Third straight win lifts Tivvy to safe spot

A first-half penalty from Dan Hayfield was enough for Tiverton Town to secure a third successive victory and move them into a position of relative safety in the Southern League Premier, now 12 points clear of the bottom four.

Poole Town arrived at a windy Ian Moorcroft Stadium knowing that a win was crucial if they were to keep alive outside hopes of a play-off push, and it was the visitors who conjured up the first chance, but Tony Lee saw his effort blocked by the Tivvy defence.

The Yellows responded with a lovely pass from Kyle Egan releasing Jordan Lam for a shot dragged narrowly wide. Egan then had a chance of his own but was unable to find a way past Poole ‘keeper Mark Childs.

The lively opening continued with opportunities at both ends and the decisive moment arrived just past the half-hour, when Andy Watkins was brought down in the box. Hayfield sent Childs the wrong way with a confident spot-kick.

Theo Simpson almost doubled the lead moments later and Egan also went close, as Tivvy dominated the remainder of the first period.

Poole came out in search of a crucial leveller but were thwarted by a superb last-ditch challenge from Alfie Pond and Lee then shot wide from a decent position. When they did find the target, Lewis Williams expertly tipped over a goalbound header.

It was, however, definitely not a case of Tivvy sitting on their lead, as Levi Landricombe curled a delightful effort against the post and Poole frustration was compounded by a late red card.

Three more terrific points for Tiverton, who welcome Harrow Borough on Saturday.

In Division One South, Willand Rovers went down to a 2-0 defeat at promotion-chasing Bristol Manor Farm, who scored goals either side of half-time.

Rovers played some lovely football at times but were unable to convert the chances they created, and Jake Gosling punished Willand with a fine goal on the counter two minutes before the interval. Kye Simpson then lobbed the decisive second on 52 minutes. Willand host bottom club Barnstaple Town on the weekend.