Since we returned from Thatcham with a point on January 18 (http://tivertontownfc.com/fans/reports/archive-2011/thatcham1-away.php), the Kingfishers have picked up nine points from eight games, their three draws all being 0-0 whilst they have scored six times and conceded ten. In that run they have beaten the two bottom sides, Abingdon United at home and Stouport Swifts away, whilst losing at Yate Town and Paulton Rovers with their most recent game being a 2-1 defeat at home to Cinderford Town. They seem to have developed a habit of conceding goals within the first quarter of an hour and in the final ten minutes with eight of the 14 scored against them in 2012 fitting this pattern. In the same period we have gleaned 14 points from seven games, scoring 13 and conceding seven.
The two sides are separated by just two points with Thatcham two ahead of Tivvy having played one game more, so we could be in for a close game - like the one at Waterside Park. They have a decent away record having won eight and drawn two, losing six. It is their nine home draws that has prevented them already being in the play-off mix. They are currently nine points behind fifth placed Poole Town.

Suspensions have hit both sides with Tivvy losing Kevin Hill (ten bookings) and Thatcham without defender Matt Bowler and Mark James (midfield) following their sending offs at Bishops Cleeve, one of their goalless draws. Mark James was a bit of a thorn in our side when we played them in January, so his omission could be a bonus. 

The only time that Thatcham have played at Ladysmead was way back in January 1989 when they knocked us out of the Vase by two goals to one, Hedley Steele scoring our goal. We have met on two other occasions, in January 1997 when we avenged that defeat with Steve Daly scoring the only goal of the match in another Vase encounter, and then this January when we drew 1-1. It makes a change to play them in a month other than January...

The latest six game form guide looks like this:-

We rarely come up against teams beginning with the letter “Y”, it being either Yate Town or a Yeovil side. Dipping into the archive (http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=96) shows we have played Yate on 13 occasions, 11 in the Southern League and twice in the Southern League Cup. Of the five times we have been hunting for league points at Lodge Road we have won and lost twice, drawing the other.

Earlier in the season we came through unscathed at home to the Bluebells after they had started their league campaign as whipping boys, starting with five draws and no wins in their first twelve games. Game thirteen saw their first league success, a 3-2 victory at Taunton Town. Their next game was at Ladysmead when we won 3-0 (http://tivertontownfc.com/fans/reports/archive-2011/Yate-home.php). Since then they have transformed their Division One South & West season with just three more reversals, winning ten and drawing four. At home, since playing us, they have won four, drawn three and lost just one and that by the odd goal in seven against Didcot Town. They have also recently recruited a number of new faces, mainly from Mangotsfield United, including former Tivvy favourite Tom Knighton who scored four times in his first three games, with last Saturday’s goalless draw at Cinderford halting his run. Their main danger man is Dave Stone who was in a rich vein of form during December and January scoring ten times in the twelve games played. He is about due a goal. Let’s hope it is not against us. Another of their squad who has pulled on a Tivvy shirt is Matt Groves.

For those of you travelling there under your own steam, it will feel as if you are on your way to Mangotsfield because you take the M5 towards Bristol and then turn east onto the M4 taking the next exit (M32) back towards Bristol, keeping in the left hand lane to join the A4174. Stay on the dual carriageway going across roundabouts until you meet the A432 at which point turn left towards Yate (as opposed to right towards Mangotsfield). This is Badminton Road which goes straight through Yate. Ideally turn left at the traffic lights into Stover Road (B4059) and, after half a mile, take the second exit off of the roundabout staying on the B4059.  After about a quarter of a mile you will see Yate Town’s Lodge Road ground on your left but to get there continue past and turn left at the traffic lights and then first left just past the Fox public house into Lodge Road. The ground is just before the end of this cul-de-sac on the right hand side.

If you miss Stover Road, just before you reach Yate station, turn left at the traffic lights into North Road and continue through the trading estates. When you reach the next set of lights, go over these and you should see the Fox. Turn first left into Lodge Road. This latter route is also the quickest way if arriving by train, the ground being a fifteen minute walk from the station (about three quarters of a mile).

Admission, according to their website, is £7 for adults, £4 for OAPs and juveniles aged 11-16, and £1 for under-11s so long as they are accompanied by an adult.

The last six games' form table shows that both Tivvy and Yate are level pegging with three wins, two draws and a defeat:-

The Mangos are one of the rare teams to choose Mondays for their home midweek fixtures and this season it has proved beneficial as they have yet to drop a point. They started by sharing five goals against Clevedon on Monday August 15, winning 3-2 in front of 188 spectators. Their next home Monday match was not until October 24 when another local derby saw them beat Bridgwater Town 4-1 with the crowd dipping to 144. December 5 was the next time they hosted a league game on a Monday with Stourport Swifts the visitors. They hammered them 6-2 in front of just 123 fans. Ignoring the Yate game on January 2 which was a Bank Holiday and, hence, a 3pm kick-off and a day when most teams played, their next midweek home encounter is against us on Monday, kick-off 7.45pm. This game was rearranged from Saturday February 11 when their pitch was frozen come inspection time yet the sun shone brightly that day, but not enough to get the game played.

Cossham Street has not been a happy hunting ground for Tivvy in league encounters this century having played them five times, drawing twice and losing thrice. The last time we picked up any away league points was way back in January 1999 when we were both in the Western League.

