball back. Then in the next phase of Gosport's attack, a double block from Koerner and some vital headers away from danger by Hall kept things on an even keel. However it was Tiverton who were industrious and were playing at a higher tempo. A neat technical turn from Cartwright on 23 minutes, saw him get ahead of a Gosport player and then slide a nicely weighted pass through to Jacob Wellington. Wellington couldn't quite connect with a shot, but his pressing resulted in his marker hurriedly putting the ball out. Toby Stephens then opened up the visitors once again with an excellent piece of vision, playing in Wellington for a second time. Although, as he took it into his stride, he looked up to see the Referee's Assistant waving an offside flag, on Thirty minutes. Five minutes later the Yellows’ were rewarded for their bright play. From Boro's concession of a throw deep into their territory, Tiverton were quick to take the throw and as the ball was steered into Wright's path, this time he wasn't to be denied and he fired emphatically home to burst the net and give us the advantage. A strong challenge on Corey Koerner resulted in a Yellow card, but David Steele felt a stronger punishment should have been administered and his protests saw his name being taken, with half time approaching. When the half ended Tivvy fans dared to dream about a possible win and few could argue about us being in the ascendancy. Drew Sloan replaced Koerner going into the second half. Tiverton continued playing confidently from the restart. Stephens's threatening ball into the box evaded the onrushing Yellows, in a cluttered area. Then Wright was sent through and found the target for the second time in the evening. Convincingly tucking his shot away into the opposite corner, beyond Blackledge to extend Tivvy's lead, a few minutes into the concluding half. In that moment, a win was etched on both fan's and players' minds. Gosport who had lacked cohesion through most of the evening then started to apply pressure on Asa Hall's men's goal. Upping their intensity and finding their passes and after a sustained period in Tiverton's territory, a speculative effort from around the penalty spot reared up. This saw a back-peddling Marko Radovanovic palm away from under his crossbar. It was adjudged to have gone over the line, by the Linesman, but this appeared to be inconclusive and significantly we were now holding onto a slender 2-1 advantage, with 53 minutes complete. The visitors’ were definitely galvanised by their goal, after an unconvincing display up until that point. They played with a lot more purpose and a rearguard was needed by Tivvy, as on several occasions they managed to get round the back of our defensive unit and cross dangerously from the by-line. Desperate blocks and backs-to-wall defending coming to Tiverton's rescue as attempts from point blank range were commonplace. The Yellows’ though were still dangerous on the break and the introduction of Camillo provided us with another threat going forward, as Coulibaly made way. Often used as an impact sub for Willand, he firstly held the ball up with a good first touch and then allowed Wellington to take over. Progressing high up the pitch, Wellington pulled back to Toby Stephens whose powerful shot whistled narrowly wide. Though moments later ex EFL player Joe Oastler drew Boro level. The former Torquay and QPR man who was an influential part of last season's promoted Totton side, showed notable composure in decisively powering home from inside Tivvy's box, on 72 minutes. Wright, whose movement was causing problems for Gosport's backline received a probing pass from Cartwright, but was then caught just outside the box. However, the resulting free kick was overhit and the away side restarted play with a goal-kick. Although, with less than Ten minutes of normal time remaining, another seasoned player stepped up to complete the comeback. Dan Wooden 35, who has spent the majority of his senior career at Privett Park, supplying a conclusive finish after concerted pressure from our visitors. The Yellows’ tried in vain to set up a grandstand finish, by pursuing an equaliser. In added time, following some dazzling footwork from Camillo, Stephens picked out substitute Jacob Fever with a hanging ball in, that he was able to get his head on, but unable to direct either side of Blackledge who calmly claimed. The final whistle sounded a few minutes later and it was Gosport who went back to Hampshire with all three points. We played with a lot of heart and provided some quality moments on the evening, but a game of two halves ultimately drew to a close, with a loss in the campaign's penultimate game. Second placed Farnham visit the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium on Saturday, for our final fixture. Anything less than a win will see them get a lesser draw in the play-off semi finals, with Tiverton looking to end their season on a positive note. Tiverton: Radovanovic(gk), Koerner(45), Kennell, Wood(c), Cartwright, Hall, Stephens, Billington(85), Wellington, Coulibaly(60), Wright(88) Subs: Sloan(45), Camillo(60), Fever(88), Wilkins, Padmore(85)

