Ivybridge Town advance in the FA Vase

STRIKER Dan Tate made a dramatic return from injury, scoring a late winner, as Ivybridge Town beat Teignmouth AFC 2-1 in the first round qualifying of the FA Vase at Erme Valley on Saturday (Aug 15), writes Graham Hambly.

Tate has been sidelined so far this season but came on as substitute in the 75th minute.

He showed he still has the finishing touch within 11 minutes when he popped up in the right spot at the right time to round off some excellent approach work by Jake Lane.

That 86th minute goal was enough to secure Ivybridge a home tie against Western League rivals Tavistock AFC in the second round qualifying of the competition on Saturday, September 12.

Ivybridge had a perfect start to the match when Jack Rider provided Josh Johnson with the opening to run through the Teignmouth defence and fire his side into the lead after only 50 seconds.

Instead of building on that early advantage, Ivybridge found they were up against a determined opposition with their South West Peninsula League visitors hitting back to equalise in the 23rd minute.

Central defender Nick Salop was pulled up for a foul which earned him a caution and Teignmouth skipper Ryan Tresidder converted the resultant spot kick to set up what proved to be a keenly contested tie -- until that vital late strike by Tate.

Ivybridge joint managers Ben Washam and Brad Gargett were happy to see their side progress in the Vase with Gargett saying: “We started well and were hoping to kick on, but an error gave them a penalty. Then, we were in ascendancy for the last 20 minutes and the boys worked hard for each other.”

Washam gave credit to Teignmouth, adding: “Take nothing away from them. They are a really strong physical side and gave us a real test today so compliments to them.”

The Ivybridge victory was even more satisfying as they had defensive problems with central defenders Ryan Geach and Dan Vile unavailable. So full back Lane slotted in alongside Salop.

Gargett explained: “We had only one fit centre half, so Jake has gone there and done a really good job. It is about different partnerships getting to know each other.”

Commenting on the return to action of Tate after a lengthy absence, Washam said: “Dan has the knack of arriving in the box.”

Ivybridge now turn their attention to the FA Cup with a visit to Tiverton Town in a preliminary round tie on Saturday (Aug 22).

Tiverton play in Division One South of the Southern League and Gargett says: We are looking forward to going there and playing against a team of that calibre. They have some established players and it is going to be a test for us.”

Several other Western League sides were in FA Vase action on the weekend and they faced differing fates.

The aforementioned Tavistock secured a 2-0 victory away at Callington, Bridgwater United prevailed over Penzance and Portishead Town struck seven past Mendip Broadwalk.

Meanwhile, Wells City and Wellington AFC have exited the tournament whilst Brixham AFC and Shepton Mallet beat Liskeard Athletic and Oldland Abbotonians respectively, in the two all-Western League ties.

Image courtesy of Iain Mellis Photography.