Tivvy boss confident of Buildbase FA Trophy progress after impressive start

Tiverton Town couldn’t have asked for a better build-up to this weekend’s Buildbase FA Trophy clash with Wimborne.

While manager Martyn Rogers is not getting complacent, he remains confident of extending a near-perfect home record.

Tiverton beat Southern League Division One South & West promotion rivals Mangotsfield United 3-2 on Tuesday evening to maintain their grip on second spot in the table.

It was Tivvy’s eighth win in their last 11 games but with Wimborne lying eighth in the division, this weekend’s FA Trophy clash promises to provide a tricky test.

The fact that the contest takes place at Ladysmead – where Tiverton’s only loss this term is a 2-0 Emirates FA Cup replay defeat to Taunton Town – would appear to be a clear advantage, but Rogers is not getting ahead of himself.

“We’ve been quite strong at home this year but if you look at our results we’ve probably been stronger on the road,” said Rogers.

“What we have been doing is scoring quite a few goals so I’d like to think we can get our noses in front and then hold on.

“We’ve had Wimborne watched and they’re a decent side, they’ve got a good manager and I think it’ll be a stern test for us.

“The win against Mangotsfield keeps us in second place in the league, so we’re going into the game in good spirits.”

Tiverton qualified for the first qualifying round after a thumping 6-1 win at Paulton Rovers in the preliminary round.

The club have pedigree when it comes to knockout football, having won The FA Vase in 1998 and 1999 and reaching The FA Trophy fifth round in 2000-01, with Rogers admitting he would love another cup run this term.

The Buildbase FA Trophy first round qualifying takes place this weekend

“It would be great if we can, the FA Trophy is the sort of competition that I like,” he explained.

“The club can earn itself some good money and I think we’re capable of having a decent run. If we can emulate what we did in 2001, I’d be delighted.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game against Wimborne but we’re confident. You want to progress and there’s no good going into the game thinking you’re going to get beaten.

“I think if we play to our best and they play to their best, then we’ll still come out on top.”

Buildbase FA Trophy History
Tiverton’s best performance in this competition was back in 2000-01 season when they reached the fifth round – beating the likes of Aylesbury United, Hendon and Boston United before going down 2-1 to Worksop Town in the last-16.

Wimborne’s best performance in the competition came just two seasons ago as they reached the first round proper, although the Magpies did win The FA Vase back in 1992.

Did you know?
Current Premier League players Ben Foster of West Brom and George Friend at Middlesbrough spent time nurturing their talents as youngsters in Devon with Tiverton Town.

One to watch
Forwards Levi Landricombe and Owen Howe, the latter of whom scored a hat-trick in the last round, have netted almost 30 goals between them so far this season. Their goals will be vital if Tiverton are to progress against Wimborne.

The Prize
The victor will be in the hat for the second qualifying round and receive a cheque for £2,700.