A step towards the development of our 3G pitch and wider goals to be the centre of the community in Tiverton is underway, with our planning application for the pitch being submitted. Vice Chairman and the leader of this process, Mathew Conridge, believes this will be the beginning of Tiverton Town's future. Mathew Conridge, Vice Chairman “This is a big step towards this club becoming a truly self-sustainable club, one with the focus being on the community and the people. There is still so much to be done before we can complete this project, so we are calling on people to step forward and join the ‘Future is Now’ task force, a group focused on delivering this project. If you think you can help, please get in touch. I would also like to thank Glenn Crocker and his team at XL Planning, who have been instrumental in progressing this project; it would not be where it is without their expertise, commitment and support.” The application outlines the installation of a new 3G playing surface and drainage system at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium. The new pitch would increase the access our teams and the community have to the facilities at Ladysmead. Our youth teams involved with Twyford Spartans will benefit from being able to share the same ground as the first team, a huge opportunity, as Paul Lee, Twyford Secretary, explained. “A 3G pitch at Tiverton Town Football Club would give children in Twyford consistent, year-round access to football, meaning fewer cancelled games and providing over 300 children across 21 teams with a dedicated AstroTurf surface to train and play, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for all.” Twyford Spartans The Abilities Counts team currently train weekly across the road from the ground at the Exe Valley leisure centre. Having the 3G could allow us to host our own Abilities Counts Tournaments in the future, according to Peter Parker-Brock, the Abilities Counts Manager. “The 3G pitch at Tiverton Town FC would give the Ability Counts team consistent access to a safe, all-weather facility, enabling inclusive training, regular game time, and the opportunity to fully participate in and host tournaments.” Tiverton Town Abilities Counts Having a pitch that can be used throughout the year will become an asset to the community, believes Amy Woodman, Tiverton Town Women's manager. “A 3G pitch would be a huge step forward, benefiting all teams across Tiverton and providing lasting opportunities for the wider community. This season has highlighted how vital a reliable surface is.” Tiverton Town Women Mark Farrell joined the board and commercial team earlier this year. Alongside his work behind the scenes, he’s the Coach for Twyford Spartans U14 boys. Farrell believes the club can be a foundation of our community. “A 3G pitch at Tiverton Town Football Club would become a true hub at the heart of the community, bringing together players of all ages and abilities. It would provide year-round, all-weather access to football not only for the club itself but also for Twyford Football Club, supporting over 300 children across 21 teams. With a reliable, dedicated surface, it would reduce cancellations, strengthen community links, and ensure consistent opportunities for everyone to train, play, and enjoy the game throughout the year.” Twyford Spartans U14s The U18S boys have had a super season with a strong FA Youth Cup run, beating Newport County and an undefeated season so far in the Western Counties Floodlight Youth League South, which has also resulted in Silverware last week in the Roger Stone Memorial Cup Final. Manager Paul Harris sees the 3G as a huge asset for his boys. “A 3G pitch would allow the U18S boys at Tiverton Town F.C. to train and play consistently year-round, improving development, match quality, and club sustainability.” Tiverton Town U18s The infrastructure required for the new pitch will include a new drainage system and water collection tanks for drainage of surface water, following on from the drainage survey carried out earlier in the season. If you wish to get involved with the ‘Future is Now’ task force, please get in touch via contact@tivertontownfc.uk.

