LES PHILLIPS CUP FIRST ROUND

Saltash United 1 Ivybridge Town 2

TWO quality finishes enabled Ivybridge Town to recover from an early set-back and secure a 2-1 away win over Saltash United in the first round of the Les Phillips League Cup on Tuesday evening (Oct 27), writes Graham Hambly.

Saltash made a bright start and opened the scoring in the second minute through George Powell after excellent work by Kieran O’Melia and Jack Jefford.

Ivybridge responded well, however, and equalised in the 11th minute with centre half Joe Cook pushing forward to crack home a splendid volley from outside the penalty area with Ivybridge joint manager Ben Washam describing it as a candidate for goal of the season.

The winning goal, in the 68th minute, was also impressively worked with Colin Pritchard making a good run down the right before crossing to striker Dan Tate, who brilliantly headed into the top corner of the net.

Ivybridge held on to book their place in the last 16 of the competition with goalkeeper Kane Gregory making an important save from Saltash substitute Dylan Holgate.

Washam praised the way the team responded after falling behind to an early goal, saying: “The first 15 minutes were not so good, but we grew into the game and produced a solid performance.

“We have suffered some unlucky results recently, but the boys worked really hard for this win.”

Ivybridge now have a clear week as they are without a fixture this Saturday (Oct 31) and their next match will be a league visit to Wellington AFC on Saturday November 7.

Washam says: “It is a week off for the lads, but we will get together for some team bonding and be ready for Wellington, which will be another tough game for us.”

The next home fixture for Ivybridge will see Newquay AFC visiting Erme Valley on Saturday November 14.