SDFL premier division
Kingsteignton Athletic 1,
Ivybridge Town reserves 2
At the third time of asking, Ivybridge finally got off the mark for the season, after two disappointing defeats, against an improved Kingsteignton side.
Using the tight, sloping pitch to their advantage, the home side started the stronger, with the Ivybridge back four of Bell, Watt, Hatfield and Foot being put under increasing pressure.
It was inevitable that as the half wore on, it was Kingsteignton who struck first. Despite playing some neat football at times, the Ivies failed to penetrate the home side’s defence, as chances from Norrie and Summers went wide.
Ivybridge started the second half with renewed vigour as they immediately set about reducing the deficit, which they duly did. Defender turned striker Mike Summers scored his third goal in two games with a towering header from a Simon McClements corner.
With both sides searching for a winner chances were created at both ends, with Summers again going close and Ryan McClements forcing the home ‘keeper into a smart save from a free kick, while at the other end Ivybridge were indebted to veteran keeper Steve Lomas as he kept out a deflected James Watt clearance.
With minutes remaining, substitute Lewis Cox picked the ball up in midfield before unleashing a shot from all of 25 yards as the helpless Kingsteignton ‘keeper could only watch it sail over him and crash in off the post, in what was a fitting way for the Ivies to collect their first points of the season. Man of the match was Phil Hatfield. Next week the reserves are away to Kingskerswell and Chelston.