Match Preview Tiverton Town v Gosport Borough Tuesday April 21st 7.45pm Kick Off At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium In the penultimate game of the season, the Yellows’ will host Gosport in a fixture that originally fell victim to the weather on valentine's day back in February. The reverse fixture saw Tiverton edged out 3-2 back in November, after leading 2-1. Jacob Wellington, Steve Orchard (Assistant Manager), & Saturdays goalscoarer George Collins. (Viv Curtis) Boro's play off hopes may have bitten the dust, but Saturday's away victory at relegation threatened Evesham indicates that the Hampshire side want to finish this season as high as possible in the Southern League Premier South table. They're residing in 8th place as it stands. It’s two back-to-back home games for the Yellows’ to finish, as pride in performance takes precedence over results. I’m sure though that the players have every intention to give their all, in front of a loyal fan base that hasn’t stopped getting behind the team in this challenging campaign. Injuries have hampered Asa Hall’s already depleted squad in April, so it was heartening to see Gabe Billington and Brooklyn Wilkins back in yellow on Saturday versus Basingstoke. Tiverton competed well in a 3-1 defeat. Danny Hollands, a key player for Gosport, took over the managerial reins at the back end of last season, but his tenure only lasted until the end of October. A restructure saw ex Dorchester boss Glenn Howes take over at that point. However, ahead of the weekend victory at Evesham it was announced that there had been a mutual parting of the ways. with Howes moving on. A run of four losses seeing a well placed Boro fall out of contention for the end of season play-offs. Members of the outgoing Howes's coaching team Mark Summerhill and Zak Sharp have been installed as interim managers and they got off to a winning start on Saturday. Summerhill has filled the caretaker role previously at Gosport and used to manage Petersfield Town. They have a strong squad of players to choose from; Ethan Taylor is a striker who arrived from promoted Totton in the off season. He played close to 200 games for Boro's local rivals and the talented frontman has a return of 12 goals from 35 games this term. Taylor had a brief spell at Gosport in the 2019/20 campaign. Fellow marksman Hisham Kasimu is on loan from Totton and the gifted forward played for them earlier in his playing career. A few seasons at Farnborough and a stint with Enfield in National South, make Kasimu a strong proposition in this level of football. Goalscoring winger Michael Fernandes has an abundance of Southern League Premier South pedigree and is a skilful player with match winning abilities, who once scored a hat-trick against us for Swindon Supermarine. The 26 year old has also played for Hayes & Yeading, Farnborough, Salisbury and Hungerford. 35 year old midfielder/striker Dan Wooden is a dying breed, a proper clubman. Making in excess of 300 appearances for Gosport, he first played for them in 2010 and for 13 seasons he has served the club. Representing them in Conference South, he is mostly utilised as a midfielder these days, but has scored well over 100 goals for the club. A Long term absentee is winger Trevor Caborn. The dangerous, pacy and well balanced former Winchester City player has been out for a while. Joining him on the treatment table recently is Jordan Ngalo. The powerful driving Box to Box midfield player started this season at National South Salisbury and this was a shrewd acquisition by Boro in signing him midway through the season. Starting at Weymouth, the 27 yr old was a big player for Dorchester. The hardworking and talented midfielder Brad Tarbuck is another strong player at this level. He made a handful of appearances for Portsmouth at the start of his senior career. The 30 year old is close to the milestone of 200 games for Gosport and also played over 100 times for Havant & Waterlooville, though he picked up an injury against Evesham. Defender/midfielder Joe Oastler spent over half of this season with Totton, for whom he had been a hugely inspirational figure in their recent success. Looking back over the 35 year old’s long successful career. He made a Championship appearance for QPR and then went on to play 113 times in League Two for Torquay. His pedigree saw him become a pivotal non league player, for the likes of; Aldershot, Oxford City, Gosport(in a first spell) and Havant & Waterlooville. Centre Back Charlie Wassmer is another that comes with a notable CV. Playing the EFL with Crawley Town and Dagenham & Redbridge and additionally in the Conference for Crawley, Cambridge United, Fleetwood, Hayes & Yeading and Maidstone. The commanding 35 year old defender, has strong leadership and organisational skills also. Wassmer's football journey took him to Gosport on loan from Hayes and Yeading initially, in the 2022/23 campaign. Permanently signing the next season and remaining with the club. 23 year old Left Back, Ben Greenwood's early football development was spent in Bournemouth’s academy. As a young Pro with the Cherries, he made a cup appearance for the Premier League team. On his release he signed for Weymouth and is currently on loan from Farnborough. Jordan Stepney has played for three different clubs in this division. The highly rated defender arrived at Privett Park after starting the season with Farnham and then moving onto Uxbridge. In possession of the gloves is Lucas Thomas, who is on loan from Luton Town and the young goalkeeper is highly regarded by his parent club. The team will face another stern challenge on Tuesday night and will have to play to their maximum, if they are to upset our visitors. So let’s get down to the ground and get behind the lad's.

