Report

A SEASON of struggle for Ivybridge, with a young and inexperienced side and new playing surface at Erme Valley, finally ended with a rare victory that put a deserved smile on the face of the home faithful.

With nothing more than pride at stake, both sides could have been forgiven for going through the motions but that was not the case as attack was the name of the game and the match could, and perhaps should, have produced more goals.

Elburton travelled the short distance up the Devon Expressway buoyant after Saturday's 3-0 victory over Falmouth while the Bridgers were looking to end a run of five consecutive defeats.

It was Ivybridge who had the best of the early chances with Joe Truelove's header forcing a good save out of Villa goalkeeper Jeff Lee before the home side took a 15th minute lead.

Young striker Steve Sutton showed a great touch to beat his marker before cutting into the area and steering a clinical finish across Lee and inside the far post.

Sutton had another chance, minutes later, but Lee saved at ease before Villa's best chance of the half fell to skipper Tony Biddle but he volleyed Chris Clarke's near post cross wide.

Home goalkeeper Josh Oak then made a fine save from Sam Steven's 18-yard drive before the Bridgers added a second, one minute before the break.

Joe Truelove sent a great ball through to Sutton who once again showed good composure as he fire past the onrushing Lee.

Elburton came more into the game after the break but it was not until the 89th minute that Mike Landricombe let fly, with a low drive, from the edge of the area that took a deflection off Bridgers' defender Josh Zimmerman on its way past Oak.

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