Match Preview | Bracknell Town

Tiverton Town v Bracknell Town

Southern League Premier Division South

Saturday 6th September 3pm Kick off

Slee Blackwell Solicitors Stadium

Having had time to reflect on the FA Cup exit at the hands of our local rivals Taunton, Asa Hall and Steve Orchard's team shouldn't feel too dispirited, as they performed admirably and were unfortunate not to take the game to a replay. However, this is a results business and they will be all too aware on their return to league action that points are up for grabs and a win here would see them go above Saturday’s visitors Bracknell Town and move the Yellows up the table. 

The score lines haven’t necessarily matched performances, but getting over the line, taking chances and reducing mistakes are equally as imperative at this level if not more, than simply playing well. Tiverton will have to do without centre back Matt Wood, who's late sending off after two yellow cards means the impressive defender will sit this one out. Dean Moxey (muscle pull) remains a fitness doubt while Brooklyn Wilkins return from injury against the Peacocks though has given Tivvy a boost. 

The Robins will be back on the park to face Dartford in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday evening following Saturday’s draw, at the time of writing this preview. The outcome of that match will soon be known and the exerts of Bracknell’s players could have a bearing on the weekend’s game. 

Jordan Ive’s men have had a reasonable start in the 2025/26 season and find themselves nestled in fifteenth place with five points. A win against Basingstoke and draws with Weymouth and Uxbridge, along with reverses at Berkhamsted and in front of their own fans versus Poole. 

Captain Seb Bowerman is a widely respected player. The winger having returned to Bracknell, following a successful spell at National League South, Dorking Wanderers.  

Manager Ive has plenty of firepower at his disposal. Francis Amartey has an abundance of experience in National League South with primarily Slough, while the striker also has Weymouth, Aldershot and Braintree on his CV at the same level and is an explosive talent. 

The 26-year old’s exploits at Hayes & Yeading in this division will be remembered by some Yellows supporters. 24 goals in the 2021/22 campaign, backed up by another 13 goals from 15 games in two previous spells at the London club.  Overall, he has a Southern League Premier South tally of 42 goals from 70 games and is a notable acquisition. 

Although named as a substitute at the weekend, a player that has always impressed on his visits to Tiverton is Jordan Esprit. His positional play, excellent movement and goals make this proven marksman a real handful. Returning from Walton & Hersham, 38 goals from 77 matches in this division for Bracknell, highlighting this. 

Ex Millwall striker Alfie Pavey is another player with pedigree in the Bracknell side and the 29-year-old frontman on leaving the Lions, has carved out a very impressive non-league career. The clubs he has played for include; Barnet, Dover, Bromley and Aldershot. He made 34 appearances in the National League South for Eastbourne Borough, last term. 

Wideman Joe Grant is also back with the Robins having been a regular with Chesham in the previous campaign. The fan favourite is also joined by popular stalwart; midfielder Max Herbert whose loyalty and quality sees him a short way into a sixth season with the visitors. 

Former Slough player left sided midfielder Gabe George has also established himself as a key player and the Robins have a lot to offer in the engine room. The classy, creative Charlie Kennedy is a notable performer in Southern League Premier South, mainly known for his displays with Salisbury, he was part of promoted Totton’s squad last season. 

Experienced defender Sam Magri who is very comfortable on the ball was also with the promoted side last term and has a wealth of experience and vast pedigree. Capped seven times by Malta, he is a full international.  

He signed professional terms in the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers but made his only appearance as a full time professional with Portsmouth. Bracknell’s Number one is Michael Eacott, an agile keeper whose abilities between the sticks, have made him a mainstay in the last three seasons. 

The Yellows have enough weapons of their own to make this a very interesting matchup. Dan Koita, Aiden Horne and Tor Swann all got off the mark, last Saturday and midfield schemer Toby Stephens has been in magnificent form. Captain Toby Down and his teammates have made a good impression on the fans. 

Asa Hall and Steve Orchard will know that if we can tighten up a little and be clinical at the same time, then results will come, and they will be very hopeful of this happening at the weekend.

So, let’s show our support for the lads and get behind the Yellows.