Landricombe is ready to reinforce Tiverton
LEVI Landricombe should be in for line for a first-team return when Tiverton Town go to Hartley Wintney on Saturday.
The prolific striker has yet to play a competitive game for Town this season, after suffering a knee injury in a friendly against Torquay United during pre-season.
However, after playing 30 minutes for South West Peninsula League side St Blazey last weekend, when he scored in a 2-2 draw at Wadebridge Town, Tiverton joint-manager Martyn Rogers confirmed that Landricombe will step up his recovery.
The marksman is now in contention for Saturday’s Southern League Premier Division South trip to Hampshire. Rogers says Tivvy will make a decision after monitoring Landricombe’s fitness this week.
Rogers said: “Levi had some game-time for St Blazey at the weekend, which is a big plus for us.
“He played for 30 minutes and scored a goal, so I’m sure he will be very happy. He still has work to do, he has started his rehabilitation, he’s getting game-time.”
Landricombe was given the night off on Tuesday, when Tiverton lost 3-1 at Truro City in the Southern League Challenge Cup.
First-half goals from Rio Garside, Moulaye N’Diaye and an own goal put the Cornish team in command. Jordan Bentley grabbed a late consolation for Tiverton, who, like Truro, used the tie to rotate their squad.
Tiverton have coped well in Landricombe’s absence, and have scored more goals in the league, 17, than any other Premier Division South side after six games. However, Rogers says the return of Landricombe (pictured right) is good timing as Town look to establish themselves among the early pace-setters.
The Yellows are fifth in the division with three wins from six ahead of Saturday’s away game.
Rogers added: “We certainly haven’t forgotten about Levi while he has been out injured – but we’ve done well while he has been out of the side. To have your top scorer from last season waiting in the wings is a big plus for us, but we won’t be rushing him back.”
Last Saturday, Tiverton won 3-2 at Burnham in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup. Their reward is a home tie against Bristol Manor Farm in the next round.
Tivvy trailed after two minutes in Buckinghamshire, before they hit back to level through a River Allen penalty. They fell behind again, but Jared Lewington’s header made it 2-2 in the 75th minute before Allen’s winner five minutes later.
After being rocked by the resignation of manager Warren Patmore last week, Tiverton-based South West Peninsula League side Elmore also lost the services of caretaker boss Steven Rice last night.
Rice was the number two to Patmore, the former Yeovil Town striker, and he took charge of last Saturday’s 2-0 Premier Division East home win over Plymouth Marjon at Horsdon Park.
However, Rice has released a statement through the club which read: “It has been a fantastic two years with all involved at the club.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed almost every minute [but] with everything that has happened behind the scenes of late, and with Warren leaving, I feel my position is no longer tenable now I have found out the club are organising a new manager to come [in], so I can leave with a 100 per-cent record.
“Hopefully the things behind the scenes can be moved forward so the club can progress in an upward direction and not slip back as before, as there is huge potential at Elmore to become a top club again,” Rice added.