Match Report Saturday April 18th At The Winklebury Football Complex Basingstoke Town 3 Bello(pen)13 O'Loughlin 49 Cook 57 Tiverton Town 1 G.Collins 32 Darren Holmes For their final away fixture of the season, the Yellows’ ventured to Hampshire and faced a Basingstoke side who before the game got underway still needed a point to confirm safety. Our hosts took all three points available, but this was a marked improvement on recent displays, with a plucky Tiverton showing plenty of pride in a losing cause. Player manager and Goalkeeper John Ross, were both unavailable, so Steve Orchard and David Steele took the side and Australian Marko Radovanovic who deputised earlier in the season took the gloves. Brooklyn Wilkins and Gabe Billington were back in Yellow. Karim Coulibaly was also missing. The Yellows’ made a game of this one and in a keenly fought opening half, they had the first attempt of the game. George Collins let fly from the edge of the box, as the ball came back out to him from a Tiverton corner, his shot skidding wide of the target in the third minute. Tivvy were giving as good as they got and were proactive and positive in possession. However, a penalty was conceded in the 12th minute and protests were in vain, as up stepped Ore Bello who is in a rich vein of scoring form. He tucked his penalty away for his fourth goal in three games, to give Stoke the lead. Almost serial conceders of immediate second goals, Tiverton though held firm. However, they were indebted to the focused and alert Jack Kennell for two goal-line clearances in rapid succession, as Basingstoke looked to make hay while the sun shined. Withstanding a brief onslaught though, the Yellows’ regained their composure and started to knock the ball around with conviction. With us keeping possession nicely through the thirds', Toby Stephens speculatively connected with a shot, but was caught late and a free kick was the verdict. A curling Corey Koerner effort was heading for the top corner and required Simon Grant in the Stoke goal to show his agility. He did this by springing across, high up to the top of his goal and parrying away from danger with Twenty Six minutes gone. Corey Koerner with a busy Saturday up and down the pitch (Viv Curtis) Some nimble footwork just beyond the half-hour mark from Charlie Wright, allowed him space to get a shot off from the edge of the area. This time however despite Grant palming away, George Collins was on hand to fire home the rebound to level and open his account for the club. The hosts predictably looked for a swift response to Tivvy pegging them back and more impressive defensive work from Kennell was on show, when he collected the ball by his own corner flag. Under intense pressure from a couple of Stoke players, he skilfully manoeuvred his way past both, before offloading to Koerner to begin a counter attack. In the 40th minute a marauding run from former Chesham and Farnborough midfielder Joe Grant, saw him skip challenges and this left Radovanovic exposed. However, the keeper came out strongly and decisively to save impressively with his legs. Basingstoke were ending the half in the ascendancy, but it was the Yellows’ who came agonisingly close to going into the break with the advantage. The pressing Jacob Wellington, stealing the ball from keeper Grant’s clutches. All his cross needed was a Yellows’ player to slot home into an unguarded net. Stoke were first onto the ball unfortunately, as they recovered the situation. An encouraging half finished with nothing to choose between the two teams in scoreline terms. It had been a determined and brave performance from the side, bearing in mind what had gone before. When the players returned, Basingstoke had tweaked their line up, making a couple of substitutions and four minutes into the second period they were back in front. From a corner ex Yellow Joe O'Loughlin leapt the highest and directed his header past Radovanovic. Despite some backs to the wall defending there had been a momentum swing and in the 57th minute our hosts had daylight between themselves and Tiverton, with a decisive third goal. Having been one of two changes at the break, midfielder Ben Cook timed his run to perfection as a corner came over and ghosted in at the back post. Providing a good technical finish to give the home side breathing space and put the Yellows’ back on their heels. At that stage many would have anticipated the capitulation that has occurred in this type of situation throughout the season. On this occasion however the team dug in and kept an opponent in the ascendancy at bay. With a fraction over 20 minutes to play, Koerner recovered well to dispossess his man and then set a Tiverton attack in motion. He found Wellington down the flank, whose progress was promptly halted, as he was fouled with Stoke stretched. Out on the home side's left in the 75th minute, following some slick passing, a foraging run from Liam Cartwright saw him combine with Collins. The Goalscorer flicked the ball through his marker's legs, but an alert piece of defending closed the door and prevented a One-on-One. A couple of minutes later a promising display from Collins came to an end, when he was replaced by defender Kamil Wojtowicz, a product of Tiverton's under 18's. Similarly another young defender Jacob Fever made his first team bow, when he