We have won there this century, in 2005 in the FA Trophy, as well as in a pre-season friendly back in 2003, so maybe we are about due a league win which, if achieved, would put us three points off the play-offs. (Check the archives for more details at http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=2)

It may also be time for Mark Saunders to pick himself and see if he can emulate his match winning performance from August 1993 when his brace secured victory in the Western League for Tivvy in north east Bristol. However, after the drubbing experienced by Mangotsfield at Ladysmead earlier this season (see http://tivertontownfc.com/fans/reports/archive-2011/mangoes-home.php), they will want to redress the balance. In order to do so they will look to continue their change in fortune as they have broken an horrific run of seven straight defeats with a 3-1 victory at Bridgwater Town followed by goalless draws at Thatcham and at home to Sholing on Saturday, the first team to stop Sholing scoring in seven starts.

You have to go back to mid-December for their last home win, 2-1 over Wimborne, six home games ago. Their winner that day came from former Tivvy forward, Tom Knighton, who left Mangotsfield at the end of January to join Yate Town. Matt Groves has also made the same move and, a week ago, so did midfielder Harley Purnell. They have also released Curtis Jack as he was unable to meet their training schedule. The Mangos have recently embarked on rebuilding their squad with the arrival of three new players inside a week in mid-February. Tom Piotrowski is a 22-year old striker who joined them from Western League Radstock Town. This followed the return of Drew Shore, an experienced 29-year old midfielder who has not played competitive football since leaving Mangotsfield a few seasons ago. They have also been bolstered by the arrival of Noah Keats from Bideford following his move to the Bristol area. Kyle Tooze also returned in January having joined Frome Town last summer. They will also be bolstered by the return from suspension of their captain Geraint Bater (remember him in Tivvy colours in 1999/2000 having joined from Bristol Rovers?) who was out for four games starting on January 28 following his dismissal after the final whistle at Clevedon earlier in the month, tacked on to a three match ban for earlier indiscretions. Seven games out may mean lack of match fitness but I expect him to be relishing his rteurn. With goal-keeper Chris Astley also banned from Saturday's game and deprived of Drew Shore (calf) and the unavailable Tom Parrinello, manager Phil Bater named just one substitute. Danny Greaves took over between the sticks and was kept busy but foiled everything that Sholing could throw at him. (http://www.mufc-online.co.uk/s/match-report-32267.html?official=1&fixture_id=339534)  

Another connection with Tivvy was severed a couple or so years ago as Tivvy legend Martyn Grimshaw, manager of Mangotsfield from December 2003, left the club. In October of last year he was elevated from assistant manager to take over as manager of Western League Premier outfit Longwell Green Sports (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Grimshaw-takes-Hales-place-Longwell-Green/story-13554411-detail/story.html).
Cossham Street is relatively easy to get to if you follow the M5 and turn east onto the M4 heading towards Bath. After three miles on the M4 turn onto the M32. Almost immediately exit the M32 at Junction 1 and turn left onto the A4174 dual carriageway. There are a number of routes that you could follow but the quickest is probably to continue on the dual carriageway over two major roundabouts before exiting at the third by turning right into Westerleigh Road. Go over the tree-lined roundabout (still Westerleigh Road) and then, after about 150 yards, take the next left into Blackhorse Road. Continue for about half a mile through Mangotsfield and go over the crossroads into Richmond Road. Take the first left into Elmleigh Road which ends when it meets Cossham Street at a T-junction. Turn left and the  ground is on the right. Meander over the mini-roundabout to enter the car park which is on the far side of the ground ( directions ).

All of our encounters with the Yeltz have been this century and, by and large, they have gone in our favour with six wins, seven draws (see later) and four defeats. However our relative paucity of goals scored this season (we are twelfth best in Division One South & West) strikes a chord when you realise that we have failed to beat their 'keeper in our previous two encounters at Ladysmead. At least we have won three, drawn four and lost just the once at home. The full history can be found at http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=40 

On the subject of goals, our defence is the fifth best at the moment with just 30 leaked but this also means that Tivvy's league games this season have elicited just 70 goals, which makes us the fourth worst in terms of total goals seen. The most entertaining are North Leigh who have scored 70 and conceded 48. Halesowen are the thirteenth most entertaining (hence ninth worst) having scored 44 and conceded 40.

Halesowen were there for the picking until February began and suddenly they had a change of fortune and have now put together an unbeaten run of five games since leaving North Devon on January 28 after suffering a 2-0 reversal at Bideford. A goalless draw at Thatcham was followed by a 2-0 win at Didcot. They then beat the visiting Wimborne 3-0 before drawing 1-1 at home to Bishops Cleeve. On Tuesday they sent Abingdon home licking their wounds having picked up another three points by winning 2-0. During January they could not buy a point, let alone a win, in five games. They even lost at home on New Year's Eve to Mangotsfield, the game being settled by a second half penalty.  

Our encounter in the West Midlands back in November saw us come back from a goal down to win 2-1 thanks to strikes from Josh Seale and Harry Nodwell, one of his specials (http://tivertontownfc.com/fans/reports/archive-2011/halesowen-away.php). That day Halesowen brought on Nathan Jackson who did not endear himself to the home fans with his lack of ball control which led to Tivvy's winner. He will not be on show on Saturday as he starts a two match suspension for picking up too many cautions.

My father always used to pick draws on the pools by looking at the first letter of each team. Hence he would never put an X by Tiverton Town v Halesowen Town. However, how about "Town v Town" or even "THE YELlows" v "THE YELtz"?

Looking at the "form table" over the past six games, my guess is we will draw once again. Let's hope the Yellows prove me wrong and grab all three points:-

Didcot arrived in the Southern Premier two seasons ago via the play-offs after finishing fifth, 22 points behind champions Truro City. How contrasting are the fortunes of the two clubs with Truro now in the Conference South and Didcot being relegated alongside Tivvy last season.

We have played them just four times previously, all in the Southern Premier and have yet to beat them as a glance at http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=343 will show.

