The final week of the 2021-22 season is here, with the Peacocks facing probably the biggest Easter Monday game in their history when they make the short trip to Tiverton Town tomorrow (18th April), ko 3.00pm.
Local derbies between these two old rivals are always eagerly awaited but from a Peacock perspective, none have ever been more anticipated than the Southern League game at Ladysmead tomorrow which will go a long way, if not all the way, in determining Town’s mission to claim the Premier South title and promotion to the National League South for the first time in their history. Should the Peacocks claim maximum points tomorrow and both Farnborough and Hayes & Yeading fail to beat Hartley Wintney and Chesham respectively, then the championship would be guaranteed but any other results would see the race go down to a nerve-jangling final weekend 😬
The Yellows will undoubtedly be keen to upset Town’s title ambitions as they seek recompense for their 3-1 defeat at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in early January, with Toby Holmes and Ross Stearn giving the hosts a two goal interval lead before Louis Morison pulled one back with a penalty. Ollie Chamberlain though added a third to ensure victory. Tiverton come into tomorrow’s derby having won seven and lost three of their last 10 League fixtures, which includes notable wins over Farnborough and away at Hayes & Yeading. However their last outing saw them lose 3-2 at Walton Casuals yesterday after trailing 3-0 at the break, a result which leaves them in 12th position. They will therefore want to bounce back and end their campaign with six points from their last two matches tomorrow and away at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.
The Peacocks name an unchanged squad from last Tuesday’s win over Yate Town with the addition of centre half Jake Wannell. Head of Football Rob Dray commented:” There is still an awful lot to do, even with two games to go. The boys have been superb but we needed this rest so we will be fresh going into tomorrow’s game. Nothing can be taken for granted and as always, we will have to work hard and apply ourselves against a team who have been in good form lately and who have beaten our two closest rivals in the past month. We just have to concentrate on us though and make sure we are 100% for the last two games to get us over the line.”
On The Road – Tiverton Town
Ground: The Ian Moorcroft Stadium, Ladysmead, Bolham Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6SG
Ground to Ground: 24.0 miles
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 £12, Concessions £7, Under 16’s Free – please note payment is CASH ONLY at the turnstiles.