came on for Corey Koerner later in the game. The Yellows’ built nicely from the back in the remainder of the match, with typically assertive defending from Brooklyn Wilkins, breaking up a dangerous Basingstoke attack and then bursting forward and exchanging passes with his Team-mates. A cross in, from the tireless Toby Stephens who had shown real quality from his midfield birth, was met by Wright whose effort wasn't far away and found the outside netted stanchion of Simon Grant's goal in 86th minute. Our hosts went even closer when Radovanovic's crossbar was rattled by a scorching Cook shot, with the keeper stranded. There was only a minute of normal time remaining then and in time added on, Wilkins's well timed tackle, stopped a Stoke forward from being in on goal. However, the Yellows’ didn't buckle in the face of a strong second half showing from Basingstoke and really put a shift in. This was a reassuring display, as they get ready for Two games on home soil to finish the season. The first of those being on Tuesday evening when we welcome Gosport. Tiverton: Radovanovic(gk), Wilkins, Wood(c), Cartwright, Koerner(84), Kennell, Stephens, Billington, Wright, G.Collins(77) Subs: Wojtowicz(77), Fever(84), Horne, Sloan

Match Preview Basingstoke Town v Tiverton Town Saturday April 18th 3pm Kick Off At The Winklebury Football Complex. The final away day for the Yellows’ this season, sees them visit Basingstoke. Whilst Asa Hall's side know their destiny, Dan Brownlie's team you would feel still need something here to ease all relegation fears. At the weekend our hosts sealed Hungerford's fate with a 3-1 win on the road. However their 48 points is at this moment not a safe total. Expectations are somewhat low at the moment for Tivvy. Although, hopefully a few of the absentees from Tuesday night's heavy home loss to Wimborne will be available, to give us more of a spark and make us more competitive. Tiverton's depleted squad will need virtually all of their main players on the pitch to do this. It will be just over a month since the two sides met under the lights at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium. Stoke ran out comfortable 4-0 winners that evening and visiting the Winklebury Football Complex will be as much of a psychological test as it is a football one. The Hampshire side have found form at the right time, as a long run of poor results had seen them slide dramatically down the the table. Winning three, drawing two and losing once at Plymouth Parkway in their last Six matches. Joining Basingstoke In September 2019, manager Dan Brownlie is almost seven years into the job and in the modern game, definitely long serving. He has seen his side relegated, but he has also brought them back up to this level too and is a widely respected boss. On the playing front; Ore Bello is a forward in red hot form. The former Dover Athletic player has three goals from Stokes’ last two games, a brace against Hungerford and a crucial penalty to beat Sholing. Injury has affected a lot of his season, but the skilful 22 yr old is making up for lost time. No Basingstoke player has hit double figures this term, but 28 yr old striker George Reid is a good focal point and has strong all round qualities to his forward play. He has spent four seasons at the Winklebury Football Complex. Prior to that he was with Didcot Town and had a short stay with Swindon Supemarine. Robbie Gallagher is an energetic forward, whose displays have made him popular with the home support. Another ex Didcot man, he is often creative for others and Is in his second season with Basingstoke. Midfielder Joe Grant was recruited halfway through the season from league rivals Bracknell. An experienced player with strong footballing abilities, Grant had three spells with his former club, amassing around 200 appearances for the Robins’. He was a constant for National South, Chesham, in the last campaign and he has represented; Slough and Hayes & Yeading. Talented ex Bristol Manor Farm attacking midfielder Tom Blake who was originally with Gloucester, suffered injury a few games back and not knowing the severity of it, could mean that the player who has chipped in with five goals since his arrival from the Bristol side earlier in the season, may be unavailable. Influential midfield player Ben Cook, though, did make a playing return from injury from the bench on Saturday at Hungerford. He had two stints with Stoke, interrupted by a short stay at Bracknell in the 2022/23 season and has made in excess of 100 Southern League appearances in total. Bright and highly rated youngster Josh Green has been heavily involved for our hosts this season, after playing for Rayners Lane in the previous campaign. He came through EFL side Reading's academy. A vital component of this Basingstoke team is James Clarke. The midfielder was a big player for Hungerford when they were playing a step higher and the midfield schemer who arrived at the Winklebury Sports Complex in the 2022/23 season has played over 100 games for our hosts. Maidenhead, Wealdstone and Hayes & Yeading have all sought his services. Another driving force in midfield is the homegrown D'Andre Brown. A very good technical player, the Basingstoke youth product is into his fifth season at senior level. Box to Box midfielder Zach Ionnides has impressed after arriving on