With an average of four goals at Ladysmead in our two home games against them, it is hoped that this trend will continue on Tuesday. A month ago, when Didcot were due at Ladysmead before the weather intervened, they had shown that they can score at will whilst leaking profusely at the same time. Since then they appear to have left their shooting boots at home as they have scored just two goals whilst conceding seven - but one of those goals was enough to earn them three points at home to Mangotsfield United. 

If a yardstick is required then maybe their result from January 7 will inspire Tivvy to victory. It was Didcot Town 0 Gosport Borough 4. Nevertheless we must not forget that on December 17 it finished Didcot Town 5 Taunton Town 1 as well as Didcot Town 1 Bideford 1 on November 19... Looking at their away form, they won 4-3 in mid-January at a Yate side that is in a bit of form. Their two most recent defeats on the road were at promotion chasing Poole Town and Hungerford Town, both difficult trips for any team.

However, after their horrendous display resulting in a home defeat to Halesowen last Tuesday, they parted company with coach Michael Butcher and forward Paul Robinson (the only Didcot player to score in their last five games) and last Saturday their squad had a new look, no doubt with the future in mind, as it comprised a number of youngsters.

One person of note is club captain Jamie Heapy who has made over 700 appearances for Didcot and surprised many by leaving the club to join Southern League Premier side Oxford City in October. As club captain, Heapy led the Railwaymen to unprecedented success and silverware. He lifted the FA Vase in 2005, the Hellenic Premier Division title in 2006, three Hellenic Challenge Cups, two Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy victories and also skippered the side to promotion into the Southern League Premier Division via the play-offs in 2009. However, he gave Didcot a wonderful Christmas present by returning to the Railwaymen.

The form table shows Tivvy in joint second behind the irrepressible North Leigh who have a perfect six wins out of six.

Stourport's 11-year tenure of Southern League football looks likely to end this season unless they can perform a miracle in the final couple of months of the campaign. They may only be 10 points behind Wimborne Town but have not picked up a point since beating their fellow strugglers in mid-November, thirteen league games ago. As Alan so rightly pointed out to me, the only league goal they have managed in their last nine games was a penalty at Halesowen on Boxing Day. Yet, on their day, they are no pushovers as Bideford, Bishops Cleeve, Didcot Town, Gosport Borough, Taunton Town and ourselves have all snuck through with single goal wins. See their full record this season at http://www.stourportswiftsfc.co.uk/Results/ and the report from our victory back in September (http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/4?report=3319) which is also the only time we have met.

But do not be deceived by their disastrous run as they have recently strengthened their squad with the introduction of James Blake, Lewis Pountney and Gary Walker from Premier Division side Evesham United. They also have a 7-2 Worcestershire Infirmary Cup victory at Malvern Town in January to bolster their belief, albeit that Malvern play at Step Six in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division - the same level as, say, Elmore.

Should Tivvy avoid defeat against them then safety is pretty well assured barring points deductions (not expected but who knows what could happen in football these days?!?), which would be one in the eye for the doom mongers who thought we might be playing Western League football next season.

Stourport's Walshes Meadow ground is relatively easy to find. Just head north on the M5 for 115 miles to junction 6 (Worcester) taking the A449 west (second exit at the roundabout). Be aware of the speed camera looming in the distance. In two miles go over the A38 (yes, it goes everywhere) and a mile later turn right at the roundabout (second exit). This is still the A449 and continue on for a further six miles when the road splits at another roundabout into the A4025 and A449. Take the A449 (Stourport Road which leads onto the Worcester Road). After 2.5 miles, just after you cross the River Stour, turn left into Mitton Street and follow the one way system which shortly veers round to the right before meeting a roundabout where you turn left into Lion Hill. After 200 yards turn right into York Street over what is one end of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (see the harbour on your left which also allows access to the River Severn) and 200 yards later turn left at the mini-roundabout into Bridge Street which is the extension of Stourport's High Street. Go past Ye Olde Crown Inn (a strange name for what looks like a 20th Century building). After 250 yards of Bridge Street you go over the River Severn and just over 100 yards later you should see Harold Davies Drive on the left. Drive the 100 yards into the Sports Centre complex (which should be signposted for some distance once you reach the outskirts of town - probably at the start of the one-way system) and Stourport Swifts' well appointed ground is in front of you if you cast your eyes forward and left a tad. There is ample parking. For Sat Navvers, your destination is DY13 0AA. Swifts' telephone number is 01299 825188 should you need it.

Allow just under two and half hours from Ladysmead for what should be a 134 mile journey. 
If you fancy a drop of local real ale you could do worse than pop into the aforementioned Ye Olde Crown Inn on Bridge Street. Run by Wetherspoons there should be a plentiful variety at reasonable prices.

And, just in case you arrive after the start and think that you have stumbled upon a Tivvy side wearing the old strip of Gold Shirts and Black Shorts, rest assured you would be cheering on the opposition (not for the first time as has happened to some at other grounds in the past....) Hopefully Tivvy's white strip will be packed for the trip.

The usual view of form over the last six league games is:-

This is Tivvy's first home competitive game for a month since Gosport Borough were dismantled in some style and, hopefully, those that elected to watch Willand in the Vase that day will wend their way back to Ladysmead to see what should be a close encounter.

