SDFL premier division

Ivybridge reserves 1,

East Allington 2

Allington were made to fight for this hard-earned win at Ivy­bridge last Saturday as, with both sides trying to get control of the game, chances were few and far between.

Allington were guilty at times of not moving the ball quickly enough, leading to their attacks often breaking down.

The home side took the lead when James Ivatts was robbed of the ball in his own box.

When the cross came in Josh Pascoe got to the ball first but his clearance struck a home forward to loop over ‘keeper Richard Teague’s head, hit the bar and drop kindly for a teammate to head home from a yard out.

Allington hit back before the break when Fred Massey cut in from the right to fire home from the edge of the box.

Ally knew they had to step up their game in the second half if they wanted the three points and this is exactly what they did.

They came out flying at the start of the second period, putting the defence under pressure, and it didn’t take long for them to take the lead.

The ball was moved down the right between Ben Robey and Fred Massey before Robey’s ball into the box picked out Tom Harvey with his back to goal.

His instant control allowed him to turn and fire past the ‘keeper for a goal the midfielder deserved for his hard work alongside Andy Davis and Tom Row­don.

At this point Alling­ton were well on top and came close to increasing their lead through Davis and Rowdon from good play down the flanks, supported by Jon Davis and Ivatts.

The hard-working home side pushed for the equaliser in the last 15 minutes but couldn’t get past Jamie Batch­elor, getting back to his best after a shoulder operation, and Josh Pascoe at the heart of the Allington defence.

This week the first team are at home to Buckfastleigh in the Herald Cup, kick-off 2pm.

The reserves, who stayed top of division three after a 6-3 win against Upton reserves, travel to Chudleigh reserves in the league, 2.30pm kick-off. Players are to meet at 12.30pm.