Tiverton Town 4-2 Poole | Southern League Premier South | Saturday 27th January 2024

THERE was a feelgood factor at the ground before the game got underway and a noticeably larger crowd, with 300-plus home fans and a healthy contingent from Poole, was there to witness the most complete Yellows’ performance at home this season. In the first half, in particular, it was perhaps as good as Tivvy have been in the last few campaigns.
Debuts were given to striker Joe Parker and winger Alefe Santos, and there was a home bow for Exeter City loanee Aamir Daniels - Parker is on a month’s loan from Gloucester City and Santos has arrived from the same club. Niall Thompson and Dylan Jones - the latter back from illness - were perhaps unfortunate to take their places on the bench; River Allen, carrying a knock, joined them there and Matt Britton returned to the heart of the Yellows’ midfield.
Tiverton started with a real spring in their step and quickly assumed the greater control of possession on a tricky surface. In the third minute, Jack Rice cut into the box, and across three Poole defenders, before burying an effort that flew past goalkeeper Lloyd Thomas into the corner of his goal.
Not content with that early opener, a clinical finish from Joe Parker, when put through, made it two within ten minutes, the striker immediately showing his goalscoring instincts.
Joe Parker celebrates his first Tivvy goal
Matt Britton, who arguably has not had a better game in a Tivvy shirt, was winning the midfield, along with the cultured and hardworking Carlo Garside; youngster Daniels was looking very accomplished in his right wing-back berth; and Santos, with plenty of flair, subtle turns and changes of direction, was putting on a bit of a show, often mesmerising. The Yellows’ movement and interplay saw them fairly dominant over their higher opponents.
When Tiverton were tested, the alertness and handling of goalkeeper Zak Baker was to the fore, along with timely important interventions and covering round from Jack Veale. Assured defending from Jamie Richards and Josh Jones meant that Tivvy were able to lay solid foundations for their attacking players.
Rice and Parker were stretching the Poole defence with clever movement, Parker with some clever touches and flicks leading the line well, and Rice skilfully weaving his way past his markers, were becoming thorns in Poole’s side.
With 20 minutes played Daniels, who was a constant threat down Poole's left, this time popped up centrally and found himself in the clear. However, his shot went over and it remained 2-0.
Relentless pressure from Yellows paid off, though, on the next occasion a home player found himself in a similar position. Javan Wright, whose pace and balance were also helping make inroads into the visitors’ final third, this time found the finish to make it three. Thomas got a hand to his shot, but it was deflected off his glove and looped into the back of his net.
Javan Wright claimed the Yellows' third
The sweeping football coming from the team was a joy to watch and this was a polished display. In the 40th minute, the progressive running of Daniels once again found him in a good area, just outside the Dolphins’ box. This time his scorching drive made the ’keeper work and he palmed it away for a Yellows’ corner.
A first half that saw Tivvy race into a three-goal lead came to an end. The fans were waxing lyrical about Parker and the new Brazilian, who had provided some excellent entertainment with his impressive manipulation of the ball, although singling individuals out for praise seems a little unfair, as this was an outstanding team performance.
Tivvy carried on where they left off in the second half although Poole raised their game with the the skilful and cunning Wes Fogden instigating some good interplay outside the Tiverton area. However, with the powerful and focused Josh Jones nullifying the threat of prolific centre-forward Tony Lee, and Jamie Richards organising well and leading by example, the Yellows’ looked solid.
Let us not forget the coaching team, too. Leigh Robinson and Ben Gerring were tactically on point.
It must have been difficult for them with their team selection, but they made some tough decisions and got some brilliant responses from the players.