Anyone who attended the reverse fixture back in October probably has not yet dried out, such was the storm that blew over the Villagers' Kayte Lane ground as wave after wave of precipitation swept through the Gloucestershire countryside. It was akin to standing on the rocks outside of the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe in a force nine gale and, consequently, the football played was not of the highest calibre. At that stage of the season Tivvy had recovered from their hammering at Bideford in the FA Cup and the bizarre encounter at North Leigh to go three games without conceding starting with that excellent demolition of Mangotsfield. So, confidence was building. The Villagers had also been doing well, picking up four away points from six and then disposing of Wimborne Town, so a draw was probably a fair result with Josh Searle scoring his first away goal for the club before Jake Lee equalised from the spot, both goals coming in the second period. You can read all about this encounter, which is the only time we have so far met, at http://tivertontownfc.com/fans/reports/archive-2011/bishops-away.php

Since then both sides wobbled and then came back with avengeance, Bishops Cleeve losing just once in ten games in the league (at home to Bideford on the same day as we were beating Gosport), picking up 19 points whilst Tivvy remain unbeaten in their last eight league games with 16 points gained in that run. In so doing both clubs have reached mid table, the Villagers three points ahead of Tivvy who have two games in hand and a much better goal difference. Both will be looking to kick-on into a play-off position which, after Saturday's results, is ten points away - from Tivvy's standpoint. The vagaries of this division are still providing some raised eyebrow moments with Bideford's scoreless draw at lowly Abingdon on Saturday epitomising that anything can happen. Even Gosport needed to dig deep at Taunton, turning around a 2-0 deficit with two minutes to go to sneak goals at the death to pick up a precious point. So, if Tivvy can continue to pick up points, who knows what we may be looking forward to come Easter.

Danny Clay has completed his suspension so, apart from Harry Nodwell's injury, Mark Saunders has some decisions to make as to whom to leave out and the two recent friendlies which saw Clay start to get back to match fitness and score his opening goal for the club may mean he could be in the starting line-up. With Tivvy's unbeaten run stretching to twelve games in all competitions (friendlies, league and cup), this is form not seen since we were promoted from the Western League. It was our first season in the Southern League and February 8 2000 heralded the start of a 17 match run of which 15 were victories with two draws, again a mixture of league, cup and friendlies. For those interested, the details can be found at http://tivertontownfc.com/archive/1999-00/

The form guide for each team's last six league games looks like this:-

Despite the proximity of the two sides, games have been few and far between (see http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=102) although plenty of players have appeared for both sides. Current Willand manager Clive Jones was a pivotal part of the Tiverton Town side managed by John Owen who battled their way through to play at Aldershot Town in the FA Cup in 1990, getting on the scoresheet with a well taken free kick in our 6-2 defeat.
We went the best part of a quarter of a century between playing them in the Devon Premier Cup and a friendly in 2004 and, prior to that, were in the Devon & Exeter Premier Division together for two seasons in the 1970s. How both clubs have progressed since then with Willand looking to win the Western League, a competition they did not compete in until after Tivvy had won promotion to the Southern League.

We have only played each other competitively once in the past 30-odd years, at Silver Street in the St Lukes two years ago. Included in the Willand side that night were Russell Jee and David Steele with Martyn Rogers' son George coming on in the second half. For Tivvy, in goal was Lloyd Irish playing what I believe was his only game for us - he was absolutely brilliant, saving us from what would have been a deserved defeat had Willand's luck held out in front of goal. Phil Everett was roped in and played a vital role in the muddy conditions amongst an otherwise young side which also included Aiden Harper-Penman, who presumably comes from the same clan as Aaron and Jed, both Bideford lads. Oh, and we won through on penalties, Everett scoring probably his final goal for the club in the shoot-out.

For those who have never been to Silver Street, the ground is fairly easy to find (post code EX15 2RG) with a modicum of parking at the far end of the ground, otherwise there are plenty of roads within easy walking distance. To get there from Tiverton, head for Halberton and turn right at The Barge pub (I think it is still called that) following the signpost to Willand (and Cullompton) into Willand Road. You will be heading for the old Tiverton Junction station. After going under the motorway, one way to get to the ground is to turn left at the T-junction and go along South View Road. At the roundabout, Silver Street is the last exit before you turn back on yourself. The ground is a few 100 yards on the left.
If you prefer using the A361 link road, head for the M5 and go over the motorway at Junction 27 branching onto the A38 for a nano-second. Turn right as if you were going to get petrol but head straight down this road. At the end, turn right onto the B3181. Carry on for about two miles and go straight over the roundabout into Silver Street where the ground will be found a few 100 yards on the left.

Willand pride themselves on being a family club and there is a welcoming clubhouse with well stocked bar. Admission is normally £6 including a programme.

As a glance at our history of games against Torquay shows (http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=5) results have been very variable from the recent eight goal thumping in July 2010 when Billy Kee could do no wrong, scoring with, it seemed, every touch he had and quality goals to boot, to some famous victories in the previous two seasons with Mark Saunders scoring the only goal pre-season 2008 followed by two more victories the following season.

A lot, obviously, depends on the experience that Torquay field as, sometimes, it is the youth side with a sprinkling of reserves and, at other times, it is resplendent with players boasting Football League experience.

Wednesday's game should be the latter and, hence, a formidable test.

We have had competitive success, in the St Lukes, against our South Devon opponents and some of you may recall the era of league games against Torquay. This was when their reserves were in the Western League (http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=176) and, again, a certain M Saunders found the net in the two games he played...

Tiverton Town and Bideford will play each other for the fifth time this season, their fourth encounter at the Sports Ground, in the quarter final of the Devon St Lukes Cup having played each other home and away in the Southern League as well as at Bideford in both the FA Cup and the Red Insure (Southern League) Cup.

The last time that Tiverton beat their North Devon opponents was in the League Cup last season, however they did give their hosts a mighty scare when they drew 1-1 in the League in the New Year derby. Games between the sides have always have an edge with Devon pride at stake and a full resume of previous season's encounters can be found at http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=49

Suspensions mean that Tiverton will be again without the services of Danny Clay following his dismissal in the New Year's fixture at Bideford whilst Bideford's Aaron Harper-Penman misses out having been sent off against Gosport Borough.