loan from Luton Town and is a second year scholar with the EFL club. Captain and central defender Billy Upton is an inspirational figure and a mainstay in the Stoke line up. Signed from Badshot Lea in the 2022/23 season, the commanding Upton is noted for his aerial abilities and strong leadership and organisation skills. He has a great relationship with the supporters. Fellow defender Scott Armsworth has been an integral part of the Hampshire side's backline for a number of campaigns and is a regular in the side. Comfortable in possession and combative, he was part of Fulham's youth system in his formative years. Briefly with Slough on his release from the West London club, he has become a key player. Full back Joe O’Loughlin was with us for part of the 2022/23 season. The cultured defender is pretty much an ever present for his new club, after relocating from his West Country base. The former Bath University captain is now 26 and the ex Frome favourite, also had spells with Yate and Tavistock. Centre back Jack Ball is 34 and his knowhow and pedigree are priceless for our hosts. Three campaigns with Farnborough highlight his defensive attributes. The dependable chief organiser for Basingstoke is a good manipulator of play also. His football journey has also taken in Salisbury and Hartley Wintney. Goalkeeper Simon Grant brings his vast experience too, to this Stoke side. In 2010/11 he began his Senior career with AFC Hayes, moving onto Slough before enjoying Nine seasons with Marlow. The gifted keeper’s displays attracted plenty of interest, whilst there and his services were acquired by Bracknell, Hungerford and Hayes & Yeading. After a brief return to Bracknell in the 2023/24 season, he signed for his current club and has established himself as a permanent fixture in Dan Brownlie's side. Asa Hall's men will definitely be hoping to make this final Journey of the season a better one than last weekend. The management team of Hall, Steve Orchard and David Steele will be looking to restore a bit of belief in the dressing room and the players will be determined to give a good account of themselves, when they take to the field on Saturday afternoon.

Match Report Tuesday April 14th At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium Tiverton Town 0 Wimborne Town 6 Roberts 3 Fletcher 11,87 Smith 19,39 Jackson 72 Attendance: 153 Darren Holmes The hangover from Saturday's dispiriting defeat at Bracknell was very evident in the first half . Four Wimborne goals without reply typifying the Yellows’ lack of confidence. There was an improvement in the second half, but the damage had already been done. The Magpies arrived at the Slee Blackwell Stadium knowing that a win would secure Southern League Premier South football next term and did this at a canter. Let's take nothing away from their ruthless, professional display. Jaydon Biss came into the Tiverton line up, after being part of Yeovil's matchday squad at the weekend. Aiden Horne also returned, as Five changes were made from their trip to Berkshire. George Collins, Liam Cartwright and Charlie Wright the other starters. Wilkins and Hall were amongst the substitutes, Karim Coulibaly and Gabe Billington were unavailable. Young Plymouth forward Fletcher Poole was fulfilling Argyle duties and another replacement on Saturday Sam Lord was doing the same. Wimborne drove forward from the first whistle and within three minutes were in the ascendancy. A little indecision in the Yellows’ area whilst defending a long throw into the box, saw centre back Sam Roberts loop his header over John Ross and into the goal. The Dorset side maintained their territorial dominance and in the 8th minute from a dipping corner into the area, a goalmouth scramble ensued and it took some desperate defending for the Yellows’ to clear their lines, from under the crossbar. However with a little over Ten minutes played and the game being played solely in Tiverton's half, a second goal did follow. Once again Ross was beaten, when a well delivered cross was met by Striker Will Fletcher's head and his neatly directed aerial attempt disappeared into the net. Asa Hall's men were firmly on the backfoot and Fletcher then missed the target with another header. Ross's smart save to deny the lively Joe Smith kept Wimborne at bay briefly. Smith rifled his next attempt into the top of the netting to make it three, after making space for himself in the box, with 19th minutes complete. It was relentless from the Magpies and there was little in the way of respite for Tiverton, as Tim Sill's cohesive side almost rubbed salt into the wound when Cameron Munn fizzed an effort a fraction over the bar. Next, the impressive Roberts broke up a rare Yellows’ attack and strode into the Tivvy half, before releasing Max Bustamante who wasn't far away with his piledriver. In the 35th minute it looked for all intents and purposes that we got away with one. There was strong contact in the area on Ethan Sills, but the Referee thought differently. Although less than five minutes later Smith added a third and completed his brace. A defence splitting ball from captain Sam Jackson found the ever moving target Smith who finished from close range. When the Referee blew up to end play in the opening period, it was in all honesty a relief that it wasn't more than the 4-0 scoreline. These are