No Defence? No Problem
- Darren Holmes
- Dec 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Saturday, November 30 . Ian Moorcroft Stadium . 3pm
Tiverton 1 (Parker 74)
Walton & Hersham 0
Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South
THE Yellows’ started this game with only one recognised defender and with every natural centre-back option unavailable.
The list of absentees was: Zak Baker (goalkeeper, injured), Niall Thompson (right-back, suspended), Josh Jones (centre-back, injured), Mike Baker (centre-back, injured), Asa Hall (central midfield/centre-back, injured), and Jeff Forkuo (centre-back, injured).
I think it is fair to say that the makeshift side that Rob Dray and his coaching team pieced together did themselves proud and, I believe, surpassed the away victory at Basingstoke last time out.
Bringing into the equation that Walton & Hersham were the second-highest scorers in the division at the start of play and riding high in fourth place, this was a monumental effort as tactically astute leadership from the dug-out and a true captain’s display from Matt Britton in the heart of our defence conjured up an improbable win.
The game itself, played on a very heavy surface, bore few chances for either side. However, the stickability, purpose and focus of the team was evident from the outset.
Dawid Rogalski dragged a shot wide for the visitors early on and then a speculative effort from the Yellows’ lively Joe Parker also flashed wide and hit the boards before Bailey Kempster’s header, after Tivvy had won a corner in the 25th minute, went narrowly over.
Joe Duncan once again impressed in Tiverton’s goal and his save low down to the corner, in the 28th minute from a Walton & Hersham free-kick emphasised his assured handling and calmness under pressure.
It was a fairly uneventful first half as far as incidents were concerned although Tivvy’s Dylan Jones burst forward from an unaccustomed central defensive role on a couple of occasions to good effect.
Britton was colossal in a back three consisting of himself, Jones and Oli Jenkins – each of those players playing out of position – complimented by Kempster and Javan Wright, who sprung forward as wing-backs when we attacked and became part of a five-man defensive unit when we defended.
The Yellows becalmed a very talented Swans’ line-up whose much-acclaimed passing game was often halted by interceptions or a good reading of the game from Tivvy. Firm, decisive, tackles and the conditions were also factors.
A dogged first half from Tiverton saw little to choose between the two sides. Josh Tobin stood out in the visitors’ midfield and the Yellows did well to limit the threat of the ever dangerous sharp movement of striker Jordan Esprit.
On their return, the home players momentarily lost their focus and a sloppy opening five minutes saw Walton & Hersham’s flowing attractive passing game put Tiverton on the backfoot. Minutes later, though, from a free-kick out wide, when the Swans failed to clear their lines, the predatory Parker screwed an attempt wide of the target.
Just before the hour mark, Tor Swann replaced attacking midfielder Marcus Day, who had made his first start for Tivvy after beginning the campaign with Frome. It was a promising performance from the ex-Taunton man.
With conditions underfoot becoming increasingly soft, both sides had to really dig in and chances were at a premium. A long, lingering surge from Jones was snaffled out as he was about to move into the Swans’ area, and Britton was a dominant force when the visitors found their way into dangerous areas.
In the 73rd minute, a free-kick awarded to the Yellows just outside of the box, following goalkeeper Jos Barker handling outside his area, drew much interest from Kai Churchley and Parker. There was a slight delay, but, following consultation with the linesman, a yellow card was deemed sufficient.
The latter took and, although his initial effort hit a solid wall, the ball came back to him and he needed no invitation to bury his shot past Barker, much to the delight of the home support.
Rob Dray’s side were resilient as Walton & Hersham looked to maintain their strong play-off push and we refused to buckle when our opponents tried in vain to take something from this game.
Duncan showed a big-match temperament in goal, with some excellent handling when heavily challenged, especially in the last 15 minutes.
The spirit shone through the team with strong performances from everyone that played for Tiverton, Jenkins, Josh Bernard and Churchley all showing a maturity and confidence beyond their years.
Bailey Kempster consistently shines at this level from his full-back berth and the work-rate and strong running of Wright and adaptability has become a real asset.
Whilst we are on the subject of versatility, I do not think I would be wrong in saying that Dylan Jones has now played in nine of the ten outfield positions for Tiverton and definitely did not disappoint with another excellent performance in an unfamiliar role.
Day gave us good balance on the right and showed enough on debut to encourage the fans; Tor Swann slotted straight in and played well on replacing him.The presence of the vastly experienced Nat Jarvis seems to have revitalised Joe Parker and has given him the room to play his natural game.
Personally, I thought that Matt Britton was inspirational and immense, winning virtually every tackle and header that came his way and making some vital interceptions.
There will be many challenges ahead for the Yellows in the coming weeks and it is important for complacency not to settle in, but Tivvy followers will be hoping that the pendulum has swung and we can start progressing up the table and away from danger.
Rob Dray deserves much credit for the way he set up his side and they should travel to Marlow next weekend buoyed by our best result of the season. So far.
Yellows: Duncan, Wright, Britton (c), Jones, Jenkins, Kempster, Bernard, Day, Churchley, Jarvis, Parker. Substitutes: Swann, Gleeson, Harmer.
Attendance: 292.
