Whilst Gary Johnson’s men were taking on Bromley in their televised clash on Saturday, three of United’s young stars were also in action at their respective loan clubs.
With two of United’s loan duo currently enjoying match action at Ladysmead with Tiverton Town, Olaf Koszela and Alex Moyse have continued to gain valuable senior action, whilst helping their temporary clubs gain some pleasing results in recent weeks.
Last Wednesday saw Tivvy take on Devon rivals Willand Rovers in Devon St. Lukes Bowl action at Silver Street, ironically the venue where fellow Gulls starlet Scott Piper has also been enjoying first-team minutes recently. The presence of both Koszela and Moyse in joint-managers Martyn & Scott Rogers’ starting XI clearly had the desired effect on his team, as Town secured a comprehensive 3-0 away win, with Olaf helping himself to yet another goal in Tiverton colours to ensure his side made it safely through to the second round, where they are scheduled to host Plymouth Parkway in early November.
Last weekend saw Koszela, Moyse & co return to Southern League Premier action, and although both players stepped down to the bench, the former’s impact as a second-half substitute was enough to clinch a late 2-1 win at Hendon, to leave Tivvy in 6th position.
One division below, and it has been a testing start to the 2021/22 campaign for Bideford, despite some encouraging displays from young Torquay defender Louie Slough.
With Biddy in FA Trophy action last weekend – losing out at Cinderford in their 2nd Qualifying Round tie – Slough’s most recent action in the red of the North Devon club came ten days ago, when former Gull Sean Joyce’s side welcomed play-off chasers Paulton Rovers to the Sports Ground.
Despite Bideford struggling near the foot of the Southern League Division One South table, their well marshalled backline kept honours even until shortly after the hour mark, with Louie playing a key role in that task. It was therefore all the more galling then, when a tangle inside the box between Slough and Paulton forward Ibrahim resulted in the referee awarding a penalty to the visitors, which was duly converted.
Following that setback, Bideford remained in the contest right up the closing stages, until a late second ensured that all three points made their way to Somerset. Joyce’s side will now be looking to get back to winning ways at Lymington on Saturday – the scene of The Gulls’ 7-0 FA Cup triumph some three years ago.