WESTERN LEAGUE New-look Ivybridge in seventh heaven
- Details
- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 July 2025 11:24
- Published on Sunday, 27 July 2025 11:24
- Written by GRAHAM HAMBLY with Ivybridge Town
The whole squad comprised players who joined Ivybridge during the summer and they gelled together superbly.
Ivybridge opened the scoring with a well taken goal by Kaycee Ogwu in the 20th minute and then added three goals in as many minutes through James Forrest (28) Mason Elliott (29) and Kai Burrell (31).
The second half brought three more goals with Joe Cook making it 5-0 in the 69th minute before suffering a harsh dismissal in the 83rd minute. He was shown a second yellow card for what many observers considered a 50-50 challenge with home goalkeeper Alfie Eccles.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Ivybridge finished strongly with two goals from substitute Dan Tate in the 86th and 88th minutes.
The impressive opening performance sees Ivybridge as the league’s early pacesetters, topping the Premier Division table by virtue of their plus seven goal difference.
Joint manager Washam admitted that the first competitive game in charge went better than expected, adding: “The boys did us proud.”
He said the turning point was the opening goal from Ogwu.
Washam explained: “Kaycee did well with a really technical goal and then we grew in confidence. Our finishing was exceptional.”
There was also praise for Dan Tate, who came on as a 57th minute substitute with Washam adding; “He provided lots of energy and those two late goals were important as it showed how we could cope with ten men.”
It proved to be a bright start to a new era for Ivybridge with a new management duo and fresh look to the squad.
Of the players retained from last season, defender Sam Hillson might have been involved at St Austell but was rested because of an ankle injury which he received in the recent pre-season game at Torpoint.
Next up for Ivybridge will be a clash against Sidmouth in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on Saturday (Aug 2). Sidmouth have been promoted to the Western League this season as champions of South West Peninsula League East.
Although Sidmouth were drawn at home, work is still being completed at their ground so Saturday’s tie will be played at Buckland Athletic’s Homers Heath pitch.
The prize for the winners will be a home game against Saltash Utd or Torpoint Athletic in the preliminary round on Saturday August 16.
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