Salisbury FC look to continue flurry of fine form against Tiverton Town

Friday, 24 February 2023 00:00

Salisbury FC look to make it three consecutive wins tomorrow, as they host Tiverton Town at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium in a fixture that promises goals on paper.

Brian Dutton’s side bested the visitors 4-2 in the reverse fixture’s thriller, but Salisbury have also conceded in five of their last seven league games, and Tiverton have scored in five straight matches.

Both sides come into the game in fine goal-scoring form after regional cup action midweek: the Yellows travelled south to Exmouth Town and won 3-0 in the Devon FA St. Lukes Bowl.

The hosts on the other hand are white hot after scoring eight goals in two games - thrashing Highworth Town 5-1 in the Wiltshire Premier Shield, and besting Hanwell Town 3-0 last weekend.

In team news, Port Vale loanees James Plant and Tommy McDermott return after missing the Highworth game, but dominant defender Tobi Ogundega is an injury doubt after limping off in the first half.

While many expected Tiverton to push for the play-offs this season, both teams are now on course for mid-table finishes - with Tivvy manager Martyn Rodgers speaking of an injury crisis after their 2-1 win against Chesham United last weekend.

He said: “We’ve had a lot of injuries, and we’re down to bare bones at the minute. We’ve had to bring some young lads on the bench, and even though they didn’t get a taste of football, it’s still good experience for them to have.”

Salisbury should steer clear of the relegation fight this season as they sit in 14th place, 14 points above the drop and tied with Hanwell Town one place above them but losing out on goal difference with minus nine.

The Whites could leapfrog Tiverton who are in 12th on 38 points, but the away side do have two games in hand over both Salisbury and Hanwell - they had two home games postponed against Poole Town and Weston-super-Mare due to failed pitch inspections.