IT was perhaps appropriate that Tiverton Town's 2023-24 campaign concluded with a victory that came from the boot of the Yellows' fans' Player of the Season - with the not inconsiderable help of the thigh of an unwitting Sholing FC defender.
Jack Rice's speculative, hugely deflected, drive midway through the first half of the final game of the Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South gave Tivvy a 1-0 win over the Boatmen and rubberstamped their successful hard fought late-season fight for survival.
It is not only the home supporters who have delighted in all-action midfielder Jack this season. So. too, has manager Leigh Robinson, who took over at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium, with assistant Ben Gerring, in late autumn.
Leigh said: "We walked in the door on November 1 and I don't think he'd been playing - he'd been injured or had been playing injured.
"I was led to believe it might have been a bit of a problem behind the scenes but, ever since we got here, he's been absolutely superb: not missed training; barely missed a game; pops up with some crucial goals at crucial times; and just a great lad to have around, as well.
"Hopefully, we can retain him next year and he can be a crucial part of our plans moving forward next year. Everything is crossed we can make it happen."
