The Peacocks will look to bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat when they make the short journey to Tiverton Town for their first game of 2020 tomorrow afternoon (1st January), kick-off 3.00pm.
The loss to Weston-super-Mare was Town’s first reverse in seven BetVictor Southern League games, a result which still sees the Peacocks sitting in fourth place and well in contention for the promotion battle in the New Year. However they could hardly have been given a more testing fixture with which to attempt to get back on track. Apart from the obvious spice of a local derby against long-term rivals, the Yellows sit top of the Southern Premier South table on goal difference from Truro City as we exit 2019, the two sides having fought out a 3-3 draw in Cornwall on Boxing Day. Similar to the Peacocks Tiverton have only been beaten once in their last seven League matches, the draw at Truro ending a run of three successive wins in which they netted 11 times. In fact they are easily the highest scoring team in the division, with their most impressive form coming on the road where they have drilled in 39 goals in 12 games. Two sides have managed to escape Ladysmead with maximum points so far this season, namely Yate Town and Gosport Borough, and the Peacocks will be aiming to add their name to the list and start the New Year with a bang, as well as chasing the league double after beating Tiverton 3-1 in August.
The Peacocks have a full squad available, with Dan Sullivan back in the reckoning after not being risked against Weston. Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” After the disappointment of Boxing Day we will be aiming to bounce straight back in another derby game. We know it is going to be difficult, but our last result doesn’t shape our season and I have confidence in the team’s ability to perform back to the level expected. We hope to see as many Peacock fans there as possible to make that extra difference.”
On The Road – Tiverton Town
Ground: Ladysmead, Bolham Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6SG
Directions: Exit M5 at junction 27 and follow A361 to Tiverton’s second exit at roundabout, turning left. Continue for approximately 400 yards, crossing roundabout until reaching a mini roundabout. Continue straight across and the ground is 200 yards on the right hand side.
Admission: Adults £10, Concessions £7, Under 16’s £1
Most recent meetings: The Peacocks won the encounter between the sides 3-1 earlier in the season on August Bank Holiday Monday. Matt Wright, Shane White and Zac Smith all scored to put Town well clear by 50 minutes before Steve Colwell reduced the arrears. Last season saw the Peacocks win both league fixtures, securing a 3-1 victory at Ladysmead thanks to a penalty from Matt Wright plus second half goals from Ollie Chamberlain and Matt Buse with River Allen replying. Then on Boxing Day they came out on top 2-1 via a Rocky Neal penalty and a Wright header before Colwell again pulled a goal back.