Alfie Slough stars against his former team

TWO goals by striker Alfie Slough helped Ivybridge Town to a 3-2 away win against his former club Wellington AFC in the Jewson Western League on Saturday (Nov 7), writes Graham Hambly.

Slough opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a lob over home goalkeeper Luke Vernon and added the second in the 31st minute.

Ivybridge looked well in control as they eased into a 3-0 interval lead with a great strike by winger Chris Harvey in the 44th minute.

There were some anxious moments for Ivybridge in the second half, however, as Wellington hit back with goals from skipper Josh Baker in the 55th minute and Gabriel Plant in the 67th minute – three minutes after coming on as a substitute.

That left the home side looking for an equaliser to secure what would have been their first point of the season, but Ivybridge held on for a welcome away victory despite being without regular central defenders Joe Cook and Nick Salop, who were both unavailable.

Ryan Geach and Dan Vile filled the vacancies at the heart of the Ivybridge defence and joint manager Ben Washam said: “On the day they came in and did a good job for us.”

There was also praise for Kaycee Ogwu, who was always a threat on the left with Washam saying: “Kaycee caused constant problems for their right back, and we had chances to have added to our score.

“It was good for Alfie to get a couple of goals against his old club. He could have had a hat-trick.

“I am really pleased to get three away points, although we made hard work of it after being 3-0 up and it got a bit nervy at times.”

Although Wellington have now lost all 18 league matches this season, Washam says they are showing some improvement and he is pleased that Ivybridge have completed the double over them following a 3-1 win at Erme Valley back in August, adding: “They took all six points off us last season.”

Ivybridge now have a couple of home matches with Newquay AFC due at Erme Valley this Saturday (Nov 14) followed by Tavistock AFC on Saturday November 21.

Washam will take the opportunity of watching Newquay on Tuesday evening when they visit Torpoint Athletic in the Les Phillips League Cup with Ivybridge due to play away to the winners of that tie in the next round of the competition following their 2-1 win away at Saltash United in the first round of the competition.

Tavistock meanwhile will have a third different manager in the technical area as things stand.

Connor Marshall has moved on from the club after just 10 games in charge, having succeeded Steve Tully, who also left under a bit of a cloud.

The Lambs statement reads: “The club can confirm that Connor Marshall, our first team manager, has stepped down from his position due to increased life commitments.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the club during his time in charge.”

Marshall’s assistant Darren Raven has taken the reins for the time being.

This news was announced on Friday, November 6, and Tavistock didn’t have a game the following day.