SWPL EAST Teignmouth AFC 2 Ivybridge Town 4
- Details
- Created on Wednesday, 03 May 2023 21:05
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 May 2023 07:08
- Published on Wednesday, 03 May 2023 21:05
- Written by GRAHAM HAMBLY
The game had a 6.45 pm kick-off because of Teignmouth’s lack of floodlights and, although the early kick off disrupted the usual pre-match preparations, it did not seem to disrupt the Ivies as they created a flurry of early chances before taking the lead with a Luke Forward volley from a Sean Thompson cross in the 16th minute.
Teignmouth responded as half-time approached and goalkeeper Kane Gregory was called into action before the home side equalised on the stroke of half-time when Sean Ayre tapped in at the far post.
Ivybridge came out of the blocks in the second period and effectively won the game in a 20-minute spell with goals from Ryan Smith (54 minutes), Mitch Williams (63) and Jordan Ewing (67).
Prolific Teignmouth striker Ash Donohue added a consolation for the home side in the 72nd minute.
The victory meant Ivybridge ended the season with a five-match unbeaten run to secure their pre-season target of a top four finish.
It was the final match in charge of the Ives first team for departing manager Darren Stewart, who said: “Credit to the players for getting themselves up for one final push to ensure a top four spot and a great achievement of being in a promotion place all season.
“We felt we dropped off the pace too early in the first half and the chat at the interval was to be more aggressive in the top end of the pitch with regards to closing down and getting the ball back quicker and not allowing Teignmouth to bring the ball forward as they have a dangerous frontline and are physically strong.
“We wanted to restrict the number of crosses and basically keep them away from our box. In possession we had to get back to five-a-side football philosophy keeping the ball short and sharp and playing in the spaces, which we did well for 20 minutes and got our reward with the three goals.”
Giving his final thoughts on the season, Stewart said: “I have nothing but praise for this young group of players. They have adopted a unique style of play at this level, and we had one aim, which was to get promoted.
“All our focus was on a top four finish, which initially would have seen us promoted. On a personal level, to have this snatched away from us with 10 games to go, was a real kick in the teeth.
“It is a shame that the politics involving the South Western and Western League committees denied the club something which was touted around for 18 months and then abruptly halted.
“We had a great start to the season but, from Christmas, picked up a lot of injuries and if we had known this was going to happen with regards to the non-merger of the two leagues then we would have actively recruited to push for the top spot and subsequently the only promotion place.
“But, being so many points clear in fourth spot, we were content to push on with the players in the squad as we felt they would get us there, which, in the end, they did although ultimately, with the goalposts being moved, it wasn't enough."
“We had a great start to the season but, from Christmas, picked up a lot of injuries and if we had known this was going to happen with regards to the non-merger of the two leagues then we would have actively recruited to push for the top spot and subsequently the only promotion place.
“But, being so many points clear in fourth spot, we were content to push on with the players in the squad as we felt they would get us there, which, in the end, they did although ultimately, with the goalposts being moved, it wasn't enough."
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