Bideford are by no means invincible as their somewhat surprising 2-3 home defeat at the hands of Clevedon in the Red Insure Cup three weeks ago shows. January has seen them win four matches, draw twice (Tivvy and Gosport, both at home) and that home Clevedon defeat. It is recent home form that is no doubt of concern, although they did smash four past Bridgwater and picked up maximum points on Saturday against Halesowen. They currently lead the Division by a healthy six points and, even of they do suffer a dip in form, it is still good enough to believe that they will at the very least feature in the play-offs.

The St Lukes has been a competition where, in recent seasons, both sides blend youth with experience and this game is unlikely to be any different. Penalties were needed for the two clubs to reach this stage, Tivvy at Barnstaple Town and Bideford at Plymouth Parkway, after both received byes to this second round stage. The other Quarter Finals see, on February 21, holders Buckland Athletic at home to Torquay United whilst Plymouth Argyle travel to Elburton Villa. A week later it is Cullompton Rangers v Exeter City. With all three professional clubs favourites to reach the semi-finals it may well be beyond the aspirations of both Bideford and Tivvy to win the St Lukes this season.

As to the name of the competition, it is sometimes called the Devon St Lukes Cup and sometimes the Devon St Lukes Bowl. Here is an attempt to clear up the mystery...

The competition began in March 1982 as the Devon St Lukes Cup. The cup had been presented to the Devon FA in 1980 by Wally Rice, an Exeter City director and well known for his long connection and service to soccer at St Lukes College, Exeter, which is now Exeter University. At the time he was Vice Chancellor of St Lukes.

It was decided by the Devon FA to invite Western League clubs to compete for this cup, the three professional clubs, Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United already having their own competition - the Devon Professional Challenge Cup. (It is interesting to note that Bideford and Tiverton played each other in this competition on October 14 1975, Bideford having been a member of the Southern League for the previous three seasons and then returning to the Western League for the 75/76 season. Bideford won 3-1).

The initial meeting with clubs was held by the Devon FA on March 25 1981 at the Ladbrooke Mercury Motel in Exeter. Clubs represented were all from the Western League - Barnstaple Town, Bideford, Brixham United, Exmouth Town, Heavitree United, Ottery St Mary, Tiverton Town and Torrington with Elmore sending their apologies. It was sad that Mr Rice never saw a St Lukes Cup match as he died a few months later.

Bideford were the first winners of the St Lukes. In fact they dominated the competition in the first six years reaching the final on four occasions and winning it thrice. Interestingly it was Plymouth Argyle who beat them in the 1986/7 final but it should be remembered that they had a side in the Western League at the time, hence their ability to compete for this as well as the Professional Challenge Cup.

Tivvy's first appearance in the final came in 1990 when they lost to Exmouth Town on penalties at Ladysmead. I remember the nail biting penalty shoot out that Tivvy eventually lost 11-10. However, success came Tivvy's way a year later when they defeated Elmore in the final. Again it went to penalties and it was just as exciting with Tivvy eventually picking up the cup 9-8 at Horsdon Park after 1-1 draw, Neil Saunders scoring for Tivvy. A full history of our involvement up to the end of last season is at http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/24?comp=21

In 1987, the Devon Professional Challenge Cup was scrapped and the three professional sides entered the St Lukes at which time the competition was renamed the Devon St Lukes Bowl.

In recent seasons the Devon FA have reverted to calling the competition the Devon St Lukes Cup, as it is the cup donated by Wally Rice that is competed for. However, this may be an administrative oversight and the Devon FA Cups Committee will be discussing this topic in the near future in an attempt to rectify the confusion.

Didcot arrived in the Southern Premier two seasons ago via the play-offs after finishing fifth, 22 points behind champions Truro City. How contrasting are the fortunes of the two clubs with Truro now in the Conference South and Didcot being relegated alongside Tivvy last season.

We have played them just four times previously, all in the Southern Premier and have yet to beat them as a glance at http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=343 will show.

With an average of four goals at Ladysmead in our two home games against them, it is hoped that this trend will continue on Tuesday as Didcot have shown in recent weeks that they can score at will whilst leaking profusely at the same time. Mind you it was a surprise that they shared a home goalless draw with Cinderford on Saturday - their first since last April.
If a yardstick is required then maybe their result from January 7 will inspire Tivvy to victory. It was Didcot Town 0 Gosport Borough 4. However we must not forget that on December 17 it finished Didcot Town 5 Taunton Town 1 as well as Didcot Town 1 Bideford 1 on November 19... Looking at their away form, they recently won 4-3 at a Yate side that is above us in the form table and their previous trip was to Thatcham where they, like us, drew 1-1. So it sounds as if they have started to turn things around.  

When Didcot have scored (which has been in four matches of the last seven) James Faulkner has hit the net in three of them. Their man in form is Anaclet Odhiambo with four goals in the last three games. One other person of note is club captain Jamie Heapy who has made over 700 appearances for Didcot and surprised many by leaving the club to join Southern League Premier side Oxford City in October. As club captain, Heapy led the Railwaymen to unprecedented success and silverware. He lifted the FA Vase in 2005, the Hellenic Premier Division title in 2006, three Hellenic Challenge Cups, two Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy victories and also skippered the side to promotion into the Southern League Premier Division via the play-offs in 2009. However, he gave Didcot a wonderful Christmas present by returning to the Railwaymen a month ago and this has coincided with their revitalisation which started with the draw at Thatcham followed by that blip at home to Gosport, a 2-2 home draw with Wimborne, the 4-3 win at Yate and then Saturday's draw with Cinderford. They may prove to be Tivvy's banana skin.

