Tividale V Uttoxeter Town (MFL Premier)

Tividale were going into this match in a good run of form in both the league and the FA Vase. They had picked up four points from their last two matches in the league and were through to the first-round proper of the FA vase where they were drawn against Wisbech Town. They beat Shawbury United last weekend in the FA vase and were looking to get a result to move clear of the relegation zone.  

​Uttoxeter were going into this match in a good run of form throughout September and were coming off the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw with Lichfield City in mid-week. They had picked up 11 points from six matches in the league going into this match and were looking to continue their form near the top of the table. Their away form this season has included notable wins against Atherstone Town, Bewdley and Stone Old Alleynians so far.

The atmosphere at the Beeches prior to kick off was positive and optimistic for the match ahead. The programme on offer by Tividale was informative and provided a history of both clubs which was well researched and brilliant to read. The clubhouse was nice and welcoming and the people at the club were helpful with any questions raised. The Beeches is an iconic ground within the west midlands non-league scene and the history associated with the ground added to the occasion.     

Starting Line ups

The starting line up for Tividale featured Zacharias Kourouyianna leading the team as the skipper and starting in central defence alongside Joe Burroughs. The formation looked like a 4-2-3-1 with Taylor Townsend leading the line and being supported by Ryan Snape and Ewan Edwards on the wings. Jakob Burroughs and Jake Lloyd started in holding midfield for the hosts.

There were three changes from the team that started against Shawbury United last weekend with Callum Gillies coming into the team and playing at left back.

The starting line up for Uttoxeter included Jason Beardsley leading the team as the skipper from holding midfield and Charlie Wood starting in goal for the visitors. The formation appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 with Joel Dyche playing up front as the lone target man and being supported by Hadyn Brown and Sam Bates on the wings. Tom Thorley and Rob Thorley played in central defence for the visitors.
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There were five changes from the team that started against Lichfield City in mid-week with Joe Davies coming into the team and playing at left back.    

First Half

​Tividale started the match the stronger of the two teams and were in the ascendancy throughout the first half. Ewan Edwards had an early chance for Tividale from the right that was well saved by Charlie Wood in the Uttoxeter goal in the 2nd minute. The hosts were putting sustained pressure on the Uttoxeter goal throughout the early stages of the match and were rewarded with a foul on Joe Burroughs from a corner which resulted in a penalty.

Ryan Snape stood up to take the penalty and finished well straight down the middle to give Tividale the lead in the 10th minute. Ryan Snape had another good chance to make it 2-0 a few minutes later and had a shot well saved by Charlie Wood to keep Uttoxeter in the match. The hosts controlled the first half well and managed to create numerous chances in front of goal.

Uttoxeter were linking up the play well, but it was not quite clicking in the final third throughout the first half and they struggled to get a foothold in the match. Just as they were starting to settle into the match, Tividale made it 2-0 through an excellent move down the right. Ewan Edwards accelerated down the right wing and had a shot saved that fell to Jake Lloyd near the edge of the box who finished well to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.

This proved to be a crucial moment in the match as Tividale scored another goal a few minutes later to make it 3-0 and effectively seal the match. Ryan Snape cut inside brilliantly from the left and unleashed an excellent shot into the right corner of the net in the 35th minute. 

A common theme throughout the first half was Jakob Burroughs getting into good positions for Tividale to stop promising Uttoxeter attacks and breaking up the play from holding midfield.  This allowed Tividale to control the match and was one of the reasons why they were so dominant in the first half.

Ewan Edwards worked the ball well before shooting into the net to make it 4-0 in the 41st minute and it was a clinical first half from the hosts. Tividale managed to see out the half well and went into half time with a 4-0 lead.        

Second Half

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Tividale mainly controlling the match and Uttoxeter having a few half chances to get a goal back. The half was not as eventful as the opening 45 minutes and was mainly comfortable for the hosts. None the less, substitute Reuben Kenny had a half chance for the visitors in the 68th minute to make it 4-1.

Ryan Snape had a good chance to make it 5-0 but shot wide when one on one with Charlie Wood in the 72nd minute. Mikey Conlon had a good chance from the edge of the box for Uttoxeter but shot over the bar in the 75th minute.

The visitors showed a lot of effort and endeavour throughout the match and were rewarded with a goal in the 85th minute. Mikey Conlon delivered a threatening free kick from the left which was headed in by Joel Dyche at the far post to make it 4-1 in the 85th minute. Uttoxeter showed a lot of character throughout the second half and battled well despite the difficult scoreline. The match ended a few minutes later and it finished Tividale 4-1 Uttoxeter Town.     

​Full Time

Tividale played well and looked organised both on and off the ball to get the three points and their first home win of the season in the league. It was a real team performance from the hosts and the way they linked up as a team was their main strength throughout the afternoon. The way the club has grown into the season is encouraging and offers hope for Tividale supporters.

Joe Burroughs was excellent at the back and read situations well to stop threatening Uttoxeter attacks. He was constantly getting into the right positions to clear the ball away from danger and stood out for the hosts defensively. 

Jakob Burroughs was excellent from holding midfield and helped stop Uttoxeter attacks. He constantly got on the ball to start Tividale attacks from midfield and linked up the play well. He was a real engine for the team and covered a lot of the pitch. Ewan Edwards had a really good match on the right wing and looked dangerous going forward and playing balls into the box. 

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for Uttoxeter and a few players stood out for the visitors. Mikey Conlon played well from midfield and offered the visitors a chance to get on the ball and settle into the match. He linked up the play well and was Uttoxeter’s main attacking threat throughout the match.

Tom Thorley had a good game at the back and was constantly heading dangerous balls away. He stepped up for the visitors in the second half and was getting into the right positions to stop Tividale attacks. Charlie Wood played well in goal and made some big saves to keep the scoreline down, especially in the first half. The team showed a lot of effort throughout the match which is a positive.                     

FT score: Tividale 4-1 Uttoxeter Town

Man of the Match: Jakob Burroughs

Attendance: 75   

Match report written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League