SWPL EAST Ivybridge Town 2 Bridport FC 0
- Details
- Created on Sunday, 12 November 2023 11:06
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 November 2023 11:09
- Published on Sunday, 12 November 2023 11:06
- Written by GRAHAM HAMBLY at Erme Valley
Lively attacker Jack Alexander opened the scoring after good work by Rio Daly in the 36th minute and defender Josh Zimmerman wrapped up victory with a looping header in the 67th minute.
The match was Ivybridge’s first since October 14 and the result saw them extend their lead over Bridport to 11 points with 13 wins and a draw from 14 matches.
The first half was closely contested with Ivybridge indebted to goalkeeper Kane Gregory, who pulled off a couple of crucial saves to protect their single goal lead.
But Ivybridge gained more control in the second half with Zimmerman’s goal while the powerful central defender always looked in command as Bridport tried to get back into the game.
Ivybridge joint manager Lance Bailey admitted: “We expected a tough game with a top of the table clash against Bridport. But winning breeds confidence and if you keep winning it is a good mentality to have.”
Ivybridge were without regular left back Jake Lane, who was unavailable, so Curtis Legrice switched across from his usual right back role while Jordan Powell covered at right back, leaving Zimmerman to partner skipper Scott Pocock in the middle of the back four.
Bailey explained: “We have such a good squad. Not many teams could have potentially their best players out. It proves to us how confident we are with our squad.
“Curtis Legrice has been phenomenal for us this season and has played in a number of positions.”
There was praise from the management team for the efforts of Zimmerman and Gregory with Bailey saying: “The choice of man of the match between Josh and Kane was very close. They were both immense for us in the second half especially. That is where I think we won the game with Josh winning a lot of balls in the air and Kane being such a big presence for us at set pieces.
“Kane is massive for us with his presence against big sides like Bridport. We knew they were going to put us under pressure with set pieces and we said to him before the game that he was going to be important for us.”
Weather-permitting, next up for Ivybridge will be their rain-delayed Devon County St Luke’s Bowl clash at home to Plymouth Parkway on Wednesday evening (Nov 15).
Ivybridge will be the underdogs but Bailey says: “We are looking forward to it. It is a good thing for the club and we will welcome Parkway here and give a good account of ourselves.
“We have nothing to lose. We will go out there with smiles on our faces and enjoy it.”
Then it is back to league business with three successive Saturday away matches against Bishop’s Lydeard, Sidmouth and Okehampton.
Bailey says: “We will hopefully get a bus together for Saturday’s trip to Bishop’s Lydeard. Then we can have some team bonding with the boys travelling up together.”
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