Newton Abbot Spurs v Tiverton Town
Bayside Graphics Devon St Luke's Challenge Cup last 16
FOR the Tiverton Town players, it is time to climb back into the saddle as they face South West Peninsula League side Newton Abbot Spurs.
Town have not played since October 21, so the Devon St Luke's Challenge Cup game at Newton Abbot Rec will be valuable for match fitness ahead of Saturday’s home game against fellow Southern League Premier South strugglers Harrow Borough. Leigh Robinson's men will be eager to return to winning ways and will be boosted by the news that the popular Dylan Jones is very close to resuming his season following injury.
Bearing in mind that there were a few acquisitions made by Richard Pears prior to the 2-1 loss at Gosport Borough - Elliott Dugan, Ryan Keates and Jeremy Lawrence - the cup game will enable players to build up fresh understandings. New formations, systems and tactics could also be explored as the excitement grows with the new coaching team in the dugout for the first time.
Spurs have also been short of match time and a 3-2 reverse against Bovey Tracey was their last fixture, a home game that took place on October 17.
Currently sixth in their league just behind Cullompton Rangers, Newton Abbot’s side has a youthful look. The goal threat will come from Toby Pullman, whose tally is into double figures already this season, and teenage striker Callum Noyce, who is also finding the net regularly.
Twenty-five year-old Will Hancox was a promising trainee at Torquay United and went on to make several first team appearances. He will be a key part of the Spurs midfield, having also spent three seasons at Bideford.
Known for their enterprising good football at the level they play at, the team, managed by Marc Revell who joined from local rivals Buckland Athletic in 2021, will present an interesting test for Robinson’s first game in charge.
For both sets of supporters starved of football in recent weeks, let us hope for an entertaining cup tie. I am sure the lads will be looking to give good accounts of themselves, as they seek to make a good impression on our new manager.