The unofficial archives of Tiverton Town Football Club
Tiverton Town 3 - 5 Bedford TownSaturday 23/10/2010 Southern League Premier Division | Tivvy Archive |
The psyche of the football fan is curious at the best of times, and while it was understandable that many chose to stay away following three consecutive defeats those that turned up at Ladysmead to witness the visit of Bedford Town left with mixed emotions after seeing a thrilling game but another home defeat. There was little doubt that the game proved good value for money once it finally got going – the match officials getting stuck in traffic caused a 45-minute delay – but Tivvy’s defensive frailties were once again exposed by a team that will probably be in the relegation mix when April arrives. Two early goals gave Tiverton an uphill battle again, the first from Ian Draycott who capitalised on a sloppy backpass from Chris Vinnicombe, the second three minutes later from Josh Sozzo, a thumping low effort after Draycott had nodded down a cross from veteran and blue-blooded Eddie Lawley. The odd thing is that Tivvy had started well – Adam Mortimer shot high after four minutes, Perry Carpenter forced Ian Brown to save after good work down the left by Alex Faux, and Brown also saved from a Mortimer header. Three chances and no goals in an opening ten minutes that offered up a good indication of how open the remaining 80 would be. The game settled after Bedford’s quickfire double and it wasn’t until midway through the first half that Tivvy once again got a sniff. Russell Jee volleyed purposefully but his effort was deflected wide by Gavin Hoyte, the Eagles twice went close only for Craig Daniel to twice wonder what he had to do to add his name onto the list of scorers – a first shot was slid inches wide, a second saved low down by Ryan Draper. Just before the interval Tivvy pulled a goal back as Jee crossed dangerously from the left, Liam Ellis’ shot was blocked on the line by Aaran Cavill (and his hand) but Mortimer pounced upon the rebound to help the ball just over the line. The linesman signalled the goal as the ball was hacked clear and the second half was nicely set up. An hour in and Bedford restored their two-goal cushion as Tivvy conceded yet another penalty, this time courtesy of Alex Faux and his trip on Daniel. Draycott took the responsibility and scored consummately to put the visitors back in charge but their advantage would last just eight minutes as the Yellows rallied, committed players forward and quickly drew level. The first goal back was scored out of nothing by David Steele, a superb shot on the half-turn and the midfielder’s first goal in Tivvy yellow since his return to the club. And four minutes later a first ever Tivvy goal from Perry Carpenter levelled things up, the midfielder repaying Ian Sampson’s hard work and teasing cross. No sooner had Tiverton drawn level, and with the momentum behind them that they shot themselves in the foot. It took Bedford a wholesome 60 seconds to edge ahead again – Tivvy’s attack broke down, Daniel Joyce played a long ball out of defence and Draycott raced clear before cleverly lifting a lob with the outside of his right boot over the advancing Draper. There was no telling when the scoring would cease or at which end the goals would flow, but Tivvy looked the more likely to grab the game’s eighth. In desperate search of another equaliser they pushed on and peppered Brown from every conceivable angle. But the breaks weren’t there and as added time approached it became clear that this wasn’t to be a home day. Mortimer shot just wide a minute after the regulation 90, and moments later Sampson did the same on the volley having met Ellis’ long free kick that was pumped directly into the danger zone. And with Tivvy now understandably short of defensive numbers the Eagles struck again on the counter. Draper pulled off a marvellous save from Draycott but was helpless when Sozzo gobbled up the rebound and fired low into the net from the edge of the area. Phew! Tiverton Town: Ryan Draper, Alex Faux, Chris Vinnicombe (Mark Saunders 82), Liam Ellis, Kevin Hill, Russell Jee, Perry Carpenter, David Steele, Jamie Densham (Tobi Ibukun 81), Adam Mortimer, Ian Sampson Bedford Town: Ian Brown, Daniel Joyce, Eddie Lawley, Derwayne Stupple, Stuart Wall, Gavin Hoyte, Craig Daniel, Aaran Cavill, Josh Sozzo, Ian Draycott, Callum Lewis Attendance: 219 |
|