testing times for Asa Hall's young squad and the half time team talk couldn't have come sooner. On the resumption of play it was the Yellows’ who created their first chance of the evening. About a minute after the restart Stephen’s had a shot blocked from range. As the ball was neatly recycled with a good sequence of passing, an inviting low cross across the face of goal, was a whisker away from being turned home. Although it eluded everyone and the visitors were able to clear. Tiverton were more deliberate with their passes in the opening exchanges of the concluding period and that better accuracy stopped Wimborne from having complete control of possession. A 48th minute corner was forced soon after, but pressure on the ball from the outswinging delivery meant, although a Yellows’ player was able to glance his header on, it trickled out of play past the post, with the keeper able to watch the ball out. A promising beginning to the half and there was a real attempt to hurry the Magpies’ out of their stride, but it wasn’t long before the business-like and talented away side started to threaten again. In the 55th minute they forced a corner and from it a powerful Jackson header was palmed away by Ross. After a probing Wimborne forced another corner around Five minutes further into the match, Sills’ wicked ball in couldn't find any takers and the Yellows’ breathed a sigh of relief. Concerted pressure from the away side in the 64th minute saw substitute Lewis Williams skip a few challenges down our left and cut the ball back to Sills, whose shot was charged down. In the next phase of play, a cross was returned into the area and Fletcher headed wide. With almost 70 minutes gone, Wimborne had been ringing the changes and another replacement, ex Bournemouth and Aston Villa academy player Ajani Burchall, saw it open up for him. There was a bobble though and with him unable to cleanly strike his shot, the ball rolled harmlessly into Ross’s arms. Liam Cartwright and George Collins then made way for Sol Padmore and Drew Sloan. In the 72nd minute the second half deadlock was broken. Max Bustamante was tripped out wide and the Taker hung the ball up into the area for captain Jackson to apply the finish with his head. The Magpies upped the tempo from there on in and a rearguard was needed from the Yellows’. Following a flowing, incisive move, Williams’ slid in at the back post, but at full stretch his shot lacked the power to beat Ross. In the 85th minute Fletcher got his head on the ball in a challenge with the Tivvy keeper and the ball rolled against the outside of the post. William's and the former then had shots blocked in quick succession by the Yellows’ backline and then a third bite of the cherry, saw a shot flash a fraction wide. Asa Hall's men had been working hard to prevent any more goals being conceded, but when a cross in took a deflection and ballooned up, it was Fletcher who was the most instinctive. The Wimborne striker nodded home from a few yards out, with a few minutes of normal time left. This rounded off the scoring and it was another heavy defeat for Tiverton. Wimborne are a good club, with supporters that are a credit to them. It wasn’t long ago that they were relegated from this division and were able to return. This victory was totally deserved and the margin of it could have been more. The Yellows play their final away game of the season on Saturday. They will travel to Basingstoke in another testing encounter, before two home games to finish the season. Gosport will be the visitors on the following Tuesday evening and we will entertain Farnham the following Saturday. Tiverton: Ross(gk), G.Collins(69), Biss, Wood(c), Koerner, Kennell, Stephen's, Cartwright(69), Wellington, Wright, Horne Subs: Padmore(69), Sloan(69), Hall, Wilkins

Match Preview Tiverton Town V Wimborne Town Tuesday April 14th 7.45pm Kick Off At The Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium Under the lights on Tuesday Evening, Tiverton will take on Dorset side Wimborne. It will be hard to move on from Saturday's drubbing at the hands of Bracknell, but there is no point in dwelling too long on that result or for the players to feel sorry for themselves. There is always another game to put things right. Matt Wood inherited the captaincy away to Wimborne and led the side to a solid point. There have been some highs and real lows as a squad so far for the young captain. (Viv Curtis) Two weeks of the season remain and four games. Three of them are at home and this is the first of those fixtures at the Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium. Asa Hall’s men will be intent on giving the fans something to cheer about as the campaign begins to draw to a close. In managerial terms it's the battle between two former Torquay favourites. Asa Hall will be up against Tim Sills. Hall is of course revered by Gull’s fans and in 2009 Sill's fired home the second goal in the Conference National Play Off Final, sending Torquay back into the EFL. The Popular striker scored 34 times in 107 games for them and will always be fondly remembered at Plainmoor. Sill's Wimborne saw many departures in pre-season, following a reduction to the playing budget. He has instigated a rebuild that initially saw them in the top half of the table. After Saturday's defeat at home to Berkhamsted however, the