TIVVY ARCHIVE

Tiverton Town 3 - 1 Paulton Rovers

The Yellows completed their league campaign with a routine victory over Paulton Rovers, goals in the first half from Levi Landricombe and Jamie Short did the damage early on, Reeko Best scored for the visitors to give them hope of a comeback but Jamie Price, returning to the side after his two-match suspension sealed the victory, and other favourable results has set a home time with near neighbours and rivals Taunton Town for a place in the play-off final against either Salisbury or Evesham United.

All manner of permutations were being pondered prior to kick-off with regards to potential location and opponents (at least on the terraces anyway) for Wednesday's semi-final, and there was as much checking of how other matches were unfolding as there was watching of what was going on at Ladysmead. Two goals to the good before quarter of an hour had been played seemingly had Tivvy home and hosed. Jamie Price intervened as defenders dallied clearing their lines and although his effort was saved, the ball fell nicely for Levi to sweep home league goal 35, and eventual Man of the Match Short drilled a second in at the near post four minutes later after his trickery had fooled defenders from a Price throw in.        

Paulton's threat was pace on the break. Solomon Wheatley and the much-travelled Reeko Best causing concern to the Yellows backline for periods of the first half, which were also leaving gaps for Tivvy to attack down the flanks, and two up at half time could and should have been more, and as both Salisbury and Taunton were 0-0 at half time, home advantage for Tivvy restored. Best did give the visitors some hope of a comeback early in the second half; Joe Perry making a mess of his attempted clearance which left Best the simplest of finishes, tapping into the unguarded net despite the efforts of Steve Kingdon, and for all Tivvy's first half superiority, game on.

News filtered through shortly after that Salisbury had taken the lead at Bideford; no matter though as Taunton were still level at North Leigh so at least third place as things stood. Price calmed any nerves and put the game to bed with quarter of an hour remaining, a sweetly struck half volley into the top corner following Levi Landricombe's dinked ball over the top, and with full time in sight great news spread like wild fire: North Leigh had taken the lead over Taunton with only four minutes remaining, which was greeted with a cheer as loud as anything that had been heard all day.

Cue delerious scenes at full time on the terraces, the customary round of applause to fans from players, a personal thanks from Martyn Rogers, and a fitting tribute to the brilliant season he has had, Levi Landricombe confirmed as Supporters' Player of the Season.

Tiverton Town: Joe Perry, Nick Hurst, Jamie Price, Ben Mammola, Steve Kingdon, Tom Gardner (Jordan Storey 80), Jamie Short, Michael Landricombe, Tom Bath (Dean Stamp 77), Levi Landricombe, Scott Rogers (Teigan Rosenquest 83)
Goals:  Levi Landricombe 10, Short 14, Price 74    

Attendance: 275