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Search forYellows are looking to build on their encouraging pre-season
Thursday, July 24, 2008, 06:02
The Yellows chief says he thinks Paul Tisdale's men are still on a high following their promotion to League Two last season.
Yet Tivvy look likely to give Exeter a run for their money, as the Southern League Premier Division outfit have enjoyed some superb friendly results so far this summer.
Rogers said: “It's going to be a difficult test — they are in the zone at the moment after their promotion and everything else.
“It's a little bit more local and some of our players will have played for them and vice versa.
“I'm looking for the team to do well and we have certainly done that in the last three games, so if we carry that on I will be a happy chap.”
Tiverton have already racked up pre-season victories against Torquay United and Weston-super-Mare, who City drew 1-1 with earlier this month.
Another good result for the Mid Devon club this evening (7.45) would give Rogers further reason to be optimistic ahead of the coming campaign.
And the clash with Exeter will also give the Yellows chief a chance to see some of his former protégés in action.
City defenders Danny Seaborne and George Friend both spent time on loan at Ladysmead during their formative footballing years.
And former Grecian Rogers says he has been impressed with how the duo have developed in the meantime.
“They have matured a lot. Both players have certainly improved and are looking good,” Rogers said.
“They were just youngsters when they came to us and it is surprising what a couple of years can do to a player.
“Both of them had good seasons last year and they are both going to be good players for Exeter in the years to come.”
Yellows goalkeeper Ray Johnston is in line to continue his recovery from a serious Achilles' tendon injury with a run-out tonight.
Rogers said he may give his keeper 45 minutes against Exeter with another possibly Cullompton Rangers' Chris Wright, stepping in at half-time.
Veteran Chris Vinnicombe, who came through the youth ranks at St James's Park, is carrying a knock but should play.
Wing-back Danny O'Brien is definitely out and may require surgery on a hernia problem.
Tiverton's chances of signing former Yeovil Town trainee Pierre Martini seem to have evaporated.
After reportedly rejecting a contract at Huish Park, the French goalkeeper has gone to Scotland in a bid to win a professional deal.
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