Magpies are still probably three points shy of survival and will want to get over the line before the pressure starts to mount. The away meeting was only a month ago, when the Two teams played out a goalless draw at the Wyatt Homes Stadium. The enigmatic Rafa Ramos was signed recently after starting the season with Gosport Borough, followed by a short spell with Winchester. A towering presence and gifted footballer, Ramos has yet to recapture the kind of form at Gosport in the 2023/24 season that saw National South side Salisbury acquire his services. On his day he is a menacing proposition. Joe Smith was prolific in the league below last term for Bemerton Heath Harlequins, where his strike partner was ex Yellow Leighton Thomas. Smith found the net on 23 occasions in 29 league games for his former team and the talented forward has 8 for his new club. Striker Will Fletcher was a mainstay last season and has remained at the new look Wimborne for this campaign. Fletcher spent quite a few seasons with Poole and the Dorset based player was with Dorchester for the 2023/24 campaign. Moving to the Wyatt Homes Stadium last term, he has realised his clear potential. He has scored 26 times from 78 games in a Magpie's shirt. Bermudan born winger Ajani Burchall has impressed recently. Still only 21, he became Bournemouth's third youngest player ever, when he played a game for them in the Championship during the 2020/21 campaign. He was with the Cherries’ between 2016 and 2020 and then transferred to Aston Villa and was released last year. Talented and speedy, young technical forward Lewis Williams has arrived from Andover New Street and his performances have caught the eye in this division. William's came through Eastleigh's youth academy. Another forward option is another prospect a little way into his senior career, Max Bustamante. He has interested many in recent years, Sholing was home for him last term and Basingstoke before that. Marquee signing, ex EFL player Josh McQuoid from Weymouth though, has been a long term absentee. The 36 year old, formerly a striker/winger, is more commonly used in midfield these days. A full Northern Ireland international, he played in the Championship for; Millwall, Burnley and Bournemouth. Making 195 appearances in the EFL overall, with Peterborough, Coventry, Luton and Stevenage other destinations. Dropping into the Non League, he was at Weymouth over Two spells, Aldershot similarly and briefly with Torquay. Creative midfielder Josh Carmichael was at Bournemouth as a Ten year old, in 2004. He progressed through the age group side's and was capped by Scotland Under 16's and Under 19's, going on to play 4 league games in the EFL. After being released the gifted Carmichael who is now 31 was tracked by a lot of top non league clubs. His service's have been acquired by Weymouth when they were playing higher up the pyramid, Torquay, Poole, Salisbury, Gosport and Totton. He is a wily operator and is another to remain from the previous campaign. This is his Third season with the Club. Drew Eccott-Young was also part of the side, last term. The midfielder, who played for Dorchester during the 2023/24 campaign is a combative performer, who is tidy in possession and joined Eastleigh, when his Senior career was in its infancy. After playing a couple of games for Eastleigh in his formative year's, Cameron Munn who was with Hamworthy United for a number of season's has gradually established himself as an integral part of Tim Sill's team. A good manipulator of the ball, he is close to making 100 appearances in all competition's for the visitor's. A constant for the Magpies’ is left back and captain, Sam Jackson. The ex Poole, Dorchester and Bashley man has played over 100 times in the Southern League over the past Three seasons, for the Dorset team and is a key player with his strong positional sense, dependability and calmness in possession. Sam Roberts after an injury lay off is back in the heart of the visitors defence. He was a big player for Salisbury, has a good football pedigree and plenty of knowhow. A strong communicator and organiser on the pitch, the centre back is very much a leader for Tim Sill's side. Gosport, Totton and Winchester are all previous clubs. Fellow centre back Tyler Edmonson is a young recruit from Bashley. Coming through the ranks at Southampton, he was on loan at Sholing and on his release from the Saints’, the in demand Edmondson signed for Eastleigh last term. Close to 100 Southern League games for Wimborne, right back Billy Walker has been integral to the Magpies’ plans for the past three seasons. A real workhorse and a tenacious competitor, Walker was formerly with fellow Dorset side Hamworthy United. Seventeen year old Goalkeeper Oscar Abbotson is on a youth loan from Southampton and played his first game in senior football for Wimborne earlier in the season, whilst still 16. An unfortunate season ending injury to established number one Cameron Plain back in December, has given the highly regarded Saints prospect, a chance to stake his claim. Pride will be at stake for the Yellows’ and first and foremost they will need to compete better than they did on Saturday, if they are to run a Wimborne side with achieving safety very much on their minds, close on Tuesday evening. So let's get down to the ground and support the lad’s.