The points gained by each team from the last six games looks like this:-

This is Gosport Borough's maiden trip to Ladysmead yet not their first to this neck of the woods as it was only on Tuesday that they drove within a few hundred yards of Tivvy Town on their way to and from Bideford. This top of the table clash saw them battle out a 2-2 draw after playing most of the game with ten men, skipper Lee Molyneaux being banished midway through the first half, and extended their impressive rise up the table. They are a tough nut to crack and are potentially our hardest opponents since our trip to Bideford as they have lost just once in the league in 18 outings, with 10 wins, seven draws with that lone 3-0 reversal at Poole Town on the New Year's Bank Holiday as their only blip. There were mitigating circumstances to this defeat as they had goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore dismissed after falling behind to a goal from Will Spetch. The second came from the spot, which even Poole's manager Tom Killick said should never have been awarded. Poole's third also came, more deservedly, from the spot.

Gosport's danger man is Justin Bennett, who some reckon is the best forward in this Division. He opened the scoring on Tuesday night at Bideford, his first goal in 2012 which was in contrast to his form at the end of 2011 when, from November 14 to the end of December, he scored 12 times in eight league games. The much travelled and multi-talented Steve Claridge, often seen as a pundit on the Football League Show, rarely makes it to away games, although he played at Bideford despite there being some pre-match spin saying he would not travel. He has certainly chipped in with some vital contributions, the most as recent as last Saturday when he came off the bench at home to Thatcham to score the only goal of the game.

Details of Gosport's squad can be seen at http://www.gosportboroughfc.com/first/squad.htm

Tivvy have only played Gosport Borough once and this was on the opening day of the season. Refresh your memories of this game from Alan Reidy's report at http://tivertontownfc.com/fans/reports/archive-2011/gosport-away.php

The Tivvy line-up will look somewhat different with Chris Wright having re-established his place as Tivvy's number one, Ian Sampson having departed to Bideford, Chris Onoufriou now running around in a Bashley shirt and our goalscorer that afternoon, Harry Nodwell, nursing his ankle following his injury against Barnstaple.

Gosport have also had a different man between their sticks following Nathan Ashmore's arrival last October on loan from Havant & Waterlooville, although this loan period has now reached its limit so Alex Hards played in goal at Bideford as Borough try and negotiate an extension. Their custodian in August, Ryan Pryce, along with James Taylor, have been loaned to Fleet Town. Dave Birmingham does not feature in their squad these days but, apart from these changes, Gosport have a reasonably settled side which normally bodes well and no doubt reflects their rise up to third spot. Indeed it can be argued that they have enhanced their squad with the arrival of Ellis Martin from Portsmouth in September followed shortly after by Claridge. If their performance at Bideford is anything to go by they will be a handful right through to the final minute. Despite the records showing that they equalised from the spot after 85 minutes (with Bideford reduced to ten men when Aaron Harper-Penman saw red in conceding the penalty) it was actually just seconds before the final whistle that they levelled the scores.

Gosport's starting line-up on Tuesday was 1  Alex Hards, 2 Gavin Jones, 3  Ellis Martin, 4  Brett Poate, 5 Lee Molyneaux (captain), 6  Nathan Kirby, 7  Dan Woodward, 8  Dean Arnold, 9 Steve Claridge, 10 Justin Bennett, 11 Dan Wooden
They have some walking wounded after that game with Nathan Kirby suffering a nasty head injury, although he bravely played on. Dan Woodward's injury is more worrying after he limped off after a heavy challenge.

Whilst this will undoubtedly be a stern test for Tivvy, they will be boosted by the return of Alex Faux whose suspension against Thatcham very nearly contributed to a defeat as Liam Ellis bravely tackled the unfamiliar role but was caught wanting on occasions. If it had not been for Thatcham's profligacy in front of goal, coupled with some excellent stops by Chris Wright, Tivvy may have returned from Waterside Park with their tails between their legs rather than with the bonus of one point gleaned from Michael Nardiello's last gasp equaliser. It can also be argued that they were unfortunate to go behind early in the second half when Paul Kendall's attempt to block Mark Hughes' shot only succeeded in diverting the ball past the hapless Wright.

Despite the fact that Tivvy looked out of their depth during parts of this game it speaks volumes that they now have this never-say-die attitude which has contributed to their exciting run of eight unbeaten games in the League and the St Lukes Cup. Such consistency has not been seen since 2004/2005 when they had a storming finish to the season remaining unbeaten in the nine games that ended that campaign starting on March 12 and ending on April 30 during which time six games were won and three were draws. 

Tivvy may be sitting exactly mid-table but are just eight points from the play-offs and a whopping 29 points from relegation. They are also beginning to pull away from the teams below. The only worry is that their goal difference is the second worst in the top 11 being in single figures (+6) and highlighting the fact that not enough goals are being scored, whereas all the others bar one of THE in form sides, Bishops Cleeve, are in double figures. I don't know what they are putting into the Villagers' tea these days but, if they carry on the way they have stormed into 2012 on the back of four straight defeats, their -3 goal difference will soon turn positive. 

Here is the latest "Last Six Games Form Guide":-

League form guide (last six matches)

A glance at the league table may well give the indication that this is one of Tivvy's more daunting trips but Thatcham's league form of late has been dire (two draws and four defeats) with just their 2-1 home Red Insure Cup victory over Premier side Frome Town last Wednesday to crow about - and we all know that not many teams field their full first teams in this competition... However, in Frome's case they played the best available starting line-up, although the defence was deprived of two key figures due to suspension. Also, Thatcham had the inside knowledge that they could beat Frome having knocked them out of the FA Trophy at the Alder Smith Stadium (doesn't have the same ring about it after the renaming of Badgers Hill) back in October. Even more impressive from Thatcham's point of view was they came from a goal behind and played all bar the opening 32 minutes with ten men, midfielder Scott Rees being dismissed after being singled out for leaving Kyle Tooze with a bloodied nose although the concensus of opinion was that it was Mark Hughes who committed the offence which would have meant his second sending off in consecutive games. In any event, these suspensions do not kick in until after our game. Also, only a paltry 61 saw this victory, around half of their normal league attendance.
So, whilst Tivvy's recent form is excellent compared to the Kingfishers, look to the result against Frome as a pointer to their capabilities.
On Saturday, BBC soccer pundit Steve Claridge was the difference as, although Thatcham played well (some reckoned one of their best performances but they had no luck in front of goal) they lost at Gosport Borough by a single Claridge goal to slip out of the play-off zone but they are still seven points ahead of Tivvy with both teams having played 24. The more salient point is that Thatcham have only slipped up once at home in the league this season, winning 6 and drawing 5. That sole defeat came on Boxing Day at the hands of North Leigh. Twice recently they have come from behind at home to salvage a point, leaving it as late as the 89th minute against Sholing a month ago.
Their worst league defeat this term was at Halesowen when two injury time goals flattered the 3-0 scoreline. Indeed, if you expand their league form to the 15 games that followed this reversal, it reads much more impressively as seven straight wins then a mixture of four draws and four defeats. They have scored 33 (to Tivvy's 32) and conceded just 17 (nine less than us), so don't expect a high scoring game.
The Kingfishers are a team that present virgin league territory for the Yellows, although the sides have met before in the FA Vase, once at Ladysmead and once at Waterside Park. http://tivvyarchive.co.uk/node/3?team=164
For more info about Thatcham Town, see www.pitchero.com/clubs/thatchamtown
Details of their squad can be found at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/thatchamtown/a/first-team-pen-pics-22127.html
They also have an active forum at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/thatchamtown/forum/first-team-southern-league-245/
Thatcham's colours are Blue & White Striped Shirts, Blue Shorts and Blue Socks. Their ground is at Waterside Park, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 4PA (Tel: 01635 862016).

How to get there

Weather

Tiverton travel to Hednesford on the back of a victory in the Devon Cup against Ivybridge but will be missing a number of first-team players. Adam Faux and Tom Gardner (both knee) are set to miss out although they will both be subjected to late fitness tests. Liam Ellis could be joined by Jak Martin in central defence, Assistant Manager Hedley Steele saying he is hopeful Martin can be retained for the game despite Weston-super-Mare requesting he return from his loan deal. Under 18s captain James Skinner would have offered an obvious option at centre-back but is unfortunately suffering from a hamstring injury and will have to wait to make his first team debut. There are also doubts surrounding the fitness of wingers Ian Sampson and Alex Faux so the Yellows could well line up in an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation. With Joe Bushin set to serve the first of a three match suspension new recruit Jules Emati-Emati has been added to the squad and is likely to partner Adam Mortimer and Michael Nardiello in a three-pronged attack.

Hednesford have been in fine form lately with just a defeat against Cambridge City to blot an otherwise perfect copybook in their last nine league outings. The Pitmen, who currently sit one place and three points outside the playoffs, can leapfrog Leamington with a win on Saturday, and enter the game with a good record against Tivvy having not lost any of the seven previous meetings. In fact the last time the Yellows won against Hednesford Ben Foster was playing in goal, back in February 2003. Current top scorer for Hednesford Danny Quinn made his league debut as a late substitute earlier this season at Ladysmead and scored the winning goal in the last minute, securing a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

For a full history of meeting between Tivvy and Hednesford please  Click here

After a week off Tiverton travel to Oxford City with the opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone while also brining Oxford closer into play. This hugely important and potentially pivotal fixture could see Tivvy back at full strength with Alex Faux the only injury concern. Faux has been out of action since picking up a knee injury at the start of February against Banbury United, and a late decision will be made as to whether he is fit enough to take part against Oxford.

Oxford are the second lowest scorers in the league (only Halesowen have scored fewer) but they did recently win 5-0 at home to Weymouth and three of their five victories this season have come since the turn of the year. In November Tiverton and Oxford played out a goalless draw at Ladysmead in what proved to be Chris Vinnicombe’s final match in charge of the Yellows.

Historically there is very little to choose between the sides with City leading the head-to-head battle 3-2 after seven meetings. In order to tie this series Tiverton will need to win for the first time at Court Farm Place having lost on each of their three previous visits.

After a week off Tiverton travel to Oxford City with the opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone while also brining Oxford closer into play. This hugely important and potentially pivotal fixture could see Tivvy back at full strength with Alex Faux the only injury concern. Faux has been out of action since picking up a knee injury at the start of February against Banbury United, and a late decision will be made as to whether he is fit enough to take part against Oxford.

Oxford are the second lowest scorers in the league (only Halesowen have scored fewer) but they did recently win 5-0 at home to Weymouth and three of their five victories this season have come since the turn of the year. In November Tiverton and Oxford played out a goalless draw at Ladysmead in what proved to be Chris Vinnicombe’s final match in charge of the Yellows.

Historically there is very little to choose between the sides with City leading the head-to-head battle 3-2 after seven meetings. In order to tie this series Tiverton will need to win for the first time at Court Farm Place having lost on each of their three previous visits.

Tiverton play host to Ivybridge Town on Tuesday evening with a place in the semi-final of the Devon St. Luke’s Cup up for grabs. The game is a repeat of the tie two years ago at the same stage of the competition which saw Tivvy run out comfortable 5-0 winners, the only other occasion the sides have met.

The Yellows squad will be somewhat different to recent league outings as Ryan Leonard, Joe Bushin and Ryan Turner are all cup-tied. Alex Faux is still recovering from a knee injury and will miss out, so Mark Saunders will call up a handful of players from the Under 18s. James Skinner, Alex Sanderson and Nathan Walter are all expected to be in the matchday squad, but Owen Howe’s availability is in question as he is currently on trial at Exeter City. The game could also see Chris Wright return in goal.

The latest spate of inclement weather may well bring the game into doubt and there should be news of a pitch inspection on Tuesday morning, so please check the website for news before setting out.

Tiverton will make a rare Sunday outing when they take on Evesham United at St. George’s Lane. Evesham currently groundshare with Worcester City, and with the Conference North outfit also at home this weekend the Evesham – Tivvy tussle had to be moved back a day.

The Yellows will go into the game on the back of a four-match undefeated streak having drawn 2-2 at home to Bashley on Tuesday. Evesham have also been in good form recently and registered their largest ever Southern League victory last weekend when they hammered troubled Halesowen Town 8-0 away from home. The Robins also earned a fine draw against promotion-chasing Salisbury City in midweek, and have lost just once in their last ten league games.

For Tivvy Alex Faux is unlikely to recover sufficiently to be involved having picked up a knock in the win against Banbury last week, while Michael Nardiello was in the wars on Tuesday and could be doubtful to start the game. However, Jak Martin returns to the squad after work commitments kept him out of action against Bashley.

Earlier this season Tiverton beat Evesham 1-0 at Ladysmead thanks to a late own goal by United captain Steve Luckett, meaning that Tivvy have the opportunity to complete a first league double of the season. The last time the sides met at St. George’s Lane Evesham eased into a 2-0 lead but goals in the last five minutes from Mark Saunders and Mike Booth salvaged a point for the Yellows. In fact Tiverton have never lost an away game against Evesham!

Tiverton go into Tuesday’s game against Bashley in high spirits having won three games on the bounce, and with no injuries or suspensions to worry about manager Mark Saunders will have a full squad to choose from.

Saturday’s narrow win against Banbury and Windsor & Eton’s impending removal  saw Tivvy move out of the relegation zone for the first time since October and the Yellows will now be aiming to win a fourth consecutive league game for the first time since December 2006 when Hitchin, Corby, Northwood and Clevedon were beaten.

Bashley are currently residing safely in mid-table and Saturday’s 2-0 win at Didcot was the New Forest club’s first maximum since the middle of last month. They brought to an end a run of four defeats thanks to a brace from midfielder and captain Chris Knowles.

Tivvy host Banbury United at Ladysmead on Saturday and will be looking to secure a third consecutive league victory, a feat the Yellows haven’t achieved since January 2010 when, ironically, Banbury supplied the opposition.

The matchday squad should remain unchanged from last weekend’s trip to Windsor & Eton but club captain Adam Faux could be in line for a starting place after his return from injury as a substitute at Stag Meadow. There are no new injury concerns but manager Mark Saunders is likely to remain on the bench and underline his faith in the midfielders who have put in two fine performances in the last couple of games.

Banbury arrive on the back of a home defeat at the hands of Cirencester Town but have been bolstered by the signing of Rushden & Diamonds defender Aynsley McDonald on loan. The Puritans, who are seven points clear of the relegation zone, have failed to beat Tiverton in any of the previous five meetings, and earlier in the season the sides drew 2-2 at Spencer Stadium in a match that saw Tivvy goalkeeper Chris Wright break his wrist.

Tivvy make a trip into the unknown on Saturday when they visit Windsor & Eton for the first time. The clubs have met twice previously, most recently on the opening day of the current season at Ladysmead, and back in 2005 in the FA Cup.

The Yellows will rely on the same squad that won in midweek against Hemel Hempstead, although Ryan Leonard will be added to the travelling party having joined on loan from Plymouth Argyle. Ryan is the son of former Tivvy winger Dave Leonard and has been involved with the first team at Home Park and recently spent a short spell on loan at Weston-super-Mare.

Since our opening day draw against Windsor & Eton our hosts have had a tumultuous season. Although they currently lie 8th in the standings financial problems have dogged them and they are looking at entering into a CVA which would result in an automatic 10-point deduction. Their most recent outing was on Tuesday evening when they won 2-1 at home to Bashley. In Michael Chennells they boast the second highest scorer in the Prmeier Division.

Tuesday evening sees Hemel Hempstead Town make the long journey to Devon to take on Tiverton, a game in which both sides will be desperate for all three points.

Following last weekend’s postponement against Chippenham the Tiverton squad will be fresh, but Torquay pair Ed Palmer and Ashley Yeoman have now returned to Plainmoor, leaving the Yellows with a squad of sixteen to choose from. Tivvy know that a victory will move them off the bottom of the table.

Tivvy and Hemel last met in March 2010 when they played out a goalless draw, while the previous meeting at Vauxhall Road saw Adam Mortimer make his debut in a 2-0 Tiverton victory.

Tiverton welcome Chippenham Town to Ladysmead for the next home match, with the Bluebirds currently sitting fourth in the league table. The match will be noted for the first time former Tivvy captain Nathan Rudge has returned to Ladysmead since re-signing for Chippenham.

Tivvy almost have a full squad to choose from although Adam Faux remains doubtful after picking up a knee injury in the game against Royal Marines, while Mark Saunders will probably remain in the dugout. Meanwhile, Tobi Ibukun has signed forms with Elmore in order to gain match fitness so the striker options will be contested between Michael Nardiello, Joe Bushin, Adam Mortimer and Ashley Yeoman. Meanwhile, Jamie Hatch’s departure has been confirmed and all at Tiverton wish him well for the future.

Last season’s corresponding fixture ended goalless, a drab match on the whole, but this time around promises to be a far more enthralling encounter with both teams desperate for points to help their respective causes.

For a history of previous meetings with Chippenham Town Click here