TIVVY ARCHIVE

Tiverton Town 2 - 1 Banbury United

Martyn Rogers was full of praise for Joe Bushin as the Tiverton Town forward struck twice to guide the Yellows to a crucial win over Banbury United.

The 20-year old scored a goal in each half to help clinch a crucial three points for Tiverton, and help Rogers celebrate his 500th home game in charge with a much needed three points as Tiverton battle amongst the relegation candidates.

“I felt Joe came of age today”, said an ebullient Rogers, citing his striker’s critical contribution. “He had perhaps five touches in the game and scored twice, and that is a great return.”

Bushin’s first touch put Tiverton ahead after just seven minutes of Saturday’s Southern League encounter, and gave the Yellows foothold in a game that was as much about the inclement conditions as it was about technical ability.

Matt Bye, who returned to the starting line-up in place of Mike Humphreys, threaded an inch-perfect through ball that pierced the Banbury defence and Bushin was quick to take the opportunity, finishing clinically from a difficult angle.

Bushin might have doubled the lead five minutes later but Banbury goalkeeper Joe Murrell was quick off his line to smother after the Tivvy striker broke through once again. And Colin Marshall saw a free kick deflected through to the ’keeper as Tivvy sought to press home their early advantage.

But it was Banbury that gained the upper hand as the first half wore on in blustery conditions, and Nabil Shariff tied the scores after 20 minutes when his shot on the turn found the bottom corner.

Jamie Hatch shot over for Tiverton and Shariff also saw an effort sail high as a tight first half drew to a close.

Banbury dominated the early exchanges after the change of ends but the visitors were unable to draw Steve Book into action, and only a hopeful effort from Joe Coleman that sailed wide caused any concern.

Marvin Martin also had a shot that was straight at Book, but it was Tivvy that looked the more likely to take the initiative. Marshall had another free kick that was palmed away by Murrell before Bushin once again used his pace and finishing prowess to give the Yellows the advantage.

Following a long clearance from Book Bushin once again found himself clean on goal and made no mistake when one-on-one with Murrell.

It was a hugely important goal for Tiverton, and with the game still in the balance Tom Gardner made a magnificent last-ditch challenge to thwart United substitute David Stone as Tivvy battled to see out the final few minutes under intense pressure.

Tiverton Town: Steve Book, Adam Faux, Alex Faux, Mike Booth, Nathan Rudge, Tom Gardner, Jamie Hatch, Matt Bye, Adam Mortimer, Joe Bushin (Jake Wannell 90), Colin Marshall (Mike Humphreys 79)
Goals: Bushin 7, 83
Booked: Adam Faux 73
Sent off: None

Banbury United: Joe Murrell, Ollie Stanbridge (Howard Forinton 87), Marvin Martin, Ben Milner, Adam Learoyd, Nathan Haisley, Joe Coleman, Declan Benjamin (Aaron Stringfellow 81), Nabil Shariff, George Redknap (David Stone 73), Glenn Walker
Goals: Shariff 20
Booked: Martin 63, Benjamin 73
Sent off: None

Attendance: 198