Match Report: Tiverton Town 1 Clevedon Town 0

Tiverton Town 1 Clevedon Town 0

Clevedon Town will be disappointed to have departed from Ladysmead pointless this afternoon after a close game saw hosts Tiverton Town run out narrow winners, and in doing so continue their 100% record against Clevedon in Southern League matches.

On a mild afternoon and a soft surface Town manager Phil Bater brought last week’s two goal hero Mitchell Page back into the starting line-up along with Kyle Bassett, replacing the suspended midfield duo of Geraint Bater and Christian Sylvester.

The game began with little to note as both sides midfield's struggled to get a hold on a scrappy opening period. The Seasiders’ could’ve taken an early lead when Kyle Bassett nearly latched onto a headed flick from fellow Welshman Matt Prosser, however former Town keeper Ray Johnstone in the Tivvy goal was alert to the danger. Johnstone appeared to have been beaten moments later when Prosser headed Kris Leek’s corner goalwards, however Tiverton's Chris Vinnicome headed the ball clear from the back post.

As the half continued the home side began to force the game, and could’ve taken the lead when Paul Wyatt produced a fine break down the right side and crossed for Dan Bulley, however Scott Hendy was alert to the danger and produced a fine tackle to clear. However despite an increase in the amount of Tivvy possession, tight Clevedon defending reduced the Devonians to long range shooting with Paul Hinshedwood failing to test Danny Greaves from distance. Instead it was Clevedon who ended the fast half stronger, and should’ve entered the interval in front. A fine break found Danny Haines in an uncustomary right flank role, and his break forward and cutback found Kris Leek, however the Welshman was forced onto his left foot and his shot proved no trouble for Johnstone in goal.

Despite having ended the first half as the stronger it was the home side who took the lead shortly after the interval. Former Clevedon defender Nathan Rudge headed a Tivvy corner against the post, and despite having several opportunities to clear the ball Clevedon were unable to avert the danger, with first Paul Knighton shooting, before Simon Bochenski volley the ball past Greaves in the Town goal.

This goal appeared to knock the wind out of Clevedon’s sails and it wasn’t until many minutes later that Town again came forward, on this occasion Prosser attempted to divert a Mitchell Page cross goal-wards, while moments later Rob Scott’s shot from distance caught a deflection to sail wide.

As Clevedon pushed forward gaps began to appear in their defence, and Vinnicome almost put the home side two in front from Tom Knighton's pass. Nevertheless Clevedon continued to push to the end, and were nearly able to claim their second last gasp goal against Tiverton in as many weeks when Scott Hendy headed down the ball for Matt Prosser whose weak header was cleared off the line amid Town protests that the ball had crossed the line. However this would been desperately hard luck on Tiverton, and with Clevedon’s last chance falling to Rob Scott who blazed over when well placed they were able to claim all three points.

For their part Clevedon will be desperately disappointed to have put in a poor show against the Devon outfit, and will hope for a much improved performance against the same opposition on Boxing Day, Weds 26th December, 15:00 Kick Off.

Gallery

Thumbnail panels:

Team Sheet

No:	Name:	Sub:
1	Greaves
2	Green
3	Haines
4	Scott (Capt)
5	Hendy
6	Trought
7	Bassett
8	Leek
9	Prosser
10	Cook
11	Page
12	Symons	12
14	Brigham	8
15	-
16	-
17	-
Own Goal	-

Match Details

Date:	22/12/07
Competition:	British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division
Opponents:	Tiverton Town
Venue:	Ladysmead Bolham Road Tiverton Devon EX16 6SG
Half Time:	0 - 0
Full Time:	0 - 1
Attendance:	273
Match Report:	Will Wright
Photographs:	Tony Merrett
Away Kit Sponsor:	On-Site Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Notes:

Downloads

Appearances & Goal Scorers	Word Document
Team Sheet Matrix	Excel Document