Sholing FC v Tiverton Town FC

Saturday 18th November 2023

Dos : "That was as one-sided a game as I've seen in a long time. Man for man,
@tivertontownfc were better than us. If you don't win your battles, work & run as hard as the opposition, there's only going to be one outcome."

"It was a hard lesson for us, but we don't get too high after wins and we won't get too low after defeats. This is still a big learning curve for a club that has never played at this level before and we can't be too harsh on ourselves."

"We are up against established clubs with playing squads, budgets and facilities that match this level of football. So, when we are without key players like Marv Mclean, Brad Targett, & Jake Hesketh, it will be a challenge and it's why we've added some new players this week. But it's worth saying that we have 4 or 5 youngsters getting paid almost nothing, but whether you are paid £1 or £500, you still have to compete."

"Our next two games are against clubs that are targeting promotion to the National League and realistically, we are targeting staying in this division. We have to enjoy this new adventure and we are catching up fast to the minimums expected on and off the pitch at Step 3. Thanks to the volunteers for working hard to get the game on and for the supporters for coming out and please keep behind us as the games come thick & fast before Christmas"

A huge amount of work by club volunteers managed to fight the elements and ensure the game went ahead on yet another wet day on the South Coast. Before the game, Byron Mason received a memento for his 700 appearances and likewise, Brad Targett for 200.

It was a slow and sloppy start by Sholing as Tiverton closed down fast and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 15 minutes when a run along the by-line saw a cut back side footed in at the near post by Jack Rice.
The goal didn't really shake the Boatmen into action and Gosney had to make a good save with his feet. His opposite number only had a deflected shot to deal with as Sholing struggled to make headway in the final third. HT 0-1
Jake Adams and former Reading & Bolton player, Lynford Sackey came on for the second half and we looked a bit brighter, but two goals in quick succession by Tiverton, killed the game off.
Dylan Jones was able to run from the right touchline, past a couple of challenges into the box and smash a shot past Gosney on 57 minutes for an impressive goal. What followed two minutes later was even more impressive as River Allen drilled a 50 yard effort over the stranded Gosney and into the net.
Game was summed up by a Sholing perspective on 67 mins when Niall Thompson was all alone at the far post for the easiest goal he'll ever score as he nodded in.
Bailey Kempster was shown a second yellow for Tiverton with 15 mins to go. His first yellow just after the restart was for delaying a throw-in, which like Marv's booking at Swindon, was harsh when it seems this rule is now ignored by refs in the professional game.
The nearest we came to scoring was in added time when Lynford Sackey's angled effort skimmed the far